I have only just read Dragonsblood, a worthy addition to the Pern series of books. In case it has not already been said, I draw your attention to the following linguistic modernisms which stood out: p94- thermal units next referred to as ‘thermos flask’; p207 ‘at least a month’; p211 ‘six months or more’ & ‘next three months’; p294 ‘several weeks’. These jarred somewhat as other terms have been used to deliberately distance Pern from Earth now!

Hi Mark,

The terms were deliberately used. I suspect Thermos (R) will be around for a long while, even thousands of years. Some terms were used in First Pass segments when the population was much more technically literate than later.

As for “months”, the term was first used in Dragonflight (on page 209 in my US paperback edition), with weeks being used even earlier in the same book.

Cheers,
Todd

I am quite possibly wasting my time, considering Anne’s time must be taxed considerably. but I would certainly, greatly appreciate an answer. =) I have 3 analogs which feature : A Bridle for Pegasus, A Womanly Talent,and the first part to Weyr Search. Could I possibly ship these to her for autographing? I will gladly play any all shipping and insurance fees, as well as any ‘signing’ fees involved. I’ve adored these books since I was practically in my mother’s womb, she read them to me said it made me ‘dragon crazy’ ever since.

These three issues are the gems of my McCaffrey collection and it would mean so much to have the great lady who penned them, put her signature on them.

thank you very much.

S. W.

Hi Samantha!

Those are very valuable, indeed. And that, sadly, is why Mum has stopped agreeing to such signings. It seems that a few books went astray in the post, either not arriving to her or not returning to their owners, and the grief that that causes all around is just too much to bear.

Now you might, if you wrote through Mum’s website, be able to have a bookplate (or three) sent to you. That way, if anything’s lost, it’s only a signature. (Much safer!)

Cheers,
Todd

Just finished Dragonsblood. I was leery of anyone but your “Mum” writing a Pern novel all alone. So happy to say, you made me cry in places, just like your Mom. Looking forward to years more of new Pern novels. Thanks

Thanks, Ann!

I am a very big fan of the entire Pern Series. The books you have written and also the ones by your mother. I am wondering now if you plan on writing more books for the 9th pass?

Hi Trisha!

I think the 9th Pass is more Mum’s to write in and as long as she’s thinking of writing there, I’ve got lots to do with 3rd Pass.

Cheers,
Todd