Today, the mail brought me my contributor's copies of Lovecraft Unbound, in which matociquala and I appear in the excellent company of Caitlín R. Kiernan, Michael Chabon, Joyce Carol Oates, Laird Barron, Amanda Downum, and many other excellent persons, all under the aegis of Ellen Datlow. Our story, "Mongoose," is set in the same universe as "Boojum" (because that universe is seriously the Best Toy Ever) although it is not a sequel or otherwise related.

Also, I love the book design and its cunning use of fonts.

BEAR: I have practiced guitar, and am about to go look for the first line of Grail in the fridge.

MOLE: Oh, is that where you keep them? I suppose it keeps them fresh.

BEAR: Well, it wasn't in the guitar.

MOLE: Are you the first line of my novel?
No, I am not the first line of your novel. I am a guitar string.

Are you the first line of my novel?
No, I am not the first line of your novel. I am a sweet potato.

Are you the first line of my novel?
No, I am not the first line of your novel. I am unidentifiable leftovers that should have been thrown out a week ago.

Are you the first line of my novel?
No, I am not the first line of your novel. I am a bottle of imported beer.

BEAR: Oo. Beer.

truepenny: I covet your cover artist.
matociquala: *shares*
truepenny: You are the best Bear.
matociquala: Well, I don't mangle bird feeders. Which makes me better than many bears.
truepenny: And your liver isn't toxic!
truepenny: ... that came out all wrong.