New recs of a different color

I bring two recs in two genres I don't believe I've ever recc'ed before: original fiction, and Mary Renault's The Persian Boy. Both are authors whom I've come to know thanks to my new foray into Wraeththu fandom, and they are accomplished authors in realms outside of Wraeththu fandom. They're also intelligent, droll, charming individuals I am really enjoying getting to know.

‡ camile_sinensis I got to know thanks to her Wraeththu fanfiction, posted at red_shellac. I absolutely inhaled her stories nearly as quickly as Storm Constantine's novels themselves, and only wish there were more of her stories. I highly recommend any of her fiction there. Today, though, I'm recc'ing (with her consent) a story of hers at her original fiction archive, Stuff in a Cardboard Box. I've only read one story so far, and that's the one I'm reccing, We Move Through Heaven. It's science fiction, a glorious one-shot with achingly beautiful imagery and the kind of uncluttered, yet descriptive prose I aspire to write myself one day. The plot is compelling, the implied backstory/universe is intriguing; it's a short story that packs quite a punch.
( a short sample to nudge you over to the story )

‡ I've recently come to know elfscribe5 because she is an author's dream: she's left several in-depth, articulate reviews for my recently completed Wraeththu novella, and she's quoted back phrases and images she felt were particularly moving; they are the kinds of reviews you want to share a bottle of wine with, and then cozy up to in bed and cuddle all night long. To my delight I've discovered that not only does elfscribe5, like me, have a years-long background in Tolkien fanfiction and JRRT awe, but she's also written The Persian Boy fanfiction. Last night I treated myself to an all-too-hasty reading of her gap-filler, Oromedon's Lessons. I couldn't help myself; I gobbled it all down and will need to re-read it and give it the more reverential, slower savoring it deserves. It is adult and m/m, a true gap-filler and a sensual delight. Her attention to detail, including having done historical research, is something I've seen most often in Ardaverse writers, and I admire her for it.

( a sample of gorgeousness )

As always, if you enjoy the fruits of these author's labors of love, please let them know! To reach camile_sinensis, you can drop her a note at the end of any story she has posted at her fanfic archive; the Slash Cotillion archive where elfscribe5's Persian Boy story is hosted allows you to leave her a message there which will be forwarded.

Happy reading!

Two Public Service Announcements

~ I'm taking a sabbatical for a time from beta'ing. I'm working with a couple of newer authors, and I'm also engaged in two HP-oriented events that I'll be writing for with deadlines, plus I'm going full bore on my Wraeththu sequel. I won't say no necessarily right off the bat, but please ask first, even if you're somebody I've had an open door policy for. And if I say no, please don't get mad!! I'm feeling rather overwhelmed.

~ I have a lot of yarn. I'm a knitter, and my yarn stash has gotten a bit out of control. I don't have a digital camera and taking pictures of yarn seems silly. I'd like to give some of it away if there are some people on my flist who might be interested in some, let me know. Reply here or drop me a line via email and I can describe some of what I have, how many skeins (admittedly, much is a skein here and a skein there), fiber content, stuff like that. If you're looking for something in particular you can let me know that too.

This post brought to you by the word whimper.