Sorry for the silence lately; been down with the plague, otherwise known as my annual bout of cold which turns into a sinus infection which turns into bronchitis. I’ve got an appointment with the doctor on Friday, and I’ve had it before and know how to take care of myself, so don’t worry. But I’m low energy — that’s the infection part — and afflicted with a painful, constant cough, so thus the lack of blogging. Barely got the energy to write, to be honest.
It probably doesn’t help that, when I began to feel a bit better last weekend, I stupidly went to my new gym and tried a cardio kickboxing class that was absolutely amazing — and exhausting. I’m still sore, and I’m pretty sure I wore myself out so much that the infection shunted to my lungs. I really should know better. But I’ve been on a fitness kick lately, trying to get back into shape because a) I used to be, before the 9 to 5, and b) I need to be, before I go to Hawaii at the end of this month for my UMSP research trip. Along with the helicopter tour of active lava vents, I’m hoping to do a hike across the Kilauea crater. It’s a mild hike, and I’m a moderately experienced hiker, but it’ll be new territory and I can’t do it if I’m in crappy shape. Can’t do it if I’m sick either, tho’, so gotta take it easy awhile.
But although I haven’t been blogging, I have been busy. Among other things, I’ve been trying to get the word out about a couple of friends of mine who’ve got new books coming out. E. C. Myers is gearing up for the launch of his first novel with a giveaway at Goodreads. Sign up for your chance! And Saladin Ahmed’s first novel, the Arabian-flavored epic fantasy Throne of the Crescent Moon, launches this week! Both these guys were in my writing group, and I’ve seen and loved their work for years. Glad to see them jump the line to published novelists at last!
And speaking of up-and-coming writers… The Shared Worlds writing workshop nurtures teen writers, and they’re doing a fundraising drive right now. To promote this, the workshop organizers did something hilariously creative: the Critter Map, an interactive mosaic featuring incredibly cute art by Jeremy Zerfoss and delightful mythmaking by me and a whole bunch of other authors, including Neil Gaiman, Scott Westerfeld, and many others. Go look! Admire the cuteness! And donate!
aw, I’m sorry to hear you’re not feeling well. I caught the flu last week which was a nightmare and I’m still coughing madly. So I can totally relate.
Thanks for the recs.
I literally jumped when I read about the fundraising thing, because it includes my two heroes of all-time: YOU! and Scott Westerfeld. My laptop fell on the ground XD Thanks for making my week!!