Monthly Archives: December 2012
Meet the Mandolele
Posted on December 14, 2012 63 Comments
I enjoy playing the ukulele but sometimes wish for a robust sound than I can get out of one, while still maintaining a compact size. So I wandered into the local music store and took a look at this mandolin hooked up on the wall. After strumming it a bit, I turned to the proprietor […]
Here, Have a Sundog
Posted on December 14, 2012 11 Comments
Seems like a good day for one. Update: Here’s a slightly more faithful to reality version.
Tech Notes on the XPS One (and Windows 8)
Posted on December 14, 2012 42 Comments
People always seem to be interested in my thoughts when I get a new chunk of technology, so herewith, some thoughts on the new Dell XPS One 27, and the Windows 8 operating system that goes with it. First, a glitch report and how it was resolved: One the first day I had the new […]
Some Thoughts on the Pose-Off Between Jim C. Hines and Me
Posted on December 13, 2012 117 Comments
You know. This one. 1. The pose-off, while for charity, has its genesis in Jim taking pictures of himself in the poses that science fiction and fantasy book covers often put women in to call attention to the point that these positions are absurd (whereas the positions men are put in on covers are generally […]
Gene Wolfe Chosen as SFWA Grand Master
Posted on December 13, 2012 56 Comments
One of the perks of the job as President of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America is that I get to select — in consultation with the SFWA board and its past presidents — the recipient of SFWA’s Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award. It’s an award that may be given annually, but […]
Oh, And: Last Day to Get Signed Books From Me for the Holidays
Posted on December 12, 2012 2 Comments
Just remembered that. Don’t wait! Once more, here are the details. After today Jay and Mary’s will have signed stock from me, but I won’t be personalizing it, and it might not get to you before Christmas. So if you want your book personalized to you or someone else, today’s the day.
I’m Off Having New Tires Put on My Mother-in-Law’s Car, So Here’s the Cover for the Italian Version of The Ghost Brigades for You to Look At
Posted on December 12, 2012 18 Comments
I’m getting the tires put on because a) I am the sole adult in the extended family whose job lets him wander around aimlessly during daylight hours, and b) because, you know, I try to be a good son-in-law. I think this cover looks nice in any event. Gaze into it and mediate on your life. […]
The New Toy, December 2012 Edition
Posted on December 11, 2012 57 Comments
You may recall that about a year ago my desktop computer crapped out, and my choice to replace it was at first nothing (I was using my MacBook Air) and then a Mac Mini. These solutions worked tolerably well, but in time I decided I needed a little more ooomph, both for the various graphics […]
My Dear Friends: You Will Not Be Able to Unsee the Unspeakable Terror That is the Jim C Hines/John Scalzi Cover Pose-Off
Posted on December 11, 2012 190 Comments
All I can say to you of it is: PREPARE YOURSELF. Are you prepared? Are you? Then follow this link and see me and Jim attempt this pose: BUT I WARN YOU: Whatever you think it will be? It is so much more than that. I have done all I can to gird you. It […]
Introducing the Video Game I’m Working On: Morning Star, From Industrial Toys
Posted on December 11, 2012 38 Comments
As most of you know, for the last year or so I’ve been working on a video game with Industrial Toys, the new video game studio formed by former Bungie founder Alex Seropian. We’ve been quietly chugging along in the background putting the game together; my job has been working with them to create an […]
The Cover to the Czech Edition of Redshirts
Posted on December 10, 2012 35 Comments
Because I know you wanted to see it. Even if you did not know until this very second that you wanted to see it.
Reminder: Signed Books for the Holiday Orders in by December 12
Posted on December 10, 2012 8 Comments
Remember, folks: If you want to get signed, personalized books from me this fine holiday season, you need to get your orders in to Jay and Mary’s Book Center by close of business, this Wednesday, December 12. After that we can’t guarantee that your orders would arrive in time for Christmas. And then that would […]
A Little More Re: Writing For Free
Posted on December 10, 2012 205 Comments
To address a few things asked to me in e-mail, comments here and out on the Internets, about my previous entry on writing for free (and why I don’t): 1. I was asked if I’ve ever worked for free, and the answer is: No, not really. I started getting paid for writing while I was […]
A Note to You, Should You Be Thinking of Asking Me to Write For You For Free
Posted on December 9, 2012 200 Comments
Because apparently it’s that time again. 1. No. 2. Seriously, are you fucking kidding me? 3. Did you wake up this morning and say to yourself “You know what? A New York Times bestselling author who has been working full-time as a writer for two decades, who frequently rails at writers for undervaluing their own […]
All Thirteen Episode Covers From The Human Division
Posted on December 8, 2012 23 Comments
Just in case you wanted to see them all in sequence. You can find them over here in this Flickr set. As a reminder, the cover art is all by John Harris. Enjoy! (And if for some reason you’re all “Huh? What?”, here’s the most recent update on The Human Division and its episodic nature.) […]
The Big Idea: Adrienne Kress
Posted on December 7, 2012 53 Comments
Hey! My pal Adrienne Kress has released her new novel The Friday Society, and in doing so, she’s not only put together a kickass YA adventure tale, but she’s also checked off some personal goals as a writer. Find out what they are right now. ADRIENNE KRESS: My Big Idea shouldn’t really be a Big […]
Whatever Holiday Shopping Guide 2012, Day Five: Charities
Posted on December 7, 2012 106 Comments
For the last four days, the Whatever Shopping Guide 2012 has been about helping you find the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones. But today I’d like to remind folks that the season is also about helping those in need. So this final day is for charities. If you’re looking for a place to make a […]
Huge Ads With My Books In Them Make Me Happy
Posted on December 6, 2012 30 Comments
People keep sending me copies of the Audible.com ad that features Redshirts in it, and I have to admit that I think it’s pretty damn cool that Audible using the book as an example of the genre in their advertising. Yes, it’s advertising Audible primarily, but it’s advertising me and my book as well, and […]
The Albee Agency Using Testimonials From Authors the Authors Did Not Give
Posted on December 6, 2012 78 Comments
The Albee Agency purports to be a book publicity agency that will get you and your book in and on all manner of media outlets, including TV, magazines and newspapers. To bolster those claims, it includes testimonials from authors, like these: The problem? Chuck Wendig didn’t give that testimonial. Neither did Myke Cole. Neither did […]
Whatever Careens Wildly Down the Streets of Social Media, Scaring the Cats
Posted on December 6, 2012 17 Comments
In an attempt to curry favor from those of you who live in the shiny new high-rises of Facebook or Tumble more than you visit the decrepit husk of the blogosphere, I have in the last week created accounts for Whatever on Facebook and Tumblr, which will alert you when new entries have been posted […]
Whatever Everyone Else is Saying