After our Total Party Kill a few weeks ago, we started a new game for our third D&D session, all playing new characters who entered the scenario in the aftermath of the previous game. This time I'm playing a ranger, and I even have a backstory consistent with the world we're playing in. [I should … Continue reading D&D chronicles: enter zombies
It's amazing how fast two weeks can whoosh past. And I've just ducked in here to share and comment on this post from literary agent Rachelle Gardner on Interval training for writers. The basic gist (based on research) is that optimal working habits involve no more than three 90-minute sessions of high concentration, divided by … Continue reading Thoughts on interval writing
A few days ago I was talking about writing with joy -- but now it seems blogging with joy can be good too. I was thrilled a couple of days ago to be tagged by The Hyperteller for the 'Tell me about yourself' award. Perhaps I'm a little more excited than is warranted, but it's so … Continue reading And now for some blog joy
I've been thinking a lot about where I'm going with my writing of late. Thinking, not doing. There have been no new words on my WIP for over three weeks now. It was a conscious decision to stop. I wasn't happy with anything coming out, had been writing every scene twice, and finally reached the … Continue reading The importance of writing with joy
Several weeks ago I posted about my first Dungeon and Dragons experience and pledged to chronicle my adventures. Huzzah, we just had session number two! Before I get into the adventure, I have to mention two things: 1. The dice are so pretty! -- I took myself off to a gaming shop on Saturday, intending to … Continue reading D&D chronicles: in which goblins smash us
Picture this: me, face down in my carry case... a fluffy rug on top of me... Ellen holding me down by the shoulders... the vet nurse holding down my hind legs under a second towel... the vet peels back a corner of the rug and jabs not one, but TWO separate needles into my back. … Continue reading Diary of a Devilcat: Telling the vet what’s what
Last weekend I attended the Continuum 8 convention, which this year was the Australian national science fiction (and fantasy and horror) convention, held in Melbourne. It's an event where writers and fans of the speculative fiction genre come together and pow-wow. We're not a large community, so our natcon is always a fabulous opportunity to catch … Continue reading Donning my resolved-and-determined hat (at Continuum)
Cunctator noun: One who hesitates; a procrastinator or delayer When I saw this word hit my inbox (from A.Word.A.Day) last week, I knew I had to share it -- even if only as a reminder to myself that I must not embody its meaning. This evening, however, I fear I deserve it as a descriptor. … Continue reading Word of the day: Cunctator
The challenge is 10K a day -- but for once it's not words that are the target, but steps. I'm currently participating in the Global Corporate Challenge as part of a work initiative. It aims to get slothful desk workers out of their chairs and moving towards improved health and productivity. The challenge has been going … Continue reading 10K a day
"Every day is new, with no mistakes in it." This is the first of two powerful life lessons I learnt long ago from the novel Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. I quote it to myself often, especially when I find myself getting frustrated about falling behind in my daily goals and not achieving … Continue reading Every day is new, with no mistakes in it
Ellen Gregory 