Syd and I are on vacation this week. It’s a much-needed break from work and winter. We’re staying in the weirdest house, which I’ll describe in some future post, but for now I just wanted to note a couple of things.

But first, take a look at this mind-boggling sand-sculpture we came across yesterday evening while walking the beach before dinner. The artist – and there’s no more appropriate word than that – had departed by the time we discovered their handiwork, but WOW. Look:

SPEAKING OF ARTISTS! I’ve begun working with an artist for the cover of my upcoming cyberpunk novel. I’m not anticipating a release until late fall at the very earliest, given the current state of the draft, but I was antsy. Besides which, the story itself will not undergo any further alterations and the cover itself … well, you’ll see. Eventually.

I found someone whose portfolio jumped out at me, and I think his style is perfectly suited to the story. I’d already marked this artist for the shortlist when I realized he is based in Ukraine. The ongoing war makes communication a bit sporadic – he has blackouts to cope with, electricity only a few hours per day, and of course the chaotic situation that could change dramatically at any time – but I’m very excited to see what he comes up with. And it’s a nice touch to be able to spend some money directly in Ukraine, ultimately insignificant as that may be. (It’s a damn sight more effective than giving the same amount of money to, say, the Red Cross.)

That’s enough of a tease for now, I guess.

In other news, an upcoming promotion! Smashwords is doing Read an Ebook Week from March 5 to March 11. That’s just two weeks away. There’ll be all sorts of promo pricing going on, probably some freebies. You could bookmark the sale page ahead of time: https://www.smashwords.com/ebookweek

I’ll be participating, with all my titles set to 50% off regular price – this is on Smashwords only, mind you – for the duration. I’ll be sure to remind everyone when the time comes. In two weeks.

OK.