More best stuff

I’ve been working out what to post here. Lots of family stuff happening in the background. My mother’s been unwell, which has been difficult, and we’re getting ready for young Sophie’s fifth birthday this Saturday, which should be pretty terrific. Other than that, it’s read, read, read.  I’ve sent out contracts to fill about two thirds of The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year, and am reading and re-reading to make sure that the rest of the book is just right. I’m a little torn about how I feel about this book at the moment. I’ve had lengthy, and very worthwhile conversations about it with my publisher. It’s a long book, but it’s short for what it is. He said the other day that if dropping a story from the lineup hurts, then you’re doing a good book. If that’s the case, then this should be a strong book.  There are stories I want to get in there that I can’t get rights to, stories I want to get in there that just won’t damn well fit, and the constant spectre of there being another story just around the corner.  On that, if you’re a writer, editor, or publisher, or are a reader who’s read something wonderful, please drop me a line by Sunday. I need to get everything read, rights contracted, and manuscript assembled and to the publisher in just 27 days!!