That’s a really good procrastination story with that first novel.

I’m really good a procrastination, so I’ve done some fun stuff rather frequently. I’ve skipped a class before to finish a reading a book, and I’ve gone for a long day on the beach rather than writing an essay. But the most fun I’ve had was right after college: writing that first novel instead of looking for a job. Luckily, now I can both be gainfully employed and a writer.

I love fantasy that has something new to offer. I’ve been reading the genre for over 30 years and I love new twists on magic systems or social castes or whatever. And if it’s all done while keeping the people real, even better.

So, it sounds like I’m one of your readers!

And aw, shucks, thanks on the reading. I try to read widely in SF/F, but I know there’s a whole wide world out there I don’t always visit. Haven’t read very many cozies lately, or romance — and if it’s mainstream or literary, I’m more likely to ask Bonnie about it than to read it myself.

As for your reading: I’ve read your blog. You’re so widely read, I can’t hope to ever catch up with you. It’s why you’re the first person I check with when I need to find something new to read.

I don’t have a lot of instant-squee books. But lately I’ve been excited about alternate history novels with fantasy elements. I picked up the first three Temeraire books by Naomi Novik without a read through simply because she combined two of my favorite things–Napoleonic-era Navy battles (I love Horatio Hornblower) and dragon riding (I love Pern).

B.C. Matthews

As for what I enjoy reading — wow, that’s all over the map. But I don’t read things that are too dark. If I can’t see how the author can possibly get the characters through without leaving someone broken . . . I’ll stop reading. There’s enough of that in real life. I prefer to believe there’s hope.

We’ll have to meet up at Chicon.

(Those pesky characters keep doing things we don’t expect, don’t they?)

As far as the productivity goes, it started small. I just stretch a little farther each year. You’ll get there too, but I’ll tell you a secret. My least productive years coincided with pregnancies and children under the age of 1. I did some writing those times, but didn’t push myself on it.

I’m sorry to hear about your broken hand. I’ve been struggling with severe tendonitis, so I can imagine the pain. I’ve wondered about speech-to-text when I’ve been unable to put hand to keyboard – perhaps I should check it out.

Good luck in 2012!

That whole speech-to-text software sounds very interesting. Do you find the software translates your words accurately?

Maybe one day I’ll feel as productive as you sound. Sounds like you’re doing great. Good luck with your new goals!

Hopefully, you will both be reading these soon. In the meantime, I will be working on my broken hand.

I’m always impressed with how many critiques you do–I haven’t been on the OWW since the marathon in August. It’s on my to-do list for today, but it’s already 9pm and there’s something else I should do…maybe I’ll put that other thing off another day.

Good luck on the 5K! I bow to your superior physical condition.

I did my monthly post late, and then I’m on schedule for the MGR post. Figure I’d save everyone a trip back….

You made me laugh.