There's a new review of my Raffalon story "The Inn of the Seven Blessings," from the 2014 cross-genre antho, ROGUES, at the Nerds of a Feather, Flock Together blog. And I like it a lot.

The reviewer, who may be famous in fandom (the blog came in 12th in the Hugo runnings this year) identifies herself only as Tia. And Tia really gets what I'm trying to do with what I'm writing. She says:

What I like most about this story is that it is full of classic fantasy tropes, but does not feel contrived or forced. . . Sure, I love when books successfully push the boundaries of the genre, challenge pre-conceived notions, and subvert tropes, but it is also refreshing to see that the foundations of the genre can still be done well and are still entertaining.

I couldn't agree more. I have nothing against boundary pushers. They sometimes cause problems, but that's part of life. Yet, without boundary pushers, we'd still be chipping flints and wondering which one of us the lions would pull out of the tree tonight.

I believe there's plenty of room left in the old mansions to move the furniture around and come up with new arrangements that please and gratify. That's what I feel like doing with my talents and abilities. I don't expect it to make me rich and famous, but I really respond when someone comes by for a visit and says, "Hey, that's a room I'd like to spend some time in."

A small ambition, but mine own.