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So those of you that know me are probably not at all surprised I've published a story in an anthology called UnCONventional. Heh. This particular anthology is about unusual goings-on at conventions - the convention happening behind the magic curtain. Go ahead and look; ignore the man saying otherwise. You'll be entertained and will never look at a convention the same way again.

My particular contribution is called "M.U.S.E." You may remember that I asked for possible explanations for this acronym a couple of months ago. Now you know why. I was cracking the code of those most inspirational and torturous of creatures, the muses. They are unforgiving and narcotic. You can't live with them or without them. Nor can they live without you.

There will be a launch party at a convention (where else?). I'm planning to be there - come celebrate with us at Arisia.

You can learn more about UnCONventional over at Spencer Hill Press. Pre-orders will be available at Amazon.com and BN.com soon. Book will be available Jan 2012.
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The cover for the anthology "No Man's Land" can be seen here .  I am very excited! Note who wrote story number 6- "Come Like a Tailor". It will be released in late May.
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I have two short stories being published in the next few months.

The first is "Forensix", an urban fantasy noir story set in the Urban Fey universe. It will appear at NewMyths.com on March 1, 2011. I'll post a direct link as soon as it's available.

The second is "Come Like a Tailor", a far-futures military sci-fi story set in India. It will be published in the No Man's Land anthology. It is part of the Defending the Future series edited by Mike McPhail and published by Dark Quest Books. They anticipate releasing it in May, 2011. I'll let you know as soon as it hits the shelves. I'm hoping to have a couple of copies with me at WisCon for those that want an signed copy.
http://www.defendingthefuture.com/DTF4-NoMansLand.htm

Finally, Rhea will be premiering a new underground comic called Basilisk at SPACE in March.

Go Team Mystic Sheep!

Kimberley


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Another blog post? What madness is this? Go to to learn about The Shelf while I get back to writing.
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What I did for my summer vacation

Between protecting my mongrel horde from the Thunder Monsters, photographing nature spirits, and taking a wrong turn through a Faerie Gate, it was an otherwise uneventful and restful week.  We rented a cabin with some close friends up in Door County, Wisconsin for nine days. It started with the predictable shoveling of frogs to get everyone up to the cabin. My family is not easy to organize for getting out the door for anything. Each moves at the speed of his or her own drummer and there is no way to adjust the speed. I can sometimes bring them to a complete halt by deploying a brick wall but speeding them up is another matter entirely. I long ago determined that its a matter of shared agendas - I'm not sure there is one. Oh, we discuss plans and time lines then come to agreements but then it appears I missed the fine print. Our friends, on the other hand, were very organized by virtue of the fact they had to pack and get out the door the day before to come up to our place. Therefore, they were ready at the appointed time. The solution was simple. We were taking to vehicles anyway so we dropped the caravaning portion of the programming. A third vehicle was added to ease further departure schedule conflicts. A minivan, a car, and a truck load of stuff arrived over the course of Saturday afternoon. This is not a solution we can deploy for just any occasion but it was a fine low-stress way to start this particular vacation.

The cabin itself was beautiful. Its an older home built as a very large open area with exposed rafters. There is a bedroom and bathroom at one end and the generous kitchen at the other.Two of the bedrooms were in lofts at each end of the cabin and accessible only by Stairs of Doom that were only slightly better than ladders There was a flurry of activity and bed shuffling as we settled into the three bedrooms after determining the bunkhouse over the old barn to be quaint but too musty for comfort. It was a very good idea but any room built in the upper area of a barn is going to have issues with mustiness. The best part of the cabin is the back deck with an amazing view of Hedgehog Bay, Death's Door, and Washington Island beyond it. It also came with a totem pole and various moose related decorations. The jackalope was probably my favorite item as I had been researching the origins of the jackalope story earlier this summer.

storms

Sunday was spent settling in, buying groceries for the week, and watching thunderstorms roll in over the lake. This was also the night that the Thunder Monsters attacked in the early morning hours. My border collies, aka the mongrel horde, had bravely barked away raccoons and squirrels that evening. They had scouted the woods around the cabin to clear it of any and all dangers to the family. But these fearless and brave creatures were shaking with fear when the Thunder Monsters crashed down upon the cabin. We, of course, were sleeping soundly when we heard thump, thump, thump, thud .... thump, thump, thump, thump, thud, thud, thud .... The Good Doctor got up to tell the mongrel horde to stop wrestling and get some sleep. That's when I felt the cold wet nose of Zena on my arm. She had braved the Stairs of Doom to petition our protection. She then confirmed the legend that while a dog will climb up a ladder, it won't climb down one - especially if there are Thunder Monsters around. Splash milled around down below, unwilling to climb stairs that were little more than a ladder. I'd like to think he's smart enough to know he would have a difficult time climbing down but I'm probaby giving him too much credit. Seeing as it was two in the morning, we decided to bring a kennel up the Stairs of Doom and put Zena in it for the night. We also kenneled Splash downstairs before he overcame his trepidation. I finally fell back asleep around three a.m. while planning just how we were going to get our little warrior princess back downstairs in the morning. Most of our plans involved ropes and lowering down the kennel with her in it. We had placed bets on whether we'd have to clean the kennel when we got it down and if we'd ever get her back into the kennel afterward.

Come Monday morning, I decided to try coaxing Zena down the stairs. The Good Doctor expressed much skepticism about this endeavor. I found this encouraging since any Pronouncements on his part generally lead to the opposite and immediate effect. For example, as we drove home from our honeymoon many years ago in a major thunderstorm, he informed me that lightning never strikes a moving vehicle. As soon as the words left his mouth, a bolt of ligtning hit a horse trailer in the lane next to us. Another time, he told me that tornados don't form over Albuquerque because its between the Rio Grande river and the mountain. A few minutes later, we saw one form over the city. It didn't touch down though so he was partially correct. So his determining it impossible to coax Zena down the ladder based on his attempts the night before didn't deter me. I figured it was a matter of technique. I also counted on whatever gods mess with the Good Doctor at such times to tip the odds in my favor. I first ordered Zena downstairs. She looked over the edge and laid down, thwapping her tail on the floor and looking at me as if to say, You've got to be kidding me. OK - on to plan B. I went down the first two steps and called her. She hesitated then started down the steps. She built up momentum and crashed into me, unable to control her rate of decsent so I put a hand on her chest to slow her down and we worked our way down the ladder, one step at a time. She hit the floor and went to taunt her brother. The Good Doctor just sighed, knowing someone somewhere was having a laugh at his expense.

The dogs slept in their kennels at night after that.

The rest of Monday was spent shopping and exploring. I discovered good coffee at three different places which was much appreciated after the antics of the previous night. I also found a very fine amber necklace that the Good Doctor bought me for my anniversary present. It has turquoise beads at the center and a drop of chain holding a number of shiny objects that include a slice of a geode, two crystals, and a  bit of fool's gold. We're calling it Crow Bait. I added a coyote claw charm to it, figuring it would either deter Crow or encourage them to gang up on me. I also added a nice chunk of turquoise and a gold leaf as offerings of appeasement. The amber may have some protective value as well. Then again, it may only encourage trickster activity in my life. They are rather unpredictable.

We crossed Death's Door using the passenger ferry to Washington Island on Tuesday. Death's Door is the name of the waterway connecting Green Bay and Lake Michigan between Washington Island and the Door County Penninsula. There are over two hundred ship wrecks lying under those waters. It was named by the Potowanamie natives that inhabited Washington Island before it was so named by Col. John Miller. He named it after his ship, The Washington, was sent there to establish a garrison and after the recently deceased President Washington.  Death's Door passage is a reference to the losses of canoes and warriors during a battle between the Potawatomi and Ho-Chunk Native American tribes. There are over two hundred shipwrecks in that passage alone. Its waters are fast, dark, and deep. The wind was up that day due to the storms so the water was choppy enough for the waves to have white caps. The water looked like liquid obsidian.

We took a tram around the island and saw an ostrich farm, a cemetery, a white pebble beach, and a farming museum. This is where we also discovered one of Santa's original sleighs. It was identifiable by the way it still floats in the air despite its aged state. I also located the remains of  an even older sleigh. Only the runners remain. There were several cool machines with large gears. They will make great reference photos for our steampunk projects.

old-sleigh

floating-sleigh

We cooked out that night and watched the meteor shower. The Perseids streaked white, gold, and red across the sky. Somewhere in the middle of it, the moon rose red then gold over the water. This drew our sky gazing to a close since the moon outshone all but the brightest of the falling stars.

moon

Wednesday was spent kayaking. I'll start by saying that kayaks aren't supposed to have holes in the bottom that let the lake inside with you. Call it ocean-going if you like. I still reject the concept. Other than that, we had a great time paddling around the cove. My son demonstrated he could indeed handle a kayak on his own. We've always taken him in a two-person rig before. Afterward, we had lunch at an outdoor cafe and learned that a hornet can carry off bits of shredded chicken. I suppose it will be buying lunch for us next time.

Thursday was Girl's Day. While the boys went sailing, the ladies went to a girly bistro and enjoyed fancy girl food followed by fancy girl desserts. Then we went to an art gallery and spent millions of imaginary dollars. Upon our return, my son told me of his trepidation in ever going sailing again. He apparently found tacking to be worrisome. But they didn't capsize the boat so I figure it was a good day for all.

Friday brought more friends and a photo shoot in Newport Bay state park. Between thunderstorms, my son and I took the dogs to the park for their own adventure. They were quite excitable and sang the entire walk. I was able to shoot pictures despite a border collie pulling on her leash.  My son is developing an eye for interesting shots. I'll have to remind him to bring his own camera next time.

corin

That evening, we were joined by friends from Chicago. We spent Friday evening and Saturday evening staring into the Milky Way, watching strays from the Persieds, and the moon rise. Saturday was spent bumming around the small towns that dot the Green Bay and Lake Michigan coasts. That evening we were treated to an amazing dinner at an exceptional restaurant. The swampwitch asked for ketchup to put on her steak was an incredible study in self-control. She did let him off the hook though rather quickly by telling him she was joking. I know people that would have dangled him just a bit longer to see how he talked his way around it.

Sunday was spent packing up. The truck and the car were loaded up and sent off home, our friends were lovingly sent back to Chicago. Three of us remained behind to clean up the cabin and tend to finishing details. After dinner, I decided to go for one more walk in the Door Bluff County park. Unlike the previous walks, the woods were dark. I found that images taken with my flash were actually much darker than those without. Yes, the flash was working - I could see it go off. I continued through the park figuring I'd get a few shots of the sunset on the bay. I also picked up shots of the rock structures along the beach and of the tide pools. The camera was still picking up some strange shots in the lighting so I figured it was time to turn back. I saw a trail going off along the cliffs so I followed it, reckoning it would lead me back to the main road. It was a very easy trail to follow. I passed under an arch made by two trees and continued along the trail. I slowly realized the wind had stopped blowing and while I could see the waves hitting the rocks below, I could no longer hear the water. Hmmm. I continued on a bit further, looking for passage up to the road. There was nothing but dense undergrowth and the light was getting poor. I then decided that it might be better to go back the way I had come. Curiously, the easy to follow trail was much harder to pick out on the way back. I've read stories like this. I was careful not to think about ways this would end in a story; no need to give anyone any ideas. I took a deep breath and pressed on, passing back through the arch and finally finding a way back up to the main trail then to the road. Though the sun was setting, the light was actually better up on the road so I made it back to the cabin just before full darkness fell.

rocks 

This was taken with the flash seconds after the rocks picture.  The water is behind the unfrienldy face but you can't see it now.
This was taken with the flash seconds after the rocks picture. The water is behind the unfrienldy face but you can't see it now.

The drive home Monday was uneventful. It was great to spend a week unplugged and in comfort with good friends.

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My short story, Brahma's Missile, is now published in Crossed Genres, Issue 9

I must admit it was very exciting to see it on Amazon - my name listed right there in the author's list. 

I believe you can read the online version of it starting on August 1st at Crossed Genres

Researching this story was like dipping my toe into a vast lake of lore and history.  I'm fascinated by the universe unfolding in my mind as a result of choosing one point in history and asking, "what if ...."  I think there will be more to come from this alternate universe.  But first, there is research because fact is often stranger than fiction.  

The real Rani Lakshmi Bai lived in the mid-1800's and was a very spirited woman.  For reasons unknown, she was allowed to learn to fight.  When her husband decided she could no longer train with men, she taught her friends to fight and formed her own unit of female bodyguards.  Widowed at a young age, she ruled Jhansi and made it one of the safest regions in a very turbulent time. She fought the British East Indian Trading Company to preserve her rights and those of her adopted son. She tried to work through the British legal system and resorted to violence only when the British Army showed up at her front door.  She died in battle in 1858. 

That is the choice point for me - what if Lakshmi Bai had lived? 

The other interesting bit of trivia I discovered in my research was the names of the test nuclear bombs India developed in the mid-seventies. I wouldn't have dreamed up those names myself.  I just lifted the nuclear program up and moved it back thirty years, adjusting here and there as necessary. 

I hope you enjoy this story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

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We survived the UFOs. 

It's been a busy month.  I've learned that I won't get much writing done if I'm teaching an accelerated online graduate level class.  We're squeezing sixteen weeks of material into four.  I've done this every summer for several years now.  You'd think I'd remember. 

The good news is the characters for my various projects are alive and well in my imagination.  They've been keeping busy while I've been distracted with that whole making money thing.  Fox has been teaching Coyote to juggle.  He's easily distracted though and I think he enjoys annoying her with his creative approaches.  This will come out in either Urban Fey or the Trickster novel.  Or both is more likely.  It'll be interesting to see how that plays out.  Other characters have found form, changed costumes, and decided that they will or will not do some action I've been contemplating for them.  I think they may also have formed a union.  
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A post in which I ramble on about almost anything but writing.

I’ll start my mentioning that my short story, Brahma’s Missle, will appear in the August 2009 edition of Crossed Genres.  I’ll post a link when it goes live on the 1st.

In other news, I think I’m finally kicking the Virus of Doom ™.  I’ve had a lowgrade virus for the last five weeks – nothing serious that kept me from doing stuff but enough t slow me down.  Today I felt much better as indicated by my Epic Cleaning.  I finally figured out how to take apart our Natural Gas Fireplace (its glass on three sides) and cleaned it.  I’ll be able to actually see the fake wood pretend to burn next winter.

I think Rhea is feeling something similar.  I came downstairs to my computer only to find her on it, doing things to the webiste.  She redid some of the graphics for the Urban Fey website today and moved around some of the banners.  She also figured out how to put up an in-house ad at Project Wonderful so that we point people to our store whenever no one is buying our ad space.  Brilliant.

OK – back to research about tricksters, pranks, and fashion.  What a combination.

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I didn't forget about this - not completely.  It's just been one of Those days. 

As mentioned in Monday's post, Pan is loose in my head.  That happens with characters.  I create one for a small bit part and the next thing I know, he or she is trying to take over the universe.  Pan is particularly good at this.  He creeps into short stories.  He manages to slowly melt his way into the main plot and then tries to make it all about him.  A big stick to beat him with is about my only hope.

Other characters are less obnoxious about it.  For example, Henrietta Pinnafore III and Natalie Porter started out as pseudonyms for myself and Rhea for a project we're working on.  Yes, its just that outrageous and we felt the need to blame it on alter egos.  The next thing I know, they've taken hold in my brain and have carved out a nice little Steampunk niche for themselves.  We're going to be giving them their own comic eventually.  I'm working out plot details now.  Strong female villians are a must.

So now you've had a glimpse inside my head - its crowded with characters, both the meek and the meglomanics.  At least it makes it easy to find character driven stories.
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I find story telling easier if I have the world figured out.  I think the important elements of a world are  geography, political climate, weather patterns, and physics.  Sometimes its easy because I stick close to reality.  In Urban Fey, for example, I can draw on the features common to all cities to create the landscape.  We try to keep it from being specific to any one city but familiar enough that readers can identify with it. 

 

The politics have the most work put into them because Urban Fey is, first and foremost, a political intrigue story.  Allegiances,  double agents, spies, and saboteurs shift in and out of the story, driving the plot at all times.  I have a map in my head that is getting complicated enough to justify writing down.  I tried it but ended up with something resembling a bowl of spaghetti once I mapped all the relationships. I figure that means I'm doing it about right. 

 

Then I throw in a dash of romance and a pinch of social commentary.  The Fey of Urban Fey universe mimic and reflect the human world but they are not bound by our social rules.  I'm pretty certain they don't even understand them because they have different drives, life spans, and expectations.  They are, in many ways, a parody of human society.   Relationships ranging from friendships to romance to enemies are up for examination.  This isn't a utopian view of how I think we should do things; rather its raising questions for the reader's consideration. 

 

The physics of the world are also important.  The Fey are magical beings which means that they can violate our understanding of physics.  This implies a different set of natural laws govern their world.  I have envisioned it as a parallel universe that brushes up against ours with a wall of opaque windows.  Sometimes one world can get a glimpse of the other and the windows can be opened for interactions.  The denizens of each world are largely unaware and unconcerned with the activities of the other, though I suspect we're something like television for them.  When they get bored with the programming, they come and 'help' to move things along or complicate a straight line.   

 

So that's some of the process I put into my world building.  Other stories require different proportions of each of these elements depending on the direction and intent of the plot.

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