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?
Vinny Rottino Called Up by Cleveland Indians
There hasn’t been much of a press release about this, which is why it took me until today to find it out — but Vinny Rottino was indeed called up by the Cleveland Indians as of Monday evening.
Here’s a link to the only article I’ve found about it:
Acta says in this article that “not every single one is going to get a look equally” and that Rottino is likely to be used off the bench. (Actually, Acta nodded his head at this when the writer of this article, Anthony Odoardi, suggested it.)
But at least Rottino’s back up and is acquiring more major league service time . . . maybe he’ll still get his shot this year. Because I know if he does get his shot, he will hit and he will do well — I just don’t know how that’s to come about if his new manager isn’t willing to put him into many games.
A September 2012 Update
Folks, September is always a difficult month for me, because this is the month my wonderful husband Michael passed away. That I’m dealing with a sinus infection that refuses to go away is not helping.
I’m enjoying the Milwaukee Brewers and their recent run to respectability, as they’re now 66-69, only three games below .500.
Other than that, I’m continuing to work away while dealing with the most difficult month on the schedule . . . for the moment, at least at FB, I have a picture of myself with my late husband Michael up as one of the folks on FB complained that anyone who is unwilling to show his/her face must not be much of a person. Normally I’d shrug this off, but I figured just this once I’d put up my picture with Michael, explain why I normally do not use it, and go on from there . . . clear as mud, right?
More status updates as I get them.
Quick Submission Update — It’s a No-Go for my Baseball Story
Folks, tonight’s update is short, sweet, and not completely unexpected . . . my baseball story was rejected at the UFO anthology mostly because the publisher didn’t think there was enough fantasy element. (He also felt the set-up was too long, but said he thought there was “some good writing” there.)
Now, the good news is that I have another finished story to try at various markets — and I’m going to do something I have rarely done, next.
I’m going to try the New Yorker. (So wish me luck, will you?)
Finished Short Story and Sent it off to UFO Anthology
Folks, the “UFO Anthology” referenced above is actually UNIDENTIFIED FUNNY OBJECTS — an anthology that accepts either science fiction or fantasy short stories, providing they are funny. I sent in a funny urban fantasy story that’s about baseball; I don’t know what they’ll think about it, but I do know that it at least has the virtue of being original. (Not many urban fantasies written about baseball these days, for reasons that elude me.)
Now, this was more difficult than I’d expected, considering that my main claim to fame (such as it is) is due to being a funny fantasist. (ELFY, if you can say nothing else about it, is funny. It’s meant to be. I did that on purpose, even.)
Why was this, you ask? (Maybe you didn’t ask. But I’ll answer anyway.) Simple — I came down with a sinus infection several weeks ago. I was finally diagnosed last week, and got some antibiotics; only after taking antibiotics for several days was I able to finish up my latest urban fantasy story.
The good news is that I was able to complete my story on time; the bad news, as always, is that I wasn’t invited to submit to this anthology. (I don’t have anywhere near the name recognition for that, nor the story sales to back me up, nor anything except sheer cussedness and a dab hand for urban fantasy to recommend me.) And thus far, over 700 people in addition to those invited into the anthology have submitted stories; only a handful of stories have been accepted, at most, with another handful being debated among the editors for possible inclusion.
** Edited to add: The official stats, from Alex S.’s blog post of 8/22/12, are these: 745 stories had been read. 18 stories were accepted totaling 55,600 words in length; 19 stories were held in round 3 (meaning they’re still being debated among the editors), totaling 35,000 words. Now back to our regularly scheduled post.
How do I know this, you ask? Well, Alex Shvartsman, through his blog, has given excellent updates throughout the process as to what he’s taking, why he’s taking it, and what he really doesn’t want to see any more of if he can help it. (Fortunately for me, baseball stories were not among his “thou-shalt-nots.)
If you’re like me, though, and finished your story up the day before the anthology closed, then sent it in before the anthology was officially declared closed (as it says quite clearly that the “anthology window” is between July 1 and August 31, 2012), you can still get your story in if you hustle. Go to the link provided above (click on UNIDENTIFIED FUNNY OBJECTS), follow the directions, and submit your story.
Otherwise, wish my little baseball-oriented urban fantasy well, will you?
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!
Just Reviewed Dave Freer’s “Dog and Dragon” at SBR
Folks, if you enjoy Dave Freer’s lighter efforts, you will enjoy DOG AND DRAGON, which I just reviewed at Shiny Book Review (SBR) It’s a fine and funny sequel to DRAGON’S RING that’s charming in its way but isn’t up to the standard of DRAGON’S RING, mostly because one of the characters seems to have things happen way too easily for her — and partly because most sequels have difficulty living up to the previous book in the same universe/multiverse.
The main reason to read DOG AND DRAGON, though, is the humor. Fionn the black, shapechanging dragon, and Dileas, a sheepdog, have some rather interesting adventures that amused me and kept me laughing at the oddest of moments. (Mind, that’s just not possible for Meb, the other main character; she’s doing her best to save the benighted land of Lyonesse, and that’s just not something with much humorous potential.)
That’s why I say if you like Freer’s lighter books, you’ll really enjoy this. But if you’re expecting a weightier read similar to this book’s prequel, DRAGON’S RING, you may end up feeling like me — glad you read the book, yes. But a bit disappointed that DOG AND DRAGON, fine and funny though it is, wasn’t up to the previous book’s standard.
Milwaukee Brewers Place Shaun Marcum on Waivers
Folks, I really don’t understand the Milwaukee Brewers front office moves these days. Case in point, today’s move — placing right-handed pitcher Shaun Marcum (5-4, 3.19 ERA) on waivers.
Here’s an excerpt from today’s story by Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports:
The Milwaukee Brewers placed right-hander Shaun Marcum on trade waivers Tuesday, thinking strategically as the deadline for setting postseason rosters looms at midnight Friday ET.
Skipping down a few paragraphs, Rosenthal says:
If Marcum is claimed, the Brewers will have nearly 36 hours to negotiate a trade with the claiming team. If he clears, they will have the same amount of time to discuss Marcum with multiple clubs, possibly enabling them to get a stronger return.
Now, as to why I think this move is inexplicable? Marcum is only thirty years old — thirty. Up until the 2011 postseason, Marcum pitched very well for the Brewers (13-7, 3.54 ERA). A strong case could be made that without Marcum, the Brewers wouldn’t have made the postseason at all, as Marcum was one of the cornerstones of the vaunted Brewers pitching staff.
So here’s a proven veteran who isn’t considered “too old” by most baseball people, who likely will snap back next year after significant arm problems in 2012 — and who pitched quite credibly a few days ago on August 26, when he gave up zero earned runs in a 4-0 loss to Pittsburgh. (In fact, the Boston Herald called Marcum’s return “solid” in their story.)
And the Brewers waive him? Why?**
Apparently it’s because the Brewers front office has decided not to offer Marcum a contract for next year, and rather than keep Marcum around, they’d rather he catch on elsewhere so maybe the Brewers won’t have to pay him so much.
Typical Brewers penny-pinching nonsense, which I thought owner Mark Attanasio was going to do away with . . . yet he hasn’t. (Strange, that.)
This is the second move in the past week that I haven’t totally understood (after the release of left-hander Randy Wolf). And because it’s being bruited about that the Brewers front office is being “smart” about waiving (and/or releasing) pitchers that obviously aren’t in their plans, I figured I’d mention the human side — which really does matter, even in major league baseball.
To wit: after seeing the Brewers front office cold-heartedly cut Wolf on his thirty-sixth birthday, then waive Marcum a few short days after Marcum did all he could to help the Brewers win a ballgame (not Marcum’s fault he got an undeserved loss there, as he pitched well but the Brewers defense let him down), why would any pitcher want to sign here? For any money?
Look. The Brewers have a “player’s manager,” Ron Roenicke; I have my differences with him, but one thing I will say for him is that he treats people with respect. And that’s a good thing.
But the Brewers do not have a “player’s front office.” And everyone in the league knows it.
As I’ve been saying all season long, if I’d have been Randy Wolf — who pitched far better than his record or ERA shows (Wolf was ahead in eight games when he left, then the Brewers bullpen blew the win, or he’d be 11-10 right now) — I’d never have come back here. And if I were Shaun Marcum, even before this nonsense, I’d not want to come back here, either, for the same reasons (Marcum, like every pitcher on the staff, has been victimized either by poor defense or blown saves from the bullpen).
Now, the Brewers front office has given every pitcher in the league yet another reason to think twice. And even for a league that’s far more concerned with performance on the field than they are with high character, highly-motivated people, the Brewers front office has shown itself to have very little class, and even less respect for starting pitchers, than most of the rest of the league.
And while it’s understandable that on-the-field performance would be the determining factor, some things need to be taken into account (such as the Brewers often-poor defense and the real problems in the bullpen this year, that I and every other commentator in “Brewers Nation” have noted). These things were not taken into account in Wolf’s case, and they certainly haven’t been taken into account in Marcum’s, either.
So my point remains: if you were a free agent starting pitcher, why on Earth would you want to come to Milwaukee? Because sooner or later, the Brewers front office will treat you this way, too — and as far as I’m concerned, there’s no amount of money that will make up for bad treatment.
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** Unless Marcum wants to be waived, this move is inexplicable. My assessment of the cold-bloodedness of the front office staff with regards to these two moves stands.
Barb Caffrey's Blog 