Eagles Over the Kennebec

Radio Rolanni Off-Line for Scheduled Maintenance

2026-05-23T12:37:19Z

Saturday -- sunny and cool.

I have finally found the Sekrit to making an enjoyable (as opposed to merely an OK) cup of Harney's Chocolate Chai Supreme, which is! (1) Realize that there is more than one cup, but less than two cups of leaves left, and just brew it all, leaving the cup 1/3(ish) empty. (2) After tea is brewed, fill the rest of the cup with milk, and dump in the last spoonful of Ghirardelli's Cocoa Powder. The result is something like spicy hot chocolate, and really quite tasty. That said, I will not be re-upping my supply of chocolate chai.

Today, as previously reported, I'll be finishing my packing, making sure the laptop is functional, and flipping a coin to see if I'll be taking one of my crazy keyboards. Speaking of over-packing. I'm really bad on a flat keyboard anymore, but! I don't intend this to be a Writing Retreat. On the Gripping Hand, if I'm suddenly Struck by Inspiration (which is almost guaranteed to happen exactly when one is intending Not To Write), I want to be able to type, not flail. I think I have Steve's Special Flipping Coin around here somewhere...

Also today, I need to swap out the cat fountains (not the cat boxes; I did that earlier in the week), and decide how to adjust station air for the cats. It's going to be in the mid-50s a couple days, but what worries me more is the warmer days in the middle of the week. I believe I'll be setting station air at 72 COOL, which should keep things comfortable for them. They really don't get the Go Downstairs strategy when the upper house gets too warm, and they have plenty of blankets, not to mention each other, to snuggle with if it's cool.

I think it fair to say that from this point on, Radio Rolanni in all of its iterations will be transmitting intermittently, and possibly not at all. The conference areas will be open, and the kitchens stocked with snacks. Feel free to meet and talk among yourselves, or bring games and crafts. We'll be back on the air next weekend.

I append a picture of The Long Back Yard, with lilacs and those low-growing purple weeds that the bees like so much. I'm pleased to see such a lush patch of those.

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Writer's day on...

2026-05-22T23:27:01Z

Business first: Preorders for the The Fey Duology stand at! Amazon 204; Apple 30; Kobo 16 (BN, from which the title has been delisted, 8).

I have today read Steve's narrative and notes for Trade Lanes, and started making notes of my own. Which I guess means that, indeed, Trade Lanes will be the next Liaden book.

It was a very calm and fulfilling day, just sitting with my art and letting the ideas bubble and flow. This is how writers are seduced into writing the next book, even writers who have written many books and really ought to know better.

I am more or less packed for my vacation. Overpacked, of course. I always overpack, and I'm just going to have to live with that reality. People who arrive for a week -- 10 days! -- away with a single duffle bag -- amaze me.

Tomorrow, I have a few last-minute things to do -- change out the cat fountains, make sure I'm current with passwords and such on the laptop, and have another Talk With the Cats about how Deb will be taking care of them and the house. I've told them this three times already, but they don't believe me; you can just tell they don't.

Everybody have a good evening. Stay safe. I'll check in tomorrow.
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Well, look. I am behind in announcing that! My pleasant chat with Sean Hazlett was broken into two parts for the Baen Free Radio Hour. I had no idea I'd talked so much.

Part One aired last week, and Part Two has just appeared.

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Books read in 2026

2026-05-22T11:55:06Z

25 A Gentleman in Moscow, Amor Towles (e) (bookclub)
24 Fair Trade (Jethri Gobelyn #3), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller, narrated by Eileen Stevens
23 Ribbon Dance (Liaden Universe #26), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller, narrated by Alex Picard
22 Trade Secret (Liaden Universe #17), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller (e)
21 Sea Wrack and Changewind, Sharon Lee, narrated by Alex Picard
20 When the Wolves are Silent (Sebastian St. Cyr #21), C.S. Harris (e)
19 An Heir of Distinction (Bad Heir Days #5), Grace Burrowes (e)
18 Longeye (Fey Duology #2), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller***
17 Duainfey (Fey Duology #1), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller***
16 *Crystal Dragon (Liaden Universe® #10), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
15 *Crystal Soldier (Liaden Universe® #9), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
14 Seeking Persephone (Lancaster Family #1), Sarah M. Eden (e)
13 Theo of Golden, Allen Levi (e) book club
12 *Balance of Trade (Liaden Universe® #8), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
11 *Scout's Progress (Liaden Universe® #6), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller**
10 *Local Custom, (Liaden Universe® #5), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller**
9 *I Dare (Liaden Universe® #7), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller**
8 Cuckoo's Egg, C J Cherryh, (audio first time)
7 *Plan B, (Liaden Universe® #4), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
6 Getting Rid of Bradley, Jennifer Crusie (audio first time)
5 *Carpe Diem (Liaden Universe® #3), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
4 *Conflict of Honors (Liaden Universe® #2), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
3 *Agent of Change (Liaden Universe® #1), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
2 A Gentleman in Possession of Secrets (Lord Julian #10), Grace Burrowes (e)
1 Spilling the Tea in Gretna Green, Linzi Day (e)

________
*I'm doing a straight-through series read in publication order

**I screwed up and moved right on to I Dare from Plan B, therefore deviating from publication order. I will now amend myself and go back to pick up Local Custom.

***I'll be re-issuing Duainfey and Longeye as an e-omnibus later this year, and so I need to read them!

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The Grape Escape

2026-05-21T22:10:20Z

Business First: Draft2Digital this evening has let me know that The Fey Duology is available from Kobo.

. . . and, indeed, it is listed here

No, I have no idea what's going on
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Today, in my capacity as General Factotum and Cat Mom, I have retrieved from under the bed and the bureau, thirteen springs and one floofy pink ball.

I went to Marden's and purchased half-a-yard of material that I hope will form the basis of a future embroidery project. I also topped off the gas tank, and stopped at Hannaford for a smol run of supplies -- wherein lies a tale.

One of the things in my smol run of groceries was a plastic cup of grapes, so-called KidSnaks. As I was putting my stuff on to the conveyor at the cashier's station, the cup of grapes staged a Thrilling EScape, darting from the cart to the floor, where the cup exploded and grapes went everywhere.

Surprisingly enough, I did not swear. But I did say, "Well, there's a tragedy," as I creakily began to bend over to gather up the carnage.

And the guy behind me said, "I'll pick those up for you, ma'am." And so he did, putting all the escapees back into the cup, and standing up to hand it to me. "If that's the only thing goes wrong today, we're both lucky!" he said.

I thanked him and waved him ahead of me, since he only had two beers and a pizza, and I was discommoded. Besides, who am I to stand between a helpful person and their well-earned treat?

When it was my turn with the cashier, I explained what happened, and she told me that I didn't want those grapes, took the cup out of my hand, and dispatched "Ben," to "go get this lady another cup of grapes, please." And so it was done.

I have not got any reading of Trade Lanes done today, so that will be tomorrow's task. Right now, since I'm finished retrieving springs, I'm going to go make the bed.

Everybody have a good evening. I'll check back in tomorrow.

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Look at the stars; look how they shine for you

2026-05-21T13:53:45Z

Thursday. Sunny and pleasantly breezy. Weatherbeans calling for a high of 64F/18C. And there was much rejoicing. The cooling units are OFF, the windows are OPEN.

Breakfast was leftover pierogi. This finishes the bag. Lunch is uncertain as of this moment, because my math was off, or I was hungrier than I had anticipated, but I need to Consider My Options, a task for which I am uniquely unsuited.

Before I get to that, though, I'm onboard for changing out the cat boxes, and vacuuming the basement. Following that, I have two unexpected errands to run, to which I either will or will not add a swing by a grocery store, pending the results of Considered Options.

I slept late, though not, so the Garmin Watch tells me, well. The Garmin is quite worried about me; low sleep and high stress triggers its protective instincts, poor device. I told it I've had a lot on my mind, and that a change of scene, not to mention good sea air, will do me good. I'm not sure it believes me, which is fair enough, as I'm not sure I believe myself. One can only do one's best, after all, even if entropy is winning.

What else? Ah. The Fey Duology -- 200 preorders at Amazon this morning.

Baen will be publishing the ebook edition on June 1.

I note on D2D that Apple reports 30 preorders, BN 8, and Kobo 16. This despite BN reporting (same page, different column) that it has "delisted" the title, and Kobo as "publishing" the title. At the bottom of the long column of delists, I am told that the vendors accepting preorders are Apple and Smashwords.

Now you're as confused as I am.

Thanks to everyone for your support of our work, and for your company as we navigate the unkempt paths of our bold new reality.

Does anyone else feel especially oppressed by the Stupidity, Cruelty, and Crassness? I feel, perhaps wrongly, that I could bear the entire world being set on its side, if the oppressors were at least, you know, more like Regency heroes -- Suave, Intelligent, and Charming. No less cruel in their policies, certainly, but prettier to look at.

Well. My second cup of tea is gone, which means! the basement calls.

Today's blog post title brought to you by Jacob Collier. Yes, it's long, but it's worth your time.

Here, have a picture of Rookie in the Window, to cleanse your palate:

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Wednesday Evening

2026-05-20T22:00:03Z

Business first: The Fey Duology, Dark Fantasy by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller, stands at 196 pre-orders at Amazon. In addition to Amazon, Apple and Smashwords are accepting preorders. It will be available from Baen on June 1.

Long short day. The laundry's done. I need to change the bed, but not today. I also need to mop, ditto.

I have read some, but by no means all, of Steve's last draft of Trade Lanes. It's being tough going. I'll take another swing at it tomorrow.

In the meantime, Rook has made a motion, seconded by Tali, that it is Happy Hour. The chairwoman has tabled the motion. Rook has now moved that the chairwoman be removed. Tali declines to second, because, as I understand her to say, the Junior Member is Stoopid.

Everybody have a good evening. I 'll check in tomorrow.

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Sunny Wednesday

2026-05-20T13:03:23Z

Well. Wednesday. Sunny and already warm.

We here at the Cat Farm and Confusion Factory have gone from oil heat to heat pump cooling. Yesterday, we broke every single record for high temps on May 19 -- 92F/33C in Portland. We here in Central Maine only hit 90F/32C.

Breakfast was the last of the yogurt with strawberry jam and wheat germ. Oatmeal cookie already lined up for Second Breakfast. First load of laundry is drying. Need to get the second load in the washer.

I realized this morning that, in my considerations of what to take to the ocean, I had forgotten to choose a traveling companion. I therefore put the matter to Sunny, who is an Old Orchard Beach native, adopted into the Lee-and-Miller household years ago, and he has agreed to ride shotgun. Sunny's paw pads used to change color under the influence of Solar Rays, but I don't think they do that anymore. So does age toy with us all.

Last night, I found the last draft of Trade Lanes, which Steve had set aside in frustration. I say "the last draft," but what I have is about 35,000 words, and a bunch of it is notes, rather than narrative. My job today, while all of the previous Jethri books are fresh in my mind, is to read this document.

With the help of System76, I have resolved the problem of the two computers that would not update. Honestly, System76 has the best help-desk people in the known universe. And now Fezzik the laptop and Steve's Short Meerkat/Sharon's Writing Computer have up-to-date POP!_OSes.

In addition to reading the incomplete draft of Trade Lanes, I have some correspondence to catch up on, and the laundry of course, so I can commence in to packing the purple duffle bag.

What're you doing today?

Here, have a picture of Sunny:

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Books read in 2026

2026-05-19T17:53:43Z

24 Fair Trade (Jethri Gobelyn #3), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller, narrated by Eileen Stevens
23 Ribbon Dance (Liaden Universe #26), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller, narrated by Alex Picard
22 Trade Secret (Liaden Universe #17), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller (e)
21 Sea Wrack and Changewind, Sharon Lee, narrated by Alex Picard
20 When the Wolves are Silent (Sebastian St. Cyr #21), C.S. Harris (e)
19 An Heir of Distinction (Bad Heir Days #5), Grace Burrowes (e)
18 Longeye (Fey Duology #2), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller***
17 Duainfey (Fey Duology #1), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller***
16 *Crystal Dragon (Liaden Universe® #10), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
15 *Crystal Soldier (Liaden Universe® #9), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
14 Seeking Persephone (Lancaster Family #1), Sarah M. Eden (e)
13 Theo of Golden, Allen Levi (e) book club
12 *Balance of Trade (Liaden Universe® #8), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
11 *Scout's Progress (Liaden Universe® #6), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller**
10 *Local Custom, (Liaden Universe® #5), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller**
9 *I Dare (Liaden Universe® #7), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller**
8 Cuckoo's Egg, C J Cherryh, (audio first time)
7 *Plan B, (Liaden Universe® #4), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
6 Getting Rid of Bradley, Jennifer Crusie (audio first time)
5 *Carpe Diem (Liaden Universe® #3), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
4 *Conflict of Honors (Liaden Universe® #2), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
3 *Agent of Change (Liaden Universe® #1), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
2 A Gentleman in Possession of Secrets (Lord Julian #10), Grace Burrowes (e)
1 Spilling the Tea in Gretna Green, Linzi Day (e)

________
*I'm doing a straight-through series read in publication order

**I screwed up and moved right on to I Dare from Plan B, therefore deviating from publication order. I will now amend myself and go back to pick up Local Custom.

***I'll be re-issuing Duainfey and Longeye as an e-omnibus later this year, and so I need to read them!

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Tuesday morning relavations

2026-05-19T13:59:43Z

Tuesday. Sunny and warm, heading for the high 80sF. Trash and recycling are at the curb.

Already done a day's work and my back isn't going to be thanking me, realsoonnow, so! The kettle's on for tea. Second breakfast will be an oatmeal cookie, mug of tea, and two Tylenol.

It's kinda looking like I'm going to have to give up the house in the next year or so, unless I find someone willing to go on retainer to do upkeep, or I enter into a marriage of convenience with a much younger and more ambitious person.

And then I can go looking for a condo-ish situation that will let me have THREE cats, the magic number for Allowed Cats (when they're allowed at all) being two.

Well. Those are happy thoughts. But it doesn't have to be solved today.

Amazon this morning reports 190 preorders for The Fey Duology -- many, many thanks to everyone who is still with me at this point in the proceedings.

After Second Breakfast, I'm for a comfy chair, preferably one in a window, where I will continue reading Fair Trade.

What has Tuesday morning brought to you?

Tali is giving me relaxing in the window lessons.

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Monday with car chase and cookies

2026-05-18T23:49:35Z

Business first! KDP has helpfully removed The Fey Duology from "SF-First Contact," lest readers be "confused." Gee, thanks, KDP.

Also, as of two seconds ago, the Amazon pre-orders for The Fey Duology stands at 173, which means I need to start shouting.

Obligatory Shouting Starts Here: The Fey Duology, Dark Fantasy by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller is available for preorder now from Amazon, Apple, and Smashwords!

Parenthetical: If you preordered from Kobo, best look to see if your order's been canceled.

Baen will be releasing the ebook edition on June 1, which is the day that Amazon promises to release the paper edition.

Shouting ends here.

Thanks to everyone for your patience. I really did not expect this to be so hard.
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So, having decided to do all my morning business across town, since I had to go to the Post Office, thereby avoiding the stolen car, the high speed chase down KMD, and all the rest of that, I wound up in Wal*mart. Second time this year. My excuse was that I wanted cheap flipflops/beach sandals/watershoes. Which I found. I also found a new sloped scratcher for the spot in my office dedicated to such things, because the triangular scratcher that Steve had bought for that space has had an enormous hole excavated in it, which Firefly has been protesting by using my rug as a scratcher.

While I was there, I bought cookies and cheese and bread, which takes care of the foodstuffs I absolutely need to get me through this week.

If I get really ambitious, I can fill out my ballot and drop it off at City Hall when I go out for the book club.

Well. Let's see what happens.

How's everybody doing this morning?
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Note: I filled out my ballot and dropped it off at City Hall.
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Let's finish up the day with! A test!

What is your favorite story* collected in Liaden Universe® Constellation, Volume 6, and!

Why?

Yes, an Essay Test.

Go!
____
*The stories included in Volume 6 are: “Standing Orders,” “Gadreel’s Folly,” “The Last Train to Clarkesville,” “Wise Child,” “Songs of the Fathers,” “From Every Storm a Rainbow,” “Our Lady of Benevolence,” “Chimera,” “Neutral Ground,” “Mother’s Love,” “Core Values.”

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Puttering Around

2026-05-17T22:36:38Z

Sunday, warm and sunny.

Spent the day puttering. It's good to putter, sometimes.

For those keeping score at home, I report that The Fey Duology has 172 preorders at Amazon.

Tomorrow, I have some errands to run, and book club! at 1.

I'll stick my nose in as can.

Everybody have a good evening.

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Onward, in a fo'warder direction

2026-05-16T20:01:29Z

Business First: In re The Fey Duology, all of the ebook suppliers to libraries, and most of the online bookstores have refused to carry the ebook edition. If you pre-ordered from BN, please check that. As of this morning, the vendors who will be carrying the ebook edition are: Amazon, Apple, Kobo, Thalia, Smashwords, and Baen on the day of publication.

As of this morning, Amazon still lists the paper edition of The Fey Duology as ready to go on sale June 1.

Regarding my upcoming teaching event -- no, it will not be available on-line, only locally, and on then if enough people sign on to make it worth Adult Ed's time and space.

First thing this morning, Firefly demanded a selfie.

I, of course, life to serve.

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Saturday, sunny and warm.

Breakfast was a blueberry muffin and what was left of the cottage cheese. I'm getting into that Interesting Time when I probably shouldn't do a Full Shop, but I'm running out of things.

On the stove for lunch is so-called sweet potato and lentil skillet, which is very tasty and produces lots of leftovers. I had on hand and therefore used a Japanese Garnet Yam, which is taking a little longer to become fork-tender than would your plain vanilla sweet potato.

Did a little work this morning on "When the Delm's Away." I have A Decision to make, so, letting that rest while I Don't Think About It.

This afternoon, I've got some Real Life to take care of, here and there, but, yanno? I may knock off early.

How's everybody doing today?

Oh, here, have a snippet:
There was a time when Kareen yos'Phelium had wanted, beyond any other thing in this life or the next, to stand as Delm Korval.

She had made an enemy of her brother, for he, though he had not wished for it, and had been properly aware of his own inadequacies, held what was her heart's desire.

She had very nearly made a stranger of her heir, seeing him as the personification of her failures.

After lunch, and not to be outdone by her elder sister, Tali demanded her own selfie and a chin-rub.

Again, I live to serve.

So far, Rook has withheld any demands for a selfie. Should that change, I will of course Inform His Fandom.

I sat out on the deck in my hooded chair for a little while, then I went out front and did some modest weeding. It's quite warm, and sunny, of course, and I forgot my hat. Have to get back into sunny-day habits.

Now that I'm back in and my duty the cats dispatched, the pots 'n pans washed, and the dishwasher doing its thing -- I will be knocking off for the rest of the day.

Everybody have a good evening. I'll check in tomorrow.

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A demon can get in real trouble, doing the right thing

2026-05-14T15:21:02Z

Thursday. Cloudy, cool, and damp. Weatherbeans are calling for the damp to start falling out of the sky in a few hours. And the sun has come out during the hour I've been away to tend other matters.

So, I watched Good Omens 3 last night. I'm sorry the story had to be punished for Neil's alleged bad behavior. The lack of his vision and what he imagined for Sir Terry's vision was obvious in its absence, and what was offered was a flimsy sort of closure with a "feel good" denouement.

I thought, but have since better informed myself, that the last season had been cut from 6 episodes down to 90 minutes, which I was willing to admire the editor's skill, while mourning the lack of depth. In fact, I learn that neither Neil nor his production company was involved in Season 3. It was created by a Whole 'Nother Group, which ... kinda shows.

I actually wanted more of Jesus; he was shaping up really well, and I adored the practicality of -- whatever it takes to bring people to you so you can teach -- stories? pizza? Three-card monte? It's all good.

This morning, I have been doing bookkeeping and poking at financial matters, which isn't upsetting in the least. I will shortly get with sorting through closet and dresser drawers, moving winter out and into the spaces where spring and summer now reside.

For those following along at home, the preorder numbers thus far reported for the ebook edition of The Fey Duology are! Amazon 149; Apple 25; BN 7; Kobo 16.

The proof of the paper edition should be with me tomorrow.

Amazon wants me to go to "groundwood paper" for my paper editions, but doesn't seem to be offering a sample, so -- no, Amazon. Thanks for thinking of me.

And that's the news.

How's your day starting out?

Sweet baby kitties. Who could guess that they were trying to murder each other five minutes ago?

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Blue Wednesday

2026-05-13T13:20:00Z

Wednesday. Sunny and cool. Rain called for this afternoon.

So! Yesterday was not the Best Day Ever, and today is sadly looking to be more of the same. I did not go to needlework last night, which may have been the wrong decision, but seemed like a good idea at the time.

In a few minutes, I'll be going out to get my hairs cut. When I get back, I need to decide if I am indeed going to be offering an adult ed course on writing believable characters this fall. Later on this afternoon, the third contractor will manifest.

The cats have been taking turns on my lap, which is very kind of them. Firefly got right down to the nitty-gritty during this morning's session in sunlight, and put herself to chew off one of my shirt buttons.

Amazon tells me that the paper edition of The Fey Duology is in queue to be visible for order on June 1, which gives me plenty of time to review the proof copy, which will, it says here, be with me on Friday. In the meanwhile, I'm told that the ebook is listed as "coming" on some venues, the most notable being Smashwords, but it cannot be pre-ordered.

Preorder numbers for the ebook edition of The Fey Duology as of ten minutes ago was! Amazon 141; Apple 23; BN 7; Kobo 16.

And that's the news from the Cat Farm and Confusion Factory.

What's the news from your place?

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Books read in 2026

2026-05-12T20:23:24Z

23 Ribbon Dance (Liaden Universe #26), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller, narrated by Alex Picard
22 Trade Secret (Liaden Universe #17), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller (e)
21 Sea Wrack and Changewind, Sharon Lee, narrated by Alex Picard
20 When the Wolves are Silent (Sebastian St. Cyr #21), C.S. Harris (e)
19 An Heir of Distinction (Bad Heir Days #5), Grace Burrowes (e)
18 Longeye (Fey Duology #2), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller***
17 Duainfey (Fey Duology #1), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller***
16 *Crystal Dragon (Liaden Universe® #10), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
15 *Crystal Soldier (Liaden Universe® #9), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
14 Seeking Persephone (Lancaster Family #1), Sarah M. Eden (e)
13 Theo of Golden, Allen Levi (e) book club
12 *Balance of Trade (Liaden Universe® #8), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
11 *Scout's Progress (Liaden Universe® #6), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller**
10 *Local Custom, (Liaden Universe® #5), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller**
9 *I Dare (Liaden Universe® #7), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller**
8 Cuckoo's Egg, C J Cherryh, (audio first time)
7 *Plan B, (Liaden Universe® #4), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
6 Getting Rid of Bradley, Jennifer Crusie (audio first time)
5 *Carpe Diem (Liaden Universe® #3), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
4 *Conflict of Honors (Liaden Universe® #2), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
3 *Agent of Change (Liaden Universe® #1), Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
2 A Gentleman in Possession of Secrets (Lord Julian #10), Grace Burrowes (e)
1 Spilling the Tea in Gretna Green, Linzi Day (e)

________
*I'm doing a straight-through series read in publication order

**I screwed up and moved right on to I Dare from Plan B, therefore deviating from publication order. I will now amend myself and go back to pick up Local Custom.

***I'll be re-issuing Duainfey and Longeye as an e-omnibus later this year, and so I need to read them!

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Delisting and Strikes to the Heart

2026-05-12T13:32:48Z

I seem to have slipped up on the posting schedule. Not much of any importance has happened, really. I'm trying to catch up with real life tasks, so I can get back to writing, which is going about as well as you might think.

Today's events of note where, in order of occurrence:

1 The proof for the paper edition of The Fey Duology arrived in the mail. Gosh, what a pretty book. Seven hundred and thirty pages, $35US. I inspect it, find it Good, and go over to D2D to push the button to publish.

2 Pushed the button to publish, and immediately got an email from D2D stating that because The Fey Duology contains "Dubious Consent (dubcon): Dubcon explores the gray area between consent and non-consent. Not clear if the receiver of the sexual act was fully on board or not at the time of the act," and will not enter the network for print distribution. Went back to D2D, and the book is already being delisted.

2a Preorders for the ebook edition are still being accepted at all vendors.

3 The landline rang, and I foolishly answered it. A woman said, brightly, "Hi! I just received a phone call from a Steve Miller and --" I told her that Steve Miller was dead and that she was a liar. She laughed at me and hung up.

So, that was, as they say, a strike to the heart. Tomorrow, I will be calling Fidium and if they can't make the landline forward to the cell, I'm pulling the plug on the damned thing. We've had this number since we moved to Maine, so that'll be interesting when people get "this number has been disconnected." Like I need more Interesting in my life.

My chest hurts.

I actually had another point to make. Ah.

Update on ebook preorders for the Fey Duology: Amazon, 120; Apply, 21; BN, 7; Kobo 16.

Everybody have a good evening. Stay safe. Hug the people you love.

I'll check in tomorrow.

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The Rule of Three

2026-05-12T13:30:54Z

Tuesday. Sunny, with a cool breeze. Trash and recycling at the curb.

Breakfast was hummus on rice crackers with a side of cherries.

Woke up this morning reminding myself of the Rule of Three*, which is only a little unsettling. After breakfast, I spent about an hour on the phone with a young person at Fidium whose name I heard as Alistair, but my ears probably dropped syllables. He was very helpful and patient and has, he said, gotten the landline to forward to the cell. Fingers crossed.

Though Alistair was very helpful and kind, I found the whole experience rather stressful, since we had to deal with Fidium's lack of previous record-keeping, such as not removing Steve as the account manager, but merely adding me to the account, when I called them in 2024, so there was a lot of scraping off of old paint and serial numbers so that new could be applied.

I do need to unload the dishwasher (which is working nicely, and is slightly quieter than the previous dishwasher), and change out the cat fountains, but after that, I may just find a sunny chair and read. I'm thinking a ham and cheese sandwich for lunch. Maybe a grilled ham and cheese sandwich.

The cats have been on the case. Tali, in particular, took up a position under the ledge of the stand-up desk while Alistair and I were doing business, and pressed herself, warm and cat-solid, against my thighs, which was very good of her. Rookie brought me his pink ball, which was of course a comfort. Firefly sat in the window, and occasionally looked over her shoulder and smiled.

For those keeping score at home, preorders for the ebook edition of The Fey Duology as of this morning: Amazon 131; Apple 23; BN 7; Kobo 16.

So! What's happening in your life this morning?

___________
*The Rule of Three is the principle that what you do returns to you three times. It's most usually invoked as an argument against doing harm.

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A Saturday in May

2026-05-09T14:05:31Z

Saturday. Sunny, breezy, still a little cool, maybe, but I have windows open.

Laundry is laundrifying.

Preorder numbers for The Fey Duology: Apple -- 19. Amazon -- 97. Yes, Amazon is 80% of all sales. This is the game, and if you don't play, you starve.

So! The UFO files have been released, hey? And the Virginia courts have just proved that voting is a waste of everyone's time? And Mr. Trump is awarding no-bid contracts to a friend?

Have I mentioned before that I hate this timeline? That one man's stupidity, o'erweaning ego, and fear of being held accountable for his actions can do so much damage. And that's not even the Really Terrifying Thing. The Really Terrifying Thing is that, if the god in charge of this narrative should wake from their doze, stretch out a hand and edit out every egotistical, self-serving monster in the story, leaving only persons of honor, who are working for the common good?

They might not be able to fix the mess that's been made.

Well.

It was a pretty planet.

In other news, the to-do list tells me that today I will be writing, finishing the laundry, filing, baking, and trying my hand at fixing a mechanical clock.

What're you doing today?

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That was quick...

2026-05-07T23:54:50Z

The Fey Duology now available for preorder from the Big River.

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Circuit Detectors and other Secrets of the Trade

2026-05-07T14:06:02Z

Thursday. Sunny for the moment, though I'm told that will change.

Breakfast was cottage cheese and pineapple, since I haven't been to the grocery, and I had a can of pineapple. Lunch? God, She knows.

I have one estimate in from a contractor, which I need to review, oh, after the plumber comes and does his thing. And! he has just called to assure me that he's on the way.

The cats are locked in Steve's Wing. Union Rep Talizea Kennebec informs me that they will be Writing Me Up for repeated, cruel and unjustified confinements, and that I can expect a personal call from the committeecat. Well. I always enjoy chatting with the committeecat. While I'm at it, let me just say that I'm very impressed with the ... ardor with which Tali has taken to her role as Union Rep. She is stern, but fair, and she hardly ever falls asleep before the second of the triplicate copies is complete.

Also on today's schedule is reassembling the ice maker to see if it has thawed and is now working, or if, in fact, I need a Whole New Ice Maker, which I suspect will Cost the Earth. Possibly, I will do without, if I'm not doing harm to the rest of the unit by depriving it of an expected component. I did learn yesterday that mine is one of "oldies" that doesn't have a computer board, so -- yay?

And -- plumbers have arrived.

To be continued.
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I have not yet learned any new words, and to their credit, the plumbers -- one certified, one 'prentice -- both understood the reference to the escape of the magic smoke.

Balancing the lack of new words, I have seen a New Device! A Circuit Detector. Which works like a Geiger Counter and was in the case extremely useful, because the switch in the box labeled DISHWASHER, did not in fact turn off the juice to the dishwasher. The switch labeled DISPOSAL does that. Naturally.

Also! The plumbers have taken charge of the old dishwasher so Josh and his crew do not have to make an extra trip today, and so I have informed the home office.

The new machine now goes in.

To be continued. This is exciting.
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While we're waiting for the installation lesson to finish (including the instruction, "Now, this is against the Man Code, but our contract says that we will install appliances according to manufacturer's instructions. That means you need to read this booklet." And also the story about how we make sure the wires are grounded before we push the machine into its slot, in which the master acknowledged having done a short cut at one point, because it had been a while since he'd done something stupid, and he decided he was too busy to check the grounding, the wire sparked, and "yeah, my arm kinda tingled.")

While we're waiting, I say, I will note that (1) The Fey Duology preorders are up to 10 books, from Apple, and (2) If anyone would like to review Liaden Universe® Constellation 6, especially on Amazon, I'd take it kindly. If it gets enough reviews, Amazon will even exert itself to promote the title (I know; but I don't make the rules), and that might mean new readers. (2a) While you're there, if you're taken with the urge to review any other Liaden book, no matter how old, that will let people know that the title is still live, and that they can buy and read it, too.

Spanish Aunts.
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And the plumbers withdraw, having checked their work and turned on everything they had turned off. I have made a note to alter the tab in the electrical box from DISPOSAL to DISHWASHER.

This dishwasher is going to take some getting used to. The old dishwasher had a panel on the front. The controls for this one are on the top of the door, so you set everything, then close the door.

Well. Now I will let the cats out of Durance Vile, and put the house back together, including all the Stuff that came out from under the sink.
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Thinking more on the icemaker: If it doesn't work, I'll just turn it off, and dump the cubes I make with the ice cub trays into the ice-catch, since the ice cube delivery system on the door still works. Since there is an off-switch, I'm guessing that the rest of the fridge will keep on doing its thing. Which is to say, the lack of an active ice maker in the loop will not function like the lack of cyan when I want to print something in black-and-white.

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I was reminded yesterday, when I mentioned embroidering jeans, that I had failed of sharing a picture of my completed Flower Power shirt. I herewith amend that error:

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Closing for the day

2026-05-06T17:31:08Z

Below is a transcript of the rest of my morning.

Thanks to everyone who mentioned that I might look on ebay for another pair of The Best Jeans on the Planet. I went back to Land's End to find out what they are Actually Called, and! Between yesterday and today, something changed. There was "low stock" on 14 Talls of Women's Lightweight Denim High Rise Relaxed Straight Pull On Pocket Jeans in DARK WASH. Done! Two pairs on order (the sale's still on, BTW; it goes over today). This is Very Good, since I'm getting tired of pleating my on-hand jeans with a belt. Also? At least one pair of these jeans is so going to have flowers embroidered on them.
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Josh from Dave's Appliance has just called to let me know that he plans to be in the driveway in half an hour.

I have locked the cats in Steve's Wing, for Josh's protection.
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Pffft! And the new dishwasher is here, and so is the old dishwasher, because the delivery guys can only take the old dishwasher away after it's been disconnected. They cannot themselves disconnect the existing machine.

So! Tomorrow, Houle's will come and uninstall, then install, then Josh will come back to pick up the old machine.

In the meantime, I have a dishwasher sitting in my office.
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For my next trick, I called GE and talked to a tech about the ice maker not functioning. We left it that I would take the icemaker out and let it defrost on the kitchen counter for a day. I was offerered a youtube video to show me how to do this. So I got the screw out, but the ice maker is still attached by a piece of plastic pipe and at this point I don't know whether to be chuffed that I managed to unscrew the damned screw or furious that I can't just call a repair guy and have him come fix it.

Jeebus, I hate this timeline.
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OK. Youtube it is. I got the icemaker out. I lost the little spacer for the screw, because of course I did, but, hey! I took an icemaker out of a refrigerator, working live, because nobody told me to unplug the thing, which I couldn't've done anyway, and I now have a disassembled icemaker in my sink and a dishwasher in my office.

Are we having fun yet?

EDITED TO ADD: I found the spacer, and yanno what? I? am done, so very, very done, for the day.

Everybody stay safe; we'll try again tomorrow.

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Kept comin' up with love, but it's so slashed and torn

2026-05-06T14:03:57Z

Wednesday. Dim and chilly. The weatherbeans say it will be MUCH COOLER (caps original) than yesterday, with rain.

Went to bed late-ish last night, and slept in this morning.

Breakfast was oatmeal, semi-sweet bits, and almond butter. Drinking my second cup of tea. Lunch will ... depend on details surrounding the arrival of the dishwasher, the window of delivery being between noon and 2.

After I finish this letter to the internets, I expect I'll be doing dishes, putting them away and clearing the counter over the dishwasher. I will be very interested to see how they're gonna get the dishwasher installed. It is a very tiny kitchen. OTOH, there's a dishwasher right there, so the concept is proven. One of the things I always look forward to in these scenarios is the opportunity to learn new words.

Last night after I came home from needlework, I colored for a bit, and listened to Sea Wrack and Changewind, by Sharon Lee, narrated by Alex Picard. Good stories. Good narration. Five stars and a chocolate brownie to author and narrator.

In addition to clearing the work area, I need to call -- Agren, I guess -- to see if they can send a guy to look at the fridge, which persists in not making ice. Also, I need to explore setting up a Zelle? account.

Well. That's looking like a busy day right there.

What's your day looking like?

The problem with buying stuff on sale is that by the time you realize these are the best jeans on the planet, they're sold out.

With! bonus cat census.

Today's blog post title brought to you by Queen and David Bowie, "Under Pressure"

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Celebration Tuesday!

2026-05-05T12:01:05Z

Tuesday. Cinco de Mayo. We have a lot going on today, people, even before the mariachi guys get started.

First! Today is Book Day! for A Liaden Universe® Constellation Volume Six! You may find it at your favorite bookstore in trade paperback and ebook editions. Here's the Amazon link.

Second! The Fey Duology ebook is propogating through the D2D network and is now available for preorder from several vendors including Apple, Barnes&Noble, Bookshop, Kobo, Smashwords, and others. Here's the Universal Link

Third! Platform Decay (Murderbot 8) landed in my TBR pile right around midnight. I won't be able to get to it for a while, so no spoilers, please.

. . . I think that's enough to get us started. Don't want to get Celebration Fatigue when the day's not even fairly started.

What're you doing on Cinco de Mayo?

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We were never gonna get old

2026-05-04T21:55:39Z

Fey Duology publication update!

The ebook is percolating through the system and should seen be available for preorder at all the usual vendors except Amazon. Don't yell at me; there are Reasons, which mostly have to do with Amazon's complete non-understanding of the concept of "rights reverted to the author." The price for the ebook, including two dark fantasy novels under one cover will be $12. It will publish on June 1.

I will be talking to Baen next, to see if they'll list the electronic omnibus in Pinbeam Book catalog on their site. Watch the skies.

There will be a trade paper edition...eventually. It will cost a whopping $35. Thirty-two-fifty goes to paper, distribution, and the bookstores' piece of the action. I'm sorry it costs so much. I brought in a Well-regarded Consultant, but he couldn't figure out how to bring the price down, either, though he did point out that the cover price on the two Baen hardcovers was $24.99 each.

The reason we have an "eventually" in the trade paper equation is that I've ordered a physical proof copy, because I'm Just That Picky, and the book will not go on sale until I've OK'd the proof.

. . . and that's the news at 3:25.

Oh. Here's a picture of the Well-regarded Consultant, consulting:

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The dishes are done, the contractor has been and gone, promising a quote rsn, I updated the Adventures in the Liaden Universe catalog page on pinbeambooks.com, and there was something else I was supposed to be doing, but I'm damned if I can remember what it was, which is MY message from the Universe to knock off for the day.

So! Knocking off for the day. *waves*

Everybody stay safe. I'll check in tomorrow.

This evening's post brought to you by Southside Johnny, who I had never heard of until Steve introduced me to his music. "It's Been A Long Time" is a fair enough description of our life together... Money got made, baby; money got spent. We were never gonna get old.

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I set a course for winds of fortune

2026-05-04T16:05:13Z

Monday. Dim, damp, and cooler than the temperature on the thermometer would leave you to believe.

Car service concluded. I had forgotten that I had a Free oil change and tire rotation on the books as an apology for last year's narrowly-averted tragedy. I was also verbally apologized to several times for that mistake, and the tech not only asserted that he had tightened the oil cap correctly, but he demonstrated that this was so to the manager.

While I was in the Big City, I retired several errands, and! as a Special Bonus, I have a gift of homemade lasagna for lunch.

I'm home now (and will be unless I Get A Call, which I don't expect) and have eaten the last cookie. Why does this keep happening? WHO IS EATING MY COOKIES?

Ahem.

While I was driving to and fro, I heard a clip from an interview with a member of Kansas, who was describing the first time the band played "Wayward Son." One comment made me laugh out loud: "We all loved that song. We loved it so much we never thought it would be a hit single!"

Spoken like an artist.

Now that I am home, and absent a phone call, I'm going to take another whack at getting The Fey Duology up for preorder.

How's Monday morning treating everybody?

Today's blog post title brought to you by Kansas, "Carry On Wayward Son"

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