Hello!

[wrote_and_writ]

I'm in Shanghai! I'll try to post properly once things get settled. I've put a deposit down on an apartment and will sign the lease Monday (due to banking shenanigans and then the landlord having a thing), which is good because I'm checking out of my hotel on Monday. I'm in a weird limbo of stressed and not stressed because there are some things I have to do that I can't yet, things I want to do but can't (because money mostly), and it's also HOT as Fuck right now. Like highs of 100+/feels like 120 with humidity. I've mostly been taking little jaunts to Starbucks and then watching the Olympics in my air-conditioned hotel room.

I did finish two books. Mom and I listed to The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie on the drive to the airport (she listened to the rest of it, then I finished it after she returned it to Libby). I had seen a TV adaptation of it but didn't remember the twist. The murder is actually quite a downer. I mean, murder SHOULD be a downer, but this one was just sad, and contrasted with one of the character's determination to "enjoy" the murder/excitement, I am sure that's kind of the point. Murder isn't exciting. People have died, someone has killed them, it's extremely a bummer!

I also finished volume 3 of Sha Po Lang/Stars of Chaos, and I am LIVING for it. I mentioned on bsky that I liked the world building, and I do, but I think what I like more is the intricacy of the political intrigue. I couldn't keep that sort of thing straight in my head as a write, so I admire Priest's skill. I also get kind of a kick out of Gu Yun and his reaction to Chang Geng's affections and advances. Chang Geng is a kinky little shit, and Gu Yun does not get it, but he's discovered he loves Chang Geng back, so he kind of goes with it. I'm with Gu Yun on this. I was thrilled that they finally hooked up, but truly, I am more interested in seeing how the Empire fares (and how CG/GY and their friends get through it all. I've got about a month til volume 4 comes out, and only a week or so til Guardian vol 3 wraps up. Plus a million other things to read.

Anyway, I just wanted to say hi. I hope you are all doing well.

Comments

[gekidasa]

I’m glad the credit card got sorted out for the deposit!

I really want to read spl but I refuse to start until it’s finished.i would probably have just read the ftl but I heard it’s pretty bad and that 7s is better.

[wrote_and_writ]

Update: it's mostly sorted out lol. The joys of migrant life.

I didn't read any of the ftl's, so I can't speak to that, but I'm definitely enjoying the 7s editions. It did take me a few tries to get into volume 1, mostly because work was taking up so much brain space, and also, I wasn't familiar with any of the characters (versus CQL, which I knew through the drama, so I could put faces to characters), but once I got into it, I really zipped along. I admire you for waiting for all the volumes, though. Volume 5 is out in January, so it's not that long of a wait. I'll be eager to know what you think about it when you do read it.

[umadoshi]

I'm glad you're there safely and have a place lined up! I hope everything goes smoothly with the lease signing and getting settled. *hugs*

[wrote_and_writ]

🫂🫂🫂

[clevermanka]

What a RELIEF. Adding my crossed fingers to Ysa's that everything goes smoothly for you to get moved in and settled.

[wrote_and_writ]

🫂🫂🫂

[groundwiremantaray]

Hope things go smoothly as you settle into Shanghai! ^^

[wrote_and_writ]

It's moving along!