It's hugely important to feed the muse, no matter the creative endeavour. And from now on -- at least for a little while -- I'm dedicating Wednesdays on this blog to this purpose. Today's inspiration comes in the form of music. Specifically Dvorak's Symphony Number 9 -- From the New World. I love all kinds of … Continue reading Dvorak and the bright, beautiful sunrise
D&D Chronicles: the temple in the treetops
Our little band of adventurers is really starting to hit its stride now. After Saturday's D&D session, we are lurking at the edge of a clearing in the forest, above which is suspended a temple in the treetops, completely overrun by goblins, hobgoblins and the like. We are poised for the battle of our short … Continue reading D&D Chronicles: the temple in the treetops
Wikirandom flash fiction challenge returns!
And now for something a little different... It's time once again for that most fun of flash fiction competitions -- the Wikirandom writing challenge. It's not really my turn to host, but Laird Sapir is swamped and so has passed the baton on... So I'll keep this short and sweet and get right to it! … Continue reading Wikirandom flash fiction challenge returns!
Contemplating the nature of inspiration
Some time ago, I was challenged to list several sources of inspiration and -- before I get into that -- it has made me ponder the nature of inspiration and what people do with it. So what is inspiration? The dictionary says (OK, I'm also an engineer and I like definitions): inspiration - 1. drawing … Continue reading Contemplating the nature of inspiration
What was the 1st book you ever read?
I asked my mother this (of me) the other day, wanting to correlate my memory of my first reading experience with hers -- and was surprised by the answer. I've long thought the first chapter book I ever read was Charlotte's Web, when I was about eight. This is what I've been telling people for years. Only it … Continue reading What was the 1st book you ever read?
Celebrating 25 years of The Princess Bride
OK, so I've lost count of the number of people who have told me The Princess Bride is their favourite movie in the whole wide world. It's certainly one of mine... and this short tribute is in honour of its 25th birthday -- which I understand was last week. The Princess Bride is one of … Continue reading Celebrating 25 years of The Princess Bride
The epiphany: a new perspective
I had a major epiphany while working on my WIP today. I suddenly saw a solution to several problems all at once, and it was utterly thrilling. Very sadly, I was alone in the cafe at that point , my writing companion having disappeared temporarily for an appointment. I must've looked agitated, because the serving … Continue reading The epiphany: a new perspective
More on writing with joy
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
Ellen Gregory 