Wonderbook

Oh, I just got something neat in the mail today. It's this:

That being Jeff VanderMeer's supercool, illustrated craft book - all about writing Imaginative Fiction. It's totally beautiful (with artwork by Jeremy Zerfoss) and full of wisdom from Jeff himself, and from a ton of other folks as well. See, Jeff knows people. When he asks for creative consultations and contributions, we come running. That's why it's got articles and such from the likes of Neil Gaiman, Lev Grossman, Lauren Beukes, Charles Yu, Karin Lowachee, Catherynne M. Valente, Michael Moorcock, and many others, as well as a long exclusive discussion about craft with George R.R. Martin.

For some reason it's even got me in it. Yep, my name is right there on the back, wedged in between Kim Stanley Robinson and Joe Abercrombie. I'm just across from Karen Joy Fowler and I could tap Ursula K. Leguin and Catherynne M. Valente on the shoulder. I could tickle Neil Gaiman (not that I'd dare) and step on Lev Grossman's toes (not that I'd want to or anything - just saying).

Anyway, I am pleased to be in it, but mostly I'm happy to have it. It's a lovely resource. Not on sale yet, but soon. It's here on Amazon.com - Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction.

I like it. I really like it. As a matter of fact, I think I'm going to read it...

Writing the Other Workshop and Retreat

Here's a thing - Mary Robinette Kowal and K. Tempest Bradford are running an awesome sounding retreat next year:

"Many authors struggle to write beyond what they know and write the other. While conventions are tackling this material, there is frequently not enough time to delve into this tricky and nuanced skill. The Writing the Other Workshop and Retreat is designed to have lessons and conversations at a more advanced level. By pairing it with a retreat, we give the participants an opportunity to work on projects in a nurturing environment. This week long event gives you one on one time with the instructors David Anthony Durham, Tempest Bradford, Mary Robinette Kowal, Nisi Shawl, and Cynthia Ward."

Hey, I'm in there! Which is nice for me. What's nice for folks doing this is the other folks teaching and the wonderful setting.

Check out what's on offer.

The Horseman May Yet Ride

So, my first novel, Gabriel's Story, has been optioned for development as a film for like eight years. Eight years. There's a producer, Uberto Pasolini, a director, Alan Taylor, and a script, written by Alan. But no film.

Yet.

I'm always thrilled when Uberto renews the option. Thrilled because he's staying devoted to the project. Thrilled because he cares about it and wants to see it in film and is willing to put his time into it over a span of years. I just got public reconfirmation of this when I came across this piece in Screen Daily: Venice best director Pasolini talks new projects. (It's IMDB'd HERE.) It's about a number of projects and is, in part, about his newest film, Still Life. But the part I dig is:

"Meanwhile, he is still working with director Alan Taylor (Palookaville, Thor) on The Horseman, a western adapted from David Anthony Durham’s civil war set novel, Gabriel’s Story."

That's good news. And, yes, that was Thor attached to Alan Taylor's name. He's directing the new Thor movie, coming out in November, I think. He's done a few indie films, but is a veteran director of HBO dramas, including Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire, Mad Men, The Sopranos, Deadwood, Sex & The City, Six Feet Under - just to name a few. Rumor has it he may also be doing the first of the new Terminator movies. It worries me that he's so busy, but then again success is a good thing, yes?

Maybe some of it will rub off...