So I *just now* made the connection that Randall Garrett wrote BOTH Despoilers of the Golden Empire AND Queen Bee.

UGH.

I know what you mean about learning new writing techniques. I've been reading an ongoing modern fantasy series and it's been fascinating and educational to watch the author's evolution as he discovers new ways of introducing exposition as the books go on.

I liked the Asimov piece a lot. Very evocative! And like you, I hope we'll see more by McCaffrey.