Catherynn Valente’s works bring me joy. Her clever and intricate wordsmithing, sense of humor, and the humanity of her stories appeal to me in a big way. I’ve been a reader of hers since I worked on a piece about NANOWRIMO for NPR and almost managed to include her as one of the guests. It […]
Continue Reading
It was a hot day at the Maryland Renaissance Fair and not only because it was 105 degrees plus humidity. Some of the heat emanated from the amazing acts, the cosplay, and the phenomenal pieces of craft on display like life-sized chain mail version of the Maryland state flag by Brian Galloway. But mostly it […]
Continue Reading
I stir. With eyes closed, I can tell it’s still dark out. I turn over, but it’s no use. I’m awake. The Sun still has its night cap on. It gets to hit the snooze button and gather the horizon around its shoulders while I rise. Groggily, I wonder, When did the Sun get to […]
Continue Reading
A prevailing wind that many authors and artists must navigate these days is the notion that they should shut up and entertain… that art should not be political or delve into sociological concerns. In wrestling with this, I think about the popularity of the Little Rascals and Shirley Temple during the Great Depression. The need […]
Continue Reading
I made it! The morning smells of waffles, cinnamon, and chocolate muffins. Today, for the first time, I wear the mantle of guest of honor. It’s a day of laurels which must be why my breakfast is Continental. I A run of texts and emails waits. There is much to do, but first I must […]
Continue Reading
One really important aspect of being a guest of honor at a science fiction con has nothing to do with the Con itself. It’s making sure the world turns. Luckily, most Cons happen over the weekend and so for most of us the worst that happens is you might lose a Friday of work or […]
Continue Reading
I allowed the alarm clock to sleep in. It hummed in the darkness still hours away from its scheduled cry. I removed the blankets and sat up. A chill touched me as a green LED light blinked 5:30. It really was too early to be up, but my car waited only half-packed. Today mattered. It […]
Continue Reading