Clarion Week 5: Jim C Hines and the Picnic
July 25, 2006

Jim C Hines
Jim C. Hines and his stack of rejections, including one from Clarion.

Jen and Alex at the picnic
Alex and Jen at the picnic (photo by Sarah). That's Hines in the back, because this entry is ostensibly about him.
Author Jim C. Hines came to speak to us on Sunday, and then joined us for a picnic. I read about 75% of his first novel Goblin Quest between Raleigh, Pittsburgh, and Lansing, and I've read about a page per weekend ever since. I'll get there.

Because I was a bit distracted during his visit (Jen was around), I'll point you to the man himself for the blog post about his visit: here. And about half of what he talked about, he also covered in his essay on landing anthology invites.

We finished the day with a few volleyball games. As with chess and pool (where I proved able to consistently sink the 8 ball before I was required to do so), it's been years since I played, and Clarion has reawakened my interest in the game. Not that I'll do anything about it. At least I hope I won't. The last thing I need is another hobby.

I know, I know. It's Tuesday and I still haven't said a word about Kelly Link and Holly Black. They're both here for two whole weeks, though. I'm pacing myself.
Jamming with Joe Haldeman
At the picnic, Hines, Casey, and Steve B. laugh when I tell them, no, really, this beautiful creature next to me is my wife.