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Forward to October 1999...

9-26-99

NEWSFLASH!

Marion Zimmer Bradley.

June 3, 1930 - September 25, 1999.

In Memoriam.

Truly, the end of an era.

Somehow I keep thinking, Marion, you'd have wished to live to see the Year 2000. And you should've lived to see it. I'll think of you when it comes.

When my novel LORDS OF RAINBOW gets published (notice, I don't say, "if" but "when"), the dedication is to Marion, with love and respect.

Back in 1985, when Marion bought my first story, she started me on the way as a writer, gave me encouragement, reassurance, and hope. For that I will always be grateful. Thank you for everything, dear Marion. I'll never forget you.

Rest in peace.

9-25-99

NEWSFLASH!

Last night my mother became a United States Citizen! All is well! :-)

Afterwards, on the same night, I attended the WotF Awards reception in Hollywood, where I saw our beloved NAWer Ron Collins do things unspeakable to his Award Plaque with his lips! Ahem, enough said, except... "GO FOR IT, RON!!!" Ahem. (Yes, certain things were screamed out by yours truly during that Special Moment...) :-)

Congratulations also to Amy Sterling Casil on her prize! And huge congratulations to Scott Nicholson for winning the WotF grand prize!

More good news: the Tasini Case is overturned! This is a victory for writers and other creative professionals everywhere!

And now for the bad news: Marion Zimmer Bradley had suffered a massive heart attack on September 21st, and is now at Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley, California. Please pray for her, if you pray, or send thoughts of light and support. Also, I urge everyone to visit the following URL for updates on Marion's condition and to fill out the online form there, in order to send a message of support to MZB's near and dear, friends and family.

I am thinking of you now, dear Marion, my writer mother. Hang in there!!!

9-23-99

NEWSFLASH!

Ok, the shit is coming to a close slowly, and yes, I feel like there's an end in sight.

Tomorrow is my mom's US Citizenship Oath Ceremony. Please cross your appendages so that all will go okay... :-)

September seems to be an adopt-a-cat month around the NAW and elsewhere. Congratulations to Jon Hansen on the pound rescue of Andy, and to Patricia Duffy Novak (not a NAWer, but a close peripheral *grin*) on the rescue of Sunny Delite. As for me, I just came back from the vet and our new tortie kittycat Sophie checks out all fine! Had all her first shots, and has a clean bill of health -- not to mention the good news that the vet confirmed she's been spayed already!

I got friendly rejections (don't remember when, but it was some time in the mad limbo of this month) from Talebones, and the SUCH A PRETTY FACE antho.

I've written about 500+ words on a new FUNNY Compass Rose story aimed for S&S #18. This one was inspired by Tippi's FANGSTERS novel-in-progress! Thanks for the idea, babe! :-) If this story sells, the dedication goes to you! :-)

9-21-99

NEWSFLASH!

So much shit and just stuff happening in the last 2 weeks to me that I have no words to even begin describing anything in a coherent manner. I'll just make a kaleidoscope of shit, for your reading (dis)pleasure:

Automobile accident last Tuesday (me in the middle car of a 3-car sandwich), today more complications with mom's upcoming Citizenship, 3 days before the actual ceremony, on-job intensive training, newly adopted stray cat has to be domesticated (though that's the one good part), having to drive a rental car while my poor busted-up jeep is in the shop, dealing with insurance companies, sheriff's and police departments (immigration issues), INS, commuting about 100 miles a day for various reasons to various @!@#$%^ places, worry about finishing an S&S#18 story in time for MZB's deadline next week, starting plans to buy a house, remembering to pay the bills, and a million other little worries and concerns.

So I won't talk about it any more.

Instead, I'd like to go around the NAW briefly--yes, I have not even been keeping up with reading the NAW (horror of horrors!) lately! -- so here goes:

Happy belated birthday, Tippi!!!

Congratulations on your sale to CIVIL WAR FANTASTIC, Lisa!!!

Huge congratulations for making the Preliminary Nebula Ballot, Ron!!!

Everyone else, I'll catch up this weekend! :-)

9-8-99

NEWSFLASH!

I'm back from NASFiC, but there's so much stuff happening, I have not even began a con report. For now, please check out THE AGE OF REASON which is available now!!! Woohoo!!!

More later...

Yeah, I know, this has got to be the shortest entry ever.

Ok, fine, here's something juicy... I cut my hair! It's a short bob! Will post pics later. ;-) And if you think that's something, well, I donated my hair, a 21 inch ponytail, to Locks of Love, an organization that supplies wigs to needy ill children.