My friend Susan Voss is amazingly talented. “Everything she does is art” applies to Susan – she’s a fabulous photographer, she paints, she plays piano. Her home is a lovely oasis. Because she’s such a musician, I showed her a music joke that was going around the internets. She embellished it, of course, and made it pop.

For your enjoyment, from Susan Voss:

C, E-flat, and G go into a bar.

The bartender says, “Sorry, but we don’t serve minors.” So E-flat leaves, and C & G have an open fifth between them.

After a few drinks the fifth is quite diminished and G is out flat.

F comes in and tries to augment the situation but is not sharp enough.  No one likes a dissident either so he retreats to a table.

Since G is taking a rest C thinks about a second and asks D to join him.

Then A comes in but the bartender suspects this relative of C may be a minor so he is sent away from the bar.

Another minor incident occurs when D can’t agree with C on anything so decides to join F and A at their table where they all order cokes so they won’t get kicked out.

In a major development E-flat returns with proper I.D. and takes a half step up to the bar to join G, who has also returned to his natural state and is hanging out with C.

A seventh customer, fondly called Major B, enters.  A true leader, he jazzes up the tonic drinkers at the bar.

This goes well until F decides he’s tired of being a minor player, approaches the bar and insults everyone with an off-key remark.  G manages to dominate F but in the meantime D & A quickly down a fifth, stagger to the bar and knock Major B down half a step.  He is caught by C, E & G, which is applauded by F, A & C and followed immediately by D who shouts, “OK FINE!”, which stunned everyone into silence.

I’ve noticed some searches leading here to the blog looking for Kiss Me Hello for Nook. Of course this happens right after I put the book in the Amazon Select program! gah.

I don’t like Select’s exclusivity. I would much rather have all my books available everywhere at all times.

But since I released Kiss Me Hello, I’ve had two sales at B&N. Putting it in Select was a business decision I was forced to make due to lack of sales at B&N.

I wish I knew how to sell Nook books, I really do!

Kiss Me Hello will be out of Select on June 12 and once again available at B&N, iTunes, and Kobo. As a “make-up” to the Nookies and Koboites and Itunies who have to wait, I will lower Kiss Me’s price to 99 cents on June 12 – so sign up for my new release newsletter for a reminder on the day it’s available!

Someday more people will know about L.K. Rigel books and I won’t have to use Select to get the word out. I hope it’s soon!

Firewall (book 2 No Uncertain Logic Series) by C.G. Powell

Besides being hilarious and a truly nice person, C. G. Powell is a woman of many talents. She’s a great storyteller, a marvelous visual artist (as you can see by this wonderful cover), and she designs awesome author swag.

Below is an excerpt from Firewall, the next book in the No Uncertain Logic series after Spell Checked, coming this summer.

-oOo-

Excerpt: “I hate to cut things short, but the sooner we get down to business the better.  I’ve made arrangements for a transport to take us to the Atlantis which is sitting in the Meranna Sea.”

Before Sarik could finish, Jael interrupted, “When did you move the ship?”

“Shortly after you left for Ibis Prime.  Orion felt he needed to keep an eye on me once Aphrodite arrived, so he sent a team to assist the move closer to the capital city.”  He looked to Neria and Aphrodite.  “Ladies, if you will follow me.  I will take you to the transport.”

They walked to a smaller docking area where a transporter ship was awaiting them.  Neria’s bags were already on board, as was Captain Ross.

Sarik raised one brow.  “How did you get here so quick?”

Captain Ross cleared his throat and rolled his eyes towards the cockpit where Tal sat.

“I thought you didn’t trust mist traveling?”  Sarik laughed.

“It took a while to get used to, but it has its benefits if you can get past the nausea and the whole cellular disintegration reassembly thing.”

Sarik nudged the captain with his elbow.  “Are you sure it has nothing to do with quantum entanglement with a certain Jinn?”

Speechless, Captain Ross’ reddened face spoke volumes.  He excused himself and joined Tal in the cockpit.

Looping her arm in Sarik’s, Jael frowned and continued towards the passenger area of the transport.  “Why do you tease the poor Captain?  I think it quaint that he has taken a liking to Tal even if she doesn’t return his affections.”

“What kind of friend would I be, if I didn’t acknowledge his obvious fondness?”

“Do you really want me entertain your question with an answer?”

“No, not really.”

Over the intercom the captain’s voice boomed, “Good morning, this is your captain.  Today’s flight should be a clear shot to the Meranna Sea area.  We have favorable atmospheric conditions and low level winds upon approach.  Our estimated arrival is 14:80 standard atomic time, that’s half-past lunch for those of you who still struggle with the local atomic conversion.”

Jael, Salima, and Aphrodite all turned and looked at Sarik.

Pursed lipped, Sarik stood and yelled toward the cockpit.  “Okay, you win.  Now get us the hell out of here.”

Coming Summer 2013

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Haha – typing in the title for this post, for some reason “Cowboys vs Aliens” popped into my brain. Sadly, I can’t think of a way to analogize {cowboys v aliens}:{wyrd v fae}.

If the SAT question was:

Wyrd is to Fae as:

1. science is to religion

2. technology is to magic

3. cowboys are to aliens

4. dogs are to cats

#3 would be the least fitting response.

The overarching tension in War of the Wyrd is sourced in the fundamental natures of the wyrd and the fae. On the surface, wyrd and fae seem the same – magical beings, right?

Wrong. I’m finding that the wyrd, while spiritual to their very core, are far more logical, their power enhanced by magic but dependent on scientific method, training, predictability. The fae, on the other hand, are purely magical. Intuitive. Impetuous. Serendipitous.

Assumptions, misunderstandings, the sense of betrayal when differences matter. Both parties armed with the power to bend even the elements to their will.

Are we surprised to hear rumors of war?

Congratulations to Laura H. who won the personalized ARC of Kiss Me Hello!

Yes! We’re almost there …

an excerpt:

Sara turned her car onto Bird Row to look for parking. She was going to find Spot and ask how to de-ghostify Turtledove Hill. Bram’s truck was parked crooked next to the hitching rail in front of The Book Beak, taking up two spaces.

“What a jerk.” Joss materialized in the passenger seat.

“Go away,” Sara said automatically. “You’re hardly one to complain about taking more than your share of space.”

“True. As you know, I am a rather large guy.”

“Oh, ick. If that’s supposed to be sexual innuendo, don’t forget you were using another man’s…largeness.” She turned at the next corner to go around the block.

“The ignominy of it all!” Joss put his hand to his forehead in mock shame. “Wait. Is it IG-nominy or ig-NOM-iny? That’s one of those words you only read but never actually hear anyone say.”

“IG-nuh-minnie,” Sara said. “I’m an English teacher. Or I was one, anyway.”

“Oh, really.” He had a gleam in his eye. “Can I be teacher’s pet?”

“Why are you here?”

“I don’t know. It feels like I’m stuck to you. Psychically or something.”

“That’s just what I need in my life. Jakey Twilighty imprinting creepiness.”

“Imprinting? You mean like a duckling?” His face screwed up like he didn’t know what she was talking about. But of course he wouldn’t. He’d missed decades’ worth of changes in the zeitgeist. “I think it’s worse than that. Seriously, Sara. Our…lovemaking was pretty intense. I believe I’m stuck to you spiritually.

“Because the earth moved, you mean.”

“Well, yeah. For me. God, is sex like that normal with you?”

No, it wasn’t. But that was none of Joss’s business. “You have to leave me alone.”

“I don’t have control over it. I’ll keep showing up. In your life. In your car—”

“In my bed?”

He smiled. “Who knows?”

“Go away, Joss.” She pointed to her ring. “I’m married.”

“You called me Joss.” Smiling, he dissipated to nothing. .

For me, one word captures 2012: Struggle. So much to do, and not enough. Not enough time, money, understanding. There was a lot to hate about 2012. I’m glad it’s gone. A few things can stay (in memory, on bookshelves, in data storage…)

In no particular order …

Cloud Atlas

I guess this movie got bad reviews. I understand that. Classical narrative structure is wired into our brains – Aristotle said so! – and this movie seems to have a free-floating nonstructure. Here’s the secret: Watch Cloud Atlas with no expectations. Try to let it take you where it goes. When you’re presented with seemingly new characters, situations, time lines, let that irritated part of your brain turn away. I adored this movie.

The Man Who Left

I am an unabashed Theresa Weir (Anne Frasier) fan, and this memoir is yet another reason why. Last year The Orchard made my best of list. This is a sort of companion piece, though it can absolutely be read alone. Women who had bad fathers will appreciate this book. Or bad mothers.

Downton Abbey Christmas Special

Rumors and spoilers abound. It seems poor DA is disintegrating. But season two’s Christmas special was wonderful, wonderful.

The Dark Knight Rises

Perfect. This movie was SO good! The ending sequences are riveting. Best Catwoman Evah!

Thank all that is holy.

Not that he’s close to what I hoped he’d be but that the alternative was so very, very scary.

I know I’ve left out a ton of great stuff. What did you like in 2012?

(Shirin Dubbin is one of my fav fantasy writers. She infuses intelligence into her stories in the way I like best – a sudden, unexpected comment that recalls stored knowledge or an insight that sparks a new idea. One such comment on Facebook sparked a discussion of The Doctor’s companions.

Sure enough, Shirin provided a wonderful analysis of the (first) five companions of the New Iteration. With Shirin’s permission, I quote her below.)  

… I see what you’re saying about Amy as an Audience POV character and certainly Young Amy (the girl who waited) is all those things. However, positing Adult Amy as a true partner doesn’t ring true for me. Nor does defining Martha and Donna in the context of Rose. All companions are defined by what they mean to the Doctor and how they transform him. Here’s how I’d break down the New Who Companions:

Rose: She was a true traveling companion—in the classic sense. They were co-adventures, living full throttle. With Rose the Doctor enjoyed every moment of being alive because he finally understood what it meant to savor life. And above all they had a kind of love together that broke him when they had to part so permanently.

Martha: After the separation from Rose the Doctor became reckless. Martha Jones saved his life. He’d been saving everybody else for eons and finally someone came along who saved him, who was willing to sacrifice everything for him. She went back in time and became a servant for him, even though he left her alone and defenseless because he’d become another man. She walked the earth, telling his story and turning him into a legend in order to save him for the Master. Once again she did this alone and in his absence. And on top of all that he adored her because she had the wits to match with his. She was a true partner and his savior in many ways. “Smith and Jones”

Donna: After Martha saved his life, and he was no longer hell bent on dying, Donna Noble saved his soul. She became his true friend, without the entanglements he couldn’t deal with Martha. As his best mate she told him the truth, when he was amazing as well as when he was being a git. Donna brought out the best in him. She held him accountable and she reawakened the hero inside him. Donna was truly his soulmate, the other half of him, and his partner. “The Doctor Donna” 

Amy: Is a fan. Sure. She gave birth to the love of his life. Sure. But unlike the companions above she contributed nothing to who he is. She did not leave him a better man. Yes, she’s his friend and I’ll concede her greatest contribution was in helping to give him a sense of family. Also the adventure was high. But more than anything else what Amy did was need saving, perpetually. Oh, and the universe needed saving from her. It seems any association with Amy Pond ends in disaster for all involved. I kept thinking the Doctor, River, and Rory deserved better. On top of it all she was self righteous and woefully self centered to boot. I don’t see her as a true partner or even a very good friend.

Dang, I didn’t know I had deconstructed the companions that much until I wrote it all down… But you know how much I love storytelling

Me again – check out Shirin’s wonderful stories at Amazon, and B&N  and the full conversation about the companions here at Facebook.

It occurred to me – quite late, I admit! – that I should put together a two-pack set of Give Me and Bride of Fae. So I did.

That’s Idris, the very bad fairy (and not in a good way) on the cover.

I think it would make a great gift for someone with a Kindle! (Nook edition is coming soon).

After yesterday’s shooting in Connecticut, it didn’t seem possible anyone could say anything to mitigate the pain. Facebook has been awash in attempts, most misfiring, including my clumsy wish for control of high-capacity ammunition.

This morning on NPR there was an interview with Rabbi Shaul Praver of Temple Adath Israel in Newtown. He spoke about finding meaning in horrible events. I wrote this song/poem a short while ago, inspired by his words. I hope this is more consoling than painful.

There is goodness in the world.

Do NOT deny it.

And you can be a force for good, a force for goodness.

You can.

Redemption (Legends of Graham Mansion)

Be careful what you wish for.

When the breakup of her family forces Grae White’s mother to move her two children from their privileged city life to her hometown in the mountains of Virginia, all Grae wants is to be invisible in her new life. But that’s rather hard when everyone knows that her father is the latest headline-grabbing white collar criminal, the most popular boy in school wants to take Grae to the prom, and then there’s that she lives in a haunted mansion. It would make anyone want to get away. Grae soon learns that a simple wish can reveal an unknown ability.

Something more than curiosity spirals Grae back in time to seek the truth in the tragedy of a 200 -year-old murder. Along the way, she learns about history, happiness, and heartache in the lives of those who have lived on the property, including her own family. Her first journey reveals secrets that will lead Grae to further explore the legends of Graham Mansion.

REDEMPTION is Book One in the Legends of Graham Mansion series. Look for the second story in the series, AMBITION, in spring 2013.

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This is Thorsen House in Berkeley, CA, an “ultimate bungalow” designed by Greene and Greene. It’s the inspiration for Turtledove Hill, where most of the action takes place in my upcoming novel, Kiss Me Hello.

Turtledove Hill has a small third story and a widow’s walk with a view of the Pacific Ocean on the northern California coast.  Aside from that, Thorsen House captures the gothic feel of Turtledove Hill.