Last ANZAC Day I began posting installments of my grandfather's World War II memoir. The first post told the story of him getting captured in Italy, the second was about life in the German POW camp Stalag 383, and the third detailed his daring escape and teaming up with a New Zealand sergeant called Smithy. … Continue reading Harry’s WWII Memoir: On the run with friends and foes
D&D Chronicles: We pull off the retrieval mission but are betrayed
ZILLAH This crater expedition has been long and bloody and we have lost dear companions -- but finally we have discovered the treasures we were seeking. They will never be worth three lives (what could ever be worth that?) but I'm so relieved we have something to show for the high price we have paid. … Continue reading D&D Chronicles: We pull off the retrieval mission but are betrayed
Travelling in the 90s: The Carnival of Venice
We're into the final two weeks of our 1993-1994 (Travelling in the 90s) adventure (back when I was a true natural blond -- check out the photo). Venice was our first stop in Italy and undoubtedly one of the highlights. I can't tell you how many exclamation marks I had to remove from the following … Continue reading Travelling in the 90s: The Carnival of Venice
In the Dream’verse with KD Sarge
One of the more memorable books I read last year was Knight Errant by KD Sarge, published by Turtleduck Press. It's part of Sarge's science fictional Dream'verse series, and the first of three books featuring her engaging heroes, Taro and Rafe. (My brief thoughts on all three here.) The second of the Taro/Rafe books is … Continue reading In the Dream’verse with KD Sarge
In preparation for the steppes of Mongolia where there be horses
There's a rumor going around that my next big adventure will be in Mongolia. Horse trekking in Mongolia. On the steppes. The steppes of Mongolia. On horseback. With horses. For two weeks. (And then some.) Except it isn't a rumor. It's tremendously exciting. The scenery should be amazing, the culture fascinating -- and, oh, the … Continue reading In preparation for the steppes of Mongolia where there be horses
D&D Chronicles: The Green Man
Recap: Our party has spent the past couple of weeks (game time) stumbling around a tiny island, summoned by a mage who wants us to retrieve certain magical scrolls from a secret stronghold inside a forested volcanic crater. The first time we attempted this, we lost our mage, Calwyn. Then we tried to leave the … Continue reading D&D Chronicles: The Green Man
Cherry Crow Children ~ A fantasy collection from Deborah Kalin
Today I'm joined by my friend and fantasy author Deborah Kalin to celebrate the impending Easter launch of her collection, Cherry Crow Children from Twelfth Planet Press. I'm reliably informed they are four dark and disturbing stories, but they are also full of heart and emotion and beautiful imagery. I've spent hours writing in cafes … Continue reading Cherry Crow Children ~ A fantasy collection from Deborah Kalin
Musings on secret preview TV viewing versus feedback reading
I've done my fair share of reading and providing feedback on short stories and novels over the years. It's much easier to be objective and analytical about someone else's work -- all in the name of being constructive and helpful, of course. In such cases you know the author will take onboard some suggestions, discard … Continue reading Musings on secret preview TV viewing versus feedback reading
Walls of the old stone variety
When I travel, I take a fair few photos of walls. Particularly old stone walls, usually up close so you can see the way they've been constructed. For this week's WordPress photo challenge, with the theme of WALL, I therefore thought I'd share some of the of the old English walls I've come across in … Continue reading Walls of the old stone variety
Travelling in the 90s: Provence (in the steps of Madam, will you Talk?)
Flights have been booked today for my next overseas adventure -- Huzzah! All will be revealed in time; but in the short term I'm going to focus on wrapping up the Travelling in the 90s series. There's not too much more of my 20-something year old ramblings to go. So today it's back to 1994 … Continue reading Travelling in the 90s: Provence (in the steps of Madam, will you Talk?)
Ellen Gregory 