Today was a pretty good day. We had only three stories to critique, but somehow we actually went late. A box was waiting for us this morning from Small Beer Press: Gavin J. Grant, editor of Lady Churchill's Rosebud Wristlet sent us a bunch of complimentary copies of the latest issue, as well as sample copies of a bunch of small press zines. I've sent a few stories to Gavin over the last year, and was almost always sent a personal reply, including why he wasn't particularly interested in the story. This is invaluable advice for a writer. Gavin and his wife, the funny and continually grinning Kelly Link, both attended Clarion, and Kelly taught here last year. I emailed Gavin to thank him for the copies, since it was an extremely nice thing for him to do.

After lunch, Janet and I walked out to Lot 91 to get my car, then we drove up to the Meridian Mall. I walked into the Suncoast Video and nearly jumped up and down when I saw the DVD for Amelie (originally titled Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amelie Poulain), which just came out today. Janet had to restrain me from dancing around the store and squealing like a schoolgirl. This film is at the very top of my favorites list, and everyone reading this should at least rent a copy. It's phenomenally written, acted, directed, and cinemaphotographed. It's a beautiful movie, and I can't stop singing its praises. Of course, I ripped into it when we got back and watched it on my laptop. See this movie. You'll thank me.

Manuscripts are calling me now. Must go.