For those expecting update on subscriber space, sorry. I figured I’d go into a little more detail on the mess the last week was: Dan caught something at superstars writing seminar. This is weird, because normally I catch it. Meanwhile, Robert had a trip to Virginia and came back with something (not as severe.) I also didn’t quite catch this (though I might have, very lightly.) The Reason I’m not sure is that Dan tried not to infect me. To this end, he slept the first three days in the movie room. The problem with this is that I can’t sleep — or not deeply — if he’s not in bed. So I catnapped for an hour, woke, rinse, repeat. Needless to say I was quite useless during the day.
I might also have caught the illness itself, in a mild form, because when I walk I get disproportionately tired and yesterday, after I cleaned the house, I was useless. Now, I know exactly where To The Dragons (And Through Fire” (Yes, my titles have prepositions ) are going. I can taste the next chapters, so if stuff could stop happening so I can write, it would be wonderful, thank you.
Under that heading, I should be writing now, or at least going over witchfinder — edits but my glasses broke again. Now, before you point out we’re not so poor I can’t afford glasses — I know that. In fact, I had an exam and have a new pair coming. And I ordered a new ear piece for this pair. the problem is this: It takes five days to arrive. Meanwhile, they superglued this piece, but there’s not much contact surface and it broke again. The problem is, without glasses, I can’t see to glue/tape the side. So I have to wait for Dan to wake. And last night we had one of those Colorado Wind Storms when the wind rages like hurricane strength, so we didn’t exactly sleep Well.
Anyway — I hope this is legible. It’s mostly by touch. I have to be two inches from the screen to read, which is not practical. So. I’m going to put up the reader pimping thing, then go read with a book two inches from face until Dan wakes to fix my glasses. And then I’ll see about “feeding” you ;)
The pimping below is courtesy of Free Range Oyster, and you guys should also be sending to book.plug.friday-at- gmail-dot-com.
We have a few options this week for your literary delectation. Science fiction, all, including the latest in the popular Maxwell Saga. Buy, read, enjoy! As always, future entries can (and should!) be sent to my email. Happy reading!
Jason Dyck, AKA The Free Range Oyster
Anachronistic Curmudgeon, Mercenary Wordsmith, and Out-of-work Ion Cannon Technician
Michael B. Caffrey
A Dark and Stormy Night (The Adventures of Joey Maverick)
Joey Maverick, a young Ensign in the Atlantean Union, takes part in a low-tech sailing regatta right before he’s supposed to ship out for space. A storm hits, causing Maverick to take command of his ship and mount a rescue mission. Along the way he picks up stranded nurse Belinda Simpson, along with many others. Sparks fly while the tension mounts . . . what will be the outcome of this dark and stormy night?
On Westmount Station (The Adventures of Joey Maverick)
Newly-minted Lieutenant Joey Maverick of the Atlantean Union is finally about to head out into space and is waiting at Westmount Royal Naval Station for ship assignment. Joey thinks no adventure is possible on Westmount Station, but he couldn’t be more wrong . . . there’s treachery afoot, black treachery, and it’s up to Joey and his temporary crewmates to stop a saboteur before it’s too late!
Michael Kingswood
The Pericles Conspiracy
Josephine Ishikawa changed the course of history, but no one knows it.
She cannot talk about what happened during her last shift as Captain of the starliner Pericles, nor does she care to. She passed the ball to the authorities, like procedure required, and now has her sights set on getting Pericles through a major maintenance overhaul and back out to the stars.
Until she learns of a betrayal so large it defies belief, leaving Jo to decide between the life she loves and her duty to the beings she brought back from outer space. Her decision will affect not just her future, but possibly the futures of everyone on Earth and the other colonized worlds.
Also available from these fine sources:
Peter Grant
Adapt and Overcome (The Maxwell Saga)
Assigned to investigate a deadly accident, Lieutenant Steve Maxwell uncovers corruption and criminal collusion reaching far above his pay grade. To save his career he’s dispatched to a distant planet to help upgrade its defense forces, in the company of an old friend and some of the most experienced Marines Steve’s ever met – plus one of the most distracting.
Trouble is, the planet’s antiquated defenses make its new-found wealth a very tempting target – and there are those planning to take full advantage. As Steve and his colleagues strive to whip a rusty, run-down defense establishment into shape, the clock’s running out…
According To Hoyt 
I enjoy the experience of trying to tighten the screws holding my glasses together while not wearing my glasses. Because dropping cinder blocks on my feet isn’t enough fun.
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Speaking of mollusks, I’d like to go on record as requesting an after action on LTUE. It was great fun last year, and I’d like to know what’s going on without me.
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I’d be happy to! I’ve skipped most of the panels I planned to attend in favor of hanging in the hall or dealers’ room listening to people who know what they’re talking about and picking their brains. I have made it to a few panels that were very helpful that I’d be happy to write up, and a general AAR on the symposium in general would be an option too. I’ll go ahead and write all of those, and pass them along to those as want them.
I have notes for panels on the creation and use of humor (Jenni James and Randy Tayler are a riot together), writing action (from Larry, now with 75% less puppy-related sadness), writing drama (also with Larry), and creating and using writers groups. I’ve been promised a copy or link to a short course on plotting a novel in an hour by Robert Defendi (I missed the panel, he offered his extensive notes). I’ll also be going to a panel on ebook formatting after I get done with the wage job this evening. Just let me know what y’all want to hear about here or in an email.
Also, for those who might understand: since everyone in the local writing community seems to put Larry Correia into their books, Nathan Shumate (who I understand reads AtH but has yet to join the Huns) is inserting the anti-Correia into a book that will be out in time for Westercon: a former gun nut who now agitates for citizen disarmament and works tirelessly to condemn cismale gendernormative fascism everywhere… a man known as Larry Tyeland.
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** groan **
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Sounds like you had/are having a great time, FreeRange!
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What does LTUE mean?
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Life, the Universe, and Everything, the Marion K. Doc Symposium on Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature. It’s one of, if not the, largest writers’ conferences in the nation, and certainly one of the best. Held annually in Provo, Utah for over thirty years now. We really need to find a way to get Our Beloved Hostess here for it – her contributions would be awesome.
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Thanks for the announcement of ‘Adapt and Overcome’. It’s been on the market for 9 days, and already sales are well into four figures, which makes me very happy! Volume 4 in the series should hopefully be coming out in July.
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Not to mention that *someone* kept her talking until *way* too late into the night!
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No one I know… ;)
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BTW I was in Barnes and Noble today– they had four of Sarah’s books on a bottom shelve. ;-) I pulled them out a little so someone could see them. The hubby and I were celebrating our anniversary. Although it is tomorrow, we expect some snow then so we decided to do it a day early.
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Psst! Have you ever… turned a Baen book from spine-out to face-out before you left the shelf? *looks around shiftily* Just, uh, wondering…
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Yes – and I’d do it again ;-)
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For a friend?
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How bad would it be to read Renegades before Thieves? I only ask because my wife got me the one and I can’t get the other till I get paid next month.
Will reading out of order spoil the first book when I get it?
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A bit, yes.
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Than I’ll have to wait. Dang.
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They’re both stand alone, but there is one punch-packed surprise in DST which won’t have its impact if you read the second first.
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I have to agree. The shock value just won’t be the same if you already know.
Actually, I think there are two which would be slightly spoiled by reading them in the wrong order.
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There are, for example, some character alignments that are in question through the first book. Knowing that Simon, to pick at random, is/isn’t reliable might matter.
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