Monthly Archives: December 2014
About That Note From John Sargent
Posted on December 18, 2014 16 Comments
Being asked if I have any comments on this note from John Sargent, CEO of Macmillan, about ebook pricing and subscriptions. Briefly: 1. With regard to the ebook pricing, it appears to me that what he’s saying is that ebook prices are going to fluctuate more than Macmillan might prefer, probably because Apple’s deal allows […]
Dear The Toast and The Butter: Please Fix Your Rights Grab (UPDATE: They Did)
Posted on December 17, 2014 82 Comments
(UPDATE: The Toast and The Butter are indeed revamping their contracts; details at the bottom of the original entry.) Writer Beware has posted a heads up for writers with regard to Web sites The Toast and The Butter, and the rights they are asking from contributors. Specifically, WB reports that contributors to the sites must […]
Urgh
Posted on December 16, 2014 50 Comments
I tried to write a piece of some substance today, and it just came out, well, awful. (Yes, yes. “As opposed to what you usually write, Scalzi? Hur hur hur hur.” Very funny. Shut up.) I think I’m going to write off the rest of 2014, brain-wise, here on Whatever. The good news is, that means […]
Preparing You All Ahead of Time
Posted on December 15, 2014 226 Comments
So, Ghlaghghee has been feeling under the weather and moving around slowly and peeing in places she normally doesn’t, none of which are good signs, so I took her to the vet today to see what’s up. And what’s up, basically, is that Ghlaghghee has experienced congestive heart failure, and she’s on the downslope of […]
New Books and ARCs, 12/15/14
Posted on December 15, 2014 37 Comments
Some heavy-duty titles in this collection of new books and ARCs that have come to the Scalzi Compound here in Mid-December. Which ones do you like? Share in the comments!
On the Subject of Last Minute Scalzi Gifts
Posted on December 15, 2014 2 Comments
Want to give a signed book of mine but didn’t get it together to participate in the annual “get a personalized book” thing I do? Well, the good news that there are still ways to get signed stuff from me for the holidays. Here’s how to do it: 1. Jay & Mary’s Book Center’s entire […]
In Which I Try the Mirror Universe Coca Cola
Posted on December 14, 2014 66 Comments
More commonly known as “Coca Cola Life,” which is their reduced-calorie offering, sweetened with cane sugar and stevia. I call it Mirror Universe Coke because the label is green, rather than the more familiar red Coke branding. I’m not a fan; green Coke labels are Just Not Right. Green is for clear sodas and/or Mountain […]
What Am I Up To? Oh, Nothing, Just Starting Fires on Twitter
Posted on December 12, 2014 106 Comments
With punctuation! Just a reminder that if you use Oxford commas, you probably set fire to puppies or something. #PointlessFridayGrammarProvocation — John Scalzi (@scalzi) December 12, 2014 It's also well known that Oxford comma enthusiasts are people who spoil movies for the people standing in line for the next show. — John Scalzi (@scalzi) December […]
The Big Idea: Shannon Page
Posted on December 11, 2014 17 Comments
Life takes you places you don’t always expect, and it can do it at any age. So Shannon Page found out when she and the late Jay Lake sat down to write Our Lady of the Islands. That knowledge informs the book and the people in it, as Page explains below. SHANNON PAGE: I’m forty-eight […]
Last Day for Signed/Personalized Books for the Holidays
Posted on December 10, 2014 2 Comments
A gentle reminder that if you wanted signed/personalized books from me for the holidays, today is the last day to order them, which you can do by following the directions here. I’ll also be signing all of Jay & Mary’s remaining Scalzi stock, so after today, there should still be some signed copies of my […]
Lindsey Rey Explores My Books
Posted on December 10, 2014 19 Comments
YouTube personality and general book enthusiast Lindsey Rey has an “author exploration” video featuring me and my books, and it’s a pretty good encapsulation of what I do, actually, especially for people who might not know about my work. Plus it’s always fun to listen to someone this geeked out about science fiction and fantasy. […]
The Big Idea: Chad Orzel
Posted on December 9, 2014 9 Comments
There is a scientist inside you, just waiting to come out! No, not like the creature in Alien. This is a good thing. Chad Orzel, author and professor of physics, explains why in his new book Eureka!, and also here in this big idea post. CHAD ORZEL: It seems very appropriate to be writing about […]
Today’s Phrase That Improbably Has Up To This Point Turned Up Nothing On Google
Posted on December 8, 2014 42 Comments
“Defense Against Snark Arts”. Come on, Harry Potter fans. It was right there in front of you this whole time. I cast the Disappointus Majorus spell upon the lot of you!
UGH CANNOT BRAIN
Posted on December 8, 2014 38 Comments
Do you have those days? Is today one of them? TELL ME I’M NOT ALONE PEOPLE. In lieu of brain product, please to enjoy this picture of Krissy. Fair trade, I think.
Self Portrait Via Cat
Posted on December 7, 2014 14 Comments
I’m in this picture. Twice! Hope you’re having a fabulous Sunday.
Lopsided Cat Guards the Sacred Pile of Freshly Laundered Towels
Posted on December 6, 2014 37 Comments
As is the custom of his people. Those eyes, man. He’s seen things. How is your Saturday?
This is How We Educate Our Youth
Posted on December 5, 2014 75 Comments
(Kid changes station)Me: I was listening to that! It was David Bowie!Athena: I don't care about David Bowie.Me: YOU ARE NOT MY DAUGHTER — John Scalzi (@scalzi) December 5, 2014 A quick six-pack of Bowie songs for @AScalzi98, starting with Under Pressure: http://t.co/0nEr7MRki0 — John Scalzi (@scalzi) December 5, 2014 Here's a live version of […]
Whatever Holiday Shopping Guide 2014, Day Five: Charities
Posted on December 5, 2014 108 Comments
For the last four days, the Whatever Shopping Guide 2014 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 […]
The Kid Makes Her Point
Posted on December 4, 2014 61 Comments
This morning, unbeknownst to me, my daughter decided that she needed to make her views about the Eric Garner grand jury decision known to the folks at her school, so she dressed in black for mourning and wrote the words “ICANTBREATHE” on her arms. And then off she went to school, here in rural, conservative […]
You, Me, Twitter
Posted on December 4, 2014 1 Comment
The following is a public service announcement about you, me and Twitter. Some of it are things I’ve said before, but I’m presenting it all here in a handy, easy-to-read numbered list. Ready? Here we go. 1. I use Twitter. A lot! Here I am over there. 2. When I use Twitter, I am generally […]
Whatever Everyone Else is Saying