toolboxes and towers
Happy Fourth of July eve!
I've recently returned from a trip variously involving multiple mathematical institutes, nerding out with fellow medieval names enthusiasts, and a brief visit with my nieces. Here's one of my favorite photos from the trip, showing a rooftop vista with the moon peeking out from behind Toronto's CN tower:
On the dreams-of-America front, I'm offering an hour and change of math and writing consulting as part of the Romancing the Vote auction, which benefits voting rights organizations. (I've been quietly chuffed that people are bidding: it's always nerve-racking to put a price on one's time like this!) There's lots of other cool stuff in the auction, including crafts, books in all sorts of genres, and all sorts of consultations.
Meanwhile, I have a new essay on the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association blog, The Poet’s Toolbox: Three Strategies for a Vivid Prose Voice. I'm hoping my subheaders are sticky, in the sense that they might work as mantras for revision:
Line length matters
Words are delicious
Metaphor is character.
Finally, North Continent Ribbon has an official release date: August 20. You can pre-order a hardcopy (or check out some of the nice things people have said about the collection!) at the Neon Hemlock press page. Other sorts of distribution are in the works.
Gennoveus the cat is doing his best to model patience:
Wishing you clear skies and gorgeous sunsets--
Ursula.