Egoboo

[desperance]

Thirty-some years back, when I was a hopeful adolescent, there was - briefly - a magazine in the UK called SF Monthly, and I had it on subscription. It was poster-sized, and had full colour artwork posters in the centre spread, and I read every issue avidly; but the only story I remember was called "On Cooking the First Hero in Spring", and it was by one Ian Watson. I loved it (how could I not love a story with a title like that?), and I looked out for his work thereafter, and ever since. And I've met him since, a few times, and he's scary-smart and infinite value, and I still admire his work enormously.

And that SF story that I wrote a couple of weeks back, and sent to the editor who'd asked for it, who liked it? Well, Ian Watson is apparently co-editing the antho; and he has now read, and commented. And I'm not going to quote, because I don't have permission and it wouldn't really be seemly; but, well, he likes it. A lot.

And I am feeling so utterly crap and hopeless right now, the odd sprinkle of fairy-dust goes a long way; and when a man who's been a role-model for thirty years says stuff like this about my work, well, I can live off that for a fortnight. At least. Check back in two weeks, and see how I'm doing. (Don't ask what I'm doing; I am, of course, writing another SF story. More of which anon...)

Comments

[martyn44.livejournal.com]

You see, you're no longer a first former, holding out your bowl in the desperate hope of enough nourishment to get you through the afternoon. You're one of the prefects at the top table, ladling out goodies and lording it with your peers, the other masters of the universe.

And you get to create your own universe!

[tanngrisnir.livejournal.com]

Oh, I remember SF Monthly; I loved that magazine!

[wishus.livejournal.com]

Yes - I heard good things about your story from the editing team - looking forward to reading it!

[davidbarnett.livejournal.com]

Does the fact that JJ is shifting fantasy novels for six figures give you feelings of hope or despair, Chaz?

[desperance.livejournal.com]

Neither one; that's a new name, which makes it a different ball-game. One could try to reassure oneself that it was a sign there was still the interest out there, for the right book; but it's the right author that matters more. I can write different books, but I can't do anything about being me.

[devonellington.livejournal.com]

Congratulations, my dear! I'm sending off the package on Friday (finally -- the post office and I will be able to coordinate hours) -- so it should get to you in 7-10 days after that.

[desperance.livejournal.com]

Honey lamb - if you haven't sealed it all up yet, you couldn't slip in a sample of that bitter apple anti-cat-chewing stuff you talked about? Can't find it over here; what I have found is just how much damage he's been doing behind the TV. Today I've been smearing cables with chilli oil, but I guess a spray might be more effective...

[mantichore.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear (well, okay: read) this. Ian Watson is a great guy, and he knows his stuff, you can rely on him for that.

[pennski.livejournal.com]

Absolutely! The Chaz cheer-leading team is out in full force. Just been watching Heroes, so picture an idealised me in red and white outfit agreeing vigorously with Ian Watson. (erm...or maybe not if that's a disturbing image!)