First things first: Best wishes, Mr. President, and all good fortune. So say we all...
Mario told me yesterday that Urban Fantasy Land is having a reader’s poll and some of our books are nominated. To wit:
Best Anthology: Many Bloody Returns
Best in Vampires: The Undead Kama Sutra
Best in Shape Shifters: Legacy (must be the werewolves—or Daniel Frey though he didn’t play such a big part in this one. Anyway, I’m grateful for the nomination)
So, the deal is to click on the
link and vote. Thank you.
End of paid political announcement.
Except, not quite. I’m going to be in San Diego next week to speak at Cuyamaca College. Great poster, huh? The event will be held in the Digital Theatre on Campus, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway El Cajon, CA 92019 at 6 PM. The event is free and open to the public. If you’re in the area, please call: 619-644-7454 X 3138 for more info. My writing career actually started on this campus. In the late 70’s, when I decided I wanted to write mysteries, I took criminal justice classes here.
In other news, by now most of you know that Monday was the 200th anniversary of the birth of Edgar Allan Poe. Was in the post office yesterday and saw the stamp. It’s official—we’ve gone poe-stal. (I hear the groans, out there, so watch it.)
Fox is canceling Prison Break. I liked this series but how long can these guys keep getting screwed over by the authorities? Final episodes kick of April 17.
And another bit from the
Ausiello Files: Question: Thanks for telling us that True Blood started shooting its second season last week, but could you tell me when the episodes will start airing? -- Katie
Ausiello: This summer, which means season 2 will air roughly eight months after the conclusion of season 1 -- a lightning fast turnaround by cable standards. "Alan Ball is a very fast writer," explains an HBO source. In other True Blood news, I caught up with Sam Trammell (Sam) at the Globes and he teased that his new love interest (played by The Bold and The Beautiful's Ashley Jones) is up to no good. "I don't know the whole storyline, but I've read the first three episodes, and it's going to be really twisted and dark and exciting. She's got some serious secrets and questionable intentions."
To read complete articles for the above—you have to scroll down to Jan 13.
And for all of you sharp-eyed viewers out there—yes, it was SMG in a cameo in Dr. Horrible. It was a spontaneous thing. She happened to be visiting the set and took a seat. Kewl…
Yikes—a new application for the iPod. From the UK
Telegraph:
A new application has been launched for the iPod touch to help gun users line up a clean shot at their target.
The BulletFlight app, which costs £6.99 to download from the iTunes store, has been developed by Runaway App to turn the iPod touch into a ballistics computer which the company says can provide “quick solutions in the field”.
Users can mount their iPod touch to their rifle, and then use the iPod’s touch-screen to tap in details about the wind conditions, ammunition type, distance to the intended target and even the wind speed.
I mentioned last week that I spoke to students at South Park (yes, that South Park) High in Fairplay, CO. Teacher Lynde Iozzo sent me some pics. The class was terrific and I hope to keep in touch with some of these future authors.
Student Callie Edwards, me, teacher Lynde Iozzo
Thanks again, Lynde.
In memoriam: Actor
Patrick McGoohan passed away on January 13th. The Emmy-winning actor who created and starred in the cult classic television show The Prisoner, died at the age of 80 after a short illness.
I have a special treat for you. Tune in tomorrow to read a story by author
L.G. Vernon. I didn’t want to include with today’s post because I think it deserves special attention. Thank you, Linda, for letting me share it.