I will ponder on the matter, Deb.
In the meanwhile more words on no words:
They say that two samurai can duel without drawing either blood or swords. Their battle-seasoned minds can read the scene, process all its potential, and honour forces the loser to admit defeat without engagement.
The curl of grass underneath a foot, the swirl of dust settling around his opponent, the rhythm of breaths, sweat glistening in the sun - all these things indicate the outcome.
It ends, one victorious, never touching.
Is this what happens when our eyes meet? Do you even know I challenge, or do you just wait until I cloak myself in shame and weakness and step aside?
ita, that's one beautiful silent language, there.
I have about twelve of these, but right now, everything's going into R&RNF. Everything.
As noted elsewhere in my universe, this is creative priapism.
OH! And almost forgot. Remember the 44 Clowns of the Apocalypse?
From Jay Lake today, official confirmation. I'm in. So is Laura Anne Gilman. No word on whether edits are wanted.
Yay on clowns, Deb!
Sail, I love that. Poor kitty. I know just how he feels.
ita, both of yours were from an unexpected POV, and illuminating.
Hurrah for apocalyptic clowns!
Oh, and I think I figured out how to fix Lucy's story and make it something marketable. I had a burst of inspiration in the produce aisle yesterday. Not that my inspiration had anything to do with vegetables, I must hasten to add. Just that something about grocery stores (and showers) helps me think. Ima finish Anna's story first and then go back to it, but the two stories tie together very nicely--wouldn't it be great to have two linked books to sell?
El Drabblo and the Conquistador's Gold
It was the smile that said it first.
Oh, really?
The quirk at the corner, that widened into a toothy grin.
Do you think so?
Then the eyes, as the lids relaxed and his face went blank, like a shade drawing down.
Let's just see about that.
His fists said everything else.
Shorter than needed, but there ain't no more.
44 Clowns of the Apocalypse
Deb, I'm not sure if I'm remembering correctly, is this an anthology you were looking to get a story into?
Sail, yep. The story was "The Fourth Ring", a nice simple subversive little pro-choice story about a girl, an unexpected visit from a travelling circus, and a Bic lighter.
