Ben's favourite word is Clint? How very Brokeback Mountain.

re: the "best of year" panel idea, Jonathan, I will refer you back to CHARLES himself who suggested it to me over dinner in Glasgow. He also seemed to relish his opportunity to be on such a panel at Interaction, mentioning Margo Lanagan's name, I think, a record 53 times in one hour.

Ben - Deb is Clut. There is no explanation. Either you are Clut or you are not Clut. Bam?

Deb - Yeah, that was how it kinda played. Still , it was ok, I guess. Sucky, but ok.

Kate - CHARLES always suggests that panel. It's a standard one he likes to do. It's easy. He takes along the recommended reading issue, and then reads it at people. He's a little shortsighted, though, so he doesn't see the eyes glaze over, people begin to fall asleep, or my brain explode. Have any other panelists been suggested? I'm certainly, BTW, not saying I won't do it. I just need to find a better angle to make it work, and worth doing.

Nope, no other names attached to it yet, although if he's able to get away from the dealer's room, I rather fancy asking Bill Congreve. But this is just a draft panel list, Jonathan. Everything's up for negotiation.

bam, jonathan. bam. (and i was under the impression a lot of those answers weren't used, just fyi.) now, if you excuse me, me and clint gotta go out and make out some on our mountain in our rugged cowboy hats...

If you liked Narnia, or any other fictional writings with spiritual allegories, I have book to recommend to you.

The book is titled "The Fall of Lucifer", written by Wendy Alec.

The book opens with the three Angelic brothers, Lucifer, Michael and Gabriel, in heaven before the fall. Over the course of the book, the essence of the angels is developed. The controversy arises when God created man to be higher than the angels, in that we are created in the image of God. Lucifer was embittered to the point of rebellion.

Various historical events are incorporated, and the plot offers the perspective of an angel into the events. The novel develops the beauty of heaven and the grotesque quality of hell, the depths of evil, and the beauty of grace. It communicates these themes through beautiful imagery and an intriguing plot. The beautiful imagery would make for amazing scenery!

This is a fast read, 300-page novel that is consuming to the imagination and penetrating to the heart. I hope they make this book into a movie. It would be amazing. If you have time, I hope you enjoy it!

Lin: I was pretty so-so on Narnia, and even more so-so about fictional writings with spiritual allegories. Still, thanks for the recommendation.

Hey Jon, just to clarify, Ticonderoga has previously never expressed a firm intention of publishing the book until now; being merely content to hope for Strahan's law to take effect (the Law which states that the best books are those that you want to read and other people want to publish). OTOH I had expressed on several occasions that if I did go back to tree-killing, TROY would be one of the books I'd do.

p.s. thanks for the plug! Pre-order info will be available mid-Feb once the contents are finalised. TROY will be launching in Brisbane at Conjure, where hopefully you will be able to attend (pending your Guestly duties, of course...)

Dude. I will amend the main post shortly to reflect that it was never a definite commitment, just something discussed (which synchs completely with my recollection of what happened). I know at least three different small presses *discussed* doing it, but only one committed, and then had to change plans.

As to the rest, I'll be at the launch if I possibly can. I think it's a wonderful book and want to support it any way that I can. Look forward to more info as it becomes available.

No worries. Just thought "intended" was a bit strong (I'm happy to be able to say that I've published every book I've said I intended to) though discussed is exactly right.

It's going to be a damn fine book, especially given a fair chunk of the material has come from Eidolon.

I found a fascinating list of romance novels at
http://www.geocities.com/shadesofromance/

Hi Jonathan, when you change over to wordpress the livejournal feed doesn't have to die. just email the livejournal peeps (support@...) and tell them that "coode_street" has changed source feeds. if you give them the new source, they'll change it over in a day or so.

This topic is effectively closed. If you have any more comments, please make them over at www.jonathanstrahan.com.au/wp.

Thanks
Jonathan