Aug 7, 2009 / Review

Truthseekers: Welcome to Blackriver, by Rob St. Martin

I started reading Rob St. Martin‘s Truthseekers: Welcome to Blackriver [Amazon | Mysterious Galaxy] on the drive back from vacation. I finished it fairly quickly, and immediately jumped back into revision madness, so it’s taken me almost a month to actually post a review. Bad Jim.

This first Truthseekers volume is a collection of intertwined short stories centering around fifteen-year-old Ashley Bennett. When Ashley’s parents are murdered, she has to leave Toronto and move to the small town of Blackriver to live with her older cousin Mark. Over the course of the book, Ashley begins to uncover secrets about her parents, her cousin, and herself.

I joked with Rob that the book reminded me of Buffy, only without the angst of the last few seasons. Imagine Sunnydale as a backwater Canadian town, and you’ll start to get a sense of the book’s vibe. Blackriver is located on the junction of several ley lines, so naturally all sorts of supernatural trouble ensues. Ashley and friends go up against vampires, witches, ghosts, secret societies, and cow tippers. Evil cow tippers. Not to mention the thing that killed her parents…

It’s a fun, easy read aimed at a YA audience. (I enjoyed it too, but there are those who’ll argue whether I qualify as a grown-up.) Ashley’s secret is a fascinating one. I saw it coming, but that doesn’t matter; I still like the implications about what she is and what she can do.

I liked the format overall. It was nice to be able to read in bite-sized chunks, advancing through the larger story one self-contained adventure at a time. Though there were a few times I’d start in on the next story and think to myself, Wait, why aren’t you guys doing more about X from the last story?

I only had two complaints. The first was that some of the stories started slowly. There’s a pattern of following Ashley through some of the mundane aspects of her life before we get into the weirdness. I can appreciate the contrast, but after a few stories, I found myself wanting to skip the first few pages and jump ahead.

The second issue was with the ending. I didn’t expect the book to wrap up every single loose thread, but I find it ironic that while the individual stories are self-contained, the book as a whole leaves you hanging. Though perhaps that’s a good reason to mention that Truthseekers 2: Birthright [Amazon | Mysterious Galaxy] is also available?

Every time I try to figure out how to wrap up this review, I keep coming back to the fact that it’s a fun read. Likeable characters, a good balance between the serious and the not-so-much, and an overall arc that has me curious about book two.

Rob is also on LiveJournal as Talyesin, and has posted the first chapter of the book at http://talyesin.livejournal.com/501876.html Check it out.

Aug 5, 2009 / Books

Open Book Thread

Jim C. Hines / C. F. Bentley, James Van Pelt, Kat Richardson, Sherwood Smith /

82000 words and counting. 23 chapters done, with 2 more to go. I can do this….

But forget about me. A few of my friends have books out this week. Let’s talk about them.

Treason’s Shore [Amazon | Mysterious Galaxy] is the fourth and final book in Sherwood Smith’s Inda series. Check out her LiveJournal announcement for details about the book and the series, or just head over and congratulate her.

This week also marks the release of Vanished [Amazon | Mysterious Galaxy] by my JABberwocky buddy Kat Richardson. (katatomic on LJ.) Vanished is the fourth Greywalker novel, for the handful of you who don’t already know about the series. Richardson has an excerpt of the novel posted on her web site.

Finally, we have C. F. Bentley’s novel Enigma [Amazon | Mysterious Galaxy]. This is the sequel to Harmony. Bentley describes the books as “a spiritual journey with a literary twist in a space opera landscape.” Bentley is one of my fellow DAW authors, and you can find her at her web site or on LJ as ramblin_phyl.

I’ll also give a shout out to James Van Pelt’s story collection The Radio Magician and Other Stories [Amazon | Mysterious Galaxy | B&N]. This one doesn’t come out until 9/1/09 (and I don’t think the Amazon or MG links work yet, but the B&N one does). I’m only about 1/3 through, but … well, let me put it this way. I was tempted to stop reading the thing, because I got through the first two stories and was embarrassed that I’d ever tried to write short fiction. I’m behind on my reviewing, but I will be posting a review of this one later. Van Pelt also posts some great writing-related stuff at jimvanpelt.

So what else is out that we should know about? What have you been reading lately that you loved? Let’s just make this an open book-chat thread, because I don’t think I’ve done that in a while.

Aug 4, 2009 / Uncategorized

Individual Pieces vs. the Larger Puzzle

Jim C. Hines /

kaiweilau posted photos of the Sedlec Ossuary in Prague. From Wikipedia, “The ossuary contains approximately 40,000-70,000 human skeletons which have been artistically arranged to form decorations and furnishings for the chapel.” This blows my mind on multiple levels. Just … wow.

Yesterday’s discussion about the Mind-Blowing SF Manthology was interesting. Some of the comments reminded me of things that were said about the Realms mermaid cover. With Realms, a number of people said it was unfair to attack the magazine’s new staff on the basis of a single cover; wait and give them a year to see how things go.

With the anthology, the point was made that you can’t condemn the editor and his anthology without even reading the stories. You can’t expect every anthology to have a perfectly PC balance of race and gender, and if these stories were chosen on merit, why bash them?

What struck me is that these are valid points. In both cases, if you take the example in isolation, it’s not that big of a deal. The Realms cover was much less annoying to me than others I’ve seen. A number of people really liked the artist’s style. By itself, I don’t think it’s a horrible cover.

Likewise, with the anthology, I imagine these are all good stories. I’ve no doubt the editor believed every one of those stories were good, powerful, mind-blowing SF. As such, why shouldn’t he be allowed to compile a collection of his favorites? If those favorites happen to all be written by white* men, that might be unfortunate, but it’s still his choice as the editor, right? He’s not evil, and he’s not trying to be sexist or oppress women and minorities or anything like that. He’s just picking stories he likes.

Most of the frustration I’ve seen expressed over this sort of thing, my own included, comes from a very different place. My sentiment about the anthology wasn’t so much “This editor is a horribly sexist oppressive Nazi” as much as it was “Here we go again.” If you see this as an isolated incident, it might not feel like a big deal. If you see it as yet another white-male-dominated project in a long history of such, then it becomes more frustrating. As an isolated anthology it’s annoying; as a symptom of a larger and ongoing problem within the genre, it’s both discouraging and highly troubling.

Likewise with Realms. If Fantasy Magazine had used that same cover, I’m betting it would have passed with much less notice. But Realms of Fantasy has a history of cheesecake fantasy covers, and seeing the mermaid as the first cover of the “newly reincarnated” magazine meant it was seen in the context and history of those earlier covers. Fair? Maybe not. But that history is there, and a lot of the people who have been troubled by it were waiting to see whether the new editor would steer the magazine in another direction.

It makes me think of road trips with my little brother when we were younger. The first time I poked him in the arm or bumped his foot or jostled his book, it was no big deal. Add them up, and you end up with a full-blown brawl in the back seat. None of my individual actions were really worth fussing about. Taken all together, I was a jerk in need of an ass-whooping. (Sorry, Brian!)

As a straight white male, it’s easy for me to ignore a lot of these issues. When I was younger, I did exactly that. Not because I was an evil, horrible person, but because I just didn’t see it. I’ve tried to change that. I still have my blind spots. But I’ve found that the more I become aware of this sort of thing, the more I see these individual incidents in a larger context. It’s the difference between the first poke and the hundredth.

Are the new staff of Realms of Fantasy or the editor of the Mind Blowing Manthology responsible for all SF/F sexism that came before them? Of course not. But if we divorce them from the larger context, if we only look at these issues as isolated, individual events, we miss the larger pattern. I believe these are patterns we really need to change … and we can’t change them if we don’t see them.

I hope this all makes sense. I wrote it mostly to sort out my own thoughts, but as always, I’d love to hear what the rest of you think.

—
*As I said yesterday, I don’t know that the ToC is all white. This is a guess based on the names I recognize, but I’m willing eager to be proven wrong.

Aug 3, 2009 / Uncategorized

Three Point Monday

Jim C. Hines / Red Hood's Revenge /

The current plan is to finish this draft of Red Hood’s Revenge by the end of the week, then use next week to make final changes before turning it in. This may or may not interfere with the blogging. Today it does, so here’s your Monday quickie.

1. Thanks to everyone for your feedback and suggestions on the Red Hood teaser. I sent that in this morning … only to learn there had been a miscommunication at the publisher and they actually needed it in mid-July. D’oh! But sometimes these things happen. They’ll still be able to use the ad for other things, and they were very apologetic about the mistake.

2. What’s wrong with this ToC? Take your time. Here’s a hint: I was wearing my special PC Police Enforcer of Doom!* Underoos when I posted this. (Thanks to squirrel_monkey for the pointer.)

3. Anyone who steals a Handicap parking spot but doesn’t need it should be caned. But what are the rules about the handicap stall in the bathroom?

—
*Actually, that might make a fun T-shirt…

Aug 2, 2009 / Uncategorized

Red Hood Teaser Help

Jim C. Hines / Red Hood's Revenge /

In the back of The Stepsister Scheme is a one page teaser ad I wrote for Mermaid’s Madness. I asked the folks at DAW if I could do one for Red Hood to go into Mermaid, and they said sure.

I need to get this turned in tomorrow. If anyone wants to take a peek and let me know what you think, I’m sticking the TIP (teaser in progress) behind the cut. Any and all feedback is appreciated.

Aug 1, 2009 / Uncategorized

Book Winners

Jim C. Hines / Stepsister Scheme /

First off, thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway for The Stepsister Scheme [Amazon | Mysterious Galaxy]. Usually when I do these contests, I end up frustrated that I can’t give out more books. I was hoping that by giving away four books this time, that might help. But no. There were still far too many fun entries, and I’m sorry I can’t just go on a book-giving spree and hand ’em out to everyone.

So with entries on LiveJournal, Facebook, and the Web site, I put together a big old list and used a random number generator to pick two winners: cebuscapucinus and Zachary A. Sheldon.

Actually choosing the other winners took a long time. I finally settled on:

Adam English, who writes:

I will use my nefarious Microsoft connections to ensure that Windows 7 and/or Bing incorporates subtle subliminal messag…er…a desktop regarding The Stepsister Scheme! And if for some strange reason that doesn’t suffice (or uh, work out), here’s more:

1) After I win the free book, I’ll pass the copy to others with one catch: after reading, they must post a review of the book on Amazon by Oct 6th. Thus you’ll get more than just *my* review!

2) You want your books circulating through the pacific northwest. The caffeinated folks up here are passionate about discussing books and spreading the good word!

S. N. Arly, who writes:

1 – I adore fractured fairy tales and fairy tale re-tellings and really want to read this.
2 – Books that I like, by authors whose readership I want to help expand, get purchased for all gifting occasions.
3 – I’m buying fewer things for myself right now because I’m saving money for my 6 year old dog’s upcoming amputation.

And also jonxarn, who writes:

I should get a copy because your book resonates with me so deeply. You see, I too was the victim of a Stepsister Scheme. It’s difficult to talk about, but for you, Jim, I will tear open the scars.

My stepsister waylaid my true love and secreted her in a giant wicker hamster ball suspended from a golden rope spun from straw*. As soon as I found out, I knew what I had to do. To rescue her, I had to learn valuable lessons about love, life and others as well as the meaning of cheese**. On the way, I met new friends, learned new recipes and found a renewed interest in origami. It was magical***.

*(Though it turns out she had kicked her way free almost immediately****, slapped my stepsister, called my Mom to pick her up and arranged for my stepsister to get counseling. She was, in fact, Maid of Honor at my stepsister’s wedding. True story.)
**Deliciousness. The meaning of cheese is deliciousness.
***I did have to work 10 hour days for a couple of weeks to make up for the time I took off. But at least now I remember how to make an origami bull.
****Turns out wicker is not really known for its ability to resist kicking.

Yes, that’s five winners, not four. It’s my contest, so I’m allowed.

Would the five winners please contact me with your mailing addresses, and letting me know how you’d like your books signed? I’ll get those out in the mail next week. And thanks in advance for the reviews 🙂 They don’t have to be positive, just honest. (Though I obviously hope you’ll all enjoy it!)

Jul 31, 2009 / Uncategorized

Free Books Friday

Jim C. Hines / Stepsister Scheme /

I have another IBARW post planned, but haven’t had a chance to write it all out yet. So instead, I figured I’d just give away some books.

Specifically, I’m giving away four autographed copies of The Stepsister Scheme [Amazon | Mysterious Galaxy]. All I ask in return is that you post a review of the book between now and October 6.

Yes, it’s a blatant attempt to get a few more reviews out there before the next book hits the shelves. But it’s also free books for you, so I figure it’s a win-win.

If you’re interested, post a comment telling me why you should be one of the chosen. Serious reasons are welcome, as are the not-so-serious. (Ex: I have my own blimp, and will use this to advertise my review over the Super Bowl. I invented Google, and will make sure the Google logo incorporates the cover art for Mermaid on 10/6/09. I’m Chuck Norris! And so on…)

Two of the books will go to my favorite comments, and the other two winners will be drawn completely at random. I’ll pick the winners after 1:00 p.m. EST tomorrow , 8/1/09, so you’ve got 24 hours.

As always, thanks to everyone who’s shopped at Amazon through my affiliate links. You’re the ones making it possible for me to keep giving away free books.

Jul 30, 2009 / Uncategorized

I Hate This Part

Jim C. Hines / Red Hood's Revenge, Writing /

IBARW link: rawles talking about Uhura. “…please consider the point of view from which you are approaching your analysis because experiences vary wildly and one size does not fit all.” I was troubled by the way Uhura/Spock was presented in the movie. I don’t know that I agree with 100% of what rawles says here, but she’s given me a great deal to think about, including the perspective and assumptions behind my reactions to that coupling.

I love writing and being a writer (not always the same things). It still blows my mind sometimes that I’m actually doing this. That people walk into bookstores and (sometimes) see my stuff on the shelves. That editors from the Czech Republic e-mail me to ask if they can reprint one of my stories (Ours to Fight For – yay!) That I get fan mail, for crying out loud! That’s crazy and wonderful and a little mind-blowing.

Then you have days like yesterday and today, where I’m 85% through the book and hit a brick wall of What-Was-I-Thinking? The ending just doesn’t work.

I don’t expect plotting to be easy, but I hate what this part does to me. For 24 hours now, I’ve been stuck. I’m distracted, trying to fix the ending. I’m impatient. I’m cranky and stressed and ticked off at the damn story, and at myself for not catching this earlier. I can’t imagine I was the most pleasant father/husband to be around last night.

I know I’ll get past this eventually. I’ve figured out how to fix about half of what I need to. The rest will come. But right now, I also know I would be a happier, less stressed person if I wasn’t a writer.

I wouldn’t give it up, and I know it’s not a permanent state, but it’s still frustrating. I love writing. I hate when the negative takes over my life like this. The only comfort is knowing this will vanish the instant I figure out the rest of this plot knot.

And now, back to the brainstorming. Maybe if I had Red Riding Hood turn out to be a Terminator…

Jul 29, 2009 / Uncategorized

Talking About Mermaid

Jim C. Hines / Mermaid's Madness, Writing /

IBARW link: nojojojo talking about the cost of anger, and addressing the idea that people are just looking for something to be angry about, like it’s some sort of hobby or something. This one stayed with me.

It was pointed out that while I’ve been freaking out over Red Hood’s Revenge, the rest of the world (I wish!) has been anxiously awaiting the release of The Mermaid’s Madness [Amazon | Mysterious Galaxy], which got me thinking maybe I should actually talk about the forthcoming book a little 🙂

1. First a quick request – DAW has generously provided me a big box of Mermaid bookmarks. If you’re going to be at a convention in the next 3-4 months and wouldn’t mind dropping bookmarks on the freebies table, please let me know.

2. I posted on Facebook that my wife had read Mermaid, and after thinking about it a while, has declared it my best book yet. Any positive review makes me smile, but this one means more than most 🙂 I’m particularly pleased, since this one’s dedicated to her.

3. I added a new bit to the Goodies page for Mermaid. Check it out if you want to see the inspiration for Stub, the ship’s cat on the Phillipa (or if you just want to see pics of my three-legged cat Pod).

4. Finally, one of the turning points for this book–the whole series, actually–came as I was thinking about … well, I’ll put the rest under a cut for spoiler reasons.

Jul 28, 2009 / Uncategorized

Thinking About Freedom of Speech

Jim C. Hines / ibarw, rants /

So this is International Blog Against Racism Week, which seems like a perfect time to point to the Open Letter from the Carl Brandon Society on racial/gender discourse.

I’m hopeful that, as in previous years, I’ll learn some things and get to read and participate in some good discussions this week. But reading that letter, I found myself wondering how long it would be before I came across the first “Oh noes, the PC Nazis are Censorin’ our Free Speech!” response. (Answer: not long at all, as it turns out.)

Let’s start with the PC part. I’m not sure when “Politically Correct” turned into such a ridiculous phrase. The belief seems to be that, in order to be truly politically correct, I must immediately go through my goblin books, rewriting the goblins as hygienically impaired, height challenged creatures with alternative dietary habits. (Actually, now I want to write a story about Veka demanding that the rest of the world describe her as a goblyn, but that’s a tangent.) The point is, people have waved their wands and cast reductio ad absurdium on the whole concept. We’ve turned it into a joke (perhaps because then it’s easier to ignore it, and we don’t have to actually do anything?)

I keep thinking about the first time someone told me what “politically correct” meant to them. She said, “I want to be able to choose what label people use to describe me.” Why is that such a ridiculous premise? It is really so absurd to think that an individual should have the right to say “I prefer to be called ________”? To choose to be addressed by a label that isn’t demeaning, insulting, or simply not what that person wants to be called? People don’t seem to mind that I prefer to be called Jim rather than James, but if the Carl Brandon Society tells Harlan Ellison not to use the term NWA, suddenly it’s a massive inconvenience and political correctness is censoring our freedom.

It annoys me how easily we toss the word “censorship” around. Spend 30 seconds reading the comment threads for just about any news article that touches on race (the Gates/Crowley stories should provide plenty of reading). Trust me, there ain’t no PC Censors working in this country.

Complaining because someone censored your comment on his/her blog not only misses the meaning of the word, it’s also rather insulting to those people who have actually had to deal with censorship.

People disagreeing with you is not censorship.
People stating that they don’t like your cover art and think its racist, sexist, or whatever, is not censorship.
People banning you from their blogs is not censorship.
For the writers out there, an editor rejecting your story for his/her publication is not censorship.
People saying they don’t like something you said is not censorship.
People telling you racial slurs are unacceptable is not censorship.
People criticising, mocking, or insulting you for choosing to use racial slurs is not censorship.

The nice thing about my country is that you’re free to say just about anything you like. I don’t have any obligation to provide a platform for your words, but you can certainly go out and create your own. The very fact that people are writing 1000+ word rants on their blogs about being censored tends to undermine their point.

But freedom of speech does not equal freedom from criticism. If you say something offensive, you’re probably going to get challenged on it. If that’s a problem for you, you might want to examine your words more carefully. Either that or move somewhere that censorship actually exists — that way you can start suppressing those who disagree with you.

We talk about freedom of speech, but I hear very little about responsibility for speech. You choose your words. You’re responsible for what you say. If you say something offensive or insulting, that’s on you. You might disagree over whether something is offensive, but now we’re getting back to political correctness. Tell me, who has the right to say whether the word “nigger” is insulting? Do I as a white man get to tell black people that they’re overreacting and shouldn’t be offended if I use that term?

To put it another way, Freedom of speech does not protect you from the consequences of saying stupid shit.

«< 183 184 185 186 187 >»