Update Announcements by Craig Stark #51, 12 September 2005

Something I've noticed about BookThink interviews: often they seem to be most interesting when the author gets off the topic of his (or her) book. Though SF author Marshall S. Thomas does indeed discuss his first book, Soldier of the Legion, in today's interview with Science Fiction Editor Timothy Doyle, he also recounts the process of writing it, a project ultimately completed after some 20 years! As it so often does on the heels of persistence, success finally arrived, and Thomas's experience makes him eminently qualified to offer advice for would-be writers. (Bet you didn't think you were going to get that today.)

Also in this issue, Tim reviews Soldier of the Legion and - good news - reports that 3 sequels are waiting in line to follow it. A purchase link is included at the end of the review for your convenience.

A word of warning to my fellow book scouts: there's a better than 99% chance that I'll be relocating sometime in the next year. It's not that I'm fed up with the Sunshine State. C'mon, what's not to love about hurricanes, venomous snakes and bumper-to-bumper traffic? No, my wife has been offered a position she most likely won't be able to refuse, and this means that I'll be heading to totally unexplored scouting territory, faced with the adventuresome(?) task of restarting my business in another state.

I'd tell you where we're headed, but I think it might be better for me to hold off for now. This will give you guys ample opportunity to sharpen your book scouting skills JUST IN CASE I LAND IN YOUR TERRITORY - and, if I don't, mortal fear at the mere possibility will have galvanized you to get in shape anyway. A good outcome for all, I'd say. Not to worry, however, if sometime, somewhere, when you least expect it, I end up breathing down your neck at an estate sale. Competition will make us all better! (By the way, BookThink will travel with me, and continue without interruption.)