Blog – Page 137 – Sharon Lee, Writer

Books read in 2021

26 Sizzle, Jennifer Crusie (e)
25 Tangle of Need, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #11) (read aloud w/Steve — and this catches us both up)
24 The Secret Language, Ursula Nordstrom (re-re-re-oh-hell-who-can-count)
23 Fugitive Telemetry, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #6) (e)
22 The Rose Cottage, Mary Stewart (e)
21 The Girl in the Green Silk Gown, Seanan McGuire (Ghost Roads #2) (e)
20 What the Devil Knows, C.S. Harris (Sebastian St. Cyr #16)
19 Last Guard, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling/Trinity #21) (pre-pub copy provided by the author; read aloud with Steve)
18 Tipping the Velvet, Sarah Waters (e)
17 The Consorts, Melissa Addey (e)
16 Brightfall, Jamie Lee Moyer (e)
15 Spider Woman’s Daughter, Anne Hillerman (e)
14 Wild Sign, Patricia Briggs (Alpha & Omega #6) (e)
13 Marian Halcombe, Brenda W. Clough (The Thrilling Adventures of the Most Dangerous Woman in Europe #1) (e)
12 The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics, Olivia Waite (read aloud w/Steve)
11 An Easy Death, Charlaine Harris (Gunnie Rose #1) (e)
10 Paladin’s Strength, T. Kingfisher (Saint of Steel #2) (e)
9   Strange Bedpersons, Jennifer Crusie (read aloud w/Steve)
8   The Sugared Game, KJ Charles (Will Darling #2) (e)
7   The Rules of Magic, Alice Hoffman (Practical Magic #2)
6   Smoke Bitten, Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #12) (e)
5   Bonds of Justice, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #8) (read aloud w/Steve)
4   Hostage to Pleasure, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #5) (read aloud w/Steve)
3   Anyone but You, Jennifer Crusie (read aloud w/Steve)
2   Mine to Possess, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #4) (read aloud w/Steve)
1   The Duke and I, Julia Quinn (Bridgerton #1) (e)

NOTE: I’ve started to list the series, if any, a particular title is part of, as well as its place in series, if known.

Books read in 2021

25 Tangle of Need, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #11) (read aloud w/Steve — and this catches us both up)
24 The Secret Language, Ursula Nordstrom (re-re-re-oh-hell-who-can-count)
23 Fugitive Telemetry, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #6) (e)
22 The Rose Cottage, Mary Stewart (e)
21 The Girl in the Green Silk Gown, Seanan McGuire (Ghost Roads #2) (e)
20 What the Devil Knows, C.S. Harris (Sebastian St. Cyr #16)
19 Last Guard, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling/Trinity #21) (pre-pub copy provided by the author; read aloud with Steve)
18 Tipping the Velvet, Sarah Waters (e)
17 The Consorts, Melissa Addey (e)
16 Brightfall, Jamie Lee Moyer (e)
15 Spider Woman’s Daughter, Anne Hillerman (e)
14 Wild Sign, Patricia Briggs (Alpha & Omega #6) (e)
13 Marian Halcombe, Brenda W. Clough (The Thrilling Adventures of the Most Dangerous Woman in Europe #1) (e)
12 The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics, Olivia Waite (read aloud w/Steve)
11 An Easy Death, Charlaine Harris (Gunnie Rose #1) (e)
10 Paladin’s Strength, T. Kingfisher (Saint of Steel #2) (e)
9   Strange Bedpersons, Jennifer Crusie (read aloud w/Steve)
8   The Sugared Game, KJ Charles (Will Darling #2) (e)
7   The Rules of Magic, Alice Hoffman (Practical Magic #2)
6   Smoke Bitten, Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #12) (e)
5   Bonds of Justice, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #8) (read aloud w/Steve)
4   Hostage to Pleasure, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #5) (read aloud w/Steve)
3   Anyone but You, Jennifer Crusie (read aloud w/Steve)
2   Mine to Possess, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #4) (read aloud w/Steve)
1   The Duke and I, Julia Quinn (Bridgerton #1) (e)

NOTE: I’ve started to list the series, if any, a particular title is part of, as well as its place in series, if known.

Books read in 2021

22 The Secret Language, Ursula Nordstrom (re-re-re-oh-hell-who-can-count) *This was my Very Most Favorite Ever Book when I was eight. Coincidentally, it came out in 1960, which was the year I turned eight, so I was its target audience. Ghod, I loved this book. I remember it being longer, and more detailed. I was there to help clean up the failed midnight feast. I spent hours in the Hut. The Secret Language was a rich, deep, and colorful tongue, rather than four or five unrelated words. Rereading last night, I was surprised at how short it is, how sparse the descriptions, how little time we actually spend building and occupying the Hut, and yet, clearly it did the job, at least for me, at eight. I note that the author, Ursula Nordstrom, was Children’s Editor at Harper’s from 1940 through 1973. I have Dear Genius, her collected letters, and I’m reading that next.

23 Fugitive Telemetry, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #6) (e)
22 The Rose Cottage, Mary Stewart (e)
21 The Girl in the Green Silk Gown, Seanan McGuire (Ghost Roads #2) (e)
20 What the Devil Knows, C.S. Harris (Sebastian St. Cyr #16)
19 Last Guard, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling/Trinity #21) (pre-pub copy provided by the author; read aloud with Steve)
18 Tipping the Velvet, Sarah Waters (e)
17 The Consorts, Melissa Addey (e)
16 Brightfall, Jamie Lee Moyer (e)
15 Spider Woman’s Daughter, Anne Hillerman (e)
14 Wild Sign, Patricia Briggs (Alpha & Omega #6) (e)
13 Marian Halcombe, Brenda W. Clough (The Thrilling Adventures of the Most Dangerous Woman in Europe #1) (e)
12 The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics, Olivia Waite (read aloud w/Steve)
11 An Easy Death, Charlaine Harris (Gunnie Rose #1) (e)
10 Paladin’s Strength, T. Kingfisher (Saint of Steel #2) (e)
9   Strange Bedpersons, Jennifer Crusie (read aloud w/Steve)
8   The Sugared Game, KJ Charles (Will Darling #2) (e)
7   The Rules of Magic, Alice Hoffman (Practical Magic #2)
6   Smoke Bitten, Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #12) (e)
5   Bonds of Justice, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #8) (read aloud w/Steve)
4   Hostage to Pleasure, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #5) (read aloud w/Steve)
3   Anyone but You, Jennifer Crusie (read aloud w/Steve)
2   Mine to Possess, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #4) (read aloud w/Steve)
1   The Duke and I, Julia Quinn (Bridgerton #1) (e)

NOTE: I’ve started to list the series, if any, a particular title is part of, as well as its place in series, if known.

Books read in 2021

NOTE: I’ve started to list the series, if any, a particular title is part of, as well as its place in series, if known.

Books read in 2021

22 The Rose Cottage, Mary Stewart (e)
21 The Girl in the Green Silk Gown, Seanan McGuire (Ghost Roads #2) (e)
20 What the Devil Knows, C.S. Harris (Sebastian St. Cyr #16)
19 Last Guard, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling/Trinity #21) (pre-pub copy provided by the author; read aloud with Steve)
18 Tipping the Velvet, Sarah Waters (e)
17 The Consorts, Melissa Addey (e)
16 Brightfall, Jamie Lee Moyer (e)
15 Spider Woman’s Daughter, Anne Hillerman (e)
14 Wild Sign, Patricia Briggs (Alpha & Omega #6) (e)
13 Marian Halcombe, Brenda W. Clough (The Thrilling Adventures of the Most Dangerous Woman in Europe #1) (e)
12 The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics, Olivia Waite (read aloud w/Steve)
11 An Easy Death, Charlaine Harris (Gunnie Rose #1) (e)
10 Paladin’s Strength, T. Kingfisher (Saint of Steel #2) (e)
9   Strange Bedpersons, Jennifer Crusie (read aloud w/Steve)
8   The Sugared Game, KJ Charles (Will Darling #2) (e)
7   The Rules of Magic, Alice Hoffman (Practical Magic #2)
6   Smoke Bitten, Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #12) (e)
5   Bonds of Justice, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #8) (read aloud w/Steve)
4   Hostage to Pleasure, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #5) (read aloud w/Steve)
3   Anyone but You, Jennifer Crusie (read aloud w/Steve)
2   Mine to Possess, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #4) (read aloud w/Steve)
1   The Duke and I, Julia Quinn (Bridgerton #1) (e)

NOTE: I’ve started to list the series, if any, a particular title is part of, as well as its place in series, if known.

Lee and Miller Writer Guests at FantasyFaire 2021 in Second Life

Note that the times given are Second Life time, which in Real Life are Pacific time. More information here.

We started out for paradise

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.

Books read in 2021

21 The Girl in the Green Silk Gown, Seanan McGuire (Ghost Roads #2) (e)
20 What the Devil Knows, C.S. Harris (Sebastian St. Cyr #16)
19 Last Guard, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling/Trinity #21) (pre-pub copy provided by the author; read aloud with Steve)
This is me, breaking the Third Wall: I really, really liked this one. It’s sweet and compelling, and we get an astonishing closer look at a Designation that has been with us all along, and…I really can’t say any more, because I don’t want to spoil it for you. Publication date July 20. You can preorder it now from All The Usual Suspects.

18 Tipping the Velvet, Sarah Waters (e)
17 The Consorts, Melissa Addey (e)
16 Brightfall, Jamie Lee Moyer (e)
15 Spider Woman’s Daughter, Anne Hillerman (e)
14 Wild Sign, Patricia Briggs (Alpha & Omega #6) (e)
13 Marian Halcombe, Brenda W. Clough (The Thrilling Adventures of the Most Dangerous Woman in Europe #1) (e)
12 The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics, Olivia Waite (read aloud w/Steve)
11 An Easy Death, Charlaine Harris (Gunnie Rose #1) (e)
10 Paladin’s Strength, T. Kingfisher (Saint of Steel #2) (e)
9   Strange Bedpersons, Jennifer Crusie (read aloud w/Steve)
8   The Sugared Game, KJ Charles (Will Darling #2) (e)
7   The Rules of Magic, Alice Hoffman (Practical Magic #2)
6   Smoke Bitten, Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #12) (e)
5   Bonds of Justice, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #8) (read aloud w/Steve)
4   Hostage to Pleasure, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #5) (read aloud w/Steve)
3   Anyone but You, Jennifer Crusie (read aloud w/Steve)
2   Mine to Possess, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #4) (read aloud w/Steve)
1   The Duke and I, Julia Quinn (Bridgerton #1) (e)

NOTE: I’ve started to list the series, if any, a particular title is part of, as well as its place in series, if known.

Books read in 2021

20 What the Devil Knows, C.S. Harris (Sebastian St. Cyr #16)
19 Last Guard, Nalini Singh (pre-pub copy provided by the author; read aloud with Steve)
This is me, breaking the Third Wall: I really, really liked this one. It’s sweet and compelling, and we get an astonishing closer look at a Designation that has been with us all along, and…I really can’t say any more, because I don’t want to spoil it for you. Publication date July 20. You can preorder it now from All The Usual Suspects.

18 Tipping the Velvet, Sarah Waters (e)
17 The Consorts, Melissa Addey (e)
16 Brightfall, Jamie Lee Moyer (e)
15 Spider Woman’s Daughter, Anne Hillerman (e)
14 Wild Sign, Patricia Briggs (e)
13 Marian Halcombe, Brenda W. Clough (e)
12 The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics, Olivia Waite (read aloud w/Steve)
11 An Easy Death, Charlaine Harris (e)
10 Paladin’s Strength, (Saint of Steel #2), T. Kingfisher (e)
9   Strange Bedpersons, Jennifer Crusie (read aloud w/Steve)
8   The Sugared Game, KJ Charles (e)
7   The Rules of Magic, Alice Hoffman
6   Smoke Bitten, Patricia Briggs (e)
5   Bonds of Justice, Nalini Singh (read aloud w/Steve)
4   Hostage to Pleasure, Nalini Singh (read aloud w/Steve)
3   Anyone but You, Jennifer Crusie (read aloud w/Steve)
2   Mine to Possess, Nalini Singh (read aloud w/Steve)
1   The Duke and I, Julia Quinn (e)

Writers have hobbies, too

Back in The Day, I used to do needlework. Then, my hands went bad, and I stopped for awhile, by which I mean 30 years.

Much more recently, I had been prescribed drugs that did really nasty things to my joints and muscles, especially my hands, and in desperation, I took up needle-and-thread again, hoping to restore some kind of flexibility to my fingers, because you’d be amazed how often you need your fingers in this life.

To my surprise, working with a needle has helped return suppleness to my fingers, which had already been somewhat improved by bidding the meds good-bye.

So, now I have a hobby, which means y’all are going to be troubled from time to time with pictures of the Work in Process.

Here’s the current sampler, front on the left; back on the right.

In business news, Steve and I are still working on the next book (which is a Jethri book), and have a couple short stories under contract. A new mass market paperback edition of Local Custom is scheduled for the fall.

We have both been vaccinated, and it’s getting hard to resist the lure of the sudden spring sunshine. Two weeks ago, Maine was a grey and mud-brown mess. Now, everything’s greening up, and pollen is in the air.

For those who have no interest in embroidery. Here’s a picture of Sprite.