I've been on a mission of late to rediscover the joy of writing and in particular the passion for my current work in progress. I lost it for a while there -- lost sight of why as I got all caught up with what and how and is it actually any good? (In fact, I blogged … Continue reading More on writing with joy
D&D Chronicles: in which we almost starve to death
It turns out that food is terribly important when it comes to Dungeons and Dragons. And I'm not (for once) talking about the pizza, wine, popcorn, coffee, port and raspberry licorice we consumed as players -- although that was all quite fabulous. The characters have to eat too, it appears, whether 'trail rations', meals purchased … Continue reading D&D Chronicles: in which we almost starve to death
Olivia Joules: when audio rules
There are some books that are so good as audiobooks that I can't really imagine 'reading' them any other way. One of these for me is Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination by Helen Fielding (of Bridget Jones fame), read by Suzy Aitchison. I had a situation this week, when the audio I was listening … Continue reading Olivia Joules: when audio rules
The secret ingredient to productivity
They say one of the keys to being successful at any creative endeavour is perseverance. Discipline comes in handy too. Yeah yeah, there are also talent and self-belief, but they're very hard to control... There is another secret ingredient I've come to value very highly over the years -- and that's friends. More specifically, friends … Continue reading The secret ingredient to productivity
When your mind’s made up (from Once)
There's a 2006 Irish musical film called Once, which is one of those movies that grabs hold of you and won't let go. It's a really simple story about a musician (Glen Hansard from The Frames) busking on the street, who meets another musician (Markéta Irglová) by chance, and they decide to record an album. The addition of her … Continue reading When your mind’s made up (from Once)
Seven fantasy favourites
It's funny, but when I sit down to list my all-time favourite fantasy novels or series, most of them are not what you'd call recent. In fact some of them are just plain old. Maybe this is because I believe favourites must stand the test of time and re-reading. Or maybe it's because I just … Continue reading Seven fantasy favourites
“It’s just a story”
Yesterday I was happily discussing with a friend the awesome book I'd just finished -- and which she'd read previously -- when I happened to mention a couple of things that didn't quite work for me. (I can't help it -- attempting to write novels has somewhat killed my ability to just read and enjoy... … Continue reading “It’s just a story”
D&D chronicles: rise of the miniatures
Session four, and I'm starting to get the hang of D&D now. More often than not I roll the correct die at the correct time and am gradually coming to terms with the fact I'm supposed to be acting my character, not just creating her. (The acting part is far far far the hardest, most traumatic … Continue reading D&D chronicles: rise of the miniatures
Six ways writers are like Olympic athletes
When the Australian world champion swimmer dubbed 'The Missile' swam a time dramatically slower than expected in the 4X100m freestyle relay at the London Olympics this week -- resulting in NO MEDAL (shock! horror!) -- the media furor was pretty shocking. "What happened?" everyone wanted to know, the implicit meaning being: How could you do this to us? … Continue reading Six ways writers are like Olympic athletes
Of walking (or not) and dodgy pedometers
Once upon a time I walked 100km. In just under 36 hours. I did this as part of the Oxfam Trailwalker fundraising event back in 2010. The challenge was to walk 100km as a team of four in less than 48 hours. It was an amazing experience -- and very very tough. (If you're interested, our Trailwalker team blog … Continue reading Of walking (or not) and dodgy pedometers
Ellen Gregory 