The Race to Mars Begins Tomorrow

It's almost here! Machina was created by Fran Wilde (see backstory) and written by Fran, Malka Older, Martha Wells, and myself. It's being read by award-winning audiobook narrator Natalie Naudus, and you can hear the theme song in the video above. We're pretty happy with it, and so are these readers!

Serial Box has provided some giveaway codes good for the entire first season of Machina, and I'm also throwing in signed hardcover copies of the first two Kangaroo novels. Just fill out the form linked below by this Sunday (2/2) to enter! Winners will be announced next week, before episode 2 of Machina goes live (the first episode is FREE for all).

Meanwhile, Back on Earth

I haven't forgotten my pledge to get more short fiction out this year. Subscribers will see a new story on Curious Fictions later this week, and an original haiku and flash fiction on Patreon. Interested? Toss a coin to your writer!

What's Next

Just confirmed: I will be teaching one of three writing workshops at Emerald City Comic Con this year, offered in partnership with Clarion West! Here's the lineup:

• Friday: Nancy Kress, "Writing in Scenes"
• Saturday: Jasmine Silvera, "The Action at the Heart of Your Character"
• Sunday: Curtis Chen, "3 WAYS TO MAKE AN IDEA INTO A STORY"

And the description for my Sunday workshop:

• For many writers, the big question isn't where to get ideas--it's how to turn an idea into a story. We'll talk about three approaches--starting with context, character, or conflict--and use exercises to help you start writing with purpose.

Workshops will take place at the Sheraton Grand Seattle Hotel, in the Ravenna Room. Each workshop is $15 (on top of your ECCC ticket; you must also have a con pass to participate). And they do start at 8:00AM each day, but hey, if I can drag myself out of bed for this, so can you! It'll be great! You'll love it!

Sign up for ECCC writing workshops here:
https://www.showclix.com/event/writing-workshops-at-emerald-city-comic-con