Everyone is talking about self-publishing at the moment. Authors and agents are blogging about it regularly, and I've stumbled upon several blogs and websites that provide resources and advice about how to format correctly, produce for different devices, design covers, distribute etc. What was considered once-upon-a-time (not so long ago) to be a daft and unprofessional move … Continue reading Thoughts on self-publishing
Lure of the blog maze
These days a great many writing resources -- particularly in the form of blogs -- can be found on the Interwebs. There are blogging agents, blogging editors, blogging authors, not to mention blogging aspirants, by the bucketload. These blogs all take different forms: some are instructional, filled with great advice; others contain well thought-out essays on aspects of genre; many are … Continue reading Lure of the blog maze
Shot of adrenalin
I often find myself pondering exactly what it is that makes me write. The automatic response on being asked is always, "because I can't not write." And while this is true, it doesn't really provide any insight as to why I live in such a state (for 'state' it certainly is . . .). I don't … Continue reading Shot of adrenalin
‘What if?’ and the art of pessimism
One afternoon recently, I found myself contemplating 'what if?', and it struck me that my thoughts were tending towards the pessimistic. (What if I let the dog off the lead and he ran onto the road? What if I chopped my finger off with the secateurs through carelessness? ...) But then I realised that this is what … Continue reading ‘What if?’ and the art of pessimism
With a dash of love
The rise of 'paranormal romance' as a best-selling genre has me reflecting on the role of 'romance' in the wider speculative fiction genre and fantasy in particular. I think it's fair to say that most fantasy novels written over the past few decades incorporate romantic sub-plots, and I'll admit without shame that I for one like a good dash … Continue reading With a dash of love
Birth
I am nearing the end of the second draft of my novel, which is the first in a fantasy series of two, possibly three novels. It's an exciting time, because soon I will have a manuscript that will be ready for people to read. It's also a daunting time for the very same reason. The thought of someone reading … Continue reading Birth
Brave
One thing impressed upon me at last year's Worldcon (Aussiecon 4) was the importance of having a presence on the interwebs for writers. For published authors it's all part of marketing and publicity, while for unpublished writers it's considered an indication that one is taking the business and craft seriously -- another form of marketing … Continue reading Brave
Ellen Gregory 