So I’ve been a bit quiet on here for the last couple of weeks – hopefully it’s no secret as to why. I’ve been helping to organise Genre for Japan, which has been a time-consuming, but wonderful thing to be involved in. We’ve raised over £11,500, and enabled fans of science fiction, fantasy, and horror to get their hands on collectable books, bespoke pieces of art, expert critique resources, and even have the chance to be in books by their favourite authors. The response from people has been overwhelming, and I’m really glad I was able to be a part of making that happen.
Whilst I’m on the subject, I can’t help but take a moment to praise the awesomeness of my partners in crime: Amanda Rutter, Lou Morgan, Jenni Hill, and Alasdair Stuart. You guys will never know the powerhouse of activity that went on behind the scenes to bring this about – these guys are ACE.
I’ve also got to take a moment to thank those who donated our stonking range of lots, and the fabulous bidders who made it all worthwhile. From publishing houses to collectors, small press authors and artists to big names like George R R Martin, from editors and shops, our donors were awesome, and they made it all possible. Amanda has a full list of all the wonderful, wonderful people who helped, here.
So, I was busy doing that, and dealing with my day-to-day existence. I’m aware that I’m now followed on Twitter (and possibly viewed on here, although it’s harder to tell) by more people I’ve never met in the flesh than people I have. I hope to meet some of you at EasterCon (which I’m going to courtesy of Angry Robot – whoop! whoop!), but in the meantime, I realise that there are things you may not be able to pick up about me just reading this blog and following me on Twitter. So, this post is going to talk about some of them.
First up: I have a secret identity! Well, sort of. It’s not really secret at all, and I don’t really mind people knowing about it, I just want to try and manage my Google search terms, if you get my drift. In my other life, I’m a part-time PhD student, and have been for four and a half years. I expect to continue to be one for just under three more years. I’m self-funding, so I also do a range of jobs – the writing and reviewing is squeezed in around the sides. This is why everything takes a very long time to reach completion. It’s for this reason that if you send me something to review or critique I will warn you that it might be quite a while before I get round to it. I wish it weren’t so, but it’s best to be honest, wot?
I was flattered to learn that some of my followers on Twitter thought that I might work in the publishing industry. Alas, it is not so. I do some proofreading and copy editing for an academic journal, but beyond that, I just happen to know a few people who work in publishing – mostly because I know a lot of writers, and writers and editors tend to move in similar circles. I also don’t live in London.
The other thing people may not know about me is that I don’t regard the Internet as a particularly good venue for debates. I don’t think anyone presents themselves well on the Net, and I tend to get very stressed about waiting for responses on heated matters. Some people love a good argument – if that’s you, rock on! But if you’re looking for vigorous debate about sensitive issues, I’m probably not the person to take it to. Not on this blog, anyway.
I’m sure there were other things I meant to put in this post, but I’ve waffled on for long enough. Normal service will resume shortly. Live long. Prosper. Have long days and pleasant nights.
In Search of the Happiness Max 