Swords Against Boredom

Not long ago, I had a publisher reject a novella. He said it was tightly written and entertaining, but simply too long at 16,500 words.

OK. I can buy that.

A few days later, the same publisher turns around and announces he’s actively seeking works of that length and longer. OK, cool. I’d like to see more markets for such lengths. You can tell some pretty damned good ripping stories at longer lengths.

But I’m left with the conclusion that he didn’t reject my story because it was too long. Length, obviously, isn’t the issue. So … why tell me that was the reason? Read more »

My beloved wife, ever on the lookout for things of interest to her husband, sent me this e-mail today:

By Mike Snider
USA TODAY

A lizard once known as the king of the monsters is lumbering back to reclaim his throne.

“Gojira,” the 1954 film that introduced Godzilla, will be available Sept. 5 on DVD for the first time in the United States. The $22 two-disc set from Classic Media includes the U.S. version of the film, 1956’s Godzilla: King of the Monsters, plus special features on the Godzilla suit and expert commentaries. Read more »

Here’s another super-short movie review …

Howl’s a wizard. His castle wanders around on massive mechanical legs in a world that looks sort of Victorian but has a lot of science fiction and fantasy elements.

I didn’t much care for Howl. He wears pink. He decided it was better to just sort of melt when his hair accidentally changed color, because he didn’t want to live if he couldn’t be beautiful anymore. He is such a milquetoast that I lost all respect for the otherwise level-headed and gentle protagonist, Sophie, when she fell in love with him. She should have just let him melt.

Ugh.

Honestly, the animation is great. Top-notch. Really enjoyed it. But … I don’t need to see it again. Ever.

– Steve

Pictured above is one of my favorite bands, Nickel Creek (From left: Sara Watkins, Chris Thile and Sean Watkins). I got an e-mail from them yesterday:

Dearest Listener,
After seven years of extensive touring in support of three records (seventeen years as a band), we’ve decided to take a break of indefinite length at the end of 2007 to preserve the environment we’ve sought so hard to create and to pursue other interests. It has been a pleasure to write, record, and perform for you through the years and we’d like to heartily thank you for your invaluable contribution to our musical lives.

Yours,
Nickel Creek
(Sean, Sara, and Chris)

Oh, no, say it ain’t so …

Read more »

Apparently, I could pass eighth-grade science:

You Passed 8th Grade Science

Congratulations, you got 8/8 correct!

My short story, The Hungry Bottle, is featured in the latest edition of Sword’s Edge e-zine.

The story features Spider John, my sword-and-sorcery sailor who happens to be a magnet for magic. It is a reprint of the very first story I ever sold — almost 10 years ago. Having it appear again presented an opportunity to rewrite it somewhat, but I resisted for the most part. I think I write better now, but as I read “The Hungry Bottle” again it has some charm and zip to it. So other than a slightly revised ending, I left it mostly alone.

Read more »

My brother Clark posted this bit about books on his blog, CenturyBound. The idea is to answer a few quick questions about books and pass it on to get others to write the same on their blogs.

Clark tagged me, and I love books, so here’s mine:

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