Monthly Archives: December 2011

2011 Reading: Best Nonfiction

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

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Basic Gumbo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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