Monthly Archives: December 2011

2011 Reading: Best Nonfiction

Posted on December 30, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

I went through all the nonfiction I read in 2011, and the books below are the volumes I enjoyed the most; they cover a range of topics. London 1900: The Imperial Metropolis, by Jonathan Schneer, is pretty much what it … Continue reading →

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Peace

Posted on December 25, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

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Basic Gumbo

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

Here is a basic recipe for one of the best wintertime dishes ever. Gumbo is or is related to an African word for okra, but not all gumbo has okra in it–sometimes file (pronounce with accent on the e) is … Continue reading →

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Holiday Hiatus

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

The blog is going to be (mostly) on hiatus for the winter holidays, while I travel and spend time with my family. I might even go ice skating…but not in the illustrated dress. I did schedule a few posts, so … Continue reading →

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Writing and Holidays

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

I had a new post up Friday at Heroes and Heartbreakers, a preview of Death and Resurrection, the new novel by R.A. MacAvoy. This post originally appeared at Novelists, Inc.. Writers take holidays? Is that possible? Some writers write every … Continue reading →

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“The Battlefield,” Sydney Oswald

Posted on December 18, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

The Battlefield Around no fire the soldiers sleep to-night, But lie a-wearied on the ice-bound field, With cloaks wrapt round their sleeping forms, to shield Them from the northern winds. Ere comes the light Of morn brave men must arm, … Continue reading →

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2011 in Sales and Publications

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

I have a guest post up at the Novelists, Inc. blog today: Writing and Holidays. And now, the time has come for me to sum up the year, in terms of sales and publications. This year was a hard one … Continue reading →

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Holiday Gifts Query

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

Do you purchase gifts for the various winter holidays? In particular, do you purchase items online and have them shipped? I’m asking because I don’t live near most of my family. I was once very adept at choosing things that … Continue reading →

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Brainstorming Panel Ideas

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

I’m attending a couple of my favorite science fiction/fantasy conventions next year, WisCon and Readercon. One of the reasons I love them is that they solicit ideas for the programming that will be offered. Here are some of the panel … Continue reading →

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“To Belgium in Exile,” Owen Seaman

Posted on December 11, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

To Belgium in Exile [Lines dedicated to one of her priests, by whose words they were prompted.] Land of the desolate, Mother of tears, Weeping your beauty marred and torn, Your children tossed upon the spears, Your altars rent, your … Continue reading →

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