Mail has arrived

So, I've gotten a few things in the mail lately.

The first is from J. Kathleen Cheney, a nice hardback copy of Susanna Clarke's Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. This one is for my Hugo-awarding winning books project and is much appreciated. But dang. 'Tis a big book. Might save it for summertime, considering everything else I want to get through at the moment.

Next, Paul Jessup sent me the animated version of Nausicaa in exchange for the graphic novel which I did not enjoy. Haven't watched the anime version yet, but I'm looking forward to it. I suspect I'll like it more, only because of my deep love with Spirited Away and the likes.

Lastly, I received K.D. Wentworth's critique of my semi-finalist entry for the fourth quarter 2007 of Writers of the Future contest. Of "The Lady of Jeweled Dreams," Kathy says many nice things and makes a damn good amount of sense. She picked up on some things that need to be clear, offered some suggestions of where sections could be stronger, and even believes there's novel-potential in the worldbuilding. This was my first attempt at writing sword-and-sorcery so I'm pleased at that. I look forward to editing this sucker up into something better.

Thanks, mail. You've been nice lately. Also, no bills yet. So that's good as well.

Ur doing it wrong

NaWriMo wordage for the day: 590 words

Just past the quota, but I did end up writing 1,700 words for a review of Electric Velocipede today. So take that and put it on a flag!

And lastly, here's my entry to John Scalzi's LOLCreashun Contest:

I'm a winner

Haven't felt like posting much this week. Or maybe it's because I haven't had much to post about. One of those. I'll let you decide.

But I did win a contest. So, you know, that's a plus. :)

Un Lun Dun contest

That's right. Jay from FBS is hosting a contest to win an autographed copy of Un Lun Dun by China Mieville. This is China's skip into the world of young adults, but I still foresee the tale being ever as engaging and horrific as Perdido Street Station and The Scar. Plus, I think China did some artwork for the book.

And it's fairly easy to win. Click the link above, sign up for the forums, private message Jay, and boom...you're in the drawing. Good luck to everyone, even though now you're mostly my competition.

Oh, and there are two contests being hosted by Brian for The Blonde by Duane Swierczynski and 47 Rules of Highly Effective Bank Robbers by Troy Cook, but those are mystery novels and I care not for them. I think I've read a total of three mystery novels before in my life. And none of them were Sherlock Holmes...

Contest plug

Like contests? Like Halloween? How about alien witchcraft?

If so, go and check out the contest being held at Apex Digest:



Get to it!

Glorius contests!

Hey, you. Yeah, you. D'you like contests? Wanna enter one? How about two? Come on, kid, everybody's doing it these days. It's not gonna kill you.

You could possibly win autographed copies of Vellum by Hal Duncan and signed copies of His Majesty's Dragon and Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik.

Pretty sweet deal, right? So, what d'ya say? Feelin' lucky?

Get to it!

New FBS contest!

FantasyBookSpot is hosting another contest, this one for the month of April. Get a chance to win a signed copy of Daniel Abraham's A Shadow in Summer!



For more information on how to enter, go here.

Get on it, kiddies!

Some stuff to be aware of...

FantasyBookSpot is hosting another awesome contest for the month of March. You can win a signed copy of Jeff VanderMeer's City of Saints and Madmen. To find out more, go here.



Jay Lake, always an interesting writer, has some thoughts and reflections from the authorial perspective. He's open and honest about everything he talks about. Go check it out: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

And finally, Tansy Rayner Roberts is hosting a contest for ASIM #22. You have to match the title with the opening line. Go here to see the contest. If you are the winning entry, you get a whole slob of prize choices. Only about four entries so far (mine included), and I know I have a better chance of winning by NOT telling people to enter, but hey, I'm a nice guy...

Happy Friday, everyone!