The journal updates have been a bit less frequent lately, but that can't be helped -- between job hunting and various errands, I haven't had much time to update. There also hasn't been much at all to report regarding my writing. For the past month or so I seem to have become rather unmotivated. Let's hope that it's just temporary :)

So far this week, I've finished reading Wolves of the Calla, wrote a Critters critique, and caught up on some SF magazines. Today I finished the August 2003 issue of Asimov's, and the November issue of Locus. I also received my copy of Strange Horizons : Best of Year One earlier this week, which showcases the best from the online 'zine, Strange Horizons, for September 2000 - August 2001. I'm looking forward to reading this one!

Asimov's Science Fiction for August '03 was a solid issue, the highlight of which was the new Coyote story, entitled Benjamin the Unbeliever, from Allen M. Steele.

Once again, Steele brings us a new perspective, this time following one man's encounter with a bizarre religious sect. In addition to the engrossing plot, I enjoyed some of the references to other Coyote tales, and also the journey that takes place in the second half of the story. This is the second installment in the second series of Coyote stories, set after the events of The Madwoman of Shuttlefield. Highly recommended!

My other favourite stories for this issue were Stephen Baxter's Touching Centauri (a look at what might happen if we inadvertently poke a hole in reality), Alexander Glass's From the Corner of My Eye (interesting take on VR augmentation of reality), and Tom Purdom's Sheltering (a short story involving wargames).

What I'm Reading:
Electric Velocipede, Issue #5 (Fall 2003)
Locus, December 2003