So, there’s been an inquiry — what the heck are we doing, anyway?
I’m pleased that people care enough to wonder after us, and I do understand that the terms of my profession include the tacit understanding that I will be Endlessly Entertaining on the Internets.
However.
The truth is that I’m not especially entertaining, all by myself — rather boring, really — nor are these entertaining times. My household is doing what many other households are doing — getting by, working quietly at our various tasks, communing with the cats, and just trying to stay strong. Yes, I’m reading a lot. I like to read; reading is what got me into the Author Biz in the first place.
As reported just a few days ago, we’re working on the next Jethri book, and that goes like this: Steve is lead on the story. When he finishes a section, by which we mean, he feels it’s correct and will require no more adjustments or updates, he passes it on to me for editing, adding clarifying bits, and occasional bridge work. All very so-so, but it gets the job done.
We have two stories under contract, one for an upcoming anthology, Girls in Tank Tops, edited by Jason Cordova; the other for Baen.com, to be published in mid-November. Both of those are specifically Liaden stories. On the side, because there’s nothing like the thrill of writing a side story when you have work under contract, I’m writing a short set in Low Port, working title “Our Lady of Benevolence.”
I believe I mentioned, though I repeat it now for the people in the back, that there will be no new Liaden novel published in 2021. Steve and I are very sorry about that; it’s completely our fault. The mass market edition of Trader’s Leap will be available in September, and a new paperback edition of Local Custom, in November. We have also signed a contract for the fifth Liaden Universe® Constellation, to be published sometime in 2022. I’ll get the TOC up as I can.
For those who may have missed the announcement, the audiobook edition of Trader’s Leap, narrated by Eileen Stevens, is now available from Audible.
We do still have Liaden books under contract, those would be two Jethri books (Steve is lead on both, and is writing the first one now, see above), and two to be named later. Right now, I’m inclining toward the doings at Tinsori Light for the first of those, though that’s not set in anything even resembling stone.
Regarding conventions, Steve and I will be Guests of Honor at AlbaCon (the one in Albany, New York). This is a virtual con, and here’s your link. Yes, it says “2020;” it’s this year’s information, trust me.
Steve and I are also looking at DisCon 3, that’s the upcoming WorldCon, in December. We’re still talking about whether that will be a virtual attendance, or if we’ll be physically taking the train down to DC and actually attend a convention for the first time since Forever. Here’s your link to DisCon.
Other than the above, yes, I have taken up embroidery again, which is not a bad thing; it is not “taking me away” from writing any more than reading “takes me away” from writing. Woman cannot Just Do One Thing every waking hour. Well, OK. Some women doubtless can, but not this one.
Today’s blog post title comes from “Start the Car,” Jude Cole. Here’s your link.
“…no new Liaden novel published in 2021..” – WAAAAA!
Sorry, had to get that out of my system. Try as I might, I really enjoy the Liaden stories & novellas & novels, heads above my other attempts to find enjoyable stories. Since I’m not above re-reading, as the Grateful Dead lyric goes, “I will get by / I will survive!”
If I read correctly, your story for Girls in Tank Tops will be a Liaden story? Now, I have to say, I’m looking forward to that story! Theo in a tank top…
As always, Best Wishes to you & Steve
Traders Leap, audio version is in my library and read. Huge fan of the whole series.
I find embroidery to be a great mental reset. Have fun with it. How do the feline brigade like it? I’ve a friend whose furred owner plonks down in her lap about five minute after she picks up her project.
I love the idea there will be more Jethri stories as well as the Constellation collection. Thanks so much.
Trooper inspected the situation briefly, and decided that the strings I was playing with were wimpy. Mostly, the cats have been content to sit at my feet while I’m sewing. When I pull out a book, or bring the laptop into position, that’s when they spring into action. To be perfectly fair, embroidery oversight was not in the original contract.
I for one was glad to hear from you, and that you are doing well and going about your business. No need to be endlessly entertaining on my behalf!
A question about embroidery which has always puzzled me: how do you know where to position the needle coming up through the fabric? I can manage with counted cross-stitch on Aida, but stamped stuff always defeats me. The needle comes up in the wrong spot time and again. Is it just a matter of experience and lots of practice? Or is there a trick I am missing?
That’s an interesting question. I’m going to have to go with practice, because certainly, I can’t see through the fabric. I don’t always hit the Exact Spot, but I have more hits than misses. OTOH, I don’t remember learning how to sew, or embroider, though I do remember my grandmother teaching me how to crochet, which was kind of a zoo because I was still more left than right handed at the time and she was right handed.
Thank you! I’m self taught as an adult, and it’s hard to figure out the nuances. I learned crochet (also as an adult) by sitting across from people and watching their hands, so I’ve been told I crochet like a left-hander.