Made the first cut
Some of you will remember that I entered a book manuscript in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award competition a few weeks ago. The first cut was announced today, and my work is still in the running. The number of entries has now been reduced to 1000, and the next cut, to 500, will be announced in about a month. Making that next cut means at the very least you get an evaluation from reviewers at Publishers Weekly.
Spinning study group had its monthly meeting this afternoon, where I found myself coaching others on spinning cotton. This might seem odd, but most spinners begin by learning to spin wool. From there they branch out into other animal fibers such as alpaca, mohair (goat,) llama, etc. Cotton requires techniques that are almost contrary to those used for the animal wools, and it's often a difficult transition for a beginner. I had considerable trouble with it myself three years ago, but managed to break through and now find that I enjoy spinning cotton just as much as I like wool. This has made me a sort of evangelist of the vegetable fibers or something like that.
In other news, the 2010 edition of the Furry Survey is out, with all the same defects it has always had, but probably still a good idea to register your inclinations and opinions.
Spinning study group had its monthly meeting this afternoon, where I found myself coaching others on spinning cotton. This might seem odd, but most spinners begin by learning to spin wool. From there they branch out into other animal fibers such as alpaca, mohair (goat,) llama, etc. Cotton requires techniques that are almost contrary to those used for the animal wools, and it's often a difficult transition for a beginner. I had considerable trouble with it myself three years ago, but managed to break through and now find that I enjoy spinning cotton just as much as I like wool. This has made me a sort of evangelist of the vegetable fibers or something like that.
In other news, the 2010 edition of the Furry Survey is out, with all the same defects it has always had, but probably still a good idea to register your inclinations and opinions.