First of all, Barbarella is out:
There is always a bit of an awkwardness involved in writing in a new genre. You feel like a centipede learning to dance, and you keep counting all your feet to make sure they’re all still working.
So imagine how much more awkward it is to try to figure out how to dance, but in another environment altogether. Poor centipede keeps losing feet and the gravity is not right.
I enjoyed writing the scripts (3 so far) for Barbarella, and I am very proud of it, but let me tell you it is a weird position to be in as a veteran of almost 25 year since first publication, where I sat here nibbling my nails and wondering if people would look at it and go “was this written by aliens. And unfun aliens at that?”
It was probably a mercy that — to protect me, I assume — my subconscious decided the book came out on the 21st instead of the 14th, so I was completely oblivious, driving home through the middle of nowhere, after a house inspection (Went well, which is why this is so late) when friends and my fans fervent enough they have my name or discord handle started raving over it.
Then they sent me a review, which made me take a big breath of relief:
https://comicalopinions.com/barbarella-vol-2-1-review/
This morning my editor sent me one just slightly less glowing but still very good:
https://www.grahamcrackers.com/products/barbarella_1_2021_cover_a.htm
So, my nails get a little rest, and I get to breathe again. Yes, I expect insanity from the usual suspects, some of which I’m sure are subscribers here, but since I couldn’t care less for opinions that are only interested in who I am and what my other opinions are and not my work, everything is good.
Meanwhile I’m going to pack — or the reason I didn’t put this up earlier — the house inspection checks out and we’re moving about a month from now. Which means I have this entire house to patch, paint and stage (not to mean my library of mumble mumble mumble reference books spread over two rooms to pack) so this house can go up for sale.
New place checked out brilliantly on inspection, and is near friends. We’re also taking #2 goon along because jobs seem more plentiful there.
I really will try to post more. And right now I can’t stop the books I’m in the middle of (Books? Yes, some of them insist on coming out at the same time, like conjoined twins, and these aren’t same series even) so this morning I’m downloading and training dragon, so I can dictate while sanding/scraping/etc.
And if I’m still awake in the evenings — ah! — I’m editing Darkship Thieves to go back up (light pass) and Bowl of Red (first pass) to go up for the first time.
I guess we get to find out how many instruments the one woman band can play at once.
Well. don't hate me but I will wait until they are compiled in a single volume.
Just take CARE of yourself- if you are feeling bad already, don't beat yourself with the O/C stick until you are bedfast. Congrats on the new book hitting the market, too- and with that cover design, well, if I was a 13 year year old, I would want poster of it ;o)
Anyway, take care, and God bless,