Trade Town: The Open Read Continues

Manuscripts are still arriving from the PO Box a couple of times per week, and the turnaround time for first-cut decisions is still keeping pace at approximately 48 hours. I expect that turnaround time to lengthen a bit as my travel schedule heats up, but it shouldn't be more than a couple of weeks at worst. The submissions continue to be a good mix of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and genre mixes, and the quality level continues to be pleasingly high.

If you're reading this prior to June 9, 2010, I'm accepting submissions for THE LADIES OF TRADE TOWN, the anthology of original science fiction, fantasy, and related genre stories on the theme of "the world's oldest profession" I'm putting together for publication by Norilana Books in April 2011. All pertinent information is available in the guidelines

Story News

It appears that Esther Friesner's vampires-in-suburbia anthology, for which I sold her my story "Sarah Bailey And The Texas Beauty Queen", has a title *and* a publication date. Baen ran a naming contest, and the winning title (ritual disclaimer: not Esther's fault!) was Fangs For The Mammaries, scheduled for release September 28, 2010.

Con Trails

Neither snow nor snow nor yet more snow could keep ConDFW from happening. Despite a record accumulation of 12.5", and me confirming that I am not, in any way, shape, form, or inclination, a snow bunny, we made it to the hotel and settled in for a weekend of good panels, good conversations, and much fun. The weather kept Author GoH Jack McDevitt from getting his flight in, but he joined us by phone for a fine Q&A session on Saturday afternoon, which I had the pleasure of MCing. Author GoH Elizabeth Moon did make it, by train and the good offices of my spouse as chauffer, and was, by all reports, a crowd-pleaser. I know I thoroughly enjoyed the panels I had with her.

All in all, it was a fine kick-off to my convention year.

Two additions have been made to the convention schedule. The first is OutLantaCon, a GBLT&Friends SF&F convention in Atlanta April 30-May 2. Circumstances forced me to cancel my guest gig for their inaugural gathering last year, but the organizers were kind enough to let me know the welcome mat was waiting. So I'm looking forward to seeing friends, enjoying good panels and activities, and generally having a very fine time.

Also newly added is the Nebula Weekend Event in Cocoa Beach, FL in mid-May. In addition to the usual festivities (the Nebula Awards, SFWA General Business Meeting, and "talking shop" with folks I don't get to see that often), there's the opportunity to celebrate Joe Haldeman's being named the newest Damon Knight Grand Master. And, if the fates are very, very kind, I'll have the opportunity to watch one of the last shuttle launches. I'm not holding my breath that the bird will go as planned, but it would be something I'd treasure.

Next up for me is something I've been anticipating for months. It's my great honor to be ToastMistress for MidSouthCon 28 in mid-March. I'm looking forward to a robust schedule, all kinds of mischief to be made, and many opportunities to have a grand time. I won't guaratee I'll live through it, but if I don't, my corpse will be sporting a happy grin on the way to the crematorium.

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