Ellen Datlow's Blog, page 17

Finally--http://tinyurl.com/3c4elch

Not so bad really. Hurricane Irene has mostly passed, leaving residual winds -which seem gustier today than last night. No thunder or lightning last night that I heard.

I finally went to bed at 2am after reading a few chapters of Darkly Dreaming Dexter (carried away from a housecooling party a couple of weeks ago). I've been wanted to check out the first novel since getting hooked on the tv show. Currently watching season 5 on DVD and realize I don't need to read the novel-so far it's not giving me any more info than I've already gleaned from four seasons (but still plan to).

Drained the water from the tub having confidence (perhaps false) that there won't be a blackout after all. My sister in Connecticut (near Rhode Island) lost electricity and reports wires downed by a tree in her front yard but isn't sure that's the electricity or cable wire. Landlines still working there.

As mentioned previously I've been watching Bryan Fuller's Dead Like Me and enjoying it more with each episode. Ironic that I'm watching it alternately with Dexter. DLM is all about death and how the Reapers deal with their job of harvesting the souls of the newly dead--knowing they cannot prevent the deaths. Meanwhile, George's family--mom, dad, baby sister is cracking up and George can't do anything about that either.

So last night I got home an hour late when the plane to SF was delayed. After missing three (count 'em 3) earthquakes --two in SF and one in NYC--I decided I'd better prep for Irene. I'm zone C but on the cusp of B--which are not evacuation zones. I'm about four blocks from the Hudson River and on the third floor. So not worried so much about flooding. I'm a bit worried about high winds breaking windows --not mine as I'm on a low floor, but the high rise across the street from me is about sixteen stories and if that glass falls it could crash into my windows. My mom says taping windows is pointless so I'll listen to her.

Bought lots more batteries (I can't use candles with my cats around, although I do have a few), a new cat carrier-I've only had one since I dumped the sherpa one as too soft and similar to my regular carry bag. Every time I used it I worried I'd treat "cat in bag" like groceries in bag and knock her around. I bought a hard case one today for Sophie, not that I'm likely to be able to stuff her in it as we both panic. No top opening only a side one. My other one for Bella has a top opening that I have to hammer closed.

Bought eggs (will probably hard boil a couple, just in case I can't cook and get really sick of all the tuna fish I always keep in the cupboard), some fruit that will ripen by Sunday, a six pack of bottled water and a couple more bottles of seltzer. Filled my empty water bottles. Will probably fill the tub with water Saturday night to flush the toilet if the electricity goes out.

So now I've got to finish unpacking and get my big flashlights bought right after our last big black out. No idea if whatever powered them still works but if they need BIG batteries I'm outta luck cause those suckers are likely sold out already.

Tonight I plan to watch DVDs!

I should have gone to my post box today but figured I could go tomorrow, not realizing that the MTA was shutting down all public transportation at noon tomorrow. Oh well, so the mail pick up waits a few days.

Battening down the hatches and hoping for the best-that we just have a lot of rain.

Quick and dirty rave for Teeth from Realms of Fantasy

I'm afraid that I"ve barely kept on top of my email while at Renovation let alone checked lj, fb or any of my usuasl hangouts since I got to Reno. I've had a very good time, although the elevation sucks, (4000 plus feet above sea level) and thus it's making breathing harder, feet swell plus the super dry air has made my skin crack. Walking long distances from hotel (though the smoke filled casino isn't so great either --neither is playing the slots surrounded by cigarette smoke) has been tough. The hotel to skywalk to convention center and back is arduous. The Peppermill, where the Hugos were held was also a long walk from lobby to the Tuscany ballroom for rehearsal, and to and from the Capri between the Tuscany, where the pre and post parties were held. I tried to put on my high heels last night but my left foot was too swollen to get it in the shoe so I instead wore the very informal sandals I've worn the rest of the weekend. Not very fancy while presenting the Best Editor, short form Hugo. Oh well.


Some of you might have heard that I'm editor GOH at Lone Star Con 3 in San Antonio in 2013, which is fantastic news for me. Also guesting are Norman Spinrad and James Gunn and Willie Siros and Darell Sweet, with Paul Cornell toastmaster and Joe Lansdale and Leslie Fish as special guests. I thank the committee for inviting me. I'm honored.




I had a net loss of about $5 at the penny slots over the three days I played them (I spent about 6 hours total)--which is great for 6 hours entertainment. I finally found the  machine I loved today and made back any money I'd lost from that.


Dinner tonight with Jim Frenkel and Joan Vinge then dead dogging with everyone who's around. At the SFWA suite and the Napa Bistro Bar.
Tomorrow driving to SF with Ellen Klages and Mad Robbins for the next few days, combining biz and pleasure.


My mouse has been acting up so unless I pick up a new one, it's going to be hard writing notes. But if it works I'll try to stay in touch. I have been tweeting once a day or so.

and will do so until the end of the month. However, I will be out of town from tomorrow through the 25th and only online intermittently.
I've added a few Year's bests to the listing
http://preview.tinyurl.com/3lab7ts

I may be bringing some of the paperbacks with me to Renovation to sell if I have room in my luggage (I'll note those as gone on the original post).

Last night I watched the pilot last week and the first two discs of Bryan Fuller's tv series Dead Like Me--the pilot wasn't that hot but I've been sucked in as it continues.

George (full name Georgia) is going nowhere after dropping out of college and finding work at a crappy job. But fate intervenes, she dies suddenly but instead of fading away she's chosen to be a Grim Reaper, an undead person whose job is to escort the souls of the newly dead off to a better place. (this isn't a spoiler as you learn this within the first ten minutes of the series).

It's a typically quirky Fuller production (Wonderfalls and Pushing Daisies. I just wish his series were popular enough to last beyond two seasons.

Mandy Patinkin is fantastic as George's boss in the undead life. The rest of the cast is also excellent too, from George's fellow Grim Reapers, to her very fucked-up little sister.

And then this evening I watched an indie movie that initially I hated and almost didn't continue watching: < i>The Air I Breathe</i>, which is supposedly based on a Chinese proverb " that breaks life down into four emotional cornerstones: happiness, pleasure, sorrow and love." Please. What claptrap. The cast is fine, the script annoying. Main actors: Forest Whittaker, Brendan Frasier, Sarah Michelle Geller, Kevin Bacon, and Andy Garcia. They all connect one way or another. I found much of the plot unconvincing.

http://tinyurl.com/3lab7ts

I've added a few.

Thursday 9am Stroll with the stars- Walgreen's parking lot (Walgreen's is on Virginia St, between the Peppermill and the Atlantis, closer to the Atlantis)

Thursday
12:00 - 13:00, Fairy Tales and Storytelling (Panel) A03 (RSCC)

Are there common storytelling values that most "fable
tales" share, which make them both accessible and
compelling? The source material from Aesop, Mother Goose,
and the Brothers Grimm has been reapplied in many novels,
short stories -- and now graphic novels. Join us for a
discussion of how the classic tales are successfully
reworked in new treatments. (Beauty and the Beast, Snow
White and Rose Red, Cinderella, Aladdin, the Arabian
Nights, etc
Bill Willingham , Joan D. Vinge , Ellen Asher ,
Ellen Datlow . (M) Kelley Caspari

Thursday 4-5pm Autographing: (Autographing, Hall 2 Autographs (RSCC)


Friday

Fri 1-2, Selecting the Best Short Fiction of the Year
(Panel) A04 (RSCC)

Every year, we have a lot of great short fiction, and for
those who can't read it all as it comes out, several
prominent "best of the year" anthologies. The editors of
the best of the year anthologies discuss how they go about
putting together their anthologies, their philosophies of
what makes a good best of the year anthology, and the
importance of such anthologies. Great Best of the Year
series of past years may also be used as examples.
(M) David G. Hartwell , Gardner Dozois , Ellen Datlow ,
Jonathan Strahan

Fri 5-6pm , Literary Beer: (Literary Beer), Hall 2 Bar (RSCC)
Ellen Datlow


Saturday
Saturday 11-12 Fantasy and Horror in the New Century D03 (RSCC)

What to look for and where to find on the darker side of
literature.
John Joseph Adams , Scott Edelman, Susan T. Casper, Ellen Datlow, Nick Mamatas

Sat 3-4, Editing Anthologies A09 (RSCC)

How do editors approach anthologies? Do they just call
their friends, or do they (or their assistants) plow
through slushpiles? Do the "Best ofs" present special
issues?
Jennifer Brozek, John Joseph Adams, (M)David Malki,
Ellen Datlow


Sat 6-8 Pre-Hugo Reception (Reception), Capri (Peppermill)

8pm Hugo awards

Sunday
11am-noon autographing at SFWA table in dealer's room


In San Francisco:
August 24th Wednesday 7pm Borderlands meet and greet

In between I'll be doing the usual.

Rave from Library Journal, August
The money quotes:

This collection of horror stories selected by an award-winning sf/fantasy editor shows that a wide assortment of fiends share vampire cravings. Several stories will leave readers feeling uncomfortable, even queasy. But for those stout of heart and eager to sample brilliant writing, this is a terrific anthology....

These 17 mesmerizing tales, each one creepier than the next, will delight vampire and other horror fans.