Uncle Hugo’s Science Fiction Bookstore in Minneapolis will be your source for signed copies of Dragon in Exile. Ordering will open at the end of February/beginning of March and close on May 1. More details — and a link! — as they become available.
Uncle Hugo’s (and its brother store, Uncle Edgar’s) ships worldwide, and does not charge your credit card until your order has been assembled and is ready to go.
The nice folks at SasQuan have just reminded me that Award Season has opened and that it’s time for those who wish to do so to nominate works for the Hugo Awards ballot (more information here).
Below is a list of our eligible works, with links to those that are available for reading on the web, followed by some auctorial commentary.
Works are listed in this format:
TITLE, MONTH OF PUBLICATION, VENUE, WORD COUNT, CATEGORY
Everybody ready?
Here you are:
The author known as Sharon Lee and Steve Miller published three eligible works in 2014.
The Rifle’s First Wife, January, Splinter Universe, 13,350, novelette |LINK TO STORY|
Roving Gambler, April, Splinter Universe, 15,432, novelette |LINK TO STORY|
Code of Honor, May, Splinter Universe, 10,805, novelette |LINK TO STORY|
(PLEASE NOTE: 2014 was a year in which no new Liaden book was published. Yes, the mass market editions of Necessity’s Child and Trade Secret came out in 2014, but those editions are reprints. When in doubt, check the copyright page of the book in question.)
The author known as Sharon Lee published three eligible works in 2014.
The Gift of Music, January, Baen.com, 5,048, short story |LINK TO STORY|
Carousel Sun, February, Baen, 104,000, novel |SAMPLE CHAPTERS|
The Night Don’t Seem So Lonely, December, Baen.com, 8,334, novelette |LINK TO STORY|
Auctorial Commentary
Last Award Season was. . .exceptionally acrimonious. Somewhere within the general hootenanny and rending of garments, there stirred to life a relatively small, little scoldy thingy which was trying to become a Rule, to wit: That authors ought only to bring forward those works they had published in the previous year that were worthy.
This is bullshit, and I will tell you why.
The Hugo Awards are a readers award. That means that the readers decide which works are “worthy.” How do they do that? By reading the works published in the previous year and deciding which one(s) they liked best. You may say that no one can read all the works published in the previous year. I would say that you are right, but nonetheless, it is not the job of authors to predigest their work for you.
For one thing, authors are, historically, lousy at picking their own best works. That’s because we created the work. I can’t “read” my work. I can analyze it; I can deconstruct it; but in the end, I, the creator, am not the audience for my work.
Do I have favorites among those works we published last year? Yes. Yes, I do. Steve has favorites, too. And you know what? They’re not the same. And the reasons that Stories X and Y are favorites? Have nothing to do with the “worthiness” of those stories in terms of consideration for a reader’s award.
I’ll end with an anecdote. Back in nineteen-aught-eighty-one, I wrote a story titled “Master of the Winds.” It was a young story, even for that early stage of my career. It was never anything but journeyman work.
And yet?
Fifteen years into the following century, thirty-four years after it was written, I still, once or even twice a year receive an email from a reader who will cite “Master of Winds” as one of their favorite stories ever.
If that’s so — and why would they say so, if it wasn’t? — then who on earth am I to tell them they’re wrong?
Oh, one more thing. Last year, another scoldy little thingy arose from the group discussion, and tried its damnedest to grow up into a Rule. That one was: It is Unseemly for Women Talk About their Award Eligible Works.
That’s bullshit, too. I’ll leave it to you to figure out why.
I have been remiss in letting y’all know of a wonderful present created for you — yes, you! — by David Mattingly, in concert with Toni Weisskopf, Madame the Publisher, of Baen Books.
David, of course, has painted six brilliant Liaden Universe® covers: Saltation, Mouse and Dragon, Ghost Ship, Dragon Ship, Necessity’s Child, and Dragon in Exile. We admire his work greatly, but with this time, he’s outdone himself.
Without further ado, then, we offer you the animated version of the cover for Dragon in Exile, an effort that has variously been described as wonderful, terrifying, cheesy, fabulous, frisking weird, annoying, awesome, great, and stunning.
What do you think? Take a look and let me know.
LEE AND MILLER REGRET
Sharon and Steve are very sorry to have to cancel out of Boskone and SasQuan. The reasons are complex, having to do with a challenging combination of financial, time, and health resources. We’re not happy about this, but — our health comes first, as do the two Liaden books that are to be delivered in 2015.
NOTE: We are, with appropriate time to schedule and prepare, available to Skype to conventions and/or fan gatherings. Please write to Steve via Facebook or at kinzelATkorvalDOTcom if you would like to coordinate a Skype event.
BOOK TOUR DISTANT EARLY WARNING
In early June, Baen will be sending Steve and Sharon on a Northeast book tour in support of Dragon in Exile, the 18th novel of the Liaden Universe(R). More details as they are forthcoming.
WE HAD FUN AT PHILCON
We had a great time as Principal Speakers at PhilCon, in mid-November. Thanks to the ConCom for inviting us; for all the folks who stopped to talk with us; and the stuffies who made it their business to attend the Teddy Bear Tea. Also, a special shout-out to Gene Olmstead, for his outstanding assistance with the Teddy Bear Tea, elevating what we expected to be a pleasant, low-key gathering into one of the High Points of the Season.
For those who were not able to come to PhilCon, the text of our Guest of Honor speech may be read here: http://korval.com/2014/11/28/lee-and-millers-philcon-principal-speaker-speech-in-its-entirety/
ARCHERS BEACH NEWS
Carousel Seas, the final book in the Archers Beach trilogy, was published on January 6, 2015, and is now available as a trade paperback; an ebook; and an audiobook! In addition, signed copies of the trade paperback, as well as other Lee, and Lee-and-Miller novels, are available from Uncle Hugo’s SF Bookstore in Minneapolis. Uncle Hugo’s does mail order around the world. Here’s your link: http://www.unclehugo.com/prod/ah-lee-miller.php
Also! Archers Beach novelette, “The night don’t seem so lonely,” has been published at Baen.com, where you may read it for free. Here’s the link: http://www.baen.com/The_night_dont_seem_so_lonely.asp
PODCASTS
Sharon recently chatted with Baen editor Tony Daniel about Carousel Seas and the Archers Beach Trilogy, here: http://baen.com/podcast/mp3/Baen-Free-Radio-Hour-2015-01-02-Sharon-Lee-Magic-39.mp3
Steve and Sharon talk about A Liaden Universe® Constellation Volume 2, here: http://www.baen.com/podcast/mp3/Baen-Free-Radio-Hour-2014-02-07-Lee-Miller-Shadow-47.mp3
Check out the other many fine podcasts with Baen authors here: http://baen.com/podcast/podcast.asp
EYE CANDY
For those who missed it, and for those who would like to see it again, here’s the link to David Mattingly’s cover for Dragon in Exile: http://korval.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DragonInExileFinal_Flat.jpg
We’re told by those who read kanji and Turkish that the two signs on the sides of the alley read: The Dragon in Exile; and The Dragon is in the Coffeehouse. Which is really going the extra mile. And, yes, there is a cat in the painting, as always.
Those who would like a print of this cover art (and, also, possibly of others of the Mattingly covers), write to David Mattingly at davidATmattinglyDOTcom.
SILLY SEASON
Award Season is upon us, where authors point to their work published in the previous year, and ask readers to remember those works when it comes time to vote on the Nebulas, Hugos, and other awards and best-of lists that are coming up.
Lee and Miller had published several novelettes in 2014. Here are the titles, and the links, so that you may read, or re-read, the work:
The Rifle’s First Wife, published January 20, 2014, at Splinter Universe: http://splinteruniverse.com/?page_id=673 (novelette)
Roving Gambler, published April 15, 2014, at Splinter Universe: http://splinteruniverse.com/?page_id=763 (novelette)
Code of Honor, published May 5, 2014, at Splinter Universe: http://splinteruniverse.com/?page_id=816 (novelette)
IN ADDITION, Sharon Lee saw published a novel, a short story, and a novelette, listed below, with links, for your convenience:
Gift of Music, short story published January 15, 2014, at Baen.com: http://baen.com/MusicGift.asp
Carousel Sun, novel published February 15, 2014, by Baen
The night don’t seem so lonely, novelette published December 15, 2014 at Baen.com: http://www.baen.com/The_night_dont_seem_so_lonely.asp
LIADEN WIKI NEEDS YOU
In case you haven’t noticed, Gus Fleischman and various other volunteers have been building a wiki designed especially for those interested in things Liaden. You can find it here:
http://liaden.wikia.com/wiki/Liaden_Wiki and you’ll see it covers such things as a timeline, names, bows, and more – lots more – there are 75 pages worth so far. If there’s something you’d like to see (Is there a section on weaponry? How about a list of planets? What food (if any) has been named?) you can add it, help beef up what’s there, or make a request to your friends. If you’ve always wanted to reach out to other Friends of Liad, this is a good place to start!
LIADEN UNIVERSE(R) IN THE NEWS
Jeff Somers writes about military sf/space opera for BN News: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/sci-fi-fantasy/genre-primer-military-sci-fi/
2015 PUBLICATION SCHEDULE
January 6: Carousel Seas, final book in Sharon Lee’s Archers Beach Trilogy
May 15: Short story for Baen.com, title TBA
June 2: Dragon in Exile, 18th novel of the Liaden Universe(R) EARC published approximately 60-90 days prior to paper publication
August 4: A Liaden Universe® Constellation, Volume 3
DELIVERY SCHEDULE (NOTE: these are deadlines for turn-in Madame the Editor, NOT publication dates)
April 15, 2015: Short story for Baen.com, title TBA
May 29, 2015: Alliance of Equals
November 15, 2015: Sequel to Alliance of Equals (aka Third of Five)
August 15, 2016: Fourth of Five
May 15, 2017: Fifth of Five
Blogs and Other Webly Things of Note
Steve Miller’s blog, Journeyman: http://kinzel.livejournal.com/
Sharon Lee’s blog, Eagles over the Kennebec: http://rolanni.livejournal.com/
Sharon Lee’s “Professional” blog: http://sharonleewriter.com
Splinter Universe Discussion List: http://splinterverse.livejournal.com
Facebook Connections — please feel free to add us!
http://facebook.com/kinzel — Steve Miller
http://facebook.com/rolanni — Sharon Lee
Pinbeam Books: http://www.pinbeambooks.com an online catalog, with vendor links, to all Lee-and-Miller eChapbooks
Splinter Universe: http://www.splinteruniverse.com features outtakes, splinters, and oddities from the Lee&Miller writing career, currently changes irregularly.
Welcome to Liad — The official homepage for Liaden Universe® news — http://www.korval.com
The Hyperspatial Boardwalk Shop: T-shirts, mugs, more! — http://www.cafepress.com/hyperspatial
Liaden Interest Groups on Facebook
Clan Korval: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=38719490864&ref=ts
Friends of Liad: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=16280839259&ref=ts
Flaran chamenthi: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=2213414696&ref=ts
Twitter
Steve’s on Twitter: http://twitter.com/bechimo
Sharon’s on Twitter, too: http://twitter.com/ClanKorval
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/rolanni/
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: http://www.fireopal.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/liadenuniversenews
So, things have been rockin’ and rollin’ here at the Confusion Factory. Yesterday, we took time out from holiday prep (insert laugh track) to take Steve to the weekend clinic at Inland Hospital, where he achieved the diagnosis of bronchial pneumonia, orders to Take It Easy, and a prescription for antibiotics. It was a little bit of a zoo getting the prescription filled, what with the lines of communication at our favored pharmacy having gone down for more than an hour, and eventually necessitated a second trip into town, but all was at last accomplished, at last, by Steve — who won the second trip into town by the simple tactic of being awake when it came time to go. He brought home a late lunch of nutritious Kentucky Fried Chicken (original), mashed potatoes, and gravy. Easily, the best meal either of us has eaten in a month. It’s true what they say about hot grease, and salt.
The rest of the evening was filled out by Steve napping in Princess Jasmine Sprite’s blue throne, with the Princess herself holding him down, and Sharon alternately reading and napping on the couch.
Finally, we rose and sought our bed, and that, as they say, was that.
Today, we expect more of the same sort of excitement. I’m concentrating on a Miraculous Cure on my own behalf, because if I don’t get one today, it will be my turn with the doctor tomorrow.
So, that.
In other news, I have succeeded in offending someone with “The night don’t seem so lonely,” so, if you haven’t read it, this may be the moment.
Also! If you’ve read Carousel Seas, as some of you have, please consider leaving a reader review on BN.com, Amazon, Goodreads, Baen, or other sites that you may frequent. Early reviews help readers who may be on the fence about buying the paper copy. Also, early reviews help the author, by demonstrating that people not only anticipated, but immediately put the book at the top of their TBR pile.
Thank you.
. . .and I think that’s all I got.
A blessed solstice to those who celebrate, and — everybody stay healthy, right?
Today’s blog post is brought to you by the Shakers, Simple Gifts.
Someone asked that I put the links I’ve been scattering about over the last couple days “in one place” in order to make them easy to find.
There aren’t all that many links, unless someone has been adding extras in while I was napping, but, insofar as there are links, here they are:
The Night Don’t Seem So Lonely — an Archers Beach story, free to read on Baen.com
Carousel Seas eBook, direct from Baen
Carousel Seas eBook, from the Kindle Store
PREORDER Carousel Seas from Audible
As stated elsewhere, I am still waiting for the delivery of the pre-ordered trade paperback editions of Carousel Seas to arrive from the warehouse. It’s snowing, so it’s probable that today is the day. As soon as the books arrive, I will unpack them, sign them, repack them and call UPS for a pickup and a ride to Uncle Hugo’s just as quickly as I possibly can.
In other news, I am, preposterously, still not well, though no longer actively sick. Which is, yanno, progress. I’ve lost almost a month to this thing, which is bitter, indeed. As soon as I can safely use my brain, I’ll need to do some counting, but I don’t think I’m on track for an on time delivery anymore (insert favorite curse here).
Trooper had a delightful birthday, and thanks all his fans for their well-wishes.
I had some adventures with the ACA in between it all, but I’ll save that story for another day.
Everybody be good.
The Kindle edition of Carousel Seas is now available for download from Amazon.
Those who prefer to download their ebooks directly from Baen, may do so from this link.
ALSO!
The Audible edition of Carousel Seas is now available for pre-order from this link.
For those who pre-ordered signed copies of Carousel Seas from Uncle Hugo, I am awaiting delivery of the books from the warehouse. As soon as they arrive, I will — as quickly as I can manage — sign those 100 books and send them on to the Uncle.
Thank you for your patience.
For those who were not able to attend our speech at PhilCon, and for those who did attend, but who were not able to hear all of it, the text — with stage directions! — has been posted here, for your reading pleasure.
This just in from Madame the Editor. The artist is, I believe, Stephen Hickman.
*drum roll, please*
The cover art for A Liaden Universe® Constellation, Volume Three, coming from Baen in August 2015:
For those who are curious, here’s the table of contents
Authors’ Foreword
Code of Honor
Guaranteed Delivery
Intelligent Design
Out of True
Roving Gambler
King of the Cats
Kin Ties
The Rifle’s First Wife
The Space at Tinsori Light
Landed Alien
Moon’s Honor
Quick Working Glossary