tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31019661675233433262024-03-18T20:52:40.961-07:00Fantastical FictionAnita Ensalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06296809212102037246noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3101966167523343326.post-79496335805631470802011-02-10T23:20:00.000-08:002011-02-15T14:09:20.533-08:00More Reviews!I'm happy to report that there are more reviews for both <span style="font-weight:bold;">Boondocks Fantasy</span> and <span style="font-weight:bold;">Love and Rockets</span>! In no particular order of wonderfulness, here are the latest.<br /><br /><a href="http://community.livejournal.com/dawbooks/66319.html" target="_blank">DAW Books Reviews</a> for <span style="font-weight:bold;">Love and Rockets</span><br /><br /><a href="http://booknoise411.blogspot.com/2011/02/review-boondocks-fantasy-anthology-part_06.html" target="_blank">Book Noise</a> for <span style="font-weight:bold;">Boondocks Fantasy</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nightowlscifi.com/nor/Reviews/Roza-reviews-Boondocks-Fantasy-by-Jean-Rabe-and-Martin-H-Greenberg.aspx" target="_blank">Night Owl Sci-Fi</a> for <span style="font-weight:bold;">Boondocks Fantasy</span> -- we earned a Top Pick from Night Owl!<br /><br /><a href="http://lovesromances.blogspot.com/2011/01/review-love-rockets-part-1.html" target="_blank">A Buckeye Girl Reads</a> for <span style="font-weight:bold;">Love and Rockets</span><br /><br /><a href="http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=28065">Fresh Fiction</a> for <span style="font-weight:bold;" target="_blank">Love and Rockets</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nightowlscifi.com/nor/Reviews/ELF-reviews-Love-And-Rockets-by-Lois-Mcmaster-Bujold-and-Martin-H-Greenberg-and-Kerrie-Hughes.aspx" target="_blank">Night Owl Sci-Fi</a> for <span style="font-weight:bold;">Love and Rockets</span> -- we earned a Top Pick from Night Owl! <br /><br />That's 6 great reviews, 2 of which are Top Picks! Yes, I'm quite excited, and hope you'll pick up these two anthologies and enjoy them as much as these reviewers have!<br /><br />Yours doing the Happy Dance,<br /><br />Anita EnsalAnita Ensalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06296809212102037246noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3101966167523343326.post-53152426472278878252011-01-13T22:44:00.000-08:002011-01-14T15:37:17.043-08:00Anthology Alert!I'm pleased to announce that <span style="font-weight: bold;">Boondocks Fantasy</span> is now on the shelves along with <span style="font-weight: bold;">Love and Rockets</span>! And, the first review for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Boondocks Fantasy</span> is at <a href="http://www.errantdreams.com/reviews/2011/01/10/boondocks-fantasy/" target="_blank">Errant Dreams Reviews</a>.<br /><br />I'm extremely pleased to point out that the reviewer quite enjoyed "Being Neighborly". I hope you will, too.<br /><br />You can find both anthologies anywhere fine books are sold, both in stores and online.<br /><br />Later this month (Jan. 28th) I'll be talking "author talk" with fellow DAW author Benjamin Tate, also known as Joshua Palmatier over at <a href="http://community.livejournal.com/dawbooks/" target="_blank">DAW Books Community</a>. It's a lively chat I hope you'll share with us!<br /><br />Yours in excited wonder,<br /><br />Anita EnsalAnita Ensalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06296809212102037246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3101966167523343326.post-73576904730835381602010-12-22T13:28:00.000-08:002010-12-22T13:31:04.464-08:00Happiest of HolidaysAnother year draws to a close. A year where I've been very busy and very remiss in blogging. However, my holidays are bright -- two short stories in two DAW anthologies, a host of friends and family, and much more on the horizon.<br /><br />Wishing all of you the happiest of holidays, whatever holidays you celebrate, and a safe, happy, healthy and successful 2011!<br /><br />Yours in holiday wonder,<br /><br />Anita EnsalAnita Ensalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06296809212102037246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3101966167523343326.post-84648876521678637352010-12-03T14:53:00.000-08:002010-12-03T15:10:01.429-08:00Back, Better Than Ever!Hello, Lovely Readers!<br /><br />I know, I know, I've been remiss. AGAIN. But as before, I've had good reason. Much has been going on.<br /><br />How much, you ask?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesZA3_mVDH9Vp2TKYDxv378brEKDwLMwkUXYDxyeHOJtY38hT0MC0ZLgMrUarQCvgjvb8LayctLr09rDJZEfM2LP1OZFRRxkYDB_VKzXZLE_qHcFB64xKa00qECgjxjVN0open1ml7K68/s1600/Anita+Ensal_2_blog.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesZA3_mVDH9Vp2TKYDxv378brEKDwLMwkUXYDxyeHOJtY38hT0MC0ZLgMrUarQCvgjvb8LayctLr09rDJZEfM2LP1OZFRRxkYDB_VKzXZLE_qHcFB64xKa00qECgjxjVN0open1ml7K68/s400/Anita+Ensal_2_blog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546593831525201906" border="0" /></a><br />I have two new short stories coming out in two anthologies from Penguin/DAW Books!<br /><br />"Wanted" is in LOVE AND ROCKETS, a science fiction romance anthology, which releases next week, on Tuesday, December 7, 2010.<br /><br />"Being Neighborly" is in BOONDOCKS FANTASY, a rural/urban fiction anthology, which releases next month, on Tuesday, January 4, 2011.<br /><br />LOVE AND ROCKETS, edited by Martin H. Greenberg and Kerrie Hughes, features an introduction by Lois McMaster Bujold, and stories from other authors such as Jay Lake and Jody Lynn Nye.<br /><br />BOONDOCKS FANTASY, edited by Jean Rabe and Martin H. Greenberg, features stories from other authors such as Gene Wolfe and Timothy Zahn.<br /><br />Both books are available in mass market and all ebook formats.<br /><br />So, hurry out and get these two excellent anthologies and enjoy the reading!<br /><br />Yours in anthological wonder,<br />Anita EnsalAnita Ensalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06296809212102037246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3101966167523343326.post-89710069305125983892010-02-08T10:02:00.000-08:002010-05-18T12:37:49.359-07:00A New InterviewDon't faint, lovely readers, but I'm still here. I know, I know, you can't prove it by the blog.<br /><br />But things have been busy and life has intruded and while the writing has continued unabated, the blogging has been, well, clearly, sketchy.<br /><br />I won't insist that's all in the past, but I did want to share that Eposic (my publisher for <span style="font-style: italic;">The Book of Exodi </span>where my short story, "The Last Day on Earth" was published) has an interview up with yours truly on their site blog!<br /><br /><a href="http://eposic.net/blog/archives/196" target="_blank">http://eposic.net/blog/</a><br /><br />Also, for those who don't have a copy yet, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Book of Exodi<span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span> is still available at Amazon.com. (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Book of Exodi</span>, ISBN 978-1-936075-00-3, 6"x9" trade paperback. Edited by Michael K. Eidson. Introduction by Harry Turtledove.) Did I mention that Harry Turtledove mentioned my story in his introduction? I haven't mentioned that yet? Let me do so now. Yes, it was a thrill for me to read.<br /><br />Now, back to the writing. And I do promise to try to blog with more frequency. Yes, I know, it wouldn't be difficult...<br /><br />Yours in interview wonder,<br />Anita EnsalAnita Ensalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06296809212102037246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3101966167523343326.post-75798794794977870092009-05-22T14:52:00.000-07:002010-05-18T12:37:49.379-07:00Getting Closer"The Book of Exodi" is getting closer and closer to publication, and therefore, my short story "The Last Day on Earth" is also getting closer to publication in this intriguing anthology. (<em>The Book of Exodi</em>, ISBN 978-1-936075-00-3, 6"x9" trade paperback. Edited by Michael K. Eidson. Introduction by Harry Turtledove. Hardcover edition will also be made available. )<br /><br />You can read all about it on <a href="http://eposic.net/blog/archives/196" target="_blank">Eposic's website</a> (http://eposic.org/exodi/). You can also pre-order the book, if you so desire (you do, you do, you DO desire!); pre-order instructions are also on the website.<br /><br />I have it on good authority these books will make excellent Father's Day gifts. And Holiday gifts. Any holiday. Of course, my opinion might be a tad biased. But there's 19 great stories in this collection, all of which are fascinating speculative fiction takes on the theme of mass exodus. I know you'll enjoy every story, so hurry and pre-order your copies now.<br /><br />Yours in speculative wonder,<br />Anita EnsalAnita Ensalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06296809212102037246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3101966167523343326.post-36508374255542802012009-05-10T19:30:00.000-07:002010-05-18T12:37:49.397-07:00Wishes For a Fantastic DayI'm posting late today because I've been having a wonderful Mother's Day. My family has treated me well, as always, and I've just had time to get to my beloved keyboard and write.<br /><br />I didn't want to let the day go, however, without sending wishes out to all the other mothers out there, for a fantastical day, and night, and, we can hope, year. May you enjoy all that makes you happy and nothing that makes you too sad -- a little sadness, of course, is fine and makes the joys all the better. But I hope your mother's day is filled with contentment and your heart is filled with love.<br /><br />Yours in well wishes,<br />Anita EnsalAnita Ensalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06296809212102037246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3101966167523343326.post-4922513689215147872009-03-28T21:48:00.000-07:002010-05-18T12:37:49.409-07:00Friendly DistanceWell, I'm happy to say that the adages are true. When you're not sure if your piece is ready -- and many times, even if you are -- put it aside for a while and then take another look.<br /><br />I shelved the fantasy short story I was having trouble with for a few weeks. Took it out last night and re-read it, looking for what to fix. Happily, I believe I solved the problems easily, with the removal of a couple of key lines and the addition of just a little more action.<br /><br />Now, of course, it's off to my critique partner and beta readers, for them to tell me if they feel I've written a compelling story or merely an okay one that must go back to the drawing board. Or at least the shelf. For a while, anyway.<br /><br />Yours in relieved wonder,<br />Anita <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ensal</span>Anita Ensalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06296809212102037246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3101966167523343326.post-51997422254910965932009-03-04T10:55:00.000-08:002010-05-18T12:37:49.421-07:00Coming Out...WrongI'm in the middle of a variety of WIPs, one of which is a short story. I like the story only...I think I'm failing it.<br /><br />What I mean by that is that the story seems so much more electric and interesting in my brain than it's translating onto the page. I know it's me, after all, who else could it be, but I'm not sure where I'm falling short.<br /><br />I loved my first draft. Then realized that it seemed somewhat obvious, no surprises at the end, so to speak. So I revised. But it made the story too convoluted. Now I'm at it again, trying to make this work in the way it does in my head.<br /><br />In my mind, these characters are interesting. Some are mysterious, some are in dire need, some are magical, all are three-dimensional. On the page, they're not working right. And the worst part is that I have a feeling they'd be working just fine in a novel -- only I don't think their story warrants novel-length.<br /><br />So, I'll dive in again and see what can be done. Many times, if necessary. This is, after all, part of the whole writing process. A painful part, to be sure, but still a necessary one.<br /><br />Yours in frustrated wonder,<br />Anita EnsalAnita Ensalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06296809212102037246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3101966167523343326.post-1580607696858958052009-01-26T08:57:00.000-08:002010-05-18T12:37:49.434-07:00Butterflies and AnticipationI'm so excited -- the anthology that purchased my short story, "The Last Day on Earth", is coming together. The latest news is on the Eposic website (<a href="http://eposic.org/" target="_blank">http://eposic.org/</a>) and you can see a blurb on my story as well as many others here (<a href="http://eposic.org/exodi/" target="_blank">http://eposic.org/exodi/</a>).<br /><br />I'll keep you posted on the publishing date for 'The Book of Exodi'. In the meantime, I can't wait to both see my story within the covers and also read the others in this anthology.<br /><br />The anticipation is great, but I must also say how impressed I am with the speed and professionalism Eposic has shown throughout the process. It's an honor to be one of their writers. I can't wait to see the finished product -- they've been a class act all the way and I expect it to continue through to the book itself.<br /><br />But, the butterflies of excitement don't get stories written. So, it's back to working on my next novel. And perhaps polishing some shorts in anticipation of the next opportunity.<br /><br />Yours in excited wonder,<br />Anita EnsalAnita Ensalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06296809212102037246noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3101966167523343326.post-91633388073945326512009-01-19T14:15:00.000-08:002010-05-18T12:37:49.446-07:00Indecision 2009I'm ready to start work on my next book. And I'm undecided.<br /><br />I have several WIPs that I'd like to revive, fix up, and finish. I have several new ideas that I'd like to get going. I also have some short stories my agent suggested I might want to turn into novels, or take the characters and put them into a novel.<br /><br />And...I can't decide. The time I've spent fretting over the decision is clearly wasted, since I'm no closer to a decision than I was a week ago. I've considered going for whichever one moves me the most, but I love all my babies, so to speak, so that's not working. I tried the dart method -- my dear husband suggested that until he can find something less painful and destructive than a real dart, I should, perhaps, try something else. I don't have a story idea about a sofa, a shattered coffee cup, or a fireplace, so I suppose he's right. I tried writing the titles on pieces of paper and tossing them in the air. I ended up with a mess. And the moment I pulled one out of a hat, that was the very story I didn't want to work on.<br /><br />Perhaps it's time to try that most effective plan -- just sitting down and doing it. It does help if you know the 'it' you're going to just do, of course. It <em>is</em> a problem.<br /><br />Yours in somewhat frustrated wonder,<br />Anita EnsalAnita Ensalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06296809212102037246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3101966167523343326.post-15248842188418251042008-12-29T20:49:00.000-08:002010-05-18T12:37:49.458-07:00New Worlds or the Old One?One of the first things I consider when creating a story is if I want to create a whole new world, or merely use the one we have in a different way. I like both, so to me there is no right or wrong here, just a choice that will ultimately affect the rest of the story of and about that world and the characters living within it.<br /><br />I tend to prefer alternative Earth stories as opposed to post-apocalyptic, though I'm not against those, either. Alternative Earth forces certain restrictions -- the continents must be at least somewhat similar to how we know them, if I want to insert magic, it has to have a stronger explanation than "that's how it is here", and any creatures need to conform to what we know has and can exist on Earth.<br /><br />When making up a whole new world, of course, then, in a sense, anything goes. I enjoy the freedom to make a world how I want it to be, sometimes with disregard to physics. It's my world, I can make the scientific laws as well as the rest.<br /><br />So, how do you like your fantasy worlds? Brand new to explore completely, or based on Earth, to find the differences and similarities?<br /><br />Yours in wonder,<br />Anita EnsalAnita Ensalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06296809212102037246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3101966167523343326.post-83035889178379125622008-12-24T20:40:00.000-08:002010-05-18T12:37:49.471-07:00Joyous Holidays!Wishing you and yours the most joyous and magical of holidays, whatever and however you celebrate them. Make this time special, hold it in your heart, remember the good times and forget the bad, keep the home fires burning, and remember that you are special and make a difference every day, even if you don't realize it.<br /><br />May 2009 bring you all you hope for, and may it be as fantastical as it can possibly be!<br /><br />Yours in wonder and joy,<br />Anita EnsalAnita Ensalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06296809212102037246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3101966167523343326.post-3255129494870236062008-12-07T20:44:00.000-08:002010-05-18T12:37:49.484-07:00Welcome to My Worlds<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Hello, Blogosphere! I’m a writer of mostly fantasy and science fiction, with other sub-genres of speculative fiction thrown in. As such, I figured it was time to start getting more active in the wonderful world of blogging.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have a novel series being shopped by my wonderful agent. I also have a short story up at Raphael’s Village, and just sold a short story to Eposic to be included in their “The Book of Exodi” anthology.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I’m looking forward to discussing how the muse affects us all in terms of our individual creativity, as well as share my journey along the way.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Yours in wonder,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Anita Ensal<o:p></o:p></span></p>Anita Ensalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06296809212102037246noreply@blogger.com6