It’s been a while since I last posted some links, so here are some links, both old and new:
- Baen announces that they’ll be selling via Apple iBookstore soon (logon required) – I don’t have an iPad myself, but more venues can only be good. I’m hoping they get their books on Kobo soon.
* - Authors talk about money and sales: Jim C Hines posts about his 2012 writing income and John Scalzi talks about sales of his latest hardback, REDSHIRTS. Interesting stuff.
* - If you’re reading John Scalzi‘s serialised SF novel, THE HUMAN DIVISION, Tor.com is doing a read-along of each episdoe, with some author/editor insights. The second episode, “Walk the Plank”, was very different from the first (here are my brief thoughts on “The B-Team”, and also Hilcia’s), but I pre-ordered the rest of the episodes after I finished reading it. I never thought the serial format would work for me as I’m more on the instant gratification side of things, but I like that each story is self-contained (though I am expecting an overall series arc to appear) and it’s not a massive time commitment on my part. Also, the first episode was the longest while the second was the shortest, so now that I’ve a feel for the various story lengths - the price (£0.63, or £0.99) feels right for what I’m getting (I probably wouldn’t pay if it was any higher).
* 
I’ve never read a Joe Abercrombie book (though they’re on my list to try one day), but this new cover for his fantasy BEST SERVED COLD caught my eye – it’s what I would picture a Kate Daniels cover to be, not quite what George RR Martin called “[...] a bloody and relentless epic of vengeance and obsession in the grand tradition, a kind of splatterpunk sword ‘n sorcery Count of Monte Cristo…”. What do you think?
*- Diana Peterfreund posted a short excerpt from her upcoming book ACROSS A STAR-SWEPT SEA a while back. It’s set in the same world as her previous YA SF, FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS (which was one of my favourites of 2012), and this time it’s a retelling of THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL. Which I haven’t read, but really should, because it sounds amazing.
* - There’s a mini-Bloggiesta taking place next weekend (Feb 2-3) – I want to take part but not sure if it’ll work out time-wise. Is anyone planning on taking part?
* - I’ve never been to an SF/F convention before, but World Fantasy Con is being held in Brighton this year AND next year’s WorldCon is in London. I kind of want to give one of them a go (probably the latter, because it’s, well, in London), but not quite sure who I can persuade to go with me (because I really don’t want to attend by myself). I’ve until April until the Loncon 3 membership rates go up, so I have some time to decide…
* - Non book-related: I’m addicted to Downton Abbey, and these Facebook-style episode recaps are hilarious.
I kind of agree that the cover of Best Served Cold would fit Kate Daniels. Perhaps if they added some blood, it would fit a bit more the description by Martin. You know what though? I think they should have made the background clearer – the battle… Still a pretty cover though.
Oh mini-bloggiesta. It’s this week-end? Don’t know if I’ll have time…
Oh, hope you find someone to attend the Worldcon!
The WorldCon sounds cool, right? We’ll see.
It is a pretty cover, even though it doesn’t scream epic fantasy, which was what I thought Joe Abercrombie wrote. I may go and check it out, which meant the cover served its purpose…
I love the cover to Best Served Cold, too! That’s how I picture Kate Daniels, too. Abercrombie’s books have caught my eye before.. I think the last one I spied at the library was HUGE, though, so I’m intimidated.
Thanks for the heads up on mini-Bloggiesta. I had no idea.. I probably won’t have time to play along. Too bad, too, because I could use the motivation to do some work on my blog. Are you doing it?
Yes, they are rather thick books, aren’t they! I think his previous covers had a sword dripping with blood or something, IIRC, so quite a change.
I haven’t decided yet – I hoping to carve out some time Sat or Sun afternoon, which may work out! I’m like you – I need to do various err… bloggy-type things.
Oh, do read the Scarlet Pimpernel! It was when of the few books assigned in high school which I loved.
*one of the few books that I loved.
Oh, sold! I’m easy like that
Seriously, I did think the plot sounded excellent, plus it’s public domain on manybooks.net. *grabs copy*