Let me say upfront that the cats are well. Sprite in particular has been very much enjoying our serial viewing of “Lucifer.” I think she has a crush on Maize. In order to put back the weight she lost in the autumn, Belle has been getting a serving of gooshy food every day. First, we tried giving this to her in Isolation, but she refused to eat it. This made us realize the error of our way, and we now feed all three cats gooshy food at once (Trooper and Sprite getting a lesser amount), and now Belle eats with good appetite. Maine coon cats are social eaters; they even come in and have a bite with us when we sit down to a meal (the cat bowls being in the dining room. Yeah, it’s a strange house.).
In author news — we’re also well. I’m still coming to terms with some of the results of having had cancer, and cancer therapy, and toothy new meds — but that’s going to be the story of my life for the next five or ten years, and therefore comes under the Umbrella of Well.
Because of the situation with my health, we did miss the deadline for the next book. We have an extension from Madame the Publisher, and Steve is on the case, but, there will probably not be a new Liaden book for you in 2021. We’re sorry about that, honest: I would have much rather stayed on the planned timeline, where we handed the book in on time, had two weeks in Lubec, fulfilled our duties as Guests of Honor at AlbaCon, and seen Janis Ian in concert at Rockport, Mass.
I’m returning to writing somewhat more slowly. Right now, I’m working on a story, or perhaps it’s a novel, set in Archers Beach. I’m also making notes for a Liaden novel, because contracts exist, after all.
I do have a side project going at the moment — I’m talking about Trader’s Leap from my point of view. Spoilers abound, but for those interested, the discussion starts here and continues here. Also! There is a spoiler discussion here, where people can ask me about Trader’s Leap.
And that’s the news that’s fit to print.
Everybody stay safe.
Thanks for the updates, for the news that all in the Cat Farm are Doing Well, for assorted values of Well. In the midst of the chaos that has been 2020, we did get a new Liaden book, and I have enjoyed *Trader’s Leap* very much. Plus there was the fun of going back to re-read the books which precede it. Got me through a lot of Dec.
Stay well, stay warm, keep safe. Please keep posting those charming photos of the Feline Overlords.
Traders Leap is a great treat. Thank you.
I am now indulging in a complete reread of the entire Laiden opus. And have been occasionally contemplating the effect of not one but three Trees on Surebleak, considering that it has a very small and centralised planetary population.
Happy to hear all is Well. Traders Leap has been a great treat. It took me back in feelings about trade to the Jethri novels. I had to get them out to reread and have since started an entire reread of your books. Including the earliest prior to Liad.