Tired. I was just thinking about what kind of metrics I’d post on this blog, if I were a metrics-posting type: stories read, words edited, books completed? I dunno.
This week is turning into a good news week, mostly stuff that I’m not getting round to telling you about. Monday I came home to a finished copy of The Starry Rift. It feels like I have been working on this project forever. My memory is notoriously crap, but I’m pretty sure that it was at Noreascon in September of 2004 when I met up with Sharyn November to sign the contracts and toast our newest venture. That means we probably were discussing the book in February of 2004 – four years from proposal to book. God! Well, it’s here and it’s beautiful. Viking have done a lovely job with it, and it will be headed out into the world over the next month or so. Reviews are starting to trickle in: they’re mostly very positive, which is lovely, but you keep waiting for them to kick your baby. A review comes along, and you’re smiling and wincing at the same time. Well, whatever happens out there, I’m proud of the book and feel like I’ve done all that I can on it.
That, of course, means that it’s time for Sharyn and I to discuss our next venture. I’ve got a proposal for a book with her now, and I’m betting if we can get things worked out we could have it in shops in 2010. That’d be cutting two years off the process, which would be swell
The other news is that my travel plans for the year are becoming clearer. After lengthy discussions here at the home office, I’m going to be headed to Denver for WorldCon after all. While World Fantasy will always be my first love, and while I will be in Calgary, I’ve persuaded the family to do without me for the ten days that it’ll take to make the journey to Oakland then Denver, and home. It should be a lot of fun. I’m hoping to catch up with everyone, though I may miss a few people. If you’re going to be there, let me know and maybe we’ll get to catch up.
I’ve read some books lately, listened to music, watched a few things, and basically been busy, so more soon…
Great about Denver! And do I see you at Swancon too??
Yes!
I’m glad you’re working towards another project with Sharyn. I have, of course, a special fondness for YA anthologies. Pity there are not more of them. Hopefully Beastly Brides will release in 2010.
I hope you have your hotels organised in Denver. I believe the con hotels sold out within a day or two of coming online in late January.
*** Shameless Plug ***
When you’re in Denver drop into the Australia in 2010 bid parties – we’ll “buy” you a bheer. And by “you” I mean JS and everyone reading this.
Hi Perry – I have indeed organised my hotel for Denver. I wish I’d done it *much* earlier, but have managed to get a room at the Denver Grand Hyatt, which is about four blocks from the convention area. I’m going to keep my eye out for anyone dumping their room booking at the main hotel, though. I’d rather be over there.
As to the room party – I would love to drop by and grab a beer. It is Aussie Beer, yes? I also plan to be at the Business Meeting to vote for Australia in 2010!
– J
Hey Steve — I love The Starry Rift, and I love doing young adult books, so I hope I get to do another one. The only real downside to doing The Starry Rift was how long it took, so I’m hopeful of finding faster pathways to print. Really, two years from proposal to publication should be more than adequate. – Jonathan
Because I waited a week from the time bookings opened, I also failed to get into the main hotel. I’m in the Marriott City Center.
See you there!
I also will be voting for Oz, beer or no beer.
And Donna Hanson & I got into the main con hotel…*g*
The aim is to have Aussie bheer and wine at the parties, which reminds me that I have to start organising that.
The party hotel is the Adams Mark, which is a bit further away from the convention center.
You may have forgotten, but voting for the worldcons is done by Site Selecton ballot rather than at the Business Meeting. Voting will cost you money but it will then provide you with a Supporting Membership to whoever wins the 2010 convention. And then you can convert at the cheapest price possible the day after the site of the 2010 worldcon is announced.
You absolutely have my vote, Perry – I want to be in Melbourne 2010!
I too will be doing whatever I need to do in order to vote for Melbourne. My current plan is to attend Denvention and World Fantasy in Calgary this year. I should be at World Fantasy in San Jose in 2009. And then in 2010, Melbourne for AussieCon 4 and Columbus, Ohio (!) for World Fantasy in 2010.