Writing the Short Story, by Jack M. Bickham (unfinished)

Writing the Short Story: A Hands-On Program
by Jack M. Bickham
213 pages (hardcover)
Genre: Nonfiction/Writing

I had this book checked out from the library for almost six months and never finished it. I'm sure that the Map works for many writers, but I'm not one of them--I did try his index card system, and it was such a chore that I couldn't finish. Writing is supposed to be fun. Perhaps it will appeal to the more methodical, or to those who have trouble finishing a short story.

The Time-Out sections were useful, but I can't say the same for the rest of the book. Nevertheless, not really Bickham's fault, except maybe for being convinced that his is the only long-term successful way to write.

And that's all I have to say.

Irresistible Forces, by Catherine Asaro (ed.)

Irresistible Forces
by Catherine Asaro (ed.)
383 pages (trade paperback)
Genre: Fiction/Romance/Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Historical

An anthology of speculative romance pieces, short story-novelette length (I think). It took me a while to get into it, but I'm a picky romance reader. The stories are all technically excellent, but some appeal more to the romance reader dabbling in speculative than the reverse.


"Winterfair Gifts" by Lois McMaster Bujold
The first piece. I read about five pages before stopping for a long time, but the story is mesmerizing once it really gets going. I love the  truly unconventional romance, the non-stupidity of the characters, and most of all the height differentials. Bujold weaves an amusing subconflict out of natural, uncontrived details. My first introduction to the Vorkosigans, but I'll definitely be seeking out her other sci-fi books in addition to her fantasy.

"The Alchemical Marriage" by Mary Jo Putney
Putney is apparently a NYT-bestselling author, and I can sort of see why--but not in a good way. Her stories are compelling, but also stereotypical and cliche. Soulmates are very, very hard to pull off and I don't think Putney succeeded. For one, the love seems more like lust. Or love at first sight. I can't decide which is worse. I don't much like Putney's prose style either--there are a few annoying breaks from third person limited multiple, and she overuses the dreaded "was." I might read Putney only if I'm in desperate need of a cheesy no-thinking romance.

"Stained Glass Heart" by Catherine Asaro
Lovely romance as I can reliably expect from Asaro's Skolia series, but The Moon's Shadow is still my favorite. This passed the tears test, so all's good.

"Skin Deep" by Deb Stover
Engaging, but it doesn't really stick in my mind. The Nick-Margo relationship is realistic; Jared is flat at first but develops nicely. My issue is mainly with the setting--it's too mainstream for my taste. The frame story about Heaven and Seamus intrigued me more than the main tale, maybe because it's the speculative element. This just isn't fantasy enough for me, I guess.

"The Trouble With Heroes" by Jo Beverley
Powerful, and my favorite story in the anthology. The world is well-developed, realistic and unreal at the same time. I loved the theme of sacrifice--true sacrifice that doesn't end in death. And, Monty Python is "a key work to understanding ancient Earth warfare"! Hee. The brief mention of cod was close to my heart and saddening too, the more so because I know how easily it could actually happen. Has Beverley written any sci-fi novels like this?

"Shadow in the Wood" by Jennifer Roberson
One of the better Arthurian retellings. It was elegant and worthwhile, but not special.


I think I'm just picky about speculative romances.

The Quantum Rose, by Catherine Asaro

The Quantum Rose
by Catherine Asaro
419 pages (paperback)
Genre: Fiction/Sci-Fi/Romance

After I discovered in the author bios of Irresistible Forces that this novel was actually a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, I had to go back and finish reading. It is interesting and compelling (I seem to be using that word a lot lately) but not particularly urgent, given that I easily put it aside for three weeks after reading three-quarters of it. There aren't any obvious flaws though, so I suppose it deserves the Nebula.

I still can't believe it's a retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

ETA: What does it say about Asaro, that I feel no pressing need to summarize this? Her Skolia books are a reliable romance pick-me-up, but they definitely repeat elements. If you've never tried her, don't start here. If you have--The Quantum Rose is good, but maybe not worth buying new if a cheaper option is available. Or maybe it is. Depends on personal taste, and I can only speak for mine.