Just got back from New York- which is a city which both excites and confuses me. I love the energy of it, but it also is the one place in the world where I seem to be always in the wrong spot on the pavement.

However it was also the place I got to do something I had dreamed about. I got to see the inside of the big publishing house. I am sure that such things become very run-of-the-mill to people who have long been published by the likes of Harper-Collins, St Martins or Penguin. However for me it was breathtaking.

I got to meet my editor Danielle, chat with the marketing department, and pass pleasantries with Ginjer Buchanan (who I share a byline with in the upcoming a Taste of True Blood). I also got a bunch of free books to read. If I had only had larger luggage!

Part of the marketing push is my new site dedicated to the Geist series. Not much there yet, but it will be hosting the wallpapers, stories, and podcasts connected with the series. So if you want to keep an eye on the coming developments, jump on in and subscribe.

I’m looking forward to the anthology series, and seeing what others do in my universe- including my delightful agent Laurie McLean.

If I haven’t said it explicitly I’ll say it here: I have officially handed in my notice at the corporate library. I will be a freewheeling writer and podcaster for the next 8 months or so at least. If things go well this may be a permanent lifestyle change, if not… well I will go back to the library world- which has always been a happy and comfortable environment for me.

A lot of things have led to this choice, but chief among them is how many opportunities and challenges I’ve had flying at my head. I don’t want to miss out on any of them, and it had got to the stage where I was doing as much as I could, while still working at a day job- even only a four day a week one. I knew that with more thing looming ahead I was simply not going to be able to manage both.

I want Geist to succeed, and I want to grab as many of these chances as I can. So I had to make a scary choice- and like the baby bird I keep mentioning I knew that I had to choose to jump.

I am sure some people are thinking I am all kinds of crazy doing this, so I feel like I should explain and clarify my position on doing it. I think I can make it work. I think I can make it work with diversity.

Geist is a book I am committed too- one I love and want to do well, but it is not the sole star I am hitching my wagon too. I am exploring all avenues to generate income. Right now, writing novels alone will not support me. (Especially with Geist about five months away from hitting the bookshelves)

So here’s the plan. Diversity in all things. It’s the whole don’t put your eggs in one basket parable.

Writing

I have Geist and the sequel Spectre coming out with Ace books.

I have also just sent over the final edits on for this anthology. I hope to do more work like this; for anthologies and blogs. I love writing non-fiction because it means I can use my librarian fu as well as my writing fu. If you have a paying gig then contact me pip@pjballantine.com

Audio

I will be bringing out a variety of content from my Erotica a la Carte table; high quality versions of the stories on CD and a print books.

I have just signed a contract to narrate a novella with a producer of audio content. This is the start of what I hope will be a decent revenue stream for me. If you have audio requirements that an experienced voice talent with a kiwi accent could fill, then please I am open to offers. (again pip@pjballantine.com)

All info and samples are here

So yes, times are hard, and writers have be more flexible and more diversified than ever before, however there is still opportunity out there.

Buckle up baby-bird– it’s time to fly!

Writing is hard- make not bones about that. There’s the long hours, the editing, the rejections.. it’s not something that is for the faint of heart. Yet it can also be tremendously rewarding. Then those are those moments which shine.

Today I had one of those moments. It came when I opened an email from my editor at Ace. It is the cover for Geist coming out with Ace in October/November this year.

To say I was happy was an understatement. Not only has the artist Jason Chan done a wonderful job. Here is Sorcha just as I imagined her – and the little details are perfectly correct- right down to her eye colour.

And there is the Rossin (who is so much more than a big ole pussy cat) the right size and shape. Also the description and the font are just wonderful.

Covers are always a dice roll, because rarely do authors get to have any input. I have heard some horror stories, but the folks at Ace and Jason have done me and Geist proud.

If you would like to pre-order Geist then the link is available under Store on this site. It is an affliate link, so gives me a few extra pennies when you purchase.

As I have intimated; from May this year writing and voicework will be my sole means of income. That may seem somewhat crazy, but it has reached the point where I need to concentrate on writing and marketing- making the most of the opportunities that have been given to me.

2009 – what a mixed bag of nuts you were.

A bunch of personal stuff was dealt with and sorted- which needed to happen. However there were a number of writing and podcasting successes that made up for all that.

The highlight has to be the two-book deal with Ace. As I have mentioned in various interviews on pod, I never really imagined it would happen. I knew my lovely agent Laurie McLean of Larsen Pomada was confident, but I am a ‘believe it when I see it’ type of person. So when Laurie pulled together a deal for Geist, and got a second book in there I was both ecstatic and pleasantly surprised.

With the economy being bad all around, the publishing industry is not keen on multi book deals for unproved authors. I am very proud of Geist, but I know that I will have to work my ass off to get it launched into the world at the end of this year… Tally ho!

The second book, which I started and nearly have finished, Spectre proved to be more difficult beast to deal with. It is my first real sequel and I discovered how much more difficult that is. However I know with a decent amount of editing the continuing adventures of Sorcha, Raed and Merrick will come out just fine.

2009 also saw the completion of my first real collaboration (one other failed completely and nearly put me off them altogether a few years back). I had a blast writing with Tee and it gave me renewed confidence that I could play well with others. Laurie has the 1st in the series of Books and Braun in her hands, and I really have all my digits crossed that it will sell. I love the world, and I love the characters.

Writing wise the other highlight was attending World Fantasy Con in San Jose. I got a glimpse into the world of publishing. It wasn’t so much about writing, but about the business. Having this taster has prepared me a little for the year to come.

Podcasting wise, 2009 was a good one.

I’ve worked in a variety of voice projects for other people. This has been a wonderful thing, which I get quite a buzz out of: feels like I am representing New Zealand out there. To be involved in so many podcasts is a real blessing and joy.

UPDATE; Oh yes, and as Tee Morris pointed out, Chasing the Bard: the podiobook won a Sir Julius Vogel Award. (In my defence I am writing this away from my desk, where the shiny, pretty award sits and looks back at me)

Erotica a la carte was a great deal of fun, and for a project I started as an experiment, continues on into 2010. I got some guest ‘chefs’ into the kitchen and it proved to be even more fun when shared. It was also short-listed for the best anthology at the Parsecs. Quite an honour for a podcast that had been on for only six months at that point!

Weather Child, the book that New York publishing said no American would be interested in reading, turned out quite the success in the podosphere. I got a real buzz out of how much people enjoyed it. I hope to get some movement in NYC on Weather Child once I have given it a good through editing.

Digital Magic was launched along with Dan Sawyer and Chris Lester’s projects; Free Will and Metamor City Season 2. I couldn’t ask for two more talented people to enjoy cross-promotion with. Mixing the voices into this project is a joy. And a two week schedule is one I feel I can keep up with as I go forward into 2010.

First things to do will be finishing the last edits on Geist, tidying and polishing Spectre and handing over the reins of Erotica a la Carte to another round of guest chefs.

Later on I am looking forward to the release of Geist in the American Fall, Balticon in May and WorldCon in Melbourne in September. It feels like a full dance card, but this is the year to make strides, put up or shut up… all of that.

I want to thank my listeners and readers, both those that have provided feedback and those that have stayed quietly appreciative. You’ve all made a difference in this one author’s life and I hope to bring you more creations n 2010 that might make a difference in your own lives.

This coming year will be filled with plenty of challenges and choices. My hopes are that it is a satisfying, happy and productive. I wish the same for you and yours.

My lovely, enthusiastic and successful (hello… Ace deal!) agent Laurie McLean of Larsen Pomada – who now also represents Tee Morris for fiction- spoke to Kimi over at Tale Chasing. She may or may not mention me

The podcasting sphere is full of lots of opinion by writers, but getting the thoughts from an agent is pretty unusual. So head on over and have a listen.

The Gift of Lit is a collective effort by many of the fine authors from Podiobooks. Together, we would like to share with you our diverse works and invite you to take a look at the nice selection of books we have spent hours, days, months, or years writing.

The Gift of Lit: Holiday 2009 is now here. If you are looking for a great gift this holiday season, rather it be for a family member, friend…or for yourself, take a look at the list below and give one, some, or all of these books your consideration. There are books to suit your needs this holiday season. Here, you will find fantasy, sci-fi, crime drama, speculative fiction, techno thriller, and much more. Help support these authors and spread the joys of literature. Give spark to imagination.

Below, take a look at all of the different titles offered and follow the links to purchase your own copy for yourself or to give that special someone this holiday. Yet, no matter the time of year, The Gift of Lit will be sure to please all readers.

HORROR

NIGHT’S KNIGHTS by Emerian Rich

Buy it here at >> Amazon << (starts as low as $13.00)

Vampires on a quest for knowledge attempt to create the perfect offspring, but from the shadows an even more demonic evil threatens their immortality. Markham is a simple Irish immigrant striving for the American dream in 1860 when coach robbers cause his untimely death. Severina is an exotic beauty from the jungles of Brazil whose family is brutally murdered by the same man she later calls lover. Julien is a knight who serves as guardian angel to his family but has no clue about his predestined fate. Will a powerful mortal named Jespa be the one to save them all?

FANTASY

BRAVE MEN RUN by Matthew Wayne Selznick

Buy it here at >> Amazon << (starts as low as $8.98 new)

April 18, 1985-Into a world already wound tight with the desperate
tensions of the Cold War comes Dr. William Donner with a startling
declaration: superhumans exist, they demand autonomy, and he has the
reality-bending power to enforce their status. The traditional balance
of power is thrown askew by the addition of not one super-powered
human, but six thousand. Before the Donner Declaration, high school
sophomore Nate Charters was just an outsider and self-proclaimed
freak. His unusual appearance, hair-trigger reflexes, and overactive
metabolism should have made him something special, but his differences
and low self-esteem have long since marked him as a target for the
jocks and popular kids. Now, just as his unique nature brings him the
attention of a self-assured older girl, Nate must find his place in
the world. Why is he the way he is? What really happened to his long
dead father? Why is his biggest rival suddenly interested in a private
meeting? Is he part of a remarkable, powerful new minority… or just
a misfit among misfits? Nate must discover the answers to these
questions quickly, because those in power know more about him than he
could ever imagine. And they’re closing in…

LOST GODS by Drew Beatty

Buy it here at >> Lulu << (starts at $15.50 new)

Kweku Anansi is just another member of the African diaspora, trying to
make a place for himself in his adopted home of Toronto, Canada. He
dreams of better days, of a time when he could stop running small time
cons just to make the rent. He dreams of the life he used to live,
centuries ago when he was revered as a god.

A chance encounter with a fellow con man with a dark and secretive
past of his own, plunges them both into the dark world of the lost
gods, gods who would do anything to be worshipped again. Including
destroying the world, if necessary.

How far will Anansi go to reclaim his godhood? What will he give up to
have true power again?

THE FOX by Arlene Radasky

Buy it here at >> Amazon << (starts as low as $20.99 new)

The Fox by Arlene Radasky is a historical romance and fantasy novel that looks at true courage and truly selfless acts. In this epic fiction that crosses centuries, Druid healers at the beginning of recorded time will be rescued from obscurity by an archeologist of the twenty-first century. Jahna’s clan lay in the path of destruction exacted by the Romans. Her fate is sealed unless a bargain is made with the Gods, which without a doubt means a human sacrifice. Two thousand years later, Aine MacRae is on their trail. A struggling archaeologist, she is on the verge of uncovering the village where they once lived. Encouraged by a ghostly visit, she will do whatever it takes to unearth time’s mystery. Greed almost triumphs leaving the truth and ancient stories buried forever, but an undying love is rekindled.

CHASING THE BARD by Philippa Ballantine

Buy it here at >> Amazon << (starts as low as $12.69 new)

Born into the human world with a gift; a gift that brings him to the attention of powers both dark and light from the World of the Fey, it is his burden to defend all the world. Sive, the goddess of battle, hopes that he may be able to change the fate of her people.The Fey are dying, killed by something beyond the boundaries of worlds, and Sive will do anything to save them. So she enlists the help of her trickster cousin Puck to guard the child, and watch him grow into his gift. But a dark power imprisoned by human and Fey, plots to destroy both worlds, and unmake all that they have created. Can one boy stop the destruction, even if he is William Shakespeare?

THE DAWNING OF POWER by Brian Rathbone

Buy it here at >> Amazon << (starts as low as $17.98)

The Dawning of Power is the debut trilogy in Brian Rathbone’s fantasy series: The World of Godsland. Echoes of the ancients power are distant memories, tattered and faded by the passage of eons, but that is about to change. A new dawn has arrived. Latent abilities, harbored in mankind s deepest fibers, wait to be unleashed. Ancient evils awaken, and old fears ignite the fires of war. In times such as these, ordinary people have the power to save the world . . . or destroy it.

THE WHITE SHADOW SAGA: THE STOLEN MOON OF LONDOR by A.P. Stephens

Buy it here at >> Amazon << (starts as low as $8.60)

The era of peace among the elves, men, and dwarves comes to an end when one of Londor’s twin moons disappears from the heavens. Without the moon’s balancing effect, evil forces grow bold, and warfare, sickness, and chaos threaten life itself.

Hearing the prayers of desperation that ride on the violent winds, the ancient wizard Randor Miithra, servant to the elf-gods, takes it upon himself to mend the world he has sworn to protect. The task will not be an easy one, though, for the wizard, too, has begun to feel the effects of the world’s imbalance. As Randor struggles to maintain some semblance of his powers, he meets a secretive band of colorful characters from all walks of life, drawn together by a common goal: to find the stolen moon, whatever the cost. It does not take Randor and his motley company long to see that someone or something does not want the moon returned to the heavens.

The road is perilous…the stakes have never been greater…will they find victory…or will they only find their deaths?

SCIENCE FICTION

THE VATICAN ASSASSIN TRILOGY by Mike Luoma

Buy it here at >> Lulu << (starts as low as $35.99)

This three in one omnibus edition collects all three novels in the “Vatican Assassin” Trilogy under one cover. “Vatican Assassin”, “Vatican Ambassador” and “Vatican Abdicator” are joined in this volume by an extensive appendix of previously unreleased background material. There are some early concept sketches by Mike Luoma, as well as “The History of The Future”: a timeline developed to extrapolate from today into the future setting for the story; “The Original Story Outline”; “The Story of The Project”; “The Alien Timeline” and more.

THE PIRATES OF SUFIRO by David Lee Summers

Buy it here at >> Amazon << (starts as low as $14.95)

The Pirates of Sufiro is the story of a planet and its people — of Ellison Firebrandt the pirate captain living in exile; of Espedie Raton, the con-man looking to make a fresh start for himself and his wife on a new world; of Peter Stone, the ruthless bank executive who discovers a fortune and will do anything to keep it; and of the lawman, Edmund Ray Swan who travels to Sufiro seeking the quiet life but finds a dark secret. It is the story of privateers, farmers, miners, entrepreneurs, and soldiers — all caught up in dramatic events and violent conflicts that will shape the destiny of our galaxy.

CRIME DRAMA

JACK WAKES UP by Seth Harwood

Buy it here at >> Amazon << (starts as low as $7.68)

In JACK WAKES UP, we are introduced to Jack Palms, a movie star turned drug addict, turned has-been who has been living off of the residual checks from Shake ‘Em Down, his one–and-only action movie. The money is drying up though, and this new clean, uneventful life is starting to become too much for Jack to bear. So when an old friend comes calling and asks Jack to use his former celebrity to show some out-of-town high rollers around San Francisco’s club scene, he’s happy to oblige. What Jack doesn’t know, however, is these “guests” are a pack of former KGB agents turned coke dealers out to make a big deal with Jack as their tour guide. Soon people are turning up dead, and Jack’s got too many gunmen after him to count—including a South American drug cartel, a mountain-sized Samoan enforcer, and a mobbed-up strip club owner with an army of thugs. That’s not to mention a gorgeous new girlfriend who may be planning on shooting him in the back and the homicide cop who’s just given Jack twenty-four hours to bring down the Bay Area’s biggest drug dealer.

But the thing that scares Jack the most? He’s starting to have fun.

FICTION

CITY OF MASKS by Mike Reeves-McMillan

Buy it here at >> Lulu << (starts as low as $9.97)

In the city-state of Bonvidaeo, by custom and law everyone must wear a mask and act in character with it, or face civil, social and religious penalties. Gregorius Bass is sent to Bonvidaeo as the Envoy of Calaria (primarily to get him out from underfoot). Masked as the Innocent Man, and in the company of his radical young Bonvidaoan servant, Bass stumbles into mystery, intrigue, heresy and murder.

TECHNO THRILLER

7TH SON: DESCENT by J.C. Hutchins

Buy it here at >> Amazon << (starts as low as $9.21)

As America reels from the bizarre presidential assassination committed by a child, seven men are abducted from their normal lives and delivered to a secret government facility. Each man has his own career, his own specialty. All are identical in appearance. The seven strangers were not born, but grown — unwitting human clones — as part of a project called 7th Son.

The government now wants something from these “John Michael Smiths.” They share the flesh as well as the implanted memories of the psychopath responsible for the president’s murder. The killer has bigger plans, and only these seven have the unique qualifications to track and stop him. But when their progenitor makes the battle personal, it becomes clear John Alpha may know the seven better than they know themselves…

SPECULATIVE FICTION

DREAMING OF DELIVERANCE by R.E. Chambliss

Buy it here at >> Amazon << (starts as low as $19.99)

Five years ago when Lindsay Paulson, a naive college student and talented distance runner, was 18, she was convicted of drug smuggling. Now, halfway through a 10-year prison sentence, she begins having what seem to be dreams, in which she leaves her cell in the night and visits another reality called Trae. Dreaming of Deliverance tells of Lindsay’s experiences both in Trae, where she finds herself among people enslaved by terrifying creatures, and in prison where she tries to make sense of what’s happening in her sleep: Is she actually escaping from prison somehow or is she losing her mind?

FANTASY FICTION HISTORICAL

THE MARK OF A DRUID by Rhonda R. Carpenter

Buy it here at >> Amazon << (starts as low as $16.55 new)

Have you ever had a dream so real that when you awoke, it didn’t leave the recesses of your mind for days? Eve McCormick just did, and this experience will change her life and the lives of those around her permanently. A twenty-six year old hypnotherapist who oversees a research project based on discovering the answer to an age-old question, “Is reincarnation fact or fiction?” must learn to trust a Welsh stranger. An ancient Celtic prophecy and long sought-after revenge entangles the past with the present in the struggle for existence that threatens to destroy her project. A druidess and a shape-shifter must join as one to save the Druid way of life, while a Queen conspires to kill Erin’s only High King. Will the oaths and agendas of the past reach across the centuries to strengthen or destroy?

This is part of the NZ Speculative Fiction Blogging Week- the other entries are well worth checking out

Let’s face it not all that long ago, in fact in living memory (mine specifically) , the number of kiwi spec fic writers was tiny. I remember being a kid and excited to find out that Hugh Cook was a New Zealander- just like me- but he was the only one I knew of.

Today, it is a different story- the likes of Lynn McConchie, and Russell Kirkpatrick are being joined by a emerging host of new talents. Even in recent history, as witnessed by the need for the Sir Julius Vogel to expand its categories, more and more writers are admitting that dirty little secret–they like to write genre fiction (SHOCK HORROR!). We’re getting our names out there- we’re getting contracted to major publishing houses like Penguin and HarperCollins- in short we are making waves like never before in New Zealand literary history.

So why is this?

The Internet

Yes, I blame the internet! That wonderful collection of steampowered tubes (they are steampowered right?) has made it easier than ever to be a genre writer in this distant and beautiful island. As an emerging author in my teens I could tell you about the buckets of frustration poured over trying to figure out those damn international postage coupons; the ones you had to be precise about if you ever wanted an answer (let along your manuscript) returned. The huge amount of money spent on both them and the heavy tome itself could well buy me a new laptop (but I also want it steampowered, ok?)

Now with a click of the button (alright quite a few repeated clicks) I have an agent in San Francisco and a publisher in New York. I can email them, skype with them- heck even see their faces if I want to. Sure I may still have to travel to do all the fun stuff like writers conventions, signings and book tours (Oh please oh please Ace, a book tour! but if I wanted to be that traditional closeted writer, I could do that- as long as I had an internet connetion.

Peter Jackson

Yes… Peter Jackson has a part in this I think. Before his Lord of the Rings films if you said to most people, ‘I’m from New Zealand’ you’d get a puzzled look, or at most ‘Isn’t that in Europe/Australia somewhere?’

Pete (as I call him in my head) made our lovely home, not only famous- but also cool. I’ve worked that kiwi accent for my own nefarious purposes at every con and booksigning I can. It has got me dinner, drinks, and sometimes to the front of the line. I am merciless with it–I consider it one of the real advantages we have.

Kiwi fandom

Yep, kiwi fandom has contributed a lot- nurturing young talent, running writers groups and encouraging everyone with the opportunity to win one of those pointy delights known as the Sir Julius Vogel Awards. Without cheerleaders here at home- it can be a very lonely island sometimes.

If I can play the old woman card, about fifteen years ago I tried to join the local writers guild. I left with the distinct impression that because I was a genre writer not a literary writer I was not quite up to snuff. I did join this year and it appears time and tide have turned my way–I am worthy of entry.

We’re not American

I should start by saying I love Americans. They are far different to the portrayal on TV, and I have made some wonderful friendships and worked with some talented Americans. That being said, being a New Zealander makes us…. exotic. Yes, there I said it… exotic. What was once a handicap is now positively to our advantage. Amongst the sea of American writers we stand out- we’re different, interesting, and I imagine publishers think that is a great thing for marketing. (Everyone is thinking marketing these days, let’s face it)

We also bring a different sensibility to speculative fiction, with our different heritage, history and culture. I like to think we have something to say because of that. My character in Books and Braun is a New Zealand field agent- think of her as a kiwi female version of James Bond, with more of a love for explosions. Eliza is a kiwi and unashamed of it.

Come to think of it… so I am.

So enjoy this week of New Zealand speculative fiction blogging- it’s part of the new renaissance. Great things lie ahead- so pick up that pen kiwis!

I love when authors and podcasters try new things, pushing their stories, and taking the bull by the horns as far as their own carreer goes. Justin Macumber has been doing a lot for his fellow authors with the Dead Robots Society- one of my favourite podcasts for writers.

So when Justin bought out his chapbook I had to pick up a copy- and of course get it signed. You can read the pdf for free, but consider buying a copy (for only $US5 you can’t really go wrong) and supporting a writer and podcaster that has given us so much.

I have tech edited two wonderful books on Twitter by Tee Morris, but this is the first time I have helped choose stories for an anthology. I was very pleased to be invited to help chose from among the submissions for

The Kiwi Writers Challenge Collection 2009

Yes that deserves to be in big ole text. Kiwi Writers is a wonderful resource, and full of supportive people doing wonderful things. I was truly impressed with the quality of the writing. And you know… you can read it for free? Yes, free! But if you want to have a copy of this fine anthology, and who wouldn’t, then Kiwi Writers have made it nice and cheap on Lulu. Go have a look. It’s a wonderful thing, and I am very proud to have had a small part in it.

You know, you work at something for 12 years, plugging along, enjoying what you are doing, but not expecting things to happen. I’ve just kept my head down doing what I love- and lately I’ve had to look up.

Ever since my wonderful agent sold the 2 book deal to Ace I have found new and wonderful things happening. Some possibilities I cannot tell anyone about, which just about kills me. But I can tell you about two.

Books and Braun is a steampunk tale of Wellington Books Esq. archivist for the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, and how his life is turned upside down by the demotion of agent Eliza D Braun; a feisty Colonial none too happy about being stuck in the Archives. Book and Braun soon find themselves investigating the death of Braun’s previous partner and steamy chaos ensues.

The other that I have just committed to is working a steampunk YA novel with Dan Sawyer.

Collaboration is a tricky business, but can also be a delight. Books and Braun is perhaps 80% done, but Dan and I won’t start writing the YA project until December. But I am excited.

Social networking and the wonders of the internet have bought me so many opportunities and have connected me with so many fabulous people. So hurrah for digital awesomeness.

…and a cast of authors to make you drool- and me. Here’s the kick-arse vlurb for JC Hutchins kick-arse novel Personal Effects; Dark Arts.

JC has been using vlurbs to great effect- have a look right here and don’t forget to rush out and buy your copy

The cast of characters in the vlurb (excluding myself of course) are

I’ve had plenty of fun this past week, hanging with my peers online.

I got to talk with the Dead Robots and Helen Madden, Nick Scipio and Nobilis about writing erotica. It is a subject I am just learning about, but it was a fun time. (WARNING- you may have already guessed, but this is NSFW or children, or those with a sensitive disposition to subjects of a sexual nature). We cover lots of saucy stuff, so have a listen.

And then I had a great interview with Michell Plested of Get Published where I talk about my 12 year journey to this point of having a book deal with a New York Publisher. Have a listen here.

After a conversation with my agent and various other wonderful creative types in San Francisco a few days ago, I have realised that things are changing in a major way in the publishing business. The negative gear change in the economy is scary, but it is also bringing possibilities. When the old order falls, new ones have a chance to breathe- like a tree falling in the crowded forest give seedlings below light for the first time.

The internet and its possibilities has been nibbling on the edges of the big publishers for years, and while some have tried to make changes and adapt, many have not. Houghton Mifflin’s recent stop on acquiring books is a pretty big indicator that there is a lot of struggle going on behind the scenes in the publishing business.

So the arrival of Scott Sigler on the New York Times Bestseller Lists is I feel a marker in the timeline of change. Scott is, if you don’t know it a great guy, the first person ever to pick me up at San Francisco airport without knowing me. Now I am very used to meeting people from the internet, but back then- I admit I was a little nervous. Scott however was just happy and kind and pleased to meet me. He set the tone for all these other trips.

So now he’s made it. The guy who first podcast a never before published novel is on the most prestigious list in publishing. It is a great beginning for 2009 for him- and heck for all podcast novelists.

To Scott I say- congratulations. You’ve been working so hard in a bumpy year to get here- bask in it for a spell mate. (As a nice side effect I’ll be able to dine out on that whole rubbing-vodka-into-your-head thing now)

Things are changing for us all, so let’s get ready to ride that wave!