I need to be better about updating my blog. So here’re some quick and semi-random notes.
First, I’m hustling to polish off my story for the new standalone Wild Cards anthology, Fort Freak. It’s kind of a Sidney Lumet yarn: lots of conversation and conspiracy, then somebody gets shot. But light-hearted.
No, really. Mostly. It does get a little heavy toward the end. I admit it.
It’s called ” … And All the Sinners Saints.” At least until GRRM or Melinda make me change it. George asked me not to use a rock lyric, since Steve Leigh had prior claim. Sorry, George. First, I have no power over late-Sixties/early-Seventies rock. This is known. Second: it is so totally the perfect title. Seriously. (Think, what’s the line before it?)
There’s lots of rock lyrics to go around. I’m sure I won’t be depriving Steve of any.
Anyway, it introduces two new characters: Flipper, my joker Legal Aid attorney emo kid; and NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau Detective-Investigator Second-Grade Vincent Marinelli, a.k.a. Ratboy, dreamed up by Craig Chrissinger and fleshed out by me. The good news is, while Ratboy initially got all the attention (he’s a seriously cool character, which is why I chose to buff him up and use him) Flipper, who’s also known as Charlie Herriman, is turning out to be pretty interesting in his own right.
By the way, shouldn’t we be gearing up for the smashing premier of Suicide Kings, the senses-shattering conclusion to the current American Heroes trilogy? (Since I don’t remember another collective name for the trilogy, I just decided to dub it that.) It’s coming out December 22 from Tor. Allegedly.
You might also give a look at Boneshaker, the smash-hit steampunk novel by new Wild Cards Mafiosa Cherie Priest, who’s doing the interstitial tale for Fort Freak. It’s an Amazon SF Essential Book! (Full disclosure: I haven’t read it yet, but I’m really eager to! Also check out Cherie’s Clockwork Century site, devoted to her steampunk milieu, including this excellent essay on the whys, hows and wherefores of steampunk.
In other, more personal news: I’ve been dealt some health distresses. None personal (fingers crossed.) But pain to loved ones is in ways worse. As you probably know.
A very close friend of mine may have jaw cancer, and also may be in danger of losing his job. That’s dire, although still fairly speculative. Good thoughts wouldn’t hurt.
TJ Cat quit eating again. It’s a bit hard to tell since he’s never been ravenous, and consequently has always been skinny. I’m pretty sure I was able to catch it before it went into liver failure, as happened to him and his sister Squeak a couple-three years ago. Apparently if cats can’t smell their food they won’t eat it; I’m guessing that’s what caused the problem in both cases. This time around allergies reportedly are affecting a lot of animals in Burque. Anyway, I’ve got him eating again, though I’m not sure he’s back at the Kitty Crunchies yet. And thanks to my friends for a number of good suggestions (lamb baby food, stinky canned tuna ) to get an afflicted cat to eat.
Also Emma Dog started limping badly off her left rear foot yesterday. That really concerned me, since it persisted until late at night, and indeed still does. But she’s willing to put weight on it some now, so I’m hoping it’s getting better. Poor baby.
Also, though they’re on the back burner now until the Wild Card yarn goes in: writing my current Deathlands novel Blood Oasis (think: everything’s better with what?) Also the rewrite continues on Dinosaur Lords. Not as rapidly as I’d like, but it’s well along now.
Stay warm, well,and dry, people. Thanks for reading!
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Also pets can have Benedryl to help drain and dry out those clogged sinuses! (as well as help fight mosquito bites and any and all skin allergies, plus it makes them sleepy- a perk!)
No more than 25mg for larger pets, so half tabs or children’s doses for the kitties.
But yes, smelly food helps.
Thanks for the tip! I’ll try that next time we have respiration issues among the creatures.
When considering feeding pharmaceuticals to animals, I’d advise at least consulting somebody with a DVM first. (I don’t know whether that would apply to Saraphina or not. If so… cool.)
- M.
I appreciate your solicitude. And how would a vet know that?
A vet’s going to give the same medical advice for an animal of its species, age, and weight. Unless it has a history of bad reactions to meds – which I would be more likely to know about.
I have a dear friend who is a vet, so while this is second-hand knowledge to y’all, I did get it straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak.
Yeah, got that.
I’d just hate to have Vic have to hear from a DVM, “Yeah, that’s usually safe for an animal. Your animal, however…”
- M. (\”/)
“A vet’s going to give the same medical advice for an animal of its species, age, and weight. Unless it has a history of bad reactions to meds – which I would be more likely to know about.”
Ideally, your vet would do (at least) an annual exam on each of your animals, along with any vaccinations that your state might require. So, he/she would know as much of the animal’s medical history as you do… and would have the training to know what that data means.
Of course, if you don’t have a regular vet… that’s another matter.