Just The Caffeine Talking

A Pirate's Life for Me!

With the approach of Talk Like a Pirate day (Sept. 19) I'm pleased to be able to talk about pirates. In this case, space pirates. Baen Books has just released a new anthology of classic space-pirate yarns, called Cosmic Corsairs. It's edited by Hank Davis and Christopher Ruocchio, and features some excellent piratical science fiction — including a Fritz Leiber story which has never been reprinted since it appeared in 1941. 

I'm particularly excited because the volume includes my short story "To the Barbary Shore," which eventually grew into my second novel Corsair. You can read my own "How I Did It" post about the genesis of that story, and you can listen to the Baen Free Radio Hour podcast about the new anthology.

The book's available everywhere, so go get it!

Another Cup of Tea

The complete "Teatime Readings" series is now available for viewing on YouTube. You can see them here. Or you can skip right to my reading from The Initiate.

There's a lot of good stuff and some interesting comments and conversation. Check it out.

Inland Seas Reviews

The first reviews of Retellings of the Inland Seas are out, and it looks as though this collection is getting a good reception. 

Nerds of a Feather reviews it here.

Treehouse Writers blog reviews it here.

It's always interesting to see how different reviewers look at the same book. I like to see varying takes. When everyone focuses on the same things I'm always suspicious they're just reading the press release.

 

Set Sail on the Inland Seas!

The anthology Retellings of the Inland Seas launches today, from Candlemark & Gleam publishers. Edited by Athena Andreadis, this collection of original short fiction takes the myths and history of the Mediterranean into the realms of fantasy and science fiction. I'm proud to be one of a rather impressive lineup of contributors, including Shariann Lewitt, Alexander Jablokov, Judith Tarr, Melissa Scott, and many others. My own story, "Calando," takes place in the same "Billion Worlds" future I'm using for the novel I'm finishing up for Baen Books. You can get it in print or digital form, from the publisher, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. 

 

Time For Tea!

There's an excellent series of online readings organized by Sarah Smith, Brookline's Grande Dame of Fantasy and Science Fiction, called Teatime Readings. I did one last week, and now everyone can enjoy it here. The first half of the video is me reading a chapter from The Initiate, and the second half is a question-and-answer session about why and how I wrote that book — and some hints about what I'm doing right now!

On the Air!

If you have enjoyed reading my posts about The Initiate here on my 'blog, you can venture into another medium! Listen to an interview with me about the book on the Baen Free Radio Hour podcast, linked here. 

Initiate Events This Weekend!

This weekend my promotion tour for my new novel The Initiate comes to its exciting finish with a double-header of bookstore events.

This evening at 6:00 p.m. I'll be reading from the book and signing copies at the Lovecraft Arts & Sciences shop in Providence, Rhode Island. It's in the historic Providence Arcade, at 65 Weybosset Street. Rhode Island writers Catherine Grant and Daphne Host will be reading from their works as well, so it should be a very entertaining evening.

On Sunday, February 23, I'll be appearing at Flights of Fantasy Books and Games in Albany, New York. That event starts at 3:00 p.m., at 381 Sand Creek Road in Albany. All are welcome!

Initiate Reading in Providence!

This coming Friday, February 21, the Lovecraft Arts & Sciences shop will host an evening of fantasy and horror. I'll be reading from my new contemporary noir fantasy novel The Initiate, along with special guests Catherine Grant and Daphne Gem Host. The store is in the historic Providence Arcade, at 65 Weybosset Street, and the event starts at 6:00 p.m. You can also take the opportunity to shop at one of the country's best Lovecraft/Horror/Occult bookshops!

 

The Future of Star Wars — And An Initiate Reading!

Andrew Liptak at Tor.com asked some science fiction writers what they'd like to see from future Star Wars projects. You can read my answer here.

And if you're in or near Worcester, Mass., at 6:00 p.m. tomorrow, swing by Annie's Book Stop of Worcester, at 65 James Street on the west side of Worcester (take exit 10 off the Mass Pike and go north on Oxford St.), to hear a reading from my new book The Initiate and get a signed copy! I'll be giving away a bonus gift to one randomly-chosen attendee, so don't miss out!

The Initiate Arrives Today!

The wait is over, the stars are right, and all the necessary rituals are complete. My new modern-day noir fantasy novel The Initiate is officially released today. Pick up a copy in your local bookstore, or buy on line. Get Initiated!

And if you're going to be in the neighborhood of Easthampton, Massachusetts this coming Thursday, stop by the launch party! It's at Book Moon bookstore, 86 Cottage St., from 6:30-8:00 p.m. on February 6. Features readings by myself and Hugo award winner Suzanne Palmer, plus refreshments and more! The Apkallu command you to attend!