I am back from Australia, Gentle Reader, for about 3.5 seconds before jetting off on book tour. But I did want to drop a quick post so you didn’t think I’d entirely abandoned you.
Great upset at the Hugos.
I lost the Campbell, no that wasn’t the upset, the upset was that there was a TIE for best novel. Paolo and China co-won! I’m convinced they ought to mud wrestle for it. I don’t mind losing the Campbell because, though I say it myself, my hair looked fantastic. I found a vintage hair stylist . . . in Melbourne! There’s a story there, I promise to blog about it soon plus pictures.
It was delightful to meet China Mieville, an author of whom I have heard many rumors, but who always seems very angry in his photos so I’ve been a little afraid. However, you gotta respect a man who wears tentacles in his ear. The young lions went out in a group after the Hugo Losers Party and celebrated his birthday (and win) so I actually got to chat with him, and he is much less fearsome than I thought.
I had a busy convention, no time even to take the usual notes, although I will try to recall and do the customary blog-by-blog plus outfits. I finally realize why authors never seem to be around at conventions. It’s not just panels, it’s meeting and signings (I had a LINE?!) and being pigeon-holed into hallway conversations. I was constantly late and even stood a few people up, for which I apologize profoundly. When I wasn’t committed to something, I was in the green room drinking tea and grabbing a quick bite before the next event. I hope this kind of thing slows down in future, but I’m not complaining, I like to be kept busy. Which reminds me, came to the startling realization at the after party that I have had 3 books come out in less than a year, no wonder I feel so frantic.
Speaking of which, I am hoping to see some of you in Huntington Beach, Seattle, or San Diego.
Photo from my trip: see how Sydney prevents Gail from taking the ferry?
Now, on to the minutia:
Borders not stocking Blameless?
Yes, there has been some kind of snafu or even, dare I say it, a kerfuffle. The stock should be arriving soon. No, there isn’t anything I can do about it. If you don’t want to wait, please try alternate venues, and I wish I could help further.
While I was away the following interview dropped over on Book Lovers Inc. Here is a sample.
The Geeky Lover: What do you think is the difference between a reader and a real Book Lover?
Gail Carriger: I suspect it may be like the difference between a drinker and an alcoholic, the one merely reads books, the other needs books to make it through the day.
Also I talked about My First Sale for Dear, Author.
Gail’s Daily Dose
Your Infusion of Cute:
Vintage tea! Only I could go to New Zealand and track down such a thing at a Kiwi House.
“If Carriger had not included the steampunk, alternate history, supernatural, and preternatural elements in this story it would have been a typical spinster-catches-handsome-earl type of romance but with the way everything was written, Soulless is truly an amazing book.”
“The wonderful humor that I appreciated so much from the first book is back, as is Carriger’s interesting blend of paranormal, steampunk, and historical fiction.”
“To wit, the epic fallout that occurs when she returns home is fully in keeping with the Victorian moral and social code, thus heaping even more pressure upon our heroine, who has to contend not only with her own hurt and anger over her husband’s betrayal but the whole of London’s righteous indignation for her alleged faux pas. Alexia’s righteous indignation at their righteous indignation is one of the major reasons she is able to remain such a strong and funny protagonist, even under these trying circumstances. She may be hurt but she refuses to let the clucking tongues of society, nor her fool of a husband impede her drive.”
Among many other erudite things.
Quote of the Day:
Seven ships of the enemy have destroyed Ugarit by fire while our armies are away with the Hittites in the north. The walls have fallen.
~ Note from an Inscription
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