Sometimes there's a scene that is particularly challenging. It may be because there's something not working, or perhaps there's a higher than usual level of complexity. Or it may be that you simply don't know how to solve the specific plot problem that requires solving. This last scenario is when it's good to talk it … Continue reading Talking it out
‘What if?’ and the art of pessimism
One afternoon recently, I found myself contemplating 'what if?', and it struck me that my thoughts were tending towards the pessimistic. (What if I let the dog off the lead and he ran onto the road? What if I chopped my finger off with the secateurs through carelessness? ...) But then I realised that this is what … Continue reading ‘What if?’ and the art of pessimism
Contemplating World Fantasy 2011
In keeping with my 'focus on writing career' philosophy for this year, I have mostly decided to attend the World Fantasy Convention in San Diego (27-30 October). I have been eyeing off this annual convention for years and years, ever since my first taste of the World Science Fiction Convention, which came to Melbourne in 1999 … Continue reading Contemplating World Fantasy 2011
Among friends
I met with my writers group for brunch today. As is our wont, we sat around and talked shop over our flat whites and eggs, lingering into the afternoon, when we cracked open a bottle of pinot noir. Good friends with common interests, having a drink. This for me is one of the best parts of … Continue reading Among friends
With a dash of love
The rise of 'paranormal romance' as a best-selling genre has me reflecting on the role of 'romance' in the wider speculative fiction genre and fantasy in particular. I think it's fair to say that most fantasy novels written over the past few decades incorporate romantic sub-plots, and I'll admit without shame that I for one like a good dash … Continue reading With a dash of love
All hail the Interwebs
How did writers ever survive without the Interwebs? Its merits must surely rank a thousand-fold -- but there is one in particular that has inspired today's post. Research. Back in the pre-Internet days, writers must have spent a cursed lot of time in libraries, or writing letters to people to inquire about areas of specialist … Continue reading All hail the Interwebs
Problem chapter
I'm currently working on the chapter that leads up to the climax of my novel, and I'm finding it rather a challenge to get it right. I've written the events that need to take place, but the pacing is all wrong. At this stage, the pressure screws should be tightened to near-screaming point, and the reader … Continue reading Problem chapter
A sense of style
After a recent conversation with a writer/editor/journalist friend, and having spent much of the past two days proof-reading an 80p technical product catalogue, I am reminded of the benefits of keeping a style guide -- even as a novelist. Particularly when one is writing fantasy. Style guides are used to maintain consistency across a publication. … Continue reading A sense of style
Ellen Gregory 