Thanks to the reminder from Greg and Jay's journal, I wanted to share the news about the upcoming publication of the urban fantasy anthology Paper Cities. The previous name was Moonlit Domes, but I like the new title even better.

So -- what's urban fantasy? Good question! To me, it's a story that takes place in the present (usually) and includes some sort of magic or mythical creatures (usually) and takes place in a city setting (usually!). What I like best about this sub-genre is that you usually get "normal" people in strange situations, but instead of freaking out, these people tend to embrace the weirdness and deal with the magic that has suddenly infringed upon their lives (Charles de Lint is the master of these sorts of stories). You usually get great, believable characters in urban fantasy, and you also get a sense that this could maybe, possibly happen, that those strange things you glimpse out of the corner of your eye, in that alley or down that side street, maybe really are from another land...

And I'm especially psyched about this anthology, because my story "Painting Haiti" is included in the volume, along with stories by a bunch of writers I admire and like. And it's edited by the wonderful Kathy Sedia, who chatted with me about my story and helped me make it about ten times better with her insights. Thanks, Kathy!

Paper Cities will be out from Senses Five Press (a very cool-looking press I need to check out in-depth, soon) in early November of this year.

So along with my upcoming All Nations story "A Miracle in Shreveport" in May, plus my Wannoshay prequel story "Drinker" in September, this year is looking up for writing pubs for me. (Heck, maybe even my collaboration with Jay, "Devil on the Wind" will see print this year as well!)

Now I really must write some new stories -- this is sorta fun! Later...