::looks in mirror:: Oh, that’s the silly person who thought April would be less busy than March. So much for grand plans. I only have a small update to the website this month; the addition of Major Fallon Tran’s bio.
In better news, I read and loved The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love by India Holton. It’s a wonderful, witty, and imaginative romp. I’ve picked up the sequel, The Geographer’s Map to Romance.
Hopefully next week I’ll have a longer post. Till then, happy reading!
Recently I read Rachel Taylor Thompson’s Sasha vs the Whole Wide World (and Dragons) and was delighted to discover references to The Blue Castle by LM Montgomery. As much as I read and re-read the Anne stories as a girl, The Blue Castle is my favourite LMM novel as an adult. It has so much in it. The challenge is to discuss it without spoilers!
I don’t think I can. ::wails::
Okay, so I’ll share one thought I have about The Blue Castle and current world events. I think that one of the themes in the novel that will be brought out and explored in books and movies for the next few years is the question: when someone has nothing left to lose, what do they choose?
This isn’t a bleak question. It’s a question that acknowledges the metaphorical deaths in our lives. When we lose, or feel as if we’ve lost, something vital, it’s like dying. Who we were before that point no longer defines who we will become. The starting point for these stories might be painful, but they are celebrations of rebirth. Who do we choose to become?
One of the greatest gifts of a novel is that it reinforces our agency. As we identify with the protagonist we explore issues and environments which could be crushing, but which we (the combined protagonist and reader) have the agency to navigate and affect.
The Blue Castle resonates with so many of us because Valancy is a courageous protagonist who dies to her old life to embrace a world of possibilities and love. And, I promise, it has a happy ever after.
I’ve added a trivia page to the site and I’ll update it sporadically. Some of the trivia will be relevant to future books. Other bits of trivia are just an overflow of world-building energy. Also up is the May 993 collection of snippets from Forum City News.
Once again I’ve wildly overestimated the amount of time/energy I have in a day. Consequently, many of the things I’d hoped to add to the website haven’t happened this month. Fingers crossed that April is kinder to my plans.
But I have managed to read some great books, including:
Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith. I have no idea how I’ve missed reading this till now. It reminds me of Patricia C Wrede’s books; young, female protagonist in a brilliantly developed fantasy world. If that’s the kind of book you enjoy, I also recommend Andrea K Host’s Hunting.
The Beast of Gloomenthrall by Jane Cousins – a romantasy with a lot of action and some violence.
Spark the Flames by Ivy Asher – an even hotter romantasy!
Grave Situation by Louisa Masters – gay romantasy with the crankiest, sweetest teacher/mage/reluctant hero protagonist.
Return of the Runebound Professor series by Actus – progression fantasy (and another teacher hero)
I also bought digital copies of a couple of my favourite books: House of Many Shadows by Barbara Michaels (also wrote as Elizabeth Peters – and if you haven’t discovered her Amelia Peabody books you’re missing out) and Year of the Griffin by Diana Wynne Jones.
What have you been reading?
Thanks for popping in for a visit. It feels a lot like you’ve dropped in for a cup of tea, and I’ve left you to wander in the garden while I jot down an idea before it escapes. For me, this website is a nice balance between being sociable as an author and losing myself in my writing. I’m glad you could join me.
It’s been a very stressful few days. Release weeks are, but launching a new series takes it to a whole new level. Thank goodness you loved Stars Die. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your reviews. Not only do they prompt Amazon to put the book in front of more readers like you, but they encourage me to keep writing. I cannot express how much your reviews mean. Thank you.
I’ve been reading I Ran Away to Evil by Mystic Neptune. It is as warmly comforting as a hug. To everyone who recommended it as cozy fantasy – you’re the best!
The Dragon’s Gambit (Book 1, The Underkeepers) by Hankthemoose wasn’t as cozy, but it is an enjoyable progression fantasy. I like scrappy heroes who strive to grow, but also remain loyal to their friends.
What have you been reading (apart from Stars Die, of course 😉 )?
If you’re interested in the state of the publishing industry, Jane Friedman has been reporting on it for years. I’m subscribed to her paid newsletter and love seeing it arrive in my inbox. It’s always full of fascinating trends, opinions, and happenings. However, she’s also starting a free version. I’m not sure of the details, so I recommend checking out her website.
Next week I hope to share a writing-related post. I have a topic in mind that’s been bothering me. LOL I’m generous like that. If it’s bothering me, I’ll share it with you 😉
Stars Die is out today! I am so freaking happy. This is the start of what I hope will be a wonderful journey. You have so many, many surprises ahead of you ::insert evil author laughter::
To celebrate, I’m rewarding myself with a new book or four.
I’m impatiently waiting for “Folk-Spelled” a Sherlock Holmes retelling by Forthright. It sounds fabulous. I’ll add a link as soon as I notice it go live.
I’ve also pre-ordered the first book in Anne Bishop’s new series, An Isle of Wyrd. Turns of Fate looks amazing. Sadly, it’s not out till November.
Fortunately, I only have to wait till June for Kate Elliott’s The Witch Roads. And I have a debut author’s book on pre-order for July because I couldn’t resist the title and concept, The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy.
“Books, glorious books…” to be sung to the tune of Oliver Twist’s “Food, glorious food!”
Happy reading!
P. S. Because it’s a release day, I’ve posted this a day later than when I hope to regularly blog – this is a note from the agitated admin part of my soul.