sazettel

She's on the Radio!

2009-02-12T20:37:47Z

If you're in the Ann Arbor area, and you haven't heard enough of, well, ME lately, tune into AM1290 at 10:00 am Saturday Feb. 14 (c'mon, you didn't REALLY need to listen to this week's Car Talk, now did you?) I'm going to be on Ann Arbor Lifestyle with fellow SF author Steven Piziks.

It's a call in show, so you might even actually, like, call in.

Things That Don't Go Away

2009-01-17T22:36:50Z

The new column's up at www.bookspotcentral.com

In Camelot's Shadow is now up at www.bookviewcafe.com

The temperature in Michigan is not up, anywhere. At all.

When it's Really Cold

2009-01-15T14:33:32Z

When it's really cold, the light in the morning takes on a peculiar quality. It's an intense whiteness overlaid with a transluscent pink veil that lights the ice-encased tree branches as if they were beginning to burn.

When it's really cold, the sky sky shows all the seasons; winter white near the horizon, then cornflower blue for spring, then clear summer blue then smokey autumn blue at the peak of the dome.

When it's really cold, there's an odd sourceless mist near the ground first thing in the morning that blurs the edges of the world, but only for a short time before drawing back and revealing them in a new clarity.

When it's really cold, the snow takes on the consistency of sand. It snakes across the roads. The snow drifts become scoop-sided and knife edged and the pure, sparkling whiteness that is the source of all metaphors.

Ricardo Montalban

2009-01-15T00:46:25Z

"Ricardo Montalban, the Mexican-born actor who became a star in splashy MGM musicals and later the wish-fulfilling Mr. Roarke in TV's ''Fantasy Island,'' died Wednesday morning at his home, a Los Angeles city councilman said. He was 88."

It has to be said:

KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!

Mind Meld

2009-01-14T21:29:06Z

I am in the Mind Meld at sfsignal.com with a bunch of other Book View Cafe authors.

We are all answering the question: What is your favorite genre novel of all time?

In Which I am Become Dorothy Parker

2009-01-10T22:05:47Z

I love publishing online. This morning we negotiated, this afternoon, I'm a columnist.

http://www.bookspotcentral.com/2009/01/things-that-dont-go-away-zevolutions-sarah-zettel/

In Which I am Become Dorothy Parker

2009-01-10T16:49:50Z

I am about to become an internet columnist!

As soon as I can think up a cool name for it, I'm going to have a column at www.bookspotcentral.com.

My Cool BookSpotCentral column is a poss. As I'm opening with some articles about the evolution of various paranormal species (zombies, vamps and so on), Things That Won't Go Away is another.

Combat Shopping

2008-12-27T18:27:05Z

So, yesterday mornign Comrade Steven called up to inform me of the passing of a mutual acquaintance, and in the course of that conversation I found out Kala had already been out to the stores and was crowing about the sales. Those of you who follow this conversation know I am in need of a new suit. It was still early, so I decided to gird my loins and hit the mall.

The roads were...not fabulous. There was sleet and rain and snow all having their way with the world. I got stuck on an incline and had to back up until I could turn into a parking lot and go around. But after that, things proceeded smoothly. Parked, checked coat, and got down to business.

First, a quick survey of likely hunting grounds of good suits and other pretties. Walked through Von Maur (a few pretties on the sale racks, no suits at all), Chico's (some real possibilities in the pretty dept. but no suit-type stuff on sale), and Macy's (OH BOY! Whole racks of suits on sale! Score!)

It was around 11. I went and got lunch while the resteraunts were less crowded, and then settled into the serious shopping.

Macy's first. Tried on several suits, found one with a pink jacket that looked pretty good, but I wanted to mull on it, so I had them hold it for me while I went over to the regular sportsware. I like Macy's sales. Macy's has GOOD sales. I came away with 4 tops and sweaters for under $90. Then back to the suits. Tried on several more, and I Found It. A black skirt suit with white lapels and sleeve facings. The second I put it on I thought, if I was having an interview, this is what I'd wear. Then, for the heck of it, I took off the jacket and tried on the high necked scarlet top I'd just bought, and I knew I had my outfit for the Women in Leadership conference. Best part? That $240 suit had been marked down to $100.

Color me a happy camper.

Bought suit. Went to Mac make-up counter (NO it is not anything to do with Steve Jobs), got appointment to have make-up done from WiL Conference, went back to Chico's, looked at potential pretties, and decided "eh." By then, the mall was really starting to hit the Zoo stage, so I headed back to Von Maur, tried on a few more pretties from the sale rack, and came away with 1 more top and 1 more sweater, got coat out of hock, and ran from encroaching hoards of shoppers.

Outside, the ice had melted, the roads were dry and I made it home without incident, with the fruits of my kill, er, shopping.

A Merry Christmas

2008-12-27T18:10:12Z

Christmas at our place is a multi-day affair, okay, not the traditional 12, but two. It's a whole week if you count in the baking, and I went a little nuts this year.

We have friends and family over for Christmas eve for the Big Feast. This year's menu: Roast Beast (of the beef variety), Yorkshire pudding, corn with bacon, garlic and green onions, green peas straight up, mashed potatoes, and gravy.

For the sweets we had: Christmas cookies; sugar and gingerbread, chocolate chip cookies, homemade chocolate truffles, chocolate cake and orange-almond cake both in mini-bundt cake form.

Good conversation was enjoyed, presents were exchanged, too much food was eaten. This is my idea of a first rate party. I got a copy of Mama Mia (yes, I like Abba as well as Barry Manilow, wanna make something of it?). I got Tim a DVD of the opera Doctor Atomic (we were thinking of watching them as a double feature to see if we could make the player, or our heads, explode). I also got a new teapot and a selection of "flowering" teas, and we gave my dad a sweatshirt that says "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate." Alexander got a new Pokemon toy, which unfortunately did not work, and a DVD of Space Chimps which does.

Then it was time to get Alexander to bed with many admonishments that Santa couldn't come until he was asleep. This worked well and he squeezed his eyes shut vowing to sleep as fast as possible.

It must have worked because the next morning Santa had indeed been to our house and left; Scrabble, Monopoly (the Beatles edition, Alexander likes the Beatles), Pokemon cards, a Magic Treehouse book, a new piece for his railroad set, and, of course, lots of Christmas munchies.

There was much playing about and lazing around until it was time to pack up and go visit mom at the rehabilitation center. She's doing better, although progress is frustratingly slow. It's a good facility and, among other things, they have private dining rooms you can reserve, which we did and we had a good lunch of Zingerman's deli treats and roast beef, and we talked and played Scrabble until it was time to go.

As fine a Christmas as could be wished for.

NORAD Tracks Santa

2008-12-24T13:47:18Z

The future is a fun place to live. Heard about this on the radio this morning. Alexander is fascinated:

http://www.noradsanta.org/en/home.html#utm_campaign=en_US&utm_medium=ha&utm_source=en_US-ha-na-us-bk-gm&utm_term=noradsanta

The Weather Outside

2008-12-20T16:24:13Z

...is much, much better today.

Didn't wake up early yesterday, as Alexander was still sick and not going to school in any case. But when I did wake up it was to the sound of ice pellets hitting the windows, and the sight of freezing fog out the window.

And the decision was instantly made that nobody was going ANYWHERE today. So we didn't.

Alex was pretty sick, no fever, but tummy trouble, and spent most of the day either asleep or slack jawed in front of the TV (he's much better today). Tim spent the day not having to work, which was a treat.

I spent it as a baking fiend.

I did up two loaves of homemade bread from my sponge starter. I baked one batch of cut-out cookies and stopped, because Alexander having just evidenced that tummy trouble I was talking about couldn't help and he made me promise not to cut out any more until he could. So I made up a batch of dough for the gingerbread cookies instead and popped that in the fridge. Then I did up a batch of chocolate chip cookies.

I am contemplating two different types of cake for Christmas eve dessert.

This cannot be a good sign, at all.

Book View Cafe

2008-12-16T17:15:13Z

And this time it's REALLY cool:

We are incredibly excited to announce that the members of Book View Cafe have been invited to speak at the Library of Congress.

The Library of Congress , the repository of the United State's literary heritage is extremely interested in new methods of publication and distribution of literature. Book View Cafe's innovative combination of author professionalism, cooperative creativity and internet outreach have sparked the Libary's attention.

"This is a tremendous honor," says Project Manager Sarah Zettel. "We couldn't be more thrilled."

Select Book View Cafe authors will be making their presentation at the Library of Congress the week of May 18, 2009. A firm date will be set after the Inauguration.

Jury Duty

2008-12-16T15:31:49Z

So, yesterday, I packed up my unread writer's group manuscripts, my new bio of Emily Post and headed out to jury duty.

It was a busy day in the court with something like 600 jurors called in. The security line was reminiscent of the airport, so was the very crowded jury assembly room. The clerk was very professional and got a good laugh when she pointed out that the refreshments were paid for by the people who did not show up for their jury duty.

And as I was settling in for the long wait, my number got called.

Yes, indeed, contrary to popular belief, at least one reasonably smart, educated person made it onto a jury.

It was, of all things, a commitment case.

I'll be back when the jokes die down.

Found on a Bluebook exam by the Grader

2008-12-12T21:07:37Z

"Dear Prof. Smith/God,

Please
Don't Make
Me Retake
the Class

Thank you

Bittersweet

2008-12-12T16:07:30Z

After a long beuracratic struggle, I've finally got the rights to my Paths to Camelot series reverted from Harlequin.

Which means I can go ahead and put them up on Book View Cafe, which I've really been wanting to do. So why do I feel a little...bummed?

Creatures n' Crooks Auction

2008-12-09T19:52:57Z

Ported over from Book View Cafe:

Book View Cafe has just learned that Creatures 'n Crooks Bookshoppe, the Richmond VA area's premiere store for mystery and science fiction is in financial distress. An auction is being organized to help save this landmark independent bookstore.

Event: Saturday, January 31st from 1-4, Creatures 'n Crooks Bookshoppe 3156 W. Cary St., Cary Ct. Park & Shop, Richmond VA 23221. Phone: (804) 0277

Come for books, sugar-laden treats, and door prizes.

Who's Involved: In short, over one hundred authors from across the country contributed to the dozen fabulous raffle prizes to be given away on the 31st. This event will be the culmination of a month-long contest in which customers will earn a raffle ticket for every $25 they spend during the month of January. (This includes phone customers). Weekly prizes will also be given away. These prizes will include signed books from authors in the field of mystery, fantasy, horror, nonfiction, and childrens fiction.

The authors attending the January 31st event at the bookstore as of this date are Katherine Neville, Donna Andrews, Ellen Crosby, MariaLima, Ellen Byerrum, Andy Straka, Joseph Guion, John Gilstrap, Austin S. Camacho, Maggie Stiefvater, and J.B Stanley. Prizes and auction items will include: a vampire basket from Charlaine Harris, a character donation from Margaret Maron, gold and sapphire earrings from Denise Swanson, a Carolyn Hart prize, a culinary basket including goodies from Joanne Fluke, a Tiffany necklace and much, much more.

If you cannot attend the auction, you can still help Creatures 'n Crooks. The bookshoppe accepts phone orders. Planning on giving books this holiday season? Give for a good cause from Creatures 'n Crooks . Tell them you're coming in from Book View Cafe.

Book View Cafe proudly supports independent bookstores and independent readers.

Scientifc Progress Goes...

2008-12-07T15:28:34Z

So, Alexander now has a copy of the Calvin and Hobbes book "Scientific Progress Goes Boink!"

Which got me and Tim speculating on the sound of scientific progress. We decided scientific progress not only goes Boink! but...

Bang!

Squish!

Whoosh!

And, most importantly:

"Huh."

More Book View

2008-12-05T15:11:06Z

BOOK VIEW CAFÉ EXPANDS ITS REACH

The new fiction website, Book View Café (www.bookviewcafe.com) is expanding its internet reach with two new partnerships.

Book View Café has teamed up with PortableReading to make stories by its team of veteran authors available over the iPhone and iPod touch via their TextonPhone application (www.textonphone.com). Not interested in leaving the world of print behind, the work of Café authors will also be available on the AnthologyBuilder site
(www.anthologybuilder.com).

“These are extremely exciting partnerships,” says Book View Care Project Manager, Sarah Zettel. “The Book View Café authors are committed to bringing first rate stories to readers when they want it and how they want it. TextonPhone and AnthologyBuilder are leaders in their fields. Our partnership will allow our audience to fully customize their access to the best fiction available today.”

Oh yeah, and there's also a new, never-before seen short story up by this Zettel chick...

Experiments with Bread

2008-12-02T14:55:58Z

So, when I went to make my rolls for T-day, I realized my yeast was a little old. To test it, I put a pack in a bowl with some sugar and warm water. Yeast bloomed, all was well. I made rolls.

But, I had this little bowl of bloomed yeast. I was going to throw it out, but then I thought, wait, why waste it? Here's the perfect opportunity to get some bread starter going. So, I consulted my Books of Mystery and Power (Joy of Cooking, Julia Child's The Way to Cook, Alton Brown's I'm Just Here for More Food) and decided to stir in a cup of water and a cup of flour and put it in the fridge. This I did. The next day, I did it again.

Yesterday, I took it out and poked at it. It smelled like yeasty dough and looked, spongey. I decided on the bread recipie in Joy of Cooking and mixed and kneaded (bread hook didn't work real well, had to go back to the old fashioned method, which I find theraputic anyway). Went through the slow rises, shaped and proofed the loaves, and then decided on a trick I'd heard about for creating crusty bread and put a pan of boiling water in the oven with the loaves. (Note to Esther: method was easy, and entirely egg free)

Results: Dense, tasty, really crusty bread. Was eaten with chicken soup for dinner and with honey butter at writer's group. Almost nothing left now. Except for the rest of the starter humming quietly in the back of the fridge. I know what I'm bringing to the music party on Saturday...

Bolt!

2008-12-01T16:28:41Z

Saturday after T-Day, we took Alexander to see the new Disney cartoon, Bolt.

This is a good cartoon. It's entertaining, it's smart, it's not too much for little kids, it's got a good, comfortable plot (by which I mean you know what's going to happen, but you don't mind because you're having a fun ride). It's got plenty of goodies for adults tossed in.

The hamster totally makes the movie. And the pigeons are the best screen birds seen since the seagulls in Finding Nemo.

If the kids are agitating to see this one, pack 'em up and go.

Blimps!

2008-11-23T18:50:11Z

So, yesterday I took Alexander to the Student Blimp Competition.

This is the culmination of one of the areospace classes at the University of Michigan. The undergrads form teams and build remote control blimps. They then compete to see which can a) complete a simple course in the shortest amount of time and b) complete a successful reconaissance mission (carrying a camera on an overflight of a box containing unknown objects).

This is something I've been wanting to see for awhile, and I figure you can't go wrong with a 6 yr. old and blimps.

It was indeed pretty cool. There were blimps of varioius shapes and sizes, and ingenuity levels, with some with rotating lifters and fancy rudders that you know their designers spent hours over going "This is going to be sooooo great..."

And they got stuck in the girders of the roof, and they crashed into the walls, and they hit the ground and it was all I could do not to say "Oh! The humanity!" And you cringed for the kids who had clearly worked so hard.

And the one that did the best was of a classic design with stabilizing fins.

Alexander had a great time, especially because a couple of times we got to duck 'cause one of the blimps was getting really close to the balcony where we were sitting...

In Other News...

2008-11-20T19:40:07Z

No, really, there's other news.

I've just been invited to be GoH at a Women in Leadership conference at the University of Michigan.

Go Me!!!!

Book View Roars into Existence

2008-11-19T15:52:49Z

I CANNOT believe this. We're being featured in The Guardian Online as their Site of the Week.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2008/nov/19/fiction-sciencefictionfantasyandhorror

'Scuse me. Must go swoon now.

Live! From Michigan, it's...

2008-11-17T14:39:54Z

Book View Cafe.

It's up, it's running. It's at www.bookviewcafe.com

Two nights of staying up past midnight, an entire weekend of sitting at the computer until my hands cramped, and I don't even want to talk about what we put our poor volunteer web designer through. But, we are up, and we are now officially the home for really good fiction on the internet.

Check us out. Read a book. Tell your friends.

Last Night

2008-11-05T16:05:35Z

After a nice long walk in the park, Alexander and I went to help the Cub Scouts sell popcorn. The vast majority of people going through the foyer of the Krogers had I Voted stickers on.

Then, we went downtown for dinner, and to score some free ice cream from Ben & Jerry's. Now,there was never any question who the People's Republic of Ann Arbor was going to swing toward but I swear to you I have never, EVER, and I have been in or near this town pretty much continuously since I was 17, seen SO MANY stickers, buttons, t-shirts, tags proclaiming involvement in the election process.

Alas, the line in front of B&Js was down the block. The one in the local ice cream place next door was almost as bad. But, around the corner, the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Company not only had ice cream from a local dairy (including Alexander's favorite flavor), they had a fresh pot of coffee on and a cafe table occupied by a HUGE teddy bear named Truffers who graciously shared his table with us. I think we will be back soon.

Then it was home, and Alexander got into the shower and then into jammies and then agreed to forego story and song time if he got to stay up for an extra hour and watch election returns. We did. He enjoyed the bells and whistles on MSNBC. I popped him into bed, and switched over to PBS, and pulled out my laptop,'cause I'd become a pretty bad political junkie, especially post-conventions.

The acceptance speech left me breathless. Just breathless.