Blog – Page 37 – Sharon Lee, Writer

Books read in 2025

45 Outfoxing Fate, Zoe Chant/Murphy Lawless (Virtue Shifters)(e)
44 Atonement Sky, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling Trinity #9) (e)
43 Stone and Sky, Ben Aaronovitch (Rivers of London #10) (e)
42 Regency Buck, Georgette Heyer (re-re-re-&c-read)
41 I Dare, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (Liaden Universe #7) (page proofs)
40 To Hive and to Hold, Amy Crook (The Future of Magic #1) (e)
39 These Old Shades, Georgette Heyer, narrated by Sarah Nichols (re-re-re-&c-read, 1st time audio)
38 Faking it (Dempsey Family #2), Jennifer Crusie, narrated by Aasne Vigesaa (re-re-re-&c-read, 1st time audio)
37 Copper Script, K.J. Charles (e)
36 The Masqueraders, Georgette Heyer, narrated by Eleanor Yates (re-re-re-&c-read; 1st time audio)
35 Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language: Hereditary Deafness on Martha’s Vineyard, Nora Ellen Groce (e)
34 Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, Winifred Watson, narrated by Frances McDormand (re-re-re-&c-read; 1st time audio)
33 The Wings upon Her Back, Samantha Mills (e)
32 Death on the Green (Dublin Driver #2), Catie Murphy (e)
31 The Elusive Earl (Bad Heir Days #3), Grace Burrowes (e)
30 The Mysterious Marquess (Bad Heir Days #2), Grace Burrowes (e)
29 Who Will Remember (Sebastian St. Cyr #20), C.S. Harris (e)
28 The Teller of Small Fortunes, Julie Leong (e)
27 Check and Mate, Ali Hazelwood (e)
26 The Dangerous Duke (Bad Heir Days #1), Grace Burrowes (e)
25 Night’s Master (Flat Earth #1) (re-read), Tanith Lee (e)
24 The Honey Pot Plot (Rocky Start #3), Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer (e)
23 Very Nice Funerals (Rocky Start #2), Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer (e)
22 The Orb of Cairado, Katherine Addison (e)
21 The Tomb of Dragons, (The Cemeteries of Amalo Trilogy, Book 3), Katherine Addison (e)
20 A Gentleman of Sinister Schemes (Lord Julian #8), Grace Burrowes (e)
19 The Thirteen Clocks (re-re-re-&c read), James Thurber (e)
18 A Gentleman Under the Mistletoe (Lord Julian #7), Grace Burrowes (e)
17 All Conditions Red (Murderbot Diaries #1) (re-re-re-&c read) (audio 1st time)
16 Destiny’s Way (Doomed Earth #2), Jack Campbell (e)
15 The Sign of the Dragon, Mary Soon Lee
14 A Gentleman of Unreliable Honor (Lord Julian #6), Grace Burrowes (e)
13 Market Forces in Gretna Green (#7 Midlife Recorder), Linzi Day (e)
12 Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent, Judi Dench with Brendan O’Hea (e)
11 Code Yellow in Gretna Green (#6 Midlife Recorder), Linzi Day (e)
10 Seeing Red in Gretna Green (#5 Midlife Recorder), Linzi Day (e)
9 House Party in Gretna Green (#4 Midlife Recorder), Linzi Day (e)*
8    Ties that Bond in Gretna Green (#3 Midlife Recorder), Linzi Day (e)
7    Painting the Blues in Gretna Green (#2 Midlife Recorder), Linzi Day (e)
6 Midlife in Gretna Green (#1 Midlife Recorder), Linzi Day (e)
5    The Goblin Emperor, Katherine Addison (Author), Kyle McCarley (Narrator) re-re-re&c-read (audio)
4    The House in the Cerulean Sea, TJ Klune (e)
3    A Gentleman in Search of a Wife (Lord Julian #5) Grace Burrowes (e)
2    A Gentleman in Pursuit of the Truth (Lord Julian #4) Grace Burrowes (e)
1    A Gentleman in Challenging Circumstances (Lord Julian #3) Grace Burrowes (e)

_____
*Note: The list has been corrected. I did not realize that the Gretna Green novella was part of the main path, rather than a pleasant discursion, and my numbering was off. All fixed now.

Sinking in

What went before: Slow getting started, but once I got going, I managed to pull a couple words out of the keyboard.

+/-1050 new words, bringing the WIP to +/-65,200.

Everybody stay safe; I’ll see you tomorrow.

Thursday. Sunny and cool. Weatherbeans calling for the higher 70s-in-F this afternoon. At the moment, it’s too cool to open the windows.

This morning, I need to go out to collect an extension of the new prescription, which needs to be Tapered Off, who knew? And also to Agway for a couple of things, including fishing line.

I see, otherwheres, that KJ Charles is being victimized by someone who can’t read reporting to Amazon numerous “errors” in Copper Script (which is good — read it). These are, as it turns out British spelling, British sentence structure, British slang, and in a couple of cases Actual Words that said Arbiter of Error didn’t recognized and couldn’t be arsed to look up.

I grew up reading British novels in their native Britishness, back before US Publishing decreed that Americans were too stupid to accommodate a few extra “u”s and whatnot. Welp, US Publishing has got what it wanted, with a helping of “If I don’t recognize a word, it must be a typo, because I know All The Words.”

My reading of British literature reflects in my own writing, and I have once or twice had to gently inform people that, no, that is an ACTUAL WORD, GET A DAMNED DICTIONARY, WHY NOT? Ahem. And I really despair of us as a people. OTOH, ignorant people are easier to control, and we’re into control, this episode, so there’s a win for the bullies and the cheats.

deep breath

I said upstream that you ought to read Copper Script — that is, of course, if Amazon hasn’t pulled it for having too many errors, because Amazon has been known to do this. And, yanno, Ms Charles doesn’t have anything better to do except go through an already-published book, fixing errors that aren’t wrong, so it can go back into the catalog and start earning again.

I know some folks think they’re dong Good Things by “reporting” errors and typos to Amazon. Trust me — they’re not. As I mentioned, oh, maybe this time last week? There are no perfect books. There are errors and typos in all books. Mostly, they don’t hurt anybody (I’m not talking errors like “half my book is a scifi adventure and the other half is a cookbook” or “my book is 400 blank pages” or things of that nature). Certainly, they’re not worth pulling the creator away from her new project, and pissing her off, too.

I want more books from KJ Charles, and? Abusing authors isn’t the way to get more books.

Really, I ought to start a list.

Anyhow! Having ranted and perhaps educated — Good morning! How’s your day shaping up?

Here, have a picture of Rook inna sink:

I’d rather learn from one bird how to sing

What went before ONE: So, fixed what I wrote yesterday, placed it in the WIP, fixed the chapter-by-chapter, and? That’s probably all the writing-related tasks I’m doing today.

The WIP, still titleless, clocks in at +/-64,160 total words.

What went before TWO: Had a good time at needlework; actually remembered to stop at the grocery before I got home, have served up coon cat happy hour. Need to put away the rest of the groceries, then find something to eat.

Everybody stay safe; I’ll see you tomorrow.

Wednesday. Sunny and cool. Windows in my office are open.

Google initially told me that it was going to be “rainy” today. Questioned more closely, it admitted that there was a moderate chance of rain between 4pm and 5pm. Which piece of optimism Wunderground does not support, though it’s teasing me with the possibilities of thunderstorms on Friday. I could use me a good thunderstorm.

Trooper has already eaten a can and a half of gooshy food. Which reminds me that I ought to weigh him.

Breakfast was pb&j on a whole wheat English muffin. Tali came by to sit on my lap and purr while I finished my first cup of tea, so that was pleasant. Lunch has not yet suggested itself.

Today’s to-do includes doing one’s duty to the cats, exploring online/possibly subscription exercise programs (I know this about myself: If I haven’t made a commitment of some kind, I will not Just Exercise out of the abundance of my own good sense.), take a walk, and! writing.

My embroidery project at the moment was supposed to be a shirt I want to embroider, but I haven’t gotten my act in gear to decide what I want to do exactly and position the designs. So, I’ve been working on the little piece of handwork I was taking with me when we traveled. It was “supposed” to be an outline — by which I mean, not filled in — but I had started to fill it in as practice for stitching fur, and for twisting two colors of thread together. Last night, I finished the center. Pic below.

What relaxation project are you working on?

Today’s blog post title once more from ee cummings: “you shall above all things be glad and young”

Maintaining Time

What went before ONE: So, that was unexpected. I noticed that the clock in Steve’s office had stopped, which–not unexpected; I probably hung it back there about a year ago, and it was likely time for a new battery, so I brought it with me out to the tech room,flipped it over and–

The battery had exploded inside the clock. Crystalized acid gluing it to the holder. So, now I need a new clock, and also some idea of why the battery exploded. But, definitely a new clock.

Monday, hey?

What went before TWO: Clock update.

So, I decided to try to rehabilitate the clock–for Science! And many thanks to Edward Green and Jeff Needham for the tip about using white vinegar, and Mary Carol for the emery board hack.

For those interested, the clock in question is a LaCrosse Technologies Atomic Time clock.

It turns out that I was at fault. As I was cleaning and refitting, I noticed something printed on the back of the clock in, like 8-pt black-on-black which says “Replace battery every nine months to prevent leakage.”

I don’t remember exactly when I bought that clock — at Reny’s, but I don’t remember which one. Maybe Belfast. Probably Belfast. Anyhoots, it will have been before August, so I missed my nine month change-out. Which this clock obviously takes Very Seriously.

The clock is running at this time. I’ve hung it back in Steve’s office, and made a note to replace the batteries in May.

…and back to work I go.

What went before THREE: Two thousand thirty four-ish new words written.

Time to find something to eat and maybe a glass of wine.

Everybody stay safe; I’ll see you tomorrow.

Let’s see…

Tuesday. Sunny and cool. Woke up at 5:30, but instead of getting up, I turned over and went back to sleep until 7. I would’ve slept longer, but the window was open and there were guys outside of it somewhere, having a Discussion over a background of I’m-backing-uuupp truck beeps. They’re gone now, of course; looks like they were just coming together across the street so they could move to the real job site as a unit.

Trash and recycling still need to get out to the curb, but I’ve got time, and in my own defense, I did eat breakfast and start the dishwasher.

Trooper is chowing down his second can of gooshy food. I don’t know what worked, there at the vet’s, but something sure did.

My breakfast was the last of the tuna fish on a toasted bialy, with black grapes. I’ll have my second cup of tea after I get the trash situated. Lunch will be the rest of yesterday’s soup and a side salad.

Today’s to-do includes one’s duty to the cats, taking a smol walk, getting with what I wrote yesterday, and writing some more before I head out for needlework this evening. I’m going to have to stop at the grocery. I’m almost out of gooshy food.

I’m also going to have to figure out how to mix things up around here, so every day isn’t the same as every other day. *That’s* dangerous ground. I was mixing it up by going to gym three days a week, but I’m leery of gym nowadays because my back seems to go into revolt over nothing at all lately.

Well.

It rained overnight, but we could use more. Even lots more.

What’s happening with you this morning?

Addendum:

My watch reports that I had a High Stress Period from 8:34 until, err, now. I’m counseled to rest. How strange.

So! The rescued clock is still keeping the correct time back in Steve’s office. I’m taking that as circumstantial evidence that the new battery hasn’t leaked. Yet, she added darkly.

Also, the new meds upset my stomach slightly, and I couldn’t find candied ginger in the local store, which was a bummer. But, I did find, in Reny’s of course, a jar of Chiver’s Ginger Preserves, which is Sugar, Water, Ginger. I’ve been taking a spoonful of that in the morning, and it seems to be doing the job, and it tastes good, so — win.

Has anyone else local heard that Uncle Dean’s Natural Market is going to be taking over the Save-a-Lot space in the Concourse?

Also! What’s going on with hotels canceling cons six hours after everybody’s set up and running? Have contracts not been written?

For those keeping score: Trash and recycling are at the curb, and I’m drinking my second mug of tea. There may be a third mug of tea, because I’m feeling Just That Crazy.

Now to read what I wrote yesterday…

Rook pics from yesterday, when he was trying to talk me out of my yogurt. He did not succeed.

Books read in 2025

44 Atonement Sky, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling Trinity #9 (e)
43 Stone and Sky, Ben Aaronovitch (Rivers of London #10) (e)
42 Regency Buck, Georgette Heyer (re-re-re-&c-read)
41 I Dare, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (Liaden Universe #7) (page proofs)
40 To Hive and to Hold, Amy Crook (The Future of Magic #1) (e)
39 These Old Shades, Georgette Heyer, narrated by Sarah Nichols (re-re-re-&c-read, 1st time audio)
38 Faking it (Dempsey Family #2), Jennifer Crusie, narrated by Aasne Vigesaa (re-re-re-&c-read, 1st time audio)
37 Copper Script, K.J. Charles (e)
36 The Masqueraders, Georgette Heyer, narrated by Eleanor Yates (re-re-re-&c-read; 1st time audio)
35 Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language: Hereditary Deafness on Martha’s Vineyard, Nora Ellen Groce (e)
34 Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, Winifred Watson, narrated by Frances McDormand (re-re-re-&c-read; 1st time audio)
33 The Wings upon Her Back, Samantha Mills (e)
32 Death on the Green (Dublin Driver #2), Catie Murphy (e)
31 The Elusive Earl (Bad Heir Days #3), Grace Burrowes (e)
30 The Mysterious Marquess (Bad Heir Days #2), Grace Burrowes (e)
29 Who Will Remember (Sebastian St. Cyr #20), C.S. Harris (e)
28 The Teller of Small Fortunes, Julie Leong (e)
27 Check and Mate, Ali Hazelwood (e)
26 The Dangerous Duke (Bad Heir Days #1), Grace Burrowes (e)
25 Night’s Master (Flat Earth #1) (re-read), Tanith Lee (e)
24 The Honey Pot Plot (Rocky Start #3), Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer (e)
23 Very Nice Funerals (Rocky Start #2), Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer (e)
22 The Orb of Cairado, Katherine Addison (e)
21 The Tomb of Dragons, (The Cemeteries of Amalo Trilogy, Book 3), Katherine Addison (e)
20 A Gentleman of Sinister Schemes (Lord Julian #8), Grace Burrowes (e)
19 The Thirteen Clocks (re-re-re-&c read), James Thurber (e)
18 A Gentleman Under the Mistletoe (Lord Julian #7), Grace Burrowes (e)
17 All Conditions Red (Murderbot Diaries #1) (re-re-re-&c read) (audio 1st time)
16 Destiny’s Way (Doomed Earth #2), Jack Campbell (e)
15 The Sign of the Dragon, Mary Soon Lee
14 A Gentleman of Unreliable Honor (Lord Julian #6), Grace Burrowes (e)
13 Market Forces in Gretna Green (#7 Midlife Recorder), Linzi Day (e)
12 Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent, Judi Dench with Brendan O’Hea (e)
11 Code Yellow in Gretna Green (#6 Midlife Recorder), Linzi Day (e)
10 Seeing Red in Gretna Green (#5 Midlife Recorder), Linzi Day (e)
9 House Party in Gretna Green (#4 Midlife Recorder), Linzi Day (e)*
8    Ties that Bond in Gretna Green (#3 Midlife Recorder), Linzi Day (e)
7    Painting the Blues in Gretna Green (#2 Midlife Recorder), Linzi Day (e)
6 Midlife in Gretna Green (#1 Midlife Recorder), Linzi Day (e)
5    The Goblin Emperor, Katherine Addison (Author), Kyle McCarley (Narrator) re-re-re&c-read (audio)
4    The House in the Cerulean Sea, TJ Klune (e)
3    A Gentleman in Search of a Wife (Lord Julian #5) Grace Burrowes (e)
2    A Gentleman in Pursuit of the Truth (Lord Julian #4) Grace Burrowes (e)
1    A Gentleman in Challenging Circumstances (Lord Julian #3) Grace Burrowes (e)

_____
*Note: The list has been corrected. I did not realize that the Gretna Green novella was part of the main path, rather than a pleasant discursion, and my numbering was off. All fixed now.

He either fails or he succeeds

Sunday. Bright and cool. Cats are installed in the open windows. Trooper has had his first half-a-can of cat food. Biscuits are in the toaster oven and in a minute or two I’ll have to interrupt myself to heat the pan for sausage patties. Apparently, it’s Indulgence Weekend. Except for the part after breakfast when I need to change out the cat boxes and vacuum the basement.

It looks like the tree guy has ghosted me. This makes the fourth tree guy to do so. I’m getting tired of the game, but — onward to the next on the list, I guess. Maybe I can go down to the river and enlist some beavers.

So, yesterday during my ride, I thought of — many things, actually. But one thing I recalled was the Editorial Advice, ‘way back in the day, that we Branch Out in our writing, due to the Danger that our names would become inextricably entangled with this light-and-silly space opera universe that had (tanked), to the detriment of our careers.

And, I dunno, maybe she was right. It was a Theme throughout our Early Years — that we wrote a clean enough hand and if we would just Get Serious and lean harder (a lot harder) on the science in Science Fiction, Great Things could be done for us by other people. One guy told Steve to ditch the girl, that she was doing His Career no good. And that was before I got to put my name first on the universe I had created. Several colleagues told us to ditch the romance, because that would “alienate” True Readers of the genre.

We were too stubborn, and too enamored of our own vision to take the advice of Older and More Experienced Heads — and here we are. Our names are inextricably entangled with that space opera universe, which is neither as light nor as silly as some folks persist in believing. It did sorta damage our credibility when we produced other projects — they were inevitably compared to the Liaden books and invariably found wanting. Steve never did finish his own novel, though he did take Jethri under his wing when I was So. Done. With. This! Kid!

On the other hand — I said this just recently in a speech — we had fun. Even? A lot of fun, in our personal life, and in our professional life. Yes, there were problems, and Mistakes Were Made, but, yanno? That is life. Which begins to infringe on those other things I was thinking about yesterday, on my ride.

So! Biscuits with sausage and cheddar cheese for breakfast. It was very good, as Forbidden Treats so often are. Trooper has finished eating his first can of cat food on the day, and I’m drinking my second cup of tea as I address you here.

When my tea’s done, I’ll get with my chores. Salad for lunch, I think — I have lettuce, tomato, tuna, hard boiled eggs. That sounds like a salad. Oh. And olive bread. Mmmmm, olive bread.

How’s your day starting out?

Today’s blog post title is, of course, from Mr. Paul Simon, “One Trick Pony,” — a live version at the link, because art is hard work. Even when you’re having fun.

There was a call for a picture of the earrings I bought yesterday. I live to serve: rutilated quartz, silver, gold. With obligatory black felt woven with cat fur. Artist Trish Conant. (There was a comment Elsewhere that they looked heavy. In fact, they’re very light. The stones are thin, as is the metal. I wore them for a few hours yesterday after I got home, and I forgot I had them in. Very pleased with this purchase.)

Saturday’s adventures

My goodness what a pleasant day.

The high point, of course, is that I quite by accident scored my ninth store on my Reny’s Passport and for this achievement I was awarded! a Reny’s candy bar of my choice (my choice being dark chocolate and seal salt), and a $10 Reny’s gift card. Only 10 more to do, but, honestly? I’m probably not going to make it.

The craft fair was a lovely thing, very small but high quality. I talked to people about glass making, and pottery, and jewelry, and writing, bought some handmade soap (peppermint and lemongrass, since you ask), and a pair of earrings made out of rutilated quartz, which NOBODY makes jewelry out of rutilated quartz and I adore the stuff, so there we are.

I spaced around Longfellow’s for quite some time and managed not to buy any plants, because then I would have to plant them, and then my back would go out, and I’d really rather not. It was hard turning down more lavender, though. Especially since it was on sale.

After I was done at the greenhouse and the fair, I went for a ride. Steve usually provided rides, but I made this one for myself and it was quite nice. I went through Readfield and Fayette, and Mount Vernon, eventually mooched over to Wilton, thence to Farmington, where I spent some time exploring The Center for Entrepreneurial Studies — apparently the successor to the new age shop that had been on the opposite corner forever, drove through Strong and New Vineyard (deciding against Rangeley or Kingfield), Madison, stopped for a slightly late lunch at Ken’s in Skowhegan, veered to Pittsfield, where I got my 9th Reny’s stamp, then came home through Canaan, and over East River Road, stopping at the Dairy Queen on the Fairfield side of town for a chocolate-and-vanilla (softserve) twist inna cup.

It was an eye-opener, my ride. So much stuff has changed since the last time I’d been by certain places — which would be anywhere from two to five years ago — but, in all, a nice day, a nice ride, some good conversations and now I’m in for a few days, though I may venture out again next Saturday, to the Rock Show in Augusta.

The coon cats are after Happy Hour, and honestly? I could use a glass of wine my own self, so I think we’ll be moving in that direction.

What did y’all do today?

Friday in reverse

Facebook free association:

ONE: Oh, look! Somebody who wants me to pay them to write a guest blog on sharonleewriter.com.

Um, no. But thanks for thinking of me, Sandra.

Sheesh.

Trooper has probably eaten more today than he had in the last week. Fingers continued to be crossed, which makes it kind of hard to sort laundry.

Second load of laundry washing, because — why not? First load drying. Vacuuming ongoing. Hard boiled eggs on the make. Time to unload the dishwasher.

TWO: Well. Pork chops. Tuna fish. Hardboiled eggs. Rice.

I’ve got enough food for days…

THREE: Oh. I’ve had one kind and two kinda miffed queries on this, so!

The reason the book-in-progress isn’t due until next April is because the rush to get Diviner’s Bow out “on time,” kinda fried me. I don’t write well with a fried brain, and since I’m the only writing brain presently on the premises, we must be protective of my health.

That’s why the turn-in date for the next book is April 2026.

Yes, that does mean it will be a subjectively “long time” between books, for some folks. One upon a time, there was ten years between books; so a couple months is nothing. No, really; it’s nothing.

Also, yanno, other people are writing books that are entirely readable, or! if you’re in the mood for Korval Shenanigans, particularly, you can re-read the 27 books that have already been published.

It’s not that I’m unsympathetic, but killing writers is not the way to get new books.

Down in your sea of pens and feathers

What went before ONE: Back from the vet. Trooper was a Very Good cat, and spoke not one angry word to me on either side of the trip, and purred the whole time the doctor was examining him. He has lost more than the home scale had indicated, and right now the only thing we can do is … guess.

So! We’re guessing that he’s not in pain. We’re guessing that maybe? the steroids helped last time. And we’re guessing that maybe? there’s a low-lying infection that the antibiotic will root out.

Otherwise, he has Fading Old Cat Syndrome.

Thanks to everyone who has made suggestions for food. It’s not that he’s not hungry; it’s that he forgets what food is halfway through eating it. And he absolutely refuses dry food (aka crunchies) which, if he has a tooth infection (and no, neither the vet nor I want to sedate him at this point), the antibiotic will nail it.

In short. We’re doing what we can. And may I say that the medical literature for cats is really … sparse.

Cat census below. Tali’s fan club, and Rook’s, will be interested to see that she takes up considerably less room on top of the supply dresser than he does.

What went before TWO: The chapter-by-chapter is complete. Tomorrow, I map holes and make notes. The WIP is, roughly, half-written. Deadline is April 2026.

Onward.

Trooper ate a whole! can! of Fancy Feast! Which is something like 3.2 ounces, but hey.

Sarah arrives early tomorrow, so I’ll do a little bit of picking up before Happy Hour and my dinner.

Everybody stay safe; I’ll see you tomorrow.

Friday. Sunny and cool-so-far. Windows are open.

Sarah messages that a family emergency keeps her from making our date to have her clean this morning. Sigh.

Trooper has had about a can and a half of Fancy Feast; he has not thrown up, and is now sleeping/snoring in the copilot’s chair, so something’s working. Fingers crossed.

Since Sarah will not be coming by, I’ll deploy some vacuum cleaners and throw in a load of laundry (which I was going to do anyway), empty the dishwasher (ditto), and get to work. I need to bake some pork chops, so I’ll be heating up the oven.

Onward.

Trooper as reported is in the copilot’s chair; Tali is on the supply dresser, nose to the open window; Firefly’s gone downstairs, I believe, and Rook is taking advantage of Conditions.

How’s everybody doing this morning?

Today’s blog post title brought to you by Counting Crows, “Rain King.”

Errors and Anniversaries

What went before: So, back home and groceries put away. I saw the doctor, who is not accepting new patients, but was very helpful on the topic for which I had been referred.

Got the car washed, hit the grocery store, which was notable for the things that weren’t on the shelves — rice is decimated again, also cottage cheese and yogurt. Some shelves were empty, most were full, but the variety was down — six rows of salt and vinegar chips by the same company is kind of excessive? I bought some pork chops to make for the freezer, but gave up on trying to figure out chicken between the sizes and the prices. I had a bet with myself that I’d hit three large, and was only two bucks off.

I haven’t been to the post office, so I’ll do that!

After lunch.

How’s Wednesday at your place?

What went before: For someone who isn’t an artist, I have a bunch of crafty things around here. Today, I am grateful for my light box, which I guess nowadays is called a “copy board” on account of it isn’t a box anymore, but a flat sheet of acrylic. And I remain astounded that I should even know what a light box is, but doing layout opens many strange doors.

I finished off the day by going to the post office, 5 Below, and Reny’s. I thought I had managed to purchase three solutions, but only two work. Given the one that didn’t work cost less than $2, I don’t feel too bad about that.

Chatted with Trooper’s doctor on the phone, and as a result, Trooper will be visiting tomorrow morning. Then I have phone calls and? Maybe I can finish up the chapter-by-chapter and even get a spot of writing done. That would be nice.

I think I’ll be going out to the Designing Women craft fair at Longfellow’s in Manchester on Saturday. It’s been all summer and I haven’t been to a craft fair. …Unless you count going to Corning.

It is just coon cat happy hour, so I guess I’d better get with the program.

Everybody stay safe; I’ll see you tomorrow.

Thursday. Sunny and cool; a really lovely morning. Heading for the high 70sF, the start of a climb to the mid-80sF, which we’ll see on Saturday.

Up at 6. Fed Trooper his morning gravy, but declined to feed him anything more, because I’d really rather he didn’t throw up in the car.

Breakfast was a cheddar cheese on toasted raisin bread sandwich. Second cup of tea to hand. I need to make a pot of rice today, and I have no idea what lunch will be.

I’ve read the first half of the book club book and started Atonement Sky by Nalini Singh.

Trooper’s due at the vet’s in about an hour, and the rest of the day kind of waits on what we find out there.

Because a couple of people have asked this now, and because I’m puzzled about why this is suddenly a Confusion, let me say this!

I Dare by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller was first published by Meisha Merlin Publishing in February 2002 (which doesn’t seem possible, but let’s not go there right now), in hard cover and trade paper. It was republished as a mass market paperback by Ace Books, in 2003. It was republished by Baen as part of the omnibus trade paper Korval’s Game in 2011. It is being republished by Baen as an “anniversary” trade paper, with a new Author’s Afterword, in December 2025. It’s also been published in two or three ebook iterations.

So, to answer the question as it’s been put — Yes, I Dare was published “a long time ago.” In fact, it was first published 23 years ago. It’s also being reissued this year. Publishers do this. Authors like it, because it means the book is out there for new readers to find.

Baen has previously issued anniversary editions of! Local Custom, Scout’s Progress, Agent of Change, Conflict of Honors, Carpe Diem, Plan B. So this isn’t new territory for them.

Bonus Question: Why did I have to read the page proofs for I DARE, which has, after all, Already Been Published?

Bonus Answer: To find errors/typos. We/I read proofs from Meisha Merlin, Ace, Baen, and this pass I still found typos.

Lesson Learned: Just because a book has been published does not mean it is error-free. Or, as we say in the biz: There’s no such thing as a typo-free book.

And, while we’re doing the Time Warp: Agent of Change was first published in February 1988, when Steve was 37 and I was 35. I will very soon be 73, so — been doing this thing for half my life.

So, that. I should get the car out of the garage so it can warm up in the sun. Trooper has his Standards, after all.

What’s everybody doing today?

Have a picture of Perkin’s Cove this morning, courtesy of Barnacle Billy’s: