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Remembering Aaron Allston

Remembering Aaron Allston

I’m not good with death. I’ve been lucky enough that very few people who I have gotten to know closely have died. None of them have I known for as long or as well as I knew Aaron Allston. His death hurts. It hurts deeply. I haven’t succeeded in writing about his death before today […]

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Ebook Rentals? I don’t get it.

Ebook Rentals? I don’t get it.

I’ve been seeing a lot written about how the rental of ebooks is the next big thing on the digital horizon. Most often the argument is framed as “looking for the Netflix of ebooks.” On the surface, when framed like that, the concept is brilliant. After all, look what Netflix did for Blockbuster. Borders is […]

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Why I’m Signing the New Night Shade/Skyhorse agreement

Why I’m Signing the New Night Shade/Skyhorse agreement

As has been bruited about all over the ‘Net, Skyhorse heavily amended its letter of agreement to authors earlier this week. I’ve finally been sent a copy, got a chance to review it, and have decided I’ll sign. The agreement isn’t perfect. I still have my royalties cut, but not nearly as drastically as before. […]

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More Thoughts on the Night Shade Books/Skyhorse Publishing deal

More Thoughts on the Night Shade Books/Skyhorse Publishing deal

I’ve had a few more thoughts on the NSB/Skyhorse Publishing deal. 1) Jeremy Lassen, co-owner of Night Shade Books, posted a letter talking about the deal. In it he mentions, straight up, that the folks who are going to purchase Night Shade need “to make back their investment.” This is cited as the basis for […]

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The Night Shade Books/Skyhorse Publishing Deal: Why I’ll Take A Pass

The Night Shade Books/Skyhorse Publishing Deal: Why I’ll Take A Pass

It’s no secret that Night Shade Books has had financial trouble over the last several years. Jason Williams has been quite frank about their difficulties, both in public and in private conversations with me. I sympathize—Night Shade chose to expand their list just as the economy collapsed and as digital books sales became an increasingly […]

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Used Ebooks: The Sky is NOT Falling

Used Ebooks: The Sky is NOT Falling

  There’s been some growing discussion over the fact that Amazon and Apple have both applied for patents to resell “pre-owned” ebooks. Lots of folks have decried this effort for a variety of reasons (like authors not getting paid). Most importantly, it’s been suggested that discounting pre-owned ebook prices would drop the bottom out of […]

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7 Traits of Enduring Characters

7 Traits of Enduring Characters

Most folks reading this know me as a writer. A smaller percentage know that I also teach writing at workshops and conventions. I really love teaching writing. I was lucky enough to have had a number of older writers who shared their wisdom with me as I was starting out. It is a great thrill […]

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