Review of Captive Prince and Prince’s Gambit by C.S. Pacat

Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat leapt to the top of my to-be-read pile the instant I heard about it last weekend, because it ticks three of my current preferred boxes: It’s a secondary world fantasy, written by an Australian woman (meaning I can review it for the Australian Women Writers challenge), and it’s centred on … Continue reading Review of Captive Prince and Prince’s Gambit by C.S. Pacat

Journal ~ Update on words, Spring, bad habits

Words... Despite my indecision a month ago, I've managed to get back into a good creative routine. The second half of July was work-frenzied as predicted, but August has been a delight. Lots of cafe writing sessions and I've started the run to the end of this novel. So I feel as though I'm getting … Continue reading Journal ~ Update on words, Spring, bad habits

Review of Dreamer’s Pool by Juliet Marillier

Earlier this year, I pledged to participate in the Australian Women Writers Challenge — essentially a commitment to read, review and generally plug published works by Australian women. It’s taken me a while to get my act together, but here — finally — is my first official review towards this challenge. I selected Dreamer’s Pool … Continue reading Review of Dreamer’s Pool by Juliet Marillier

Journal ~ update on words, books, journeying

Words... In the last several months I haven't talked too much (in fact, at all) about the novel revision I'm (still) working on. This is because it's taken me a while to conquer 'the middle section', which has been nipped and tucked and rearranged and tweaked... and then some more... I've been enjoying myself, though. … Continue reading Journal ~ update on words, books, journeying

Book launch: Grave Touched ~ Erin Zarro

Today I'm joined by indie author Erin Zarro to celebrate the launch of her second urban fantasy/science fiction novel, Grave Touched, which is the sequel to Fey Touched; both are published by Turtleduck Press. Grave Touched is officially launched Friday 1 May 2015. BLURB Grave Touched ~ Erin Zarro Fey Touched – humans, genetically engineered … Continue reading Book launch: Grave Touched ~ Erin Zarro

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

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

Hmm, what shall I read this year?

Every so often discussions about "white straight male privilege" cross my radar and I once again find myself examining my own assumptions and practices. Most recently, the following blog post appeared in my facebook feed and resonated with me: I Challenge You to Stop Reading White, Straight, Cis Male Authors for One Year (For the … Continue reading Hmm, what shall I read this year?

Reading highlights from 2014

At the beginning of 2014 one of my goals was to read more books. Indeed, I've been setting this (very vague) annual goal the past few years, because my reading habits were deteriorating to the point of being embarrassing. And I really missed the joy that comes from complete immersion in a novel. So after … Continue reading Reading highlights from 2014

What I read in December

Yet again, I read a fair few books in December. In fact, I've become somewhat addicted to nose-in-kindle and am at the point where I get a little agitated if I try to take a break. Seriously. I wasn't joking in my last post when I said I'd spent every day since Christmas on the … Continue reading What I read in December