Links: Feb. 2010

William's take on indie presses. Something I love about the (many) smart people I know is that they tell or explain things so well... I'd be envious, except that it's too excellent.

The amiable Rachel Olivier, my generous colleague and kind friend, did an interview in 2008. She tried many options while seeking work, and did very well. I highly recommend learning how she did so.

There's a new literary project in town. Go see!


And for entertainment, another friend of mine found the Basic Laws of Human Stupidity. He listed No. 4 on his blog [hi, Joel!].

Another funny -- one debut author's take on Amazonfail. :> Enjoy!


New milestone:

I've got three books this month, which all came in this week. So that busy for this month thing? Increased.

I may be a leetle quiet here.

Definitely a happy crazy-busy though!

2010 February.

Also busy. I have a book in now that's unusual and really neat, from a repeat client, and a new prospect as well.

So I may be rearranging some of my 'zine commitments.

Outside work, I am doing bureaucratic Stuff related to my move here.

Amazon Fail: 2010

You've likely heard about Amazon and Macmillan. If you haven't, this is a good time. For some excerpts to pull you in, Teresa has an overview at Making Light.

Note that John Scalzi's summing-up today, which I first saw quoted by Teresa, made me laugh for a very long time. Go, John!

Scott Westerfeld defines the stakes. Kudos, Scott! It may be childish of me, but I love your PS especially. :>

Charlie Stross pulls no punches, as always. :D I got Charlie's link an outsider's guide from Scott, btw.

Tobias Buckell explains the sausage-making aspect, which includes hard figures and economics -- which he rightly bills as the "intimate details of publishing" -- and very well worth the time needed to read it.


And Scalzi also gives several reports, such as a Quick Note on eBook Pricing and It's All About Timing.

All this reminds me why I love my Tribe. I wish I could articulate why meaningfully right now, but -- damn, I'm pleased, and I love you all for thinking and then telling us all about it. Because sf readers are thinkers [paraphrase of Fred Pohl].

CNET also details why e-books aren't cheaper. [Through Scalzi -- thanks, John!!] That's plenty, except as leavening, here's a cool post by the Sage HapiSofi, from Absolute Write... on $1000 copy editing.

Links: January

Locus Magazine is seeking interns.

Although I enjoyed being the runner and part-time law library clerk back in 1989... I realize now that I would have killed to be Locus' intern. Half my lifetime ago. :> They may not send you to a castle like my law firm did -- but you never know, they might.

Kid Goth: Neil Gaiman. :D 'Nuff said, right? Heh.

I agree that Coraline is creepier for adults, because I now have a serious phobia about button eyes, which I can honestly blame on Neil. I love him anyway; he's too nice a person for any other choice.

The WSNB needs YOUR help!

And I have somewhat of a personal interest, in that I have proofed two different ads for this book -- one ad's running in EV 20, and t'other ran in EV 19. Go forth and buy it! (I just did.) The cover art's lovely, BTW.

Charlie Stross on monetization, aka why Google is not my friend.
Cory Doctorow explains about new media in Close enough for rock 'n' roll.

Author Kage Baker is dying of cancer... and hasn't much longer. John posted about her in his miscellany, and Jeff VanderMeer has given contact info for reaching her. Please, if she matters to you, take a bit to write her. Today. Please.

Images of ConFusion

So... my time at ConFusion was a mixture of seeing friends and meeting new people; room parties; William Jones' launch party for Pallid Light, and William's photos of same; and the Sunday wedding of Richard Tucholka and Melody Natcher.

The latter featured Cthulhu bouquets for the bridesmaids, and the cake had a giant silver UFO hanging off the side. The processional was The Addams Family theme. Most memorable ever wedding.

I can't figure out why the legions of photographers haven't posted pix yet!

I spent much time in the dealers' room, and some time hanging out in the gaming area. :>

Here's Peter S. Beagle singing. :D I also got to Mike Resnick's Sunday reading, which was fantastic.

Some folks I met:

• Monique Magee and Robert Lazich at Dwarf Planet Press [which comes out of ECDI]
• John Grace of Brillance Audio, who then let me lead him around the dealer room
  
• Chris Chivers of Naloomi's Workshop, makers of really cool architecture for miniatures to run amok in
• Gozer Games, the creators of Collateral Damage, an anime boardgame; they also ran a Zombie/Ninja/Pirates/Mad Scientist party :D
• I also spoke with Connor, who ran Peter S. Beagle's booth, and saw the gorgeous new artwork there by a talented young artist
  

And the Rebel Legion was present, so between them and the steampunk crew -- for which I cannot yet locate pix, alas! -- the con was pretty colorful. There is nothing in this world, truly, like seeing Princess Leia in her original white dress leaning over a white laptop.

"Something to read..."

Paula Guran on the WSJ, which bewails the death of the slush pile.

My friend Jeremy talks about where his WiP are: Threepio?!?

M. Keaton tells how it used to be. :D

-- Considering that I was just looking up a certain kind of signature format... which I still haven't yet located... Anyone else who remembers pounding on typewriters, sing out.

Angry Robot sample chapters, Feb. 2010.

So do count this as a bit of entertainment along with whatever else. :> I won't be online much, barring email, while I'm out of town. Starting Thursday. Try not to break the InterWeb while I'm gone. ;d

Mid-January -- right?

I haven't been reading any blogs except EV, so no other links today.

I delivered my January book, and now I'm on my smaller deadlines -- smaller as in lower word counts. So this week is all about 'zines. :> I sent in NYSRF already; time for Locus, Shimmer, and EV.

FYI: That book was about 98k, so one of my higher word counts.

I'll also be packing for my trip. I keep feeling like it's next week, or nearly next weekend, so I look at the calendar a lot. Nothing like living in the future a little too much!

ETA: Moonie on OW, or, the Dreaded Overwriter!