Blog – Page 233 – Sharon Lee, Writer

Weekend News Roundup

This Just In: Sharon Lee and Steve Miller will be Writer Guests of Honor at MarsCon 2017, with Science Guests Benjamin and Carriann Higginbotham, and Ghost of Honor Anne McCaffrey. The theme of the convention is Dragons in Space. This will be our second time as Writer GoHs at MarsCon; our first visit was in 2003, and we had a blast. Sooooo looking forward to going back. MarsCon will be held March 3-5, 2017. Here’s your link.

Visit the Liaden Universe® Store at OffWorld Design: Coffee mugs, denim shirts, t-shirts, polos! New colors and items have been added, just in time for spring! Here’s your link.

Order your signed and/or personalized copy of Alliance of Equals: Uncle Hugo’s Science Fiction Bookstore in Minneapolis is now accepting pre-orders for signed and/or personalized copies of Lee and Miller’s 19th Liaden Universe® novel, Alliance of Equals, which will be published in July. There is a deadline for pre-ordering personalized books (where “personalized” means the authors, in addition to their signatures, write something specifically requested by the person buying the book). That deadline is June 1. Here’s your link.

Patreon: Last year, at the urging of some of our readers, and with some trepidation, Steve and I set up a Patreon account. Patreon provides a centralized and streamlined way for supporters of a certain artist (or team of artists) to offer extra financial support. Some folks offer incentives, and thank you gifts for their supporters; we haven’t done this, and, honestly, in the near future all we’re offering in return for your support is our very sincere thanks, and a promise to keep on writing. If you’d like to support us on Patreon, here’s your link.

In other news, work on The Gathering Edge, the 20th Liaden Universe® novel, continues, and Steve and I are gearing up for a slightly busy* year of con-going, and book touring.

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*By which I mean, “busier than last year”.

Books read in 2016

10. Foxglove Summer, Ben Aaronovitch
9. Broken Homes, Ben Aaronovitch
8. Soul Music, Terry Pratchett (read aloud with Steve)
7. Whispers Underground, Ben Aaronovitch
6. Moon Over Soho, Ben Aaronovitch
5. Reaper Man, Terry Pratchett (read aloud with Steve)
4. Conflict of Honors, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (e) (re-read)
3. Mort, Terry Pratchett (read aloud with Steve)
2. The Sculptor, Scott McCloud
1. A Short History of a Small Place, T.R. Pearson

In which there is weather

Well. . .nuts.

It snowed on the overnight — wet, gloppy snow, which then changed to driving sleet-and-rain, the so-beloved Wintery Mix. We woke up, early, because Tai Chi class on Wednesday, to a driving rain. The surface of the driveway was a kind of mud slurry, iced with brittle snow, and when the town plow went by, the blade was pushing a wave that would have been credible off of The Big Island.

Since I don’t believe in winter road surfing, I decided to give Tai Chi a miss and practice my small dance here at home.

However, today is also Hospital Day, so, after breakfast, when the rain stopped, I again surveyed the situation.

Long story short, the car is presently stuck in the mud. This situation will rectify itself overnight, when it’s supposed to get cold again, but for right now…the writer is in.

The cats have declared a Snow Day and are lobbying hard for everybody to go back to bed. Steve is currently under assault from Belle and Scrabble, who are practicing the deadly Synchronized Snoring.

Speaking of Belle, last night’s dream (she was sleeping on my stomach for a while), concerned a Big Jumble of people and furniture; if I had to guess, I’d say that we were living in shared housing of some kind, and our apartment/rooms were going to be painted, so we had to move all our stuff to a holding area. In the process of doing that, and relocating our four cats, I discovered in our space, a plush white cat with grey cloud markings, black tips on her ears, and a little grey mustache perfectly placed under her pink nose. She was very friendly, and obviously “knew” me. I was confused, and texted Steve, “Do we have FIVE cats?” Very vivid, especially the feeling that the cat knew me.

Well.

Here’s the quality of help I currently have to call on in my office:

Sleeping with cats

So, Belle is our Champion Napper here at the Cat Farm. She really enjoys her naps, and often does two at once. She seems to prefer company, but will happily nap alone, if that’s how the dice roll.

I don’t even have a rating as a Napper — it’s a tough field — but I do like company in my poor efforts, and Belle has taken to tutoring me in the fine points.

I’ve noticed a couple of things, napping with Belle, that I don’t notice when napping with the other cats — or, in fact, when I go solo.

First is that her purr is incredibly soothing. I’ll lie down with my head awhirl — the normal state of the inside of my head is a kind of barely controlled thought-twist, which, like the ringing in my ears, can’t ever be said to go away entirely; the range of action is something like: Kind of Loud, Loud, Awfully Loud, Way too Loud, and Batten the Hatches.

But, Belle’s purrs cut through all that noise. It takes a few minutes, but she’s also a champion purr-er, and has real staying power. And she manages to achieve silence inside my head, a state I’ve noticed now several times in the millisecond before the purr does its final work and puts me to sleep.

The other thing I’ve noticed when napping with cats is the quality of dreams. Despite my whirlwind head, I very rarely dream, or — for those who insist that everyone Does Too dream — remember my dreams. If I’ve had cat assistance, I do dream, and often remember my dreams, and I wake up a shade more relaxed than I would do, sleeping alone.

Belle-induced dreams though, are — a little different.

They are almost all in the genre of Saving the Kittens. I have, in recent dreams, rescued kittens who were stuck behind a large appliance; stood between kittens and a large, noisy machine; and moved a number of kittens to a place of safety after one was grabbed by a Bad Person and thrown.

These are not restful dreams, though they are infused with a sense of purpose and determination. I wake up a little more alert, it seems, and attentive to possible threats — to the kittens. It’s an odd feeling, though not necessarily unpleasant.

. . .and I wonder if these are shared dreams — that is, if Belle, having been a Mom Cat in what I know to be a very safe place for cats, still reviews these themes in order to keep her edge, if, yanno, kittens fall into her way again.

On the other hand, it could just be my subconscious having some fun with association.

Either way, it’s striking and notable, and I have, therefore, noted it.

Soliciting statements of interest

An Alert Reader has noticed that February 2018 marks the 30th Anniversary of the Liaden Universe® in print. This is derived from the fact that Agent of Change was published as a paperback original by Del Rey, in February 1988.

Said Alert Reader has put out a call for celebratory Limited Edition Hardcovers in honor of this anniversary. Clearly, this is not something that we, the authors, can do. We can, however, take the idea to Madame the Publisher, if there seems to be sufficient interest.

This is where you come in.

If Limited Edition Liaden Universe® Hardcovers were published, would you purchase it/them?

I realize that price is very often an object for you, as it is for me, so if you have a price in mind, let me know that, too.

Thanks for your help.

. . .Sprite also thanks you for your help.

Liaden Universe® InfoDumpling

A Liaden Universe® InfoDumpling is a small InfoDump, sent out sporadically, when there are only a few, hot, news items to share.

Uncle Hugo’s Opens Pre-Orders for Signed and/or Personalized Copies of Alliance of Equals
Alliance of Equals, the 19th Liaden Universe® novel, will be published on July 5. As has become his pleasant habit, the Uncle is once again taking pre-orders for signed and/or personalized books.

Here is the link to the pre-order page at Uncle Hugo’s website.

Here is a link to an explanatory blog entry.

There is a deadline involved! All personalization requests must be made no later than June 1.

Thank you!

Offworld Designs Adds New Items to its Liaden Category
In addition to mugs, and basic black apparel, the good folks at Offworld Designs have added lady’s v-neck t-shirts, t-shirts in forest green, polo shirts in forest green, and *blue* denim shirts.

You can start shopping here.

Another All-New Story at Splinter Universe
As previously advertised, Sharon did post a second Archers Beach short story to Splinter Universe back at the end of January. You may read “Will-o’-the-wisp” here.

For those who missed the first story, “The Wolf’s Bride,” it can be found here.

Boskone Was Great!
We had a splendid time at Boskone. Thanks to all of the manymany volunteers who help make the con happen every year (in February! in Boston!). And thanks to everyone who attended!

Information about next year’s Boskone may be had here.

Lee and Miller Upcoming Conventions
Ravencon, April 29-May 1, Williamsburg, Virginia, Doubletree. Writer Guests of Honor, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller; Artist Guest of Honor, Vincent DiFate.

BaltiCon 50, May 27-30, The Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel, Baltimore, MD. Writer Guest of Honor: George R.R. Martin; Artist Guest of Honor, John Picacio. Also! All of the 50 previous GoHs who are willing to attend. Steve and Sharon will attending as Past Writer GoHs of BaltiCon 37.

MidAmeriCon II, the 74th World Science Fiction Convention, August 17-21, 2016, Kansas City, MO. Sharon and Steve have purchased their attending memberships.

Alliance of Equals Mini Book Tour
Sharon and Steve will be visiting some bookstores in support of the publication of Alliance of Equals, in July.

July 5, 7 pm: Flights of Fantasy, Albany, NY (book party!)
July 8, 7 pm: Annie’s Book Stop of Worcester, MA
July 9, 2 pm: Toadstool Books, Milford NH
July 14, 7 pm: Pandemonium Books, Cambridge MA

Disclaimer Stuff
This InfoDump is a product of the Liaden Universe®, accept no imitations. You have received this message because you asked for it. If you wish to subscribe to the Liaden Universe® email list, to unsubscribe from the Liaden Universe® email list, or to change your delivery email address, go here.

The Uncle is now accepting preorders for signed copies. . .

. . .of Alliance of Equals, by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller.

You guys all remember the drill from last time, right? Abridged edition follows, for those with short memories:

A. If you want your book personalized*, you must write the personalization EXACTLY as you want it to appear in your book. Remember to check your spelling.

A.1. The authors reserve the right to refuse to inscribe a book with any personalization that Offendeth Them. This is solely at the discretion of the authors, and there is no appeal.

B. If you only want your book signed, then you need do nothing but order a signed edition at the link below.

C. Uncle Hugo’s does not charge your credit card until your book is packed and ready to ship.

D. Be Aware of the Deadline: If you want your book personalized*, then you must preorder by June 1, 2016.

E. HERE’S YOUR LINK

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*Personalized means that the authors write something you personally request them to write in your book, in addition to their names. This is anything in addition to their names, including, but not limited to your name, the date, pithy quote, or gift note to a friend.

Books read in 2016

9. Broken Homes, Ben Aaronovitch
8. Soul Music, Terry Pratchett (read aloud with Steve)
7. Whispers Underground, Ben Aaronovitch
6. Moon Over Soho, Ben Aaronovitch
5. Reaper Man, Terry Pratchett (read aloud with Steve)
4. Conflict of Honors, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (e) (re-read)
3. Mort, Terry Pratchett (read aloud with Steve)
2. The Sculptor, Scott McCloud
1. A Short History of a Small Place, T.R. Pearson

Home again

So! We’re home from Boskone.

Steve reports thusly:

We’re trying to get back to normal, insofar as the writing life ever is normal. At Boskone we had 13 program items, 3 official or formal breakfast meetings, several official dinner meals, 2 between program meetings with colleagues… No I didn’t get to as many parties as usual…. Meanwhile, if our trip down was on a packed train our trip back was serene and quiet — we were the only business class passengers all the way from Boston to Brunswick.

. . .which makes for a fairly full convention. I was called upon to moderate one panel, which was. . . quite broad in terms of scope, and I admit, I had a few moments of trepidation, thinking that the discussion would last 15 minutes after which we would all adjourn to the bar. Happily, my co-panelists were brilliant and well-informed, and the audience very interested in the topic. . . so the ship was safely brought into port.

Our kaffeeklatsch was filled to overflowing, by reason of the alternate players joining those who were considered the A-team by convention programming. We didn’t mind the extra people, but the programming chair did come by to make certain that Steve and I weren’t distressed by having so many attendees — which was very kind of her, and proper care and feeding of one’s guests. I was able to assure her that we were fine, but! Do, please, try to abide by the rules of the convention, even if they seem silly. Convention programming folks really have a lot on their plates during the con and it’s to everyone’s advantage to follow the rules, and let them conserve energy so they can deal with major problems (if any, and: avert) in a calm and thoughtful manner. Thanks.

The mass book party was swell — there was cake! Between those who came to our autographing, and the various vendors in the room, we signed a metric ton of books — all of them ours — and though I bought books*, I confess to Earring Fail, and! even though I have identified a need for more bling on the lapel of the Coat of Many Pockets — I also had Bling Failure.

A special shout-out to Garth Nix, who took time out from his signing at the mass book party, to come over and chat with us for a few minutes. As a general rule, we try not to inflict ourselves on Sitting GoHs, because — having been in the chair — we know that they have lots of people who want — and deserve — their attention.

Our next con, for those interested, is RavenCon, April 29-May 1, in Williamsburg. Where we will be Writer Guests of Honor. After that, we’ll be returning Guests of Honor at BaltiCon 50.

And now, I have bills to pay, tax returns to review, and errands to run — must have food!, especially as the weatherbeans are calling Weather, starting tonight — and then, we need to get back to work on The Gathering Edge.

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*Books purchased: Foxglove Summer, Ben Aaronovitch; Karen Memory, by Elizabeth Bear; Written in Red, by Anne Bishop; The House of Shattered Wings, Aliette de Bodard; and Uprooted, Naomi Novick.

Boston, we are in you

Playing catchup here.

Left the Cat Farm at O-Ghod o’clock on Thursday, to catch the 7:00 am train out of Brunswick. We had a pleasant, which is to say non-eventful trip, watching the scenery go by while we ate packed-in baloney-and-cheese sammiches and drank high-test Amtrak coffee. How do they consistently get that slightly burnt undernote in the coffee, no matter what train you happen to be on?

Our room was ready for us when we hit the hotel — a very nice room, high-ish up, with a view of the harbor and of the planes coming in to Logan.

We napped and set up Field Headquarters, chatted with a few other early arrivals, gathered up our convention badges, and crashed early.

This morning, we had a pleasant extended breakfast with Christie Meierz and Jeff Mierzejewski. Afterwards, we toured the facility, started an early pile of books behind Larry Smith’s table, and retired to field headquarters to do some work before lunch. Lunch having now been achieved, I’m taking this opportunity to catch y’all up before The Con Gets Real.

Still no word on the Friends of Liad Breakfast — we’re still shooting for a Sunday morning event, Saturday’s schedule being what it is.

I would be a Bad Cat Mom if I did not mention that today marks the 6th anniversary of the birth of Kelimcoon’s Belle of the Ball. We plan to have a belated celebration when we get home again to Maine.

Also, Number Ten Ox, running Linux Mint, version Cinnamon, is performing without nary a stumble nor a stagger.

Y’all have fun; I’ll check in as I can.