A mainstream SF writer is releasing a book in early December that's very much down our alley. Sample chapters are available at the same link location.

http://www.baen.com/princess-holy-aura.html

It will be available at Amazon, too. Make sure you use the link from BCTS to support your favorite website!

I don't have NEARLY enough on my plate, if you listen to Maureen (my Muse).

With 'Amazon', 'Ma'at' (rewrite and new chapter), four new stories, and the odd editing efforts, Maureen has decided to delve back into my college days for more ideas.

"Wayyyy back in the old days" I was one of those who was into "Dungeons and Dragons." I was fortunate enough to know a couple of good DMs (Dungeon Masters) who had imagination and patience -- and evil; don't forget the evil.

Things can get complicated at times.

Work is finally back to a (relatively) sane level, and I'm *finally* able to settle in and start pecking away at Maureen's 'to-do' list.

I'm finding that, for Amazon's Boot Camp chapter, there are too many things going on to keep everything on track without first writing each thread separately and then weaving everything together. Far more time consuming, but 'ya gotta do what ya gotta do.'

Many moons ago, Heather Rose was kind enough to apply her talent to rendering a heraldic coat-of-arms for the Amazons. (2008??!! Egads!)

I've held it back for a couple of reasons. The last couple of years because I dropped into my emotional pit, but all along because I wanted to have a motto to complete the device.

I've climbed out of the hole enough to start trying to write again, and I feel I owe Heather Rose an effort to complete my part.

I've considered what sort of motto is appropriate and looked for historical examples.

Ma'at, Part 4, is one of my favorite chapters. In trying to get back into writing, I've been reviewing what I already posted.

The last few pages of Part 4 have been revised to fill out the ending a bit.

Hope you all enjoy it.

Nicole ( a.k.a. Itinerant, ...)

I'm alive.

To say I'm doing well would be an overstatement, but life continues. I have managed to rouse myself to start editing for John in Wauwatosa, and that's going reasonably well.

(Think about it. How serious and depressed can you stay when John gets his manic muse going?)

Amazon? Ma'at? I hope they'll get fully untracked, but no promises on when that might occur.

My thanks to those who've offered encouragement.

Nicole (a.k.a. Itinerant, Nikki, ...)

PS: Thanks to Angharad for continuing my favorite soap opera. ;-)

So much for *my* plans.

For the half-dozen people who actually care:

Most everyone is aware that Sapphire recently (12/16) updated her website, and I'd given her first dibs on posting new Amazon and Ma'at chapters for the general public.

She's yet to post Ma'at chapter 5, but I've sent her chapter 6. If she posts it by Jan 2, I'll give her a couple of weeks.

If not, I'll be posting Ma'at chapter 6 here and at Stardust next Friday.

Not so much a question for me as an answer for anyone asking the question themselves. I've had a few e-mails asking where the next part is and thought some explanation was in order.

John in Wauwatosa has alluded to what's happening, but my family has had a series of painful events this year.

A nephew passing away at 25, another with advanced cancer who's not even 45, and another family member with a (so far) not life threatening pulmonary embolism.

It's been a bit tough to get any writing done.

Hat tip to "Drudge Report" ...

This article was written by a sports writer for the LA Times.

The courage she's showing is mind-boggling.

More commentary at A.E. Brain, who's a post-op geekette.

I finally have a home for some of the supplementary data and images that I've used in the writing of my stories. Some of the pictures for Amazon will become available when they won't be spoilers. I've started with the pictures that set the stages for "Ma'at" at