Why I Suck at Blogging So Far in 2014

Keeping a consistent posting schedule is the trademark of a good blogger, so if there was any doubt before, it’s decided—I’m definitely not a good blogger. But that’s okay. I’m a spec-fiction author first and foremost, and if I’m not spending time here at The Machine Stops, it’s because I’m busy with other aspects of my writing career, and that has been the case so far in the year 2014.

Let’s start with the biggie. Dreamwielder is now available in print! Available in trade paperback format to be precise. I’m pretty stoked, and would like to thank the great people at Diversion Books and my agent Liz Kracht for making it happen, and I’d especially like to thank everyone who purchased, reviewed, and helped spread the word about the e-book and audiobook versions of the novel over the past year—without your support, the print version never would have come to be. To help spread the word, I'm raffling off a great prize package of four signed books, a Wheel House CD, and an empty Cthulhu mint tin I stole from Tim Powers! Simply head over to my FB page and share my book link to be entered into the random drawing.

Ridiculously Awesome Prize Package

So, yes, there’s that, and as I’ve mentioned on FB and Twitter, I’ve additionally signed a contract with Diversion Books for the sequel to Dreamwielder, now tentatively titled The Faceless Enemy. I’m making good progress on the book and am excited about how it’s turning out. If you thought the first book was action packed, wait until you read Dreamwielder 2 Electric Bugaloo! I just need to finish writing the damn thing first.…

In other news, Reputation Books, the new home of The Roads to Baldairn Motte, has officially launched, and my coauthors Craig Comer and Ahimsa Kerp and I are really excited about the new edition of the book. Our first review has come in and we can’t complain about the prognosis. Mosaic novels aren’t for everyone, but those who are looking for a new angle on fantasy fiction will really enjoy the book. Oh, and I can't forget to mention Craig Comer's kickass new blogsite, Realm Tramper, a travel blog for fantasy worlds. Check it out!

February 21, 2014 at Book Carnival in Orange, CA

Beyond the writing and publishing realm, I’ve also been making a big effort to get out of the house a bit. Friday, I participated in a great reading at the Book Carnival in Orange along with Bruce McAllister, Michael Hebler, and Sarah M. Chen. It was a fantastic time. I’d like to give a big thanks to everyone who turned up, and also to the Book Carnival for having us. It was nice to get to read from my first book, Umbral Visions, and revisit my horror writing. Oh, and I almost forgot—I haven't been a total slog on the blogging front! I had the great honor of interviewing the aforementioned Bruce McAllister, who is an all around amazing person and an acclaimed fantasy author. Check out my interview with at Black Gate magazine, where we talk about magic and miracle.

And lastly, looking toward March, I’m very excited to announce that I’ll be appearing at this year’s FOGcon on a panel called “Do Pessimists Dream of Dystopian Sheep.” If you’re in the Bay Area, make sure to get your membership and stop by. Tim Powers and Seanan McGuire are the special guests, so I couldn’t be happier to be involved.

That’s it for me. Back to writing, and sorry if I’m a lousy blogger for the next couple of months!

-Garrett Calcaterra