Monthly Archives: December 2011

Wandering the Web and Talking Writing

While things may have been quiet on my official web site, I’ve been wandering the Internet over the last few weeks talking about writing, ancient Arabia, and, naturally, historical fiction author Harold Lamb.

At SF Signal I explore the roots of Arabic fantasy.

Over at Grasping for the Wind I talked about why I loved issue 50 of Sandman, and the influence it had on my writing.

I talk about the influences and authors who led me to ancient Arabia over at the Civilian Reader site.

And I was interviewed at the Civilian Reader site, where I talk a little about the future of Dabir and Asim.

I was invited to talk about my favorite writer, historical fiction pioneer Harold Lamb, over at SffWriterchat. Swashbuckling stuff way ahead of its time.

Over at The Night Bazaar I took a look at three popular writer’s myths, and how true they are.

Lastly, a three part discussion of sword-and-sorcery recorded at the 2010 World Fantasy Convention went live over the last few weeks. Moderated by Jaym Gates and recorded by Patrick Hester, the panel included Alex Bledsoe, James Enge, John Fultz, Ryan Harvey, Howard Andrew Jones (that’s me!), John O’Neill, Sam Sykes, Jason Waltz, and Bill Ward.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

I’m likely to be turning up in other places very soon, though mostly I’ll be writing!

Desert of Souls Places on Best and Notable Lists

Today I was delighted to learn that The Desert of Souls hit the Barnes and Noble Book Clubs’ “Best Fantasy Releases of 2011” list, and in the number 4 slot!

I was equally surprised to learn that I’d made the Kirkus “New and Notable Science Fiction” list of 2011, which is a list of 9 books that the reviewers seemed to particularly enjoy.

A Remembrance of Euan Harvey

I had thought today I would finally talk about my blog tour. Instead, somewhat numb and dumbstruck, I find myself writing a remembrance.

I just learned that Euan Harvey has passed away.

I first knew Euan from my days helming the first issues of Flashing Swords and frequenting the old SFReader discussion board. He was a fine fellow and a talented writer with a tireless work ethic. He never gave up. It was my privilege to read many of his stories, and to forward them on to Black Gate‘s John O’Neill. And it was my pleasure to receive Euan’s feedback on my own fiction, some of which was so insightful I still reflect on it when considering unrelated works.

Euan was public about his battle with cancer, and with it apparently in remission I was thinking he might have a while left. He, his family, his friends, and his readers deserved much longer.

I cannot claim to have known Euan especially well, but I held him in high regard and had a great deal of respect for him as both a human being and a writer. He was my friend, and I am deeply saddened by his loss. I cannot begin to imagine how those closest to him must feel.

If you knew him, his family, or his work, I hope that you will put them in your prayers or thoughts.

John has just posted a more complete reflection at Black Gate, and other obituaries and remembrances are sure to follow. Douglas Cohen worked with him extensively, and has posted a very thoughtful essay.