Depending on your perspective, I’ve either been remiss, or doing what I am supposed to be doing.

Focus on the new book, primarily, has led to few posts here through the fall. Of course these journals were envisaged as each being specific to a book release, tour, chronicling various events and ideas associated with those. On the other hand, the online world has changed a lot since I did my first tour journal here and the concept has expanded. I’m good with that, and with the idea of having an ongoing journal as a place to share thoughts and news – at more than 140 characters.

Holiday season calls for my good wishes to friends, readers, amusing and generous people I’ve encountered online. There are some very funny, thoughtful, clever people in my Twitter feed: I tend not to hang with those waking up every morning to discover what wildly outrages them for that 24 hour cycle. I do comment at times on world events, I try to do so judiciously, with respect for those who might think otherwise. Some issues make that harder than others. Vaccine truthers? Not my people.

I’m writing steadily. Too soon to give details or set out an estimated time of arrival, but I should be able to do the latter towards the end of spring. For a variety of reasons I never like talking too soon about what the novels are about, or the periods that inspire them. I’ll ask indulgence for that this time around, too.

There are various ‘plans’ in the works from publishers and elsewhere and the strong possibility of news bulletins from me early in 2015. I prefer these to be really tangible before sharing, but I will absolutely share when ‘tangible’ happens.

2014 was probably most memorable, professionally, for my being made a Member of the Order of Canada on July 1. Didn’t expect it (recipients aren’t supposed to know it might be coming) and I was very deeply honoured. Small trivia: you are supposed to wear the lapel pin they send you, or other members (or just those in the know) will call you on not doing so if they see you without. Had it happen to me twice, early, when I felt a bit self-conscious about putting it on. I work to remember it now when I wear a jacket. I do not wear it, no, with my Montreal Canadiens jersey. There will be no photos thereof. Hold not thy breath.

I was really happy to have the Chinese editions of Under Heaven and River of Stars appear this year, with absolutely gorgeous covers. (You can see them in the Art Gallery section here at Bright Weavings, if you haven’t.) Brazil saw the release of Tigana (in two volumes, which is not uncommon) and probably the most assertive and generous set of online reviews and commentary for any foreign language edition yet.

There were a number of other foreign language editions of different titles; I tend to report these and reveal covers when I get them over on Twitter or at the Facebook page coordinated by Alec Lynch and Elizabeth Swainston. Elizabeth also has created a Pinterest page on my work. I owe them both a great deal. Neither drinks, which kills the ‘single malt scotch as a gift’ vibe.

I did have some extraordinary single malts, and a very good time with a group that (I’m sorry) included Australians, at World Fantasy Convention where I was a guest of honor this year. The Hungarian Lentil Growers Agrarian Cooperative (HLGAC) was formed there. Of course everyone understands about that, right? Right? Our next meeting is slated for Saratoga Springs at World Fantasy in 2015.

Finally, before I wrap, a thank you to my readers for, among other things, ongoing patience. I write continuously but don’t emerge swiftly. When I talk to younger writers I feel their pain as many of them discuss the intense pressure to be ‘a book a year’ authors. The gift my readership around the world gives me (and always has, really) is the best gift they can: the opportunity to take my time, do the books as well as I am able, to be as faithful to the work as I can be. I have always believed that if I am being faithful to the novels, I am honouring my readers.

My best wishes to all, for the season and for 2015.

GGK