Birthmarked
Advanced Boy with Matches
The following is a bit story about a character from the world of Birthmarked.
Pyrho had never been outside the wall, nor wanted to go, but when one of the older kids at school told him he was advanced, this from a kid who had access to sensitive school files and tended to know such things with disturbing accuracy, he decided, before he talked to his father about it, that he had best go and see for himself what it was like outside the wall. His father, still upset… Continue reading
Beauty Surrounds Me
My lunch apple today was just gorgeous, glowing and powerful, so much that I had to just stare at it before I could cut into it. I am surrounded by beauty.
Rome
I have this theory about sensory detail and reading. Since normal intake of our world reaches our brains through our five senses, if a writer can describe things clearly enough that a reader sees, smells, hears, tastes and feels them, then the words on the page have co-opted the brain. It’s a polite form of mind… Continue reading
Tolland Public Library
I’ve been invited to speak in the Eaton-Dimock-King Authors Series at the Tolland Public Library tonight, November 10th, at 7:30. The event is free, but space is limited, so please call to register if you’d like to come. 860-871-3620.
Twins of the Dead Forest (Continued)
(This is a continuation of the fairy tale started here on November 1st.)
Years passed, and the farmer, who had learned a cruel lesson, made a point of reaching out to her neighbors and fellow farmers. She begged them all not to tell Artemis about her lost twin, and in time, many of them even forgot Salma had ever been born. All learned to love and care for young Artemis, who grew into a strong, smart, peaceful girl with flowing blond hair and sharp aim with her bow.… Continue reading
Twins of the Dead Forest
Here’s one of the fairy tales from Wharfton and the Enclave.
Once upon a time, at the edge of the dead forest, a pig farmer gave birth to twin girls. Her husband was ecstatic, and sent word around to all their friends and relatives that soon they’d have a christening.
“It can only be a simple celebration,” the farmer said. “We’re very poor.”
“I know,” her husband said, but while his wife nursed the babies, he decided to slaughter one of the pigs for a roast.
“Big mistake,”… Continue reading
Q. Do You Read Reviews of Your Book?
A. Not normally. I notice they’re out there. If I see a review has 5 stars or a raving first line, I might read it. Anything less, and I look away.
I learned this the hard way. I wish it weren’t the case that strangers’ opinions have any power over me, but they do, so back when Birthmarked first came out, when I read a few bad reviews, they stung. For days. Even an otherwise very nice review could include a zinger about the… Continue reading