Well, there’ve been plenty of April showers in our parts—time to bring
on the May flowers. Rhubarb is coming up, as is the garlic planted last fall,
and the asparagus left behind by the previous occupants of our property, so I
can’t complain. Seeing lots of birds returning; saw a rose-breasted grosbeak at
the feeder this morning, and a black-throated blue warbler in the shrubbery a
week or two ago.
Recent Publications
My review of Paul Meloy’s Adornments
of the Storm appeared on The Future
Fire’s review site April 23rd. Adornments of the Storm was a follow-up to Meloy’s earlier novel The Night Clock, and proved to be a
fitting sequel. Great to see Bix, Bronze John, and the other characters back in
action. You can find the review at The
Future Fire:
I also received my copy of The Daily Grind, a coffee-themed
anthology, in the mail. Goal Publications’ submission call for coffee-themed
furry stories inspired my short story “Grounds for Questioning”, about a border
collie cop’s first day on the job. This story was included in the anthology,
and as a bonus provided inspiration for two other tales featuring the central
character Rally. Had lots of fun writing all three stories, so thanks to the
folks at Goal Publications for putting out their initial submission call.
What I'm Working On
I recently finished reading W. Michael Gear's Outpost, which I will subsequently review. Interesting
story with lots of twists and turns.
I received two additional review books in the
mail recently, Timothy S. Johnston’s The War Beneath, and Guy Gavriel
Kay’s A Brightness Long Ago. A work colleague introduced me to Kay’s
Fionavar Tapestry series years ago, and it remains one of my all-time favourites.
I’ve just started reading A Brightness Long Ago; finding it interesting
so far.
I have a few short stories I am working on
refining, and have been sending a few items for the Chicken Soup for the
Soul: I Can’t Stop Laughing story call-out.
