Archive for the ‘Elfy’ Category
F&SF Passes on the Baseball Story, but…
Folks, tonight I have the proverbial good news and bad news.
The bad news is what you just read in the title — the guest editor for the July-August edition of Fantasy and Science Fiction, C.C. Finlay, passed on my baseball story. His note was kind, and he said he’d like to see something else down the line if he gets another guest-editor slot somewhere . . . but this story didn’t work for him.
While that’s disappointing (I’m not going to lie and say that it isn’t), I do appreciate his thoughtful response. It appeared he’d actually read my story, which is more than some of the responses I’ve received from other editors in the past (I had one story get rejected in about a half a minute, which was impossible as the story was 8,000 words long. No one reads that fast.)
As for the good news, I’ve completed my final lookover of the first half of my novel, ELFY. (So far, the book has not been re-titled; it’s still ELFY, part 1.) It took me the better part of two weeks to do, so I’m grateful that I’ve been able to get it done.
As to what I did with it once I finished? I sent it off to a good friend who’s never read ELFY before, in the hopes that she’ll enjoy it.
And, of course, once she lets me know what she thinks, I’ll send it off to my publisher.
So that’s the update tonight — you win some, you lose some, you dust yourself off and keep trying.
Stay warm, folks.
An All-Around, Generalized Update
Folks, I’ve been hip-deep in editing this past week — I’ve been doing a last-ditch edit of my novel, ELFY, and have decided to re-do some chapter lengths. I also edited a short project for a friend, and have consulted on two other projects . . . and as if that’s not enough, I prepared for a concert with the Racine Concert Band that was unfortunately rained out last evening, too. (I was to play my alto saxophone.)
So I’ve had plenty going on, which is why I haven’t written a blog in over a week, why I haven’t reviewed any books, either, and quite frankly, haven’t really had much time to even turn around. (Ask my friends, as they barely see me, online or off.)
At any rate, here’s what I think about this, that, and the other, July 2013 style:
The George Zimmerman trial stirred up a lot of bad feelings. The African-American community is outraged, as is completely understandable, that Zimmerman wasn’t held accountable for his actions by the Florida court system. The Hispanic community is upset because they mostly seem to believe that Zimmerman is a poor reflection on them. And many white Americans seem to believe that Zimmerman is a martyr and should be embraced at all costs.
While I completely understand how the public at large could have conflicting feelings — and these three segments of the American “melting pot” could feel in completely different ways — the fact remains that as Zimmerman was not initially charged with anything for over a month, many bits of evidence were completely lost. The prosecution didn’t have much to work with, which may be partly why they seemed to do such a terrible job in going after Zimmerman. And the laws of Florida are such that there was absolutely no way with the evidence the prosecution had left to work with that the prosecution could have ever gotten a jury to sign off on the charge of second degree murder, either, no matter how competent the prosecution had been.
I said on my Facebook page that I thought Zimmerman would not be convicted of second degree murder or the high degree of manslaughter, which came into play only in the final days of the trial and was ill-defined to boot, not because I think Zimmerman is an innocent — he’s not — but because the prosecution hadn’t proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Had the prosecution gone after something much more likely to have been understood by the jury, albeit with much less high of a profile than second degree murder, they would’ve charged Zimmerman with whatever Florida calls “reckless endangerment of human life” coupled with “unlawful use of a firearm.” Zimmerman most likely would’ve been acquitted of the last due to the way Florida’s laws are written, but at least the prosecution would’ve had a snowball’s chance in Hell of making the charges stick.
A sentence for something like that in Wisconsin to a first-time offender is usually anywhere between two to five years in jail coupled with the loss of the firearm in question. I think if the jury had been looking at something like that for Zimmerman rather than the lengthy stints in jail required for second degree murder or the high degree of manslaughter the Florida authorities were going after, they may have been able to consider the actual evidence in a different light.
All I know is, I’m glad there weren’t nationwide riots after the verdict was read, and that the jury’s verdict has been respected (even if not appreciated by vast segments of the population). Because truly, there are better ways to continue the conversation Trayvon Martin’s untimely death has prompted than to cause permanent damage to people and objects — like actually talking.
Edited to add:
A very interesting column by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel columnist Eugene Kane has this to say about the Zimmerman trial:
After Zimmerman’s acquittal, widespread dissatisfaction was expressed by black and white supporters alike who didn’t understand how an African-American teenager’s life could have so little value in the criminal justice system.
Without a video, the Zimmerman jury felt compelled to buy the defense portrayal of Zimmerman as someone just defending himself from attack, even though testimony showed he sought the confrontation by stalking the teenager in the dark of night. Zimmerman’s self-defense argument (not technically “stand your ground”) angered many black parents, who wondered how someone could be considered not guilty after initiating contact with a black teenager who ended up dead.
I agree wholeheartedly with Kane’s assessment, and think this is the main reason why the jury wasn’t able to do any more than acquit Zimmerman of what he’d been accused of — particularly because the evidence was definitely not there (something the prosecution must have known) for second degree murder due to the 45-day delay between the death of Martin and the arrest of Zimmerman.
(Now back to my original post.)
I’m also reading a really interesting book right now by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks called THE GREAT PARTNERSHIP: Science, Religion, and the Search for Meaning. I have found it most enlightening thus far, and may post some quotes from it soon.
So that, and watching baseball (thoughts about the 2013 Milwaukee Brewers and Ryan Braun accepting a 65-game suspension will be forthcoming, honest), and working are what I’ve mostly been doing this past week.
And because of all I’ve been doing in July, I didn’t get a chance to mention that I’d passed my third year of bloggery (is that even a word? ‘Tis now.) here at WordPress earlier this month. (Hip, hip . . . something?) But I hope things will have calmed down so much by this time next year that I will be able to write a much more proper celebratory blog — or at least an informative one — discussing what I’ve learned from blogging, my fellow authors, and you all . . . because I’m sure that post is inside me somewhere.
At any rate, thanks for continuing to read my blog despite the infrequency of my recent postings. I truly appreciate it.
Quick Friday Update
Folks, I’m writing, editing, and keeping myself so busy that I’ve barely had time to come up for air.
Now, what’s causing me to become this obsessed? Parts 46 and 47 of AN ELFY ABROAD, the direct sequel to ELFY, that’s what. I was stalled out for a long time in this manuscript — months and months, easily — and while I worked on other projects, writing-wise, I didn’t feel satisfied. But because I think I’ve figured out a way to get through these chapters that makes sense and, more to the point, amuses me (in a humorous fantasy, if it doesn’t amuse the writer, it definitely won’t amuse the reader), I’m feeling a whole lot better, writing-wise.
Editing-wise, I have two very interesting projects right now, one a “big, fat fantasy” and the other a coming-of-age story. So when I’m not writing or reading, I’m editing . . . and I hope to squeeze in a review or two over at Shiny Book Review, as well.
So that’s about it for my update; while I have plenty to say about politics, sports, current events, and more, while I’m working so hard on the writing and editing, it all tends to go by the boards unless it rivets my attention. And even though I’m annoyed mightily by much of what I’m hearing on television from the Republican candidates here in Wisconsin (and across the nation; can’t stand that Todd Akin, and I’m not a big fan of either Paul Ryan or Mitt Romney, either), nothing “new” has happened that really bothers me to the point that I must blog about it, or else.
And if it doesn’t rivet me during a time where I feel intense creativity on my own projects, I’d much rather focus my energy on what I can do, personally, rather than my anger over how various pundits are saying this or that, or the candidates themselves have said this or that.
Because really, when you’re only a few weeks from a major election, it’s all over but the posturing. And I’m tired of all the talk. So let’s get to the voting, and then decide.
* * * * * *
One further note: I will have a “guest blog” post by writer Stephanie Osborn coming up on Sunday. She’s going to discuss her “Displaced Detective” series, which I have enjoyed very much so far (book four is forthcoming from Twilight Times Books), and the research that’s gone into that series. So please remember to come back on Sunday.
Reviewed E.C. Myers’ “Quantum Coin” at SBR
Folks, as I originally wrote this on September 11, 2012 — and for some reason, it wasn’t published on that day — take it as read that I have had alternate universes on my mind all week.
To wit — what would’ve happened had Al Gore, not George W. Bush, been our 43rd President of the United States? Would he have stayed on top of al-Qaeda, as he was well aware of the threat al-Qaeda posed to the United States? Or would he have been distracted by the many other concerns that can’t help but keep every President awake at night (unless he’s a particularly sound sleeper, as it appeared Ronald Reagan must’ve been)?
I’d like to think that in another universe — even if it were still a universe where George W. Bush was President, but had different advisors, or maybe took a different path with regards to foreign policy — that the horrible events of our version of September 11, 2001, wouldn’t have happened.
Such is the belief of the parallel worlds theory, something many writers have dealt with in both fantasy and science fiction. Because my own novel, ELFY (forthcoming from Twilight Times Books in 2013) has elements of parallel worlds in it, I have an affinity for other novels that use this particular theory; that’s one reason I enjoyed reading E.C. Myers’ debut novel, FAIR COIN, as it dealt with the multiverse, modern physics, string theory, and because of this couldn’t help but also talk about parallel worlds and how physicists believe they come about.
In FAIR COIN, when Ephraim Scott, Myers’s hero, figures out how parallel worlds work (because his love interest, Jena Kim, is a budding physicist and kindly explains it all to him) and then ends up enmeshed in them, it all made sense. Ephraim sees the various ways the world could’ve unfolded; some places have no humans at all, some have constant war, some have already been burned up (nuclear winter), and just about any other possibility aside from alien contact or other types of life is explored.
This is different from what I do in my novel, ELFY — I treat the universes as a fact also, but there are many other intelligences that humans have to deal with — at least the magical humans, those who know we’re not alone in the multiverse. But the theory being used is exactly the same.
Anyway, Myers’s sequel, QUANTUM COIN, will be out in early October of this year, which is why I reviewed it at Shiny Book Review (SBR). QUANTUM COIN takes up with the same main characters — Ephraim Scott and Jena Kim (and her alternate universe analogue, Zoe Kim) — has a similar premise dealing with alternate universes, and ups the ante in other ways due to how much Myers’s storytelling ability has improved from the previous novel.
To be blunt — QUANTUM COIN has more to it than fancy physics theories (nifty though that is). It has action. It has drama. It has ethics, situational and otherwise. It has great characterization. And it has some nicely written low-key romance that’s based off shared experience and friendship, not just hormones and built-in stuff from expectations based off the other person’s analogue (one of the problems I had with FAIR COIN that wasn’t present here is that the romance between Zoe and Ephraim was too rushed; things are fast-paced, yes, but I had a far better sense that Zoe saw our Ephraim as an individual rather than as an archetype).
I enjoyed QUANTUM COIN thoroughly and believe that if you enjoy interesting science as well as a compelling story, you will really enjoy E.C. Myers’ latest effort. It won’t be released until October 2, 2012, but you can pre-order it now — and really, what’s stopping you?
That way, you, too, can ponder alternate universes, and wonder — do they actually exist? And if so, what will we do once we discover them?
A Friday Update
Folks, it’s Friday, and I know I haven’t been a great correspondent this week. There are reasons for this — most of them have to do with working on my next novel (the sequel to Elfy, which is called An Elfy Abroad — I’ve talked about EA before), not to mention finishing up not one but two edits.
All that said, I should have a book review for y’all tomorrow for Shiny Book Review’s “Romance Saturday” mini-promotion (that is, I review a romance on Saturdays, oft-times, and at least a few people have grown to expect it — a plus). So look for my review of Suzanne Enoch’s A Lady’s Guide to Improper Behavior tomorrow at SBR.
Other than that, I’ve been reading a number of very interesting books by Sean Williams — I have four of them, starting with The Crooked Letter, which should be reviewed soon — along with E.C. Myers’ very interesting sequel to last year’s Fair Coin, Quantum Coin, a book on contemporary economics by Michael Casey called The Unfair Trade, and if all else fails, I can re-read A Man Rides Through by Stephen R. Donaldson for the umpteenth time (as it’s one of my favorite “comfort books”).
As for a health update, I’m still getting over the sinus infection. But I felt better today and was able to do more, which was good.
Listening to the Milwaukee Brewers by radio at the moment; the Brewers are losing, 2-0, to the St. Louis Cardinals and are in the third inning. (There was a lengthy rain delay; the game didn’t start until after 9:00 p.m.) But even when the Brewers aren’t winning, I enjoy listening to Bob Uecker and his counterpart, Joe Block . . . Uecker’s a legend, and Block seems to enjoy being around him (as did Cory Provus before Block, last year), which makes for a good listening experience all the way around.
The Brewers are making a nice run at the moment and are now only three games below .500 with a record of 67-70. My hope is that the Brewers will be able to make it to .500 and stay there; if so, that will help to redeem a season that has been full of ups and downs.
There’s not much else going on, but as always, when something happens, I’ll be sure to let you know.
Now, back to the Brewers game . . . maybe they’ll score a run tonight, who knows?
Twilight Times Books Welcomes Me, “Elfy” with Press Release
Well, now it’s official — the contracts have been signed and are in hand. Which is why I can now announce where my novel, ELFY, has been placed — at Twilight Times Books, a reputable small press located in Tennessee. The tentative date of publication in e-book format is October of 2013.
Here’s a link to the welcoming announcement:
http://twilighttimesbooks.com/News.html#publishing_notes
And here it is, in its entirety:
Barb Caffrey has placed her urban fantasy, Elfy, with Twilight Times Books. Barb is a writer, editor, musician, and composer. She holds two degrees and is an inveterate and omnivorous reader. Elfy: Bruno (né Jon) arrives in California from a parallel universe and is immediately confronted with problems galore. How can he rescue his mentor? What is a Dark Elf doing on Earth? Why is his new friend’s house haunted? Ultimately, Bruno learns that no matter how screwed up things are, life and love are worth fighting for, while becoming yourself is the most powerful gift of all.
And here’s a link to my author bio as it stands right now:
http://twilighttimesbooks.com/Authors.html#Caffrey
May the happy dance commence!
Changes Coming to the Elfyverse
Folks, changes are coming to the Elfyverse. The first is a very positive one: I now have a publisher for my novel, Elfy. However, as the publisher has not yet made this information public, I am going to hold off on announcing exactly where Elfy is going, for now . . . I promise that as soon as I am able to discuss where Elfy has been placed, I will do so.
Second, as long-time readers of this blog will undoubtedly note, I’ve taken down my links to e-Quill Publishing. There’s a reason for that; as of yesterday, I asked that my stories — and my late husband Michael’s stories, also — be removed from e-Quill Publishing’s offerings. I did this not from any feelings of ill will toward e-Quill Publishing or its publisher, Lawrence T., but because I now have a publisher for Elfy. The new publisher is willing to look at my late husband’s writing, and if this publisher indeed is interested in the two “Maverick” novellas (set in Michael’s Atlantean Union universe) or the three “Columba” stories (romantic fantasies, which I hope to show the new publisher down the line, too), it would be a big step up for me to place them with the new publisher.
That’s why, for the moment, I don’t have a Gravatar listing here at my blog, and it’s also why I no longer have stories offered at e-Quill Publishing.
Lawrence T. and I remain on good terms, which I think is a very good thing; he’s the first person in a long time who enjoyed my writing, and Michael’s writing, and wanted to showcase it at his small publishing company in Australia. Lawrence T., being a classy gentleman of the old school, wished me well in my new publishing endeavors, too — and told me that if the new publisher wasn’t interested in Michael’s work, or in anything else of mine save Elfy, he’d be glad to publish my work (and Michael’s work, too) any time, any place, anywhere.
At any rate, the projected publication date for Elfy is late in 2013 — that much I can share with you, thus far — and aside from that, I continue to work on An Elfy Abroad (the sequel to Elfy) and Keisha’s Vow (the prequel to Elfy, set in 1954) along with my non-Elfyverse urban fantasy/spiritual transgendered romance, Changing Faces.
Everything else remains on course, which just goes to show you that regardless of how it may seem sometimes, persistence does pay off. (And maybe the good woman wins in the end, too. Here’s hoping.)
For Those New to the Elfyverse . . . .
Yesterday (June 6, 2012, to be exact), this all-purpose blog that deals with writing, the universe, and everything picked up 1,013 hits. Most of this was due to the Wisconsin recall elections, part of it was due to my analysis of last year’s “Drop Dead Diva” season finale, and some of it was for other reasons entirely.
For whatever reason you came here, welcome. I hope you’ll pull up a chair and stay a while — or at least come back now and again to check up on what’s going on.
Now, you might be asking yourself, “What is the Elfyverse, exactly?” (Other than the original name of my blog, that is.) It’s the multiple universes my favorite character, Bruno (the three-foot tall Elfy) Harrison-Johnson must navigate if he’s to live in peace, harmony, and contentment with the love of his life, Sarah — who is human, a bit taller than he is, and has different cultural beliefs and expectations. The Elfyverse is a fun place with a great deal of mystery and intrigue; many stories can be placed there, so many that I’ve got a prequel and a sequel going at the same time to ELFY (my completed novel, which is still looking for a good home). And, of course, I’ve got all sorts of other stories set in different places — some literary, some romance, some fantasy and/or science fiction, but most of them combine genres in a way that’s probably easier to read than it is to describe. (Yes, even for me.)
As you probably have figured out, I’m a freelance writer, freelance editor, a musician, and I also compose music. I’ve edited non-fiction books of a medical nature, non-fiction general purpose books, some science fiction, some fantasy, and some romance. (References available upon request.) I’m serious about what I do; though I haven’t made a ton of money at it, I’m a very good editor, I’m a very good writer, and one of these days I do expect to break out of the pack. (Mostly because I will keep trying until that wall breaks down, come Hell or high water.)
If you stick around my blog, you’ll notice that I review a whole lot of books at Shiny Book Review (SBR). These books run the gamut, too (mostly because I dislike being bored, partly because I enjoy learning new things); be sure to stop on by SBR at http://shinybookreview.wordpress.com and take a gander at what’s available over there.
And I still review books at Amazon, too, for whatever that’s worth.
Other than that — I’m a big baseball fan (the Milwaukee Brewers are my team, though the Mets’ Vinny Rottino is my favorite player), I follow NFL football and NBA basketball. I’m a political junkie. And I comment on publishing — a lot — as you might expect considering my chosen profession. Or on anything else I please, mostly because I see life as various attempts to “frame the narrative,” and sometimes, those attempts fail. (Miserably.)
So if you’re expecting this blog to be “all Wisconsin politics, all the time,” you’re bound to be disappointed — but if you’re expecting good writing on a wide variety of subjects, I hope you’ll be pleased.
Thanks for stopping by!
Barb Caffrey's Blog 