Writer's and Reader's Resources

Everyone needs a hand up to succeed in the arts. Well, unless you have some kind of magic you're not telling us about. I'm inviting speculative fiction writers to check out one of the places where I'm still getting a hand up. Other World's Writers' Workshop. I've been in lots of critique groups. They come and go. They help, they don't. This one is the one that I have consistently benefited from over the years. They have lots of helpful resources on the main page and the workshop is great. The rules are tough, but that's why it works and it's still around after at least five years.

Now, if you write ANYTHING (minus grocery lists, letters, emails and to-do lists) and live in California, here's the place to be: California Writers' Club. They have about 17 branches throughout the state. Tons of help and resources. I highly recommend checking them out. Go to their website to find a branch near you.

Not to forget you readers out there, if you haven't discover Fantastic Fiction, today's the day. Don't you hate it when you pick up a used paperback or a book in the library that's part of series, and it doesn't tell you the order of them on the flap? Problem solved.

My favorite Reads of 2007

My favorite reads for 2007 are posted at Mostly Fiction. Armageddon's Children by Terry Brooks should also be on that list. Just finished it last night. Loved it! My review will be there sometime soon. Oh, and I just remembered! Coyote Blue by Christopher Moore. I just emailed the editor, asking her to add it. I guess I better keep a reading log!

My TBR (to be read) shelf is never going to get any thinner. I keep buying books faster than I'm reading them. You know why I don't read mysteries? Because I'm afraid I'd like them too much! I'm reading A Princess of Roumania by Paul Park now - a recent acquisition - see what I mean? I'll let you know what I think.

Of course there were some "wish I hadn't" reads in 2007 but we won't go there. I'll take Thumper's advice on that one: "If you don't have nuthin nice to say, don't say nuthin at all." We had a code for that in our family. If one of the kids started to forget that bit of advice, I'd thump my foot to remind them.

And now if you'll excuse me, I have to go read! Tomorrow I write fiction, non-fiction and critiques - little time to read.

I DON'T believe in curses!

I'm not superstitious. I'm really not. Nor am I paranoid. But after this many mechanical revolts, I'm getting there. I keep thinking about Codgerspace by Alan Dean Foster. An errant cheese sandwich brings sentience to toasters and other assorted computerized devices.

Everything's computerized these days. Let's hope that Alan Dean Foster isn't a modern prophet. Last month three of our household's three cars needed repair. 2 of 3 were the radiator. Then my husband gets a ride to Colma with a friend and his friend's car breaks down. Care to guess what was wrong with it? The radiator. Let me say right here and now that if your radiator fails after reading this I'm not responsible. I can't be. Can I? (crazy thoughts colliding in my grey matter)

So, now it's November. The brand new washer we bought in October didn't last a month. The next day the internet crapped out. That, thankfully was a problem on their end which they rectified in a matter of hours. So, that's two. They say these things come in threes. You know, the "they" who believe in curses, omens and such. Last night my printer decided it was a fine evening to blow a gasket. Almost a year after the warranty period, of course.

3 per month, 2 months in a row. I'm hoping its not 3 months in a row. I love symmetry but I'd rather skip it all the same.

December should bring only good things. Not least of which is the Nativity of Our Lord.

As it happens there is one other thing that's happening for me in December. I'm looking forward to holding my first book in my hands before Christmas.

Know what I want for Christmas? I want all my readers to get out those Christmas lists and put Awesome Lavratt in the right hand column for all those SF/F fans on your list. :)

And get one for yourself as well.