Today's updatery:

First, the phrase familiarity breeds contempt is quite true when this author is reviewing her draft.

Second, today I'm reading over the manuscript and tucking in the stray threads and clipping off the frayed edges. So far, so reasonably good. Which is to say, despite my contempt, I think I like it pretty well.

Here are some things that might interest you by way of being an author.

Shanna Swenson (shanna_s) on making sure an author's books stay (or get into) print. Her publisher decided not to publish the fifth of her five book series and she talks about why that is and what you as readers can do about it and what you can't do. It's enlightening.

Then Jeanniene Frost (frost_light) talks about advances and making a living as a writer. It's a long post, but I think she's pretty much on target with everything she says.

And Lynn Flewelling (otterdance) has a new book out today in the Nightrunner series. Now, if you've not read these, you need to. I mean, YOU NEED TO. Right now. Because her worldbuilding is amazing, and even better, her characters are snarky and compelling and wonderful and I just can't tell you how long I've been waiting for more Seregil and Alec. And what's more, I got to hear her read from this at WFC last year. Nyah Nyah! So seriously, excellent fantasy. I don't have my copy yet, but you can bet it won't be long, and then I"m going to read the first three slowly and then chomp through the new one in about five seconds. And then read it again. By the way, the title of the new one is Shadow's Return.

Also, my fabulous agent Lucienne Diver (varkat) has a Q & A up at Much Cheaper Than Therapy today. Tomorrow she will be doing a live chat at The Knight Agency website.