Number One!
I’m Number One!
Okay, so that’s a stretch. But the good folks at Number One Novels have been kind enough to post an interview! I answer a few questions about how Spiral Hunt got published, what I’ve got in the works at the moment, and my inability to commit to a single favorite author. Also, my less-than-effective methods of book promotion. Maybe I just need a better megaphone.
Friday teapot blogging: But does it play “Don’t Stop Me Now”?
I chose this teapot today solely because upon seeing it, I immediately got “Jukebox Teapot Hero” stuck in my head. AND NOW YOU WILL TOO.
Belated Magic District: Motherhood in fantasy
I wrote up my Magic District post last night, thought about it overnight, even dreamed of blogging (what the hell? why can’t I have my normal zombie-bunnies dreams?), and then woke up to a dead internet connection. Obviously the Net is toying with me.
As it is, my post is finally up: Fantasy and motherhood, in which I make a sweeping generalization and wait to be called on it.
Friday teapot blogging: Willow
No heart-shaped pots today; just a plain teapot with a special pattern.
I don’t own a Blue Willow teapot, and given that I already own more teapots than I can use, I won’t be owning one in the near future. The pattern is a standard of many porcelain makers (is there a more concise way to put that?) and it’s currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity.
What makes the pattern special to me is that I associate it with my maternal grandmother, who had a set of Blue Willow china at her cabin in New Hampshire. I think she was the one who told me the story associated with the pattern, of lovers separated and elopement and pursuit. Even though the story seems to have no basis in actual legend, I liked having a story on my plate at every dinner. I don’t know if she actually had a Blue Willow teapot in among the other china, but I wouldn’t be surprised.
Wednesday Magic District: In which I am sneaky like an airhorn.
My Wednesday Magic District post is up: I’m being subtle! Look! Look how subtle I’m being! I suspect you can figure out what it’s about from the title.
Meanwhile, here’s a reminder for those of you in the Boston area to visit Pandemonium Books and Games. If you want to see me, I’ll be there tomorrow evening at 7:00; but really, just go visit Pandemonium, regardless of who’s there.
Friday teapot blogging: What the hell?
I really have to find more of this artist’s work.
Wednesday Magic District
My Wednesday post for the Magic District is up: Just Enough Fact, in which I talk muzzily about historical details and wanting to be convinced. Unfortunately, I’ve also got a head cold, so I don’t know if it makes much sense. Maybe if I take some more NyQuil and stare into space a bit more it’ll all come together.
Signing at Pandemonium 3/19
I get to make appearances! Cool!
I’ll be reading and signing at Pandemonium Books and Games in Cambridge on Thursday, March 19, starting at 7:00 PM.
If you’re in the Boston area and haven’t been to Pandemonium, you’re really missing out. They’ve got a fantastic selection of science fiction and fantasy, used and new, and their staff always have good suggestions. (They’ve even been helpful when I sprung a question on them designed to drive bookstore clerks mad: “I’m looking for a book but can’t remember the author or the title…” Yeah. That. But they didn’t kill me, and they found the book. I probably ought to sacrifice to the Lords of Book Karma in thanks.)
The long-awaited return
Since most of my writerly blog posts are now at the Magic District, I thought I’d start posting a few sillier things here, mainly as a way of keeping myself sane and reminding myself that there is life outside my computer screen. (Yes, I’m aware of the paradox of using a blog for this purpose. Shut up.) I still lack a cat, so Friday Cat Blogging is still out of the question, and when I asked the resident organist whether I could try Friday Organist Blogging, I got one of those patient silences that usually mean “I’m going to wait until you say something intelligent.”
So, without further ado, more frivolity for the Internet! More Friday Teapot Blogging!
This is a Paul Revere silver teapot that’s worth roughly $OHMYGODWHAT. Despite the brain-bruising price, it is a lovely little teapot, and elegant in its simplicity. (No, wait. That’s how Middleman villains describe their plans. Never mind.) I don’t know too much about Revere’s silversmithing, but this looks like a teapot that’s held up well over the years.
Besides, I like a man who can pose for a portrait with a teapot in hand. That takes confidence — I mean, teapots can steal a scene so easily.
I hope this has been suitably frivolous for a Friday.
Magic District: Research before the first draft
My Wednesday Magic District post is now up: Tossing everything in the pot. I’m hoping to continue on these lines next week, with maybe a post about closer research and casting out the net at the library. For now I just go on about three different sources for Spiral Hunt.
And yes, I do intend to post more regularly here again. I’ll start in later this week.
Margaret Ronald 