tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37759329035142746552024-02-21T09:29:41.876-05:00Matthew WuertzFantasy and Science Fiction AuthorMatthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.comBlogger255125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-44375204307919760762021-02-23T22:46:00.001-05:002021-02-23T22:46:14.707-05:00Galaxy Science Fiction - November, 1954 Retro ReviewIn my latest retro-review on <i>Black Gate</i>, I'm discussing the November, 1954 issue of <i>Galaxy Science Fiction</i>. The issue contains one of my favorite <i>Galaxy</i> stories of all time - "The Music Master of Babylon" by Edgar Pangborn. <a href="https://www.blackgate.com/galaxy-science-fiction-november-1954-a-retro-review/">Check it out!</a>Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-49083125972679332032020-05-18T07:53:00.000-04:002020-05-18T07:54:38.124-04:00Galaxy Science Fiction Retro-Review - October, 1954My latest retro-review is up at <i>Black Gate</i>! This one covers the October, 1954 issue of <i>Galaxy Science Fiction</i>. <a href="https://www.blackgate.com/2020/05/17/galaxy-science-fiction-october-1954-a-retro-review/">Check it out!</a>Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-79387092457839163012019-11-22T11:11:00.001-05:002019-11-22T11:11:32.142-05:00Retro-Review - Galaxy - September, 1954There's a new retro-review on <i>Black Gate</i>. In this article, I'm reviewing the September, 1954 issue. <a href="https://www.blackgate.com/2019/11/22/galaxy-science-fiction-september-1954-a-retro-review/">Check it out!</a>Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-46272562589320055152019-06-13T09:06:00.001-04:002019-06-13T09:06:57.143-04:00Galaxy - August, 1954 Retro-ReviewI have another <i>Galaxy Science Fiction</i> review up at <i>Black Gate</i>. This one is for the August, 1954 issue where two of the stories have authors using pseudonyms (so sneaky). <a target="new" href="https://www.blackgate.com/2019/06/12/galaxy-science-fiction-august-1954-a-retro-review/">Check it out!</a>Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-64149754793644049902019-04-18T20:38:00.000-04:002019-04-18T20:38:03.588-04:00Galaxy Science Fiction - July, 1954 - Retro ReviewI've got another review of <i>Galaxy Science Fiction</i> up at <i>Black Gate</i>! This one is of the July, 1954 issue. There's an exciting tale from Robert Sheckley, a cool alien story from Clifford D. Simak, and the continuation of <b>Gladiator at Law</b> by Frederik Pohl and C. M. Kornbluth. <a target="new" href="https://www.blackgate.com/2019/04/18/galaxy-science-fiction-july-1954-a-retro-review/">Check it out!</a>Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-14940252381555678122019-03-07T11:36:00.004-05:002019-03-07T11:36:55.975-05:00Galaxy June, 1954 Retro-ReviewMy latest review of <i>Galaxy Science Fiction</i> is for the June, 1954 issue. It's available <a href="https://www.blackgate.com/2019/03/07/galaxy-science-fiction-june-1954-a-retro-review/">now at <i>Black Gate</i></a>. Check it out!Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-41682663695985775092018-12-02T21:18:00.002-05:002018-12-02T21:19:18.661-05:00Galaxy Science Fiction - May, 1954 - Retro ReviewMy latest retro review is up at <i>Black Gate</i>. This one covers the May, 1954 issue of <i>Galaxy Science Fiction</i>. <a href="https://www.blackgate.com/2018/12/02/galaxy-science-fiction-may-1954-a-retro-review/" target="new">Check it out!</a>Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-47880499462842392532018-10-16T12:18:00.001-04:002018-10-16T12:18:44.011-04:00Story Accepted at Stupefying StoriesMy fantasy story, "Talent for Never and Always" was accepted for publication at <i>Stupefying Stories</i>! This is my first publication with <i>Stupefying Stories</i>, and I'm really excited to have a story published with them. This story took a lot of effort and multiple rewrites, even at points when I felt like it was finished. Thank you to everyone who provided me with feedback along the way!Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-2753046748529559122018-09-23T16:23:00.001-04:002018-10-16T12:19:34.019-04:00Galaxy Science Fiction, April 1954 - Retro ReviewMy latest retro-review is up at <i>Black Gate</i>. This one covers a wonderful issue of <i>Galaxy Science Fiction</i> from April, 1954. <a target="new" href="https://www.blackgate.com/2018/09/22/galaxy-science-fiction-april-1954-a-retro-review/">Check it out!</a>Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-17929486591189617192018-06-25T22:10:00.002-04:002018-10-16T12:19:54.387-04:00Galaxy Retro-Review: March, 1954My latest <i>Galaxy Science Fiction</i> retro-review is available at <i>Black Gate</i>. This time, I'm reviewing the March, 1954 issue. And it was a great one. <a href="https://www.blackgate.com/2018/06/22/galaxy-science-fiction-march-1954-a-retro-review/">Check it out!</a>Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-79476223272744523502018-05-02T11:57:00.000-04:002018-05-02T11:57:01.304-04:00Galaxy, February 1954 Retro-ReviewAt long last, I have posted <a href="https://www.blackgate.com/2018/04/30/galaxy-science-fiction-february-1954-a-retro-review/">another <i>Galaxy</i> review</a> on <i>Black Gate</i>. My apologies for taking a bit longer with this one; I've been distracted lately. At any rate, enjoy!Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-90700429119445316242018-01-15T22:52:00.000-05:002018-01-15T22:52:13.253-05:00Galaxy, January 1954, Retro-ReviewMy latest retro-review is up at <i>Black Gate</i>. I'm reviewing the <a href="https://www.blackgate.com/2018/01/15/galaxy-science-fiction-january-1954-a-retro-review/" target="_blank">January, 1954 issue of <i>Galaxy Science Fiction</i></a>. It wasn't one of the more memorable issues, but they can't all be amazing.Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-91677605826893232912017-11-04T22:20:00.000-04:002017-11-04T22:20:50.310-04:00Galaxy - December, 1953 - Retro Review<i>Black Gate</i> just posted my review of the December, 1953 issue of <i>Galaxy Science Fiction</i>. Featuring festive, seasonal artwork from Ed Emshwiller, the December 1953 issue of <i>Galaxy Science Fiction</i> includes fiction from both Theodore Sturgeon and Isaac Asimov. <a target="new" href="https://www.blackgate.com/2017/11/04/galaxy-science-fiction-december-1953-a-retro-review/">Check it out!</a>Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-5691507515984913572017-08-24T19:48:00.000-04:002017-08-24T19:48:07.989-04:00Galaxy - November, 1953 Retro ReviewMy latest review of <em>Galaxy Science Fiction</em> is available at <a href="https://www.blackgate.com/2017/08/17/galaxy-science-fiction-november-1953-a-retro-review/" target="_blank"><em>Black Gate</em></a>. This review covers the November, 1953 issue. There are some good stories within from Michael Shaara and Roger Dee. Check it out!Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-30696020832779903862017-07-22T12:56:00.001-04:002017-07-22T12:56:45.818-04:00Current Goings-OnI thought I should make a post about what I'm currently up to. I tend to get carried away with what I'm doing and then find I don't make time for updating others on what I'm doing through my blog posts. I'll try to do better with that in the weeks and months ahead.<br />
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First, I'm editing my novel. Currently, I'm adding an entirely new chapter to the beginning. A friend of mine who's reading a previous version suggested I start at a different point. I agreed that a preceding event to the existing novel would be a much better introduction of characters and help in establishing the overarching plot. The chapter is outlined, and I'm making my way through it. I'll have to polish it up and then come up with a new hook for the novel; the current one won't work in the new setting.<br />
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I've also been working on a query letter, going through multiple drafts with feedback from others. I know from past experience that it takes me a while to form a proper query letter - condensing things down to 250 words in a way that hopefully entices agents to ask for pages. That's why I like to start the process in advance - one less thing to worry about when the novel is complete.<br />
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I wrote another short story that a friend is critiquing for me. This one is a science fiction story, and I'm trying out first-person present tense. I don't recall trying to do that before. It was years before I'd even try first person. The reason for the present tense is that I wanted the action to feel immediate - like readers are in the moment with the protagonist. I don't know if it works or not. But I like to try things with writing. I don't look at my strengths and think I'll only write to those (or write to hide my weaknesses). Instead, I look at the story I'm trying to convey and think about what it would take to properly convey it, even if it's something I've never tried before. That's not to say that I completely throw away anything I've learned over the years, but I don't want to stick with what's comfortable, or I'm limited in what I can tell. Or I end up telling stories the same way, which may not be the most fitting manner for a particular story. I enjoy learning new things and seeing what I can do, pressing my craft beyond where I thought I could take it. And yes, those first attempts at something new don't always turn out well, but I'm willing to take that risk. The worst that can happen is that a story isn't published. And by this point in my writing career, that's hardly anything to be concerned with.<br />
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I'm working on another <i>Galaxy</i> review for <i>Black Gate</i>. Normally I work on these during my lunch breaks, but I've had several working lunches this past week. Hopefully I'll complete the review next week, depending on my schedule.<br />
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During a recent trip to New York, I visited Strand Book Store. I had hoped to visit their top floor where the rare books are located, but it was closed when I arrived. I did, however, purchase a 1999 reprint of <u>The King of Elfland's Daughter</u> by Lord Dunsany. He is a magnificent author. He has a way of showing readers a world that you feel in your soul. He goes beyond the simple description down into the depths of why you should care about something. For example, it's not just a dawn but a song about dawn that you hear deep within; then you gasp because you not only see those rays of light and how they interplay with the landscape, but you feel the glow on your skin and smile at its warmth. Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-29702837549207666262017-05-12T19:43:00.000-04:002017-05-12T19:43:43.992-04:00Galaxy - October, 1953 Retro-ReviewMy review of the October, 1953 issue of <i>Galaxy Science Fiction</i> is up at <i><a href="https://www.blackgate.com/2017/05/10/galaxy-science-fiction-october-1953-a-retro-review/" target="_blank">Black Gate</a></i>. This issue includes the first part of "Caves of Steel" by Isaac Asimov. Check it out!Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-80593641410769557722017-04-17T18:24:00.001-04:002017-04-17T18:24:08.094-04:00Ghost in the Shell ReviewMy review of <i>Ghost in the Shell</i> is up at <i>Black Gate</i>. No spoilers to worry about. Just one guy's opinion. I had my reservations in seeing the movie because I wasn't certain I'd like a new adaptation. But I think it's obvious that the director, Rupert Sanders, had a lot of respect for the 2016 anime movie. <a href="https://www.blackgate.com/2017/04/16/a-cybernetic-detective-in-a-futuristic-japan-ghost-in-the-shell/" target="_blank">Check it out!</a>Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-35473496589189159062017-03-09T07:20:00.000-05:002017-03-09T07:20:03.513-05:00Galaxy Retro-Review - September, 1953My review of the September, 1953 issue of <i>Galaxy Science Fiction</i> is <a href="https://www.blackgate.com/2017/03/08/galaxy-science-fiction-september-1953-a-retro-review/" target="_blank">now available at <i>Black Gate</i></a>. The issue includes stories by Clifford D. Simak and Theodore Sturgeon. Check it out!Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-26880345568834742182017-01-09T21:26:00.001-05:002017-01-09T21:26:22.182-05:00Happy New Year!Okay, I'm more than a week late in stating it, but the sentiment is the same. 2016 was a really great year, writing-wise. I had two stories published, and I completed a rough draft on a Katsu/Tsukiko novel. And to start this year of editing right, I chopped off the first two chapters, killing over 7K words. Katsu and Tsukiko aren't the only ones with cutting skills.<br />
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I did put out a <a href="https://www.blackgate.com/2017/01/02/galaxy-science-fiction-august-1953-a-retro-review/" target="_blank">new retro review of <i>Galaxy </i>recently on <i>Black Gate</i></a>. <br />
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I was pretty busy closing out the old year, but things are about to settle into a better pattern. I'm looking forward to more writing.<br />
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So to everyone out there, I wish you a happy new year. Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-6937033370901813862016-11-20T11:54:00.003-05:002016-11-20T11:54:55.610-05:00"Seekers" Now Available at Crimson Streets!My fantasy short story, "Seekers," is <a href="http://www.crimsonstreets.com/2016/11/20/seekers/" target="_blank">now available at <i>Crimson Streets</i></a>. John Waltrip did an amazing job with the illustration. <br />
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I really enjoyed writing this story. I tried to bring some fun into this tale of adventure and treasure seeking. More than anything else, I think <i>Firefly </i>inspired the style I was going for.<br />
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This is my second published story in 2016, and both stories have excellent illustrations. It's an exciting year!Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-72619122910579631082016-10-29T11:05:00.004-04:002016-10-29T11:05:56.581-04:00World Fantasy Convention Day 2The first panel I attended today was titled "I Believe I Can Fly." It was moderated by C. S. E. Cooney and included Curtis Craddock, Dan Koboldt, Alan Smale, and John Tibbetts.<br />
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The next panel was "Trilogies? Small stuff!" with L. E. Modesitt, Jr., David Drake, Sharon Shinn, Mercedes Lackey, and Kay Kenyon. They spoke about several aspects of "a series of length" (a preferable term instead of "long series"). One of the most helpful pieces of advice for authors beginning a series is to start small and local, knowing only what the protagonist knows, and then to radiate outward. They also said that for a long-running series, they'll only have a small number of books focused on some characters, and then they'll move on to other characters.<br />
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After lunch, I attended the guest of honor speech by L. E. Modesitt, Jr. He told fascinating stories of his past and his experience with writing. I found it inspirational and encouraging.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YREu2szGBFlNAJ00EhQwgXd5DfZCn9X3z6T3TClx3PqfJVMUw3oH2rOW0H18BO9J_88NJCMn2NPz4y_POox8YBJdO0u0JMczauETchW1AWfK9s5OgpUgiBxiRYYEowNAEefyI6sCnsoJ/s1600/IMG_3205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YREu2szGBFlNAJ00EhQwgXd5DfZCn9X3z6T3TClx3PqfJVMUw3oH2rOW0H18BO9J_88NJCMn2NPz4y_POox8YBJdO0u0JMczauETchW1AWfK9s5OgpUgiBxiRYYEowNAEefyI6sCnsoJ/s320/IMG_3205.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After a dinner break (I was still too full from lunch to actually eat dinner), I headed to the mass autographing at the Regency Ballroom. I like to use my glossy program book to collect autographs from the guests of honor and other special guests.<br />
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There were several parties happening on the fifth floor, so I thought I'd check things out. I had good discussions with multiple people with topics ranging from space travel to <i>Raiders of the Lost Ark</i>.Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-42281686185074707492016-10-28T03:22:00.000-04:002016-10-28T10:35:04.119-04:00World Fantasy Convention Day 1<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhF5u40DANxXOfox7SLvZVZpicsQgfN2Q4mBwDleN1NHVNdexO18ixBeBAXqeJJptrZ2a4fO6CS-o0wbpXoC26CqATk4fnyLSOfktbMzfERaIQS2di6ymqf7bjc0JRh0cG9yZwCaz-Oipo/s1600/Untitled+design+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhF5u40DANxXOfox7SLvZVZpicsQgfN2Q4mBwDleN1NHVNdexO18ixBeBAXqeJJptrZ2a4fO6CS-o0wbpXoC26CqATk4fnyLSOfktbMzfERaIQS2di6ymqf7bjc0JRh0cG9yZwCaz-Oipo/s320/Untitled+design+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Registration</td></tr>
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After waking up and getting lunch (yes, I slept in due to the late arrival), I went to the Dealer Room and Art Show. Sadly, I was unable to find any issues of <i>Galaxy</i> or <i>Unknown</i>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World Fantasy 2016 Program Book</td></tr>
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Later, I had dinner with John O'Neill (editor of <i>Black Gate</i>) and authors Patty Templeton and Bob Byrne. Bob and Patty are also bloggers at <i>Black Gate</i>. John regaled us with stories of publishing and collecting. It was a lot of fun.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My wife, Bess, and me getting set for evening activities.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opening Ceremonies... (Top Left: L. E. Modesitt, Jr.; Top Right: Randal Spangler; Bottom: Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon)</td></tr>
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You could feel the strength of the bond between Mercedes Lackey and her husband Larry Dixon. My wife took several pictures of them during the opening ceremony, and these two images seemed to depict their connection and teamwork. When speaking of his wife, Larry said, "She's my everything." I thought I was going to cry.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elaine Isaak reading a short story</td></tr>
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After attending one last panel discussion, I went to the bar to mingle. I met authors Donald Crankshaw (who is yet another <i>Black Gate</i> blogger) and Kristin Janz. It was interesting to discover how they help each other as married authors. I like seeing other married teams coming together over writing, similar to my own marriage where Bess is there for me to do whatever she can to try to help me improve my writing and connect with other people.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Writing this blog post while eating Peanut M&M's (which I can't have at home due to my son's food allergies)</td></tr>
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Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-89261594005955843862016-10-27T14:03:00.001-04:002016-10-27T14:03:13.324-04:00World Fantasy Convention ArrivalYesterday, we left Indianapolis for Columbus. But it wasn't a direct route. First, we dropped the kids with grandparents and then picked up Sara Goodwin (check out her tweets @SoSaidSara). We got a bit of a late start, but we finally made it to the hotel around 2:30AM.<br />
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I'm looking forward to the free book bag, hoping it's as great as the bags issued in past years. And I don't just mean the books within the bag. The bag itself is the right size for all kinds of oddities. For example, I'm using my bag from the 2010 WFC to carry all of my shoes.<br />
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"Wait... why did you bring a lot of shoes?" I wanted options. For all the times someone is actually going to look at my feet. Which is probably never. I hope. Please don't look at my feet.<br />
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The first scheduled events begin at 3PM, which is a short time away. I still need to run by registration and get something to eat.Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-23672064111101562272016-10-25T12:37:00.000-04:002016-10-25T12:37:46.222-04:00World Fantasy Convention 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I haven't attended the World Fantasy Convention since 2014, and I'm excited to be attending this year. I'm looking forward to meeting with others, listening to panel discussions, and hearing author readings. This year, I also signed up for my own reading:<br />
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"Jigo" features Katsu and Tsukiko from <a href="http://www.heroicfantasyquarterly.com/?p=2049" target="_blank">"Shadows in Sakamura"</a>. In this tale, the two venture into Taiyomichi, a small village of simplistic, hard-working people. Even when they find danger within the village, they can't imagine the true source until it's too late to escape.<br />
Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775932903514274655.post-61021945835738271092016-10-07T22:29:00.000-04:002016-10-07T22:29:10.573-04:00Galaxy Retro-Review - July, 1953My latest retro-review on<i> Black Gate</i> is for the July, 1953 issue of <i>Galaxy Science Fiction</i>. Two stories were really good. <a href="https://www.blackgate.com/2016/10/07/galaxy-science-fiction-july-1953-a-retro-review/" target="_blank">Check it out!</a>Matthew Wuertzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268129429239157271noreply@blogger.com0