Broken Knees and Suspicious Boxes
State of the Library #16
In this post, you will find:
Generalized rage at commercialism & a personal life update.
An announcement for a new serial!
List of posts from January, in case you missed any.
Information on February’s story: “The Key to Everything”.
It’s always with sadness that I let Christmas go, and with horror that I realize stores are already putting out Easter merchandise. To quote Yogurt, “Merchandizing! Merchandizing! Where the real money from the movie is made!” I hate the commercial aspect of American life and would gladly toast marshmallows over the charred corpse of Walmart.
Anyway.
My 2025 has gotten off to a rocky start. My husband ruptured his quadricep tendon and on December 31st, he had surgery to put his kneecap back together. The first two weeks of January were spent with me taking care of him because he could not put any weight on that leg. Thankfully, though, he’s recovering now and back at work. The doctor gave him a good prognosis, mostly because my husband is in good physical condition.
Things are not entirely back to normal, because even though he’s recovering, he still needs a lot of help. However, life is closer to “normal” than they were before. Honestly, though, what is normal but our own brand of crazy to which we’ve acclimated?
Also, I’ve changed up how I title these State of the Library posts, as well as how I start them. What do you think? Let me know in the comments!
Sardis and the Battle for the Library
I am pleased as punch to announce that Sardis and the Battle for the Library will debut its first part on Saturday, February 15 at 10 am EST. Each part will post weekly on Saturday at 10 am EST until the story is finished. (Tentatively, this is a nine-part story, but you know how things happen.)
Synopsis:
For ten thousand years, Sardis has been the Librarian of the Forgotten Library. This is the Nexus of Worlds, the place where all the stories of all the universes go to live. It is also a living being as much as it is a place. And how, exactly, it all works isn’t always clear. However, though there are deep mysteries here, Sardis has always felt an easy assurance that he understands the Library.
Until the day the quakes come. Until the day he realizes he has no memory of his time before the Library. Sardis needs answers, and to find them, he must leave the Nexus on a quest that could shatter his understanding of himself. But if he doesn’t, all he knows and loves will be consumed by darkness.
ICYMI: January 2025
State of the Library #15
As I write this, I am fighting the pre-Christmas panic. You know what I mean. Or maybe you’re one of those really responsible people, and you have no idea what it’s lik…
Heart Music
When Cecilia moved to Selene City with her handsome, new husband, she anticipated a life of adventure on the lunar base. However, James has retreated into his work as a microbiologist. Cecilia feels abandoned and as lonely as the moon’s landscape. That’s when the tantalizing music begins, pulling her like a tide to its source: somewhere outside.
Boldly Going Where Many People Have Already Been
Behind the Scenes of "In the Gloaming" and "Heart Music".
February Story: “The Key to Everything”
Milton has spent years researching a strange box and the key that is meant to open it. But does he really understand what he knows? And can he face what lies within?
Excerpt:
Milton took a seat in the hotel conference room. He gripped a paddle in one hand and a glossy catalog in the other. Shifting in his aisle-side chair, he tried to find a comfortable position, but the thin blue padding wasn’t doing any favors for his lower back.
When could he take another pain pill? Milton checked his watch, making mental calculations. He grimaced. Three more hours.
As the next hour dragged along, the large conference room filled with well-dressed men and women. Milton stood several times to let people into the row, his back complaining each time. He quietly cursed the anxiety that had made him arrive so early. Finally, the row filled, and he sat with a happy sigh.
The woman beside him, in a dark blue suit and pale blue blouse, glanced over at him. Her gaze skimmed over his white polo, frayed black blazer, faded jeans, and paused at his shoes. Silver duct tape adorned the toe of his left tennis shoe. She looked up at him, mild contempt in her green eyes. Milton smiled. She turned away.
As the auctioneer took his position at the podium, the general chatter of the room quieted. Milton opened his catalog to note for the sixth time the reason why he was sitting in pain, surrounded by snobs. The opening bell rang. He took a deep breath, readying his paddle in his sweaty palm.
“The Key to Everything” will publish on Friday, February 7 at 10 am EST.
OUCH
Glad your hubby is doing better. It’s a shock to the system to suddenly become a full on caregiver.