Civilized Behavior

by Sharon Lee, Steve Miller

Civilized Behavior is a companion volume for the Liaden Universe® internal trilogy made up of Trader's Leap, Ribbon Dance, and Diviner's Bow.

The three fiction shorts are "Neutral Ground," a greenhouse of themes and conceits that were expanded and imported into Ribbon Dance and Diviner's Bow; Ribbon Dance outtake "Mother's Love;" and short story "Core Values."

Also included is an "Author's Explanation," original to this volume, and the text of Sharon Lee's speech accepting the Robert A. Heinlein Award at BaltiCon 59.

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction

126 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 13, 2025

About the author

Sharon Lee has been married to her first husband for more than half her lifetime; she is a friend to cats, a member of the National Carousel Association, and oversees the dubious investment schemes of an improbable number of stuffed animals.

Despite having been born in a year of the dragon, Sharon is an introvert. She lives in Maine because she likes it there. In fact, she likes it so much that she has written five novels set in Maine; contemporary fantasy trilogy Carousel Tides, Carousel Sun, Carousel Seas, and mysteries Barnburner and Gunshy.

With the aforementioned first husband, Steve Miller, Sharon has written twenty novels of science fiction and fantasy — many of them set in the Liaden Universe® — and numerous short stories. She has occasionally been an advertising copywriter, a reporter, photographer, book reviewer, and secretary. She was for three years Executive Director of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc., and was subsequently elected vice president and then president of that organization.

Reviews

[Teresa Carrigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This chapbook has three short stories all set on Colemeno, and the text of Sharon’s acceptance speech for the Heinlein award in Literature. You probably want to read Trader's Leap, Ribbon Dance, and Diviner's Bow first, as those are the novels set on Colemeno.

The first two stories are non-canon, being two possible approaches to how the problem of the entwined twins was handled. I should probably reread them the next time I reread the three Colemeno novels, for comparison to how the problem was handled according to canon.

The third story is canon and I enjoyed it very much. It was vaguely familiar so I assume it was posted on Splinter Universe and I read it there.

I enjoyed the acceptance speech.

[Kelly Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filling in some backstory for the most recent 3 novels

These stories are all set in the portion of the Liaden Universe set on Colomeno, and perhaps best read after reading Ribbon Dance, and Diviner's Bow; that's one quirk of this extensive inverse, that while there are several large arcs to follow, within a given arc, it's best to read those books in order, as each presumes some prior knowledge of how that part of the universe works. So, if you're stumbling on this because it was #1 in its category, go ahead and order the novels above, at least - and then when you're hooked, the other few dozen books and short story collections, so you can start at the beginning.

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

CIVILIZED BEHAVIOR is a lovely addition to the Colemeno (Redlands) limb of the best selling Liaden Universe collection. If you ever need to immerse yourself in stories of courtly manners accompanied by courage and steel strength in velvet gloves along with adventure, unquenchable love, and lots of FUN, sink into any Liaden Universe book.
I believe I have every chapbook and every first offering of every hardback and/or paperback volume written to date by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller. I also have most, if not all, their available electronic versions. After almost half a century, they remain my favorite feel good books!

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two different versions of an incident that was ultimately re-written in Diviner's Bow and one story which was not included in a novel. Also an introduction by Sharon and the text of a speech that she gave at an sf convention.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

when reading one discovers they got into

Funcy that. And I am reminded of past traces, since the time in 5th Grade Jackson School, Medford Oregon, Mrs Medley caught me reading Science Fiction behind the covers of a text book. Seated at the back of her class whose glass windows exposed the Library. She Cut A Deal; speed reading exercise at lunch. And if had an urge to read after finishing text assignments open access through the glass door, to read anything that I wished.

[Norma "Noni" · Rating 5 out of 5]

short and sweet

2 alternate stories and 1 cannon story in the ambient. Lee and Miller never fail to take me in to their world. If they wrote it, i know i am going to enjoy it. There may be tears of frustration, anger or sadness but there will always be kindness, laughter and bonding to balance it out. Thank you dear authors, for so many years of touching stories and characters that i care about like cherished friends.

[Carol Landry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THE INSIDE LOOK

Here are three stories that provide an idea of the Lee and Miller process. The first two are variations on a theme which are both different from the version in the actual book. The third is a deeper look into the life of a side character who is of interest to many of us readers who never get enough.

[Shervyn Von hoerl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not altogether canon

Two of the three stories, all taking place on Colomeno, contained herein are not canon. They make for wonderful reading. The third is canon, and is very special.

You will learn more about Colemean society and just how rough it can be.

All in all, a wonderful addition to Liaden Universe.

[Rich Sisken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Colmeno

Short-ish stories about the Haosa, filling in some details left out of the novels. I really like the Lee and Miller style. There are many books in the Laiden universe, and all of them are very cool. Most have several scenes that are laugh out loud funny.

[Pat Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gem, a gift....

Sharon's ability to tell a story that entertains and keeps you wanting more is a gift. Few writers are and few ever master it. While most who read this are fans of Liad, if you are newly come to this universe, use the list at the end of the book to join us.

[Elizabeth Lobdell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love those behind the scenes looks into the writing process

[Norma Storms · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Liaden treasures!

Interesting back stories to fill in minor characters histories. I loved each one. I'd highly recommend getting this if you have enjoyed the other Liaden books

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent addition to the Lee and Miller universe. I enjoyed it.