Reader John Banister points out that the author’s note on distances in The Silk Map has things exactly backwards — a li is usually assumed to be around a third of a mile, not three miles as the note states. The map in the book, and the text as far as I can tell, follow the rule of a li being a third of a mile. But, embarrassingly, the author’s note is out in front saying something different.
I apologize for this glaring error. I hope it doesn’t hurt anyone’s enjoyment of the book.
Speaking of the map, John Banister also notes it’s possible to expand the view on the Kindle version: “To zoom the map, hold your finger on it until the magnifier icon appears, and then tap that icon. Also, images have more contrast at higher brightness settings.” Many thanks to Mr. Banister for both comments.
I also want to share the happy news that Kerem Beyit has just won a Chesley Award in the category of “Best Cover Illustration: Paperback Book” for his wonderful cover for The Scroll of Years. I still remember my first reaction to seeing that artwork, which was that I merely wrote about that world, while Kerem had obviously been there. Congratulations to Kerem and to all the winners and nominees. See: http://www.asfa-art.org/pages/06-currentawardspage.html