Above all others, the book I am most looking forward to reading is William Gibson’s Spook Country. According to his blog it’s done, finished and delivered. I spoke with Jack Womack about it back in August, and it was maybe three quarters done then. Jack’s description left me wanting a lot more. I think Pattern Recognition is the best thing he’s done, so I can’t wait to see this one. If it’s as good as I think it will be, it’s going to be extraordinary.

I’ve not read every book by my pal Sean Williams, but I have been reading his work pretty much from the beginning. I also think I’ve seen every edition of each of his books, which means that I’ve seen every one of his book covers. He’s just posted the latest – the cover for Astropolis: Saturn Returns by Stephan Martiniere – and it totally rocks! Sean has had covers by some of the best in the business, but this is the first one where just seeing the cover makes me want to read the book. I honestly can’t wait to get the chance to read the book. Very cool indeed.

 

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!!

Like the white rabbit, I’m late, I’m late for a very important date. The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year must, must, be done by 7 November. That means story selections, contracts – the whole nine yards. With that in mind, I’m stopping reading anything new on 15 October. That means you have nine days to post, email or semaphore me anything you’d like me to consider for the book. If you’re not sure if I’ve seen it, please drop me an email and I’ll let you know. And my sincerest thanks to everyone who’s already sent in stuff or gotten in touch. This book’s going to be the best one yet!

The email’s gone off and should be in the relevant editors in-boxes, so I think it’s safe to tell you all that Gardner Dozois and I have delivered The New Space Opera to HarperCollins in Australia and the US. The 200,000 word anthology will be published in trade paperback in June 2007, and will feature the fabulous artwork of Stephan Martiniere on the cover (as mentioned here earlier).  I’m very happy with the book, and can’t wait to see what you all think of, once it hits the shelves. Oh, and Gardner and I have been hard at work, and are in the planning stages for a possible NSOII (fingers crossed).