This LJ is a Potter-free zone.

I confess: I have never read a Harry Potter book, or seen any of the movies. I know some of the basic storyline and the names of most of the major players through fandom osmosis (the rock I hide beneath is a small one), but it's just... really...

Not quite my genre.

There, I admitted it. I prefer SF to fantasy. Unless it's Pratchett, of course, but Pratchett trumps all. Or urban fantasy, because Butcher is the king of that. Or historical dragon fantasy, because Naomi Novik rocks, despite her overuse of semi-colons. However, her dragons, while (probably) violating the laws of physics on a regular basis, aren't "magical" creatures.

Er. *eyeshift*

But seriously, I tried to read the Lord of the Rings trilogy and got totally bogged down (although I loved the movies and finished "The Hobbit" with no problems, go figure). High fantasy is just really hit and miss with me.

This is not everyone's cue to tell me "OMG YOU HAVE TO READ POTTER BECAUSE IT ROCKS SO MUCH." I have a stack of something like a hundred books to go through before I even consider such a thing--and there's new stuff coming out all the time that I'd rather read.

So that's the State of Me, vis a vis Harry Potter. In case anyone cares.

This LJ is a Potter-free zone.

I confess: I have never read a Harry Potter book, or seen any of the movies. I know some of the basic storyline and the names of most of the major players through fandom osmosis (the rock I hide beneath is a small one), but it's just... really...

Not quite my genre.

There, I admitted it. I prefer SF to fantasy. Unless it's Pratchett, of course, but Pratchett trumps all. Or urban fantasy, because Butcher is the king of that. Or historical dragon fantasy, because Naomi Novik rocks, despite her overuse of semi-colons. However, her dragons, while (probably) violating the laws of physics on a regular basis, aren't "magical" creatures.

Er. *eyeshift*

But seriously, I tried to read the Lord of the Rings trilogy and got totally bogged down (although I loved the movies and finished "The Hobbit" with no problems, go figure). High fantasy is just really hit and miss with me.

This is not everyone's cue to tell me "OMG YOU HAVE TO READ POTTER BECAUSE IT ROCKS SO MUCH." I have a stack of something like a hundred books to go through before I even consider such a thing--and there's new stuff coming out all the time that I'd rather read.

So that's the State of Me, vis a vis Harry Potter. In case anyone cares.

Wow, y'all.

I am really impressed with Fantasy and Science Fiction's turnaround time. I know I've said this before in relation to fic subs; however, remember how I said on Monday that you can get a free Sept 2007 issue if you promised to blog about it? I hold here (in my formerly nicotine-stained fingers) the September 2007 issue of F&SF, which came in the mail today. I guess I'll have reading material for our trip. :) T'would have been ironic to get their response to the story I subbed a week ago today as well, but it wasn't there. Guess I'll just have to wait until we get back...which is actually one less thing to worry about.

Speaking of the trip, I have all our confirmations printed out. I have clothes and sundries packed. I have reading material besides the aforementioned issue of F&SF (Cetaganda by Lois McMasters Bujold, and Jack Knife by Virginia Baker). I have discovered that the large fanny pack I abandoned in favor of a cute little red purse will hold the camera, along with a notebook, my wallet, pain pills (all hail Ibuprofen!), and spare camera batteries. The mail is stopped, the bills paid. The dog is at the dog hotel. The cats have litter and plenty of food and water. The flight plan is filed, the Cessna clean. I still have to pack the computer, obviously, but I think that's it.

I have also discovered that Seattle has two (count 'em!) Half Price Bookstores that are easy to find. Good gravy, I *less than three* those stores.

I... think we're ready to go. fenchurche, did you guys want to get together? Any evening this week is good for us except Wednesday or Thursday. Anyone else in the SeaTac area? We'll have internet access at the hotel; email me at agilebrit (at) yahoo dot com with contact info and times, dates, and places.

I'll try to keep up with LJ, although it may be difficult. See y'all on the flip side!

Wow, y'all.

I am really impressed with Fantasy and Science Fiction's turnaround time. I know I've said this before in relation to fic subs; however, remember how I said on Monday that you can get a free Sept 2007 issue if you promised to blog about it? I hold here (in my formerly nicotine-stained fingers) the September 2007 issue of F&SF, which came in the mail today. I guess I'll have reading material for our trip. :) T'would have been ironic to get their response to the story I subbed a week ago today as well, but it wasn't there. Guess I'll just have to wait until we get back...which is actually one less thing to worry about.

Speaking of the trip, I have all our confirmations printed out. I have clothes and sundries packed. I have reading material besides the aforementioned issue of F&SF (Cetaganda by Lois McMasters Bujold, and Jack Knife by Virginia Baker). I have discovered that the large fanny pack I abandoned in favor of a cute little red purse will hold the camera, along with a notebook, my wallet, pain pills (all hail Ibuprofen!), and spare camera batteries. The mail is stopped, the bills paid. The dog is at the dog hotel. The cats have litter and plenty of food and water. The flight plan is filed, the Cessna clean. I still have to pack the computer, obviously, but I think that's it.

I have also discovered that Seattle has two (count 'em!) Half Price Bookstores that are easy to find. Good gravy, I *less than three* those stores.

I... think we're ready to go. fenchurche, did you guys want to get together? Any evening this week is good for us except Wednesday or Thursday. Anyone else in the SeaTac area? We'll have internet access at the hotel; email me at agilebrit (at) yahoo dot com with contact info and times, dates, and places.

I'll try to keep up with LJ, although it may be difficult. See y'all on the flip side!