Sheโd survived the Drowned Cities because she wasnโt anything like Mouse. When the bullets started flying and warlords started making examples of peacekeeper collaborators, Mahlia had kept her head down, instead of standing up like Mouse. Sheโd looked out for herself, first. And because of that, sheโd survived.
Paolo BacigalupiShe smiles at him, too young to know him for a stranger, and too innocent yet to care.
Paolo BacigalupiMost of the news about the state of the environment is pretty ugly. This is frightening for me personally, but actually motivational for me artistically.
Paolo BacigalupiFor pleasure, I'll read military sf, or Elmore Leonard capers, anything that's fast and fun. Otherwise, I mostly pick at books, without any clear focus.
Paolo BacigalupiNothing so mystical. Human beings hunger for killing, that is all. It only takes a few politicians to stoke division, or a few demagogues encouraging hatred to set your kind upon one another. And then before you know it, you have a whole nation biting on its own tail, going round and round until there is nothing left but the snapping of teeth.
Paolo Bacigalupi