***NOTE: The system crashed on 8/13, I've replaced the whole server... so some stuff may not be working right. Keepcopies of anything you send in, like critiques or manuscripts, just in case. Let me know of anything else that isn't working right. To shake things out, the first batch will extend to 9/3. In theory, the 9/3 batch will go out normally. Fingers crossed! ***


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Critter Notices

Books from Critters!

Check out Books by Critters for books by your fellow Critterfolk, as well as my list of recommended books for writers.

Space Travel for SF Writers

Hot off the presses from ReAnimus Press! Space Travel - A Science Fiction Writer's Guide— An indispensible tool for all SF writers that explains the science you need to help you make your fiction plausible. (Also via Amazon)

Stayin' Alive

If you want to make a career of SF writing, STAYING ALIVE - A WRITER'S GUIDE by three-time SFWA President Norman Spinrad, published by your Critter Captain's ReAnimus Press, is an indispensable guide to the inside workings of the SF publishing industry by an expert.

Interviewed!

I was interviewed live on public radio for Critters' birthday, for those who want to listen.

Free Web Sites

Free web sites for authors (and others) are available at www.nyx.net.

ReAnimus Acquires Advent!

ReAnimus Press is pleased to announce the acquisition of the legendary Advent Publishers! Advent is now a subsidiary of ReAnimus Press, and we will continue to publish Advent's titles under the Advent name. Advent was founded in 1956 by Earl Kemp and others, and has published the likes of James Blish, Hal Clement, Robert Heinlein, Damon Knight, E.E. "Doc" Smith, and many others. Advent's high quality titles have won and been finalists for several Hugo Awards, such as The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy and Heinlein's Children. Watch this space for ebook and print editions of all of Advent's current titles!

Book Recommendation

THE SIGIL TRILOGY: The universe is dying from within... "Great stuff... Really enjoyed it." — SFWA Grandmaster Michael Moorcock

Announcing ReAnimus Press

If you're looking for great stuff to read from bestselling and award-winning authors—look no further! ReAnimus Press was founded by your very own Critter Captain. (And with a 12% Affiliate program.) [More]

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CRITTERS STORE >>

From: mcq@en.com (Maureen F. McHugh)

[Writing about being an instructor at Clarion]

...My critique
template starts with a sentence summation of what the story is about.
(You'd be surprised how often someone summarizes your story and you
think, hey, wait, that wasn't the important part--which tells you
something about where the weight is falling in the story.)  Then they
had to tell how the story was effective, how the story wasn't
effective, and make a suggestion for improvement.  

Oddly enough, this is an amazingly good formula to get critiques that
feel useful rather than savage.  (You always feel savaged a bit after
critique, I mean, that's your baby on the later, you know?)  And it
worked really well.