* For those who would like an advance peek at Vernor Vinge's forthcoming novel CHILDREN OF THE SKY (sequel to FIRE UPON THE DEEP), Tor.com has posted an excerpt here: <http://www.tor.com/stories/2011/06/children-of-the-sky-excerpt>.  The novel will be released in October.

* You know you've written a pretty impressive novel when Ursula Le Guin raves about it.  Enjoy this review of China Mieville's novel EMBASSYTOWN: <http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/may/08/embassytown-china-mieville-review>

* The Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists has announced the finalists for the 2011 Chesley Awards.  You can see the list here: <http://www.asfa-art.org/pages/06-currentawardspage.html>.  Congratulations to all of these worthy nominees!

* Genreville's Rose Fox responds to an unintentionally condescending article on the Nebula Award Weekend from The Washington Post.  Original article here: <http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/science-fiction-and-fantasy-writers-of-america-hold-annual-convention/2011/05/21/AF4vkK9G_story.html>, and Rose's response here:  <http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blogs/genreville/?p=1218>

* Lev Grossman (author of THE MAGICIANS) reviews George R.R. Martin's A DANCE WITH DRAGONS for Time Magazine (and compares Martin to Tolkien): <http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,2081774,00.html