Journal
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February 6, 2010
Fighting a frog in my throat. Or perhaps it's a princess. You never know what will crawl in there when sleeping with an open mouth.
reading: Magic for Beginners (Kelly Link)
February 4, 2010
There's been a great deal of recent blogging and discussion about the disagreement between Amazon.com and Macmillan publishers. Of course I believe that writers should be paid as much as possible, and can make a living at it (and hope to myself one day). And with the standard cut of sales being 8–12% per sale, I believe that a huge retailer should set low prices (as much as I like buying a book on sale) and dictating prices to the publisher. I wholeheartedly disagree with Amazon removing all of Macmillan's titles, a childish way to behave. While the publishing industry may be perceived as a big slow-moving machine, I believe that it's the traditions of that industry and all of the very necessary roles included therein — editors, book designers, publishers, agents — who make books into quality products. All of these people must be paid a percentage, and I think the publishers know better what price to charge. What surprises me in all of this discussion is how some customers still argue that e-books should be free.
More good thoughts on this topic from Jay Lake, John Scalzi, Anna Tambour, Charles Stross, and Tobias Buckell.
reading: Blood Meridian (Cormac McCarthy)
January 26, 2010
At last night's reading, I read a short story about the end of the world. It seemed wholly appropriate in the quiet setting of a patisserie coffee shop. It's been two years since I read that piece aloud, and I have a few ideas.
reading: my stories (at Lili Patisserie)
January 24, 2010
That has to be a personal record — a same-day rejection slip. And I'd sent the story back out immediately after receiving a rejection. So, same story rejected twice in one day. The one-two hook. I must dodge and weave. I must bend like a reed in the wind.
reading: rejection slips (ouch)
January 23, 2010
Reliving the younger years of marathon birthdays, this year will include: beer tasting, BBQ, bowling, bottle shop, and late night cart food — all in successive two-hour blocks. Ready, go!
having: birthday (avec friends)
January 22, 2010
If you sent me a message between Nov. 11 and today, please do so again. My sincere apologies. It seems that I neglected something on the backend during the split of various owlsoup.com websites. You likely receiving a confirmation, but sadly, it was a lie. Yes, my site lied to you. It sent your message to nowhere.
watching: Dollhouse (season 2)
January 18, 2010
Great fun skiing and hanging with friends in central Oregon. Warm weather and eventually some new snow. My knees are not what they once were.
skiing: Mt. Bachelor
January 14, 2010
Had a longer story picked out, but since there were three readers, I didn't want to hog the time. Plus, the story I had in mind seemed too heavy for that audience.
reading: my stories (St. John's Booksellers)
January 12, 2010
I read a new story last night. Not sure if I like it yet. Wish I had another new piece. Already feel constrained by these flash fiction pieces, think I'll read a real short story tomorrow night.
reading: my stories (at Powell's)
January 9, 2010
Three readings this month. I'm jittery nervous excited about reading at Powell's Books.
reading: American Fantastic Tales vol 1 (ed. Peter Straub)
January 6, 2010
My parents' insistence finally wore me down, and I screened our short film for them, and my bro-in-law. He concurred that her low diet of horror movies would keep her from being able to see this one as well. Like all good parents, they commended me on the accomplishment of the story's craft and completing a project. Though I couldn't tell if they liked it.
watching: Effulgence (dir. Jeremy Peterson)