Category: Update

My 2020 Bookshelf (a Preview)

2020 Shelf
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A couple of weeks ago I shared my book list from 2019. This week I’m looking ahead to 2020. 

The stack in the photo is actually my bookshelf as it stood a little over a week ago. Since snapping that shot, I knocked one off, Use of Weapons by Ian M. Banks. If you haven’t read any of his Culture novels, pick one up. He weaves compelling stories around very ‘human’ characters while exploring big-name cultural tensions (like egalitarianism vs authoritarianism) in the sweeping context of far-future intergalactic politics. Continue reading “My 2020 Bookshelf (a Preview)” →

My 2019 Bookshelf (in Review)

2019 Books
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Before forging ahead into 2020, I thought I’d take a moment to reflect on the past year and, more specifically, all of the great books I read in 2019.

I’d recommend almost everything that hit my bookshelf last year, but most notably, The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin – a delightfully fresh and creative fantasy trilogy. The first book, The Fifth Season, ranks as my favorite read of the year. Jemisin’s bold approach to narrative, provocative themes, and amazing world building kept me turning pages deep into the night and my attention didn’t waver throughout the three volume set. Each book of the trilogy won the Hugo Award, individually, giving Jemisin the honor for three consecutive years. Continue reading “My 2019 Bookshelf (in Review)” →

Elevensies!

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Today is my birthday. Although I enjoy acknowledging the day, I’ve circumnavigated the sun many times now and have learned to delight in understated celebration.

Perhaps because of the unexplainable popularity of assigning mystical properties to the number 11–and particularly 11:11–or maybe because one of my dearest friends was born almost exactly 11 years after me or, even more likely, because the doubling of digits is aesthetically attractive, I’ve taken special note when I, or others, have an “elevensies” anniversary.

Today is one of my elevensies. Continue reading “Elevensies!” →

2020 Reboot!

Coils Cover
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It’s a new year and a new decade. Time for a reboot!

2020! Can you believe it? The number still sounds so futuristic to me. 2020 ought to burst at the seams with science-fiction tropes, utopian hope, outrageous technologies, and dystopian menace. Hmm. Then again, perhaps we’re here after all.

In any case, I’m happy you’re here with me. I’ve been off-line for a while, but I haven’t stopped writing. I’m using the turn of the year as a catalyst to reboot my social media and website and, today, I’m releasing my first piece to Kindle. Continue reading “2020 Reboot!” →

Winter Solstice 2017 – Update

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December 2017 –

Hello all!

Happy Solstice! Merry Season! Where I live, the days are dark and the dog walks are muddy, so I’m looking forward to the return of the light.

Speaking of mud: do you have shower thoughts? I have shower thoughts. My mind wanders furiously in the heat and steam. My Main Squeeze has come to expect (and probably dread) the moment I step out of the bathroom, clutching my towel,  and start pacing around the house. As I drip water across the floor, I ramble through a story that washed over me or describe a character or concept that elbowed its way under the shower head. I’m not sure why inspiration strikes so persistently while I’m bathing, but I’ve come to expect a visit from the Shower Muse almost every morning.

Continue reading “Winter Solstice 2017 – Update” →