The last six months of 2013 were absolutely insane. I was working seven days a week, practically around the clock. This year I’m hoping to loll about a bit more. Expect lots of photos of the park and perbs, birds and cats–at least when I’m not wandering in the seventh century with Hild.

However, best-laid plans, etc. I suspect things might not turn out as predicted. For one thing, I might be travelling a bit. I want to go the UK. I’d love to reschedule the trips I had to cancel–to Chicago, and Madison, and Gary–and to perhaps squeeze in Washington DC, New York, Atlanta, and St. Louis. We’ll see.

In terms of Hild, I have a couple of interviews still to come: written, in the Paris Review Daily and a new queer glossy, and video for Well Read and Author Magazine.

Next week (Tuesday 1/14, at 7 pm) I’m reading (with Kelley and Janet Freeman-Daily) at a pub in Kirkland. It’s a SFWA-sponsored event, and there’s beer! Also, I’ll be reading not only from Hild but a brand-new short story.

Which reminds me, I have a story coming out (in June, I think) edited by Ellen Datlow for Tor.com. It’s called “Cold Wind.” It’s set in the here-and-now with a definite historical slant and, y’know, some creepy stuff. I’ll talk more about that closer to the time. Meanwhile, here’s the art:

by Sam Wolfe Connelly

And speaking of art, I hope to finally show you the collaborative mystery project I’ve been working on with collagist and print-maker Vicki Platts-Brown. (She made Petalville, and my ammonite prints.)

In terms of teaching, I’ve been asked to do several things this year but am mostly saying no–except to Clarion West. I’ve agreed to teach a one-day workshop in mid-April. More details on that later. But if you’re interested in the secret of immersive fiction, this might be the thing for you.

One thing I can bet on: 2014 will be a rollercoaster ride. But while we’re waiting for the year to build steam, I’ll answer a representative sample of AN questions which have collected in drifts and piles in my inbox. Stay tuned.