Small Plates

I usually don’t give space to negative reviews, but Deborah Ross’s review of the ill-conceived Netflix adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion is not only hilarious, it’s perceptive. Ross knows Austen and she knows exactly what’s wrong with this version (It’s temping to say, “Short version: Everything.”)

The James Webb Space Telescope brings us images of wonder and beauty. The experts say that it’s the later information, scientific in nature, that will enrich us. Right now, though, the beauty is breath-taking–a potent reminder of our place in the universe.

Our workshop leader for the Speculative Fiction workshop at Mendocino Coast Writers Conference asked us to find a one-page story we really liked. I found a George Saunders story. Do you have a favorite one-page story?

Syfy, which once again has no programming, has started “Flashback Friday”– basically a marathon of an SF series that runs all day Friday and a few hours Saturday morning. As much as I’m mocking this (and come on, I totally am) I was delighted to see Warehouse 13 as a choice on Friday. That show was so smart, so silly and so fun! A tidbit–the artifacts were a collection of fabricated objects, yard sale finds and stuff from the garages/attics of cast and crew.

Today at noon, our time, Gabrielle Mathieu interviewed me for the New Fantasy podcast–all he way from Switzerland. She came well-prepared, and was a delight! My interview lasted just under half an hour, and will be combined with her capsule review and a read of a brief passage from the book. I’ll update you when it airs.

That’s my report. Have a good, safe week!