This week's musings (a day late, sorry) surround feedback on novel manuscripts -- as in how to get the most out of it. I don't know about other writers, but I rather like to share my work. I'm not necessarily talking about a critical appraisal here, I'm talking about just having it read. In fact, … Continue reading The WIP and the writing group
Robert McKee Thriller Day – part 3
And now for part 3 of my Thriller Day summary, in which the craft and conventions of writing thrillers are contemplated. Story design I mentioned in an earlier post that McKee is famous for his four-day ‘Story’ seminar and accompanying book, both of which sound extremely worthwhile. Most people in the audience were familiar with … Continue reading Robert McKee Thriller Day – part 3
Robert McKee Thriller Day – part 2
So, in the previous post I only got as far as the introduction in my summary of the McKee Thriller day. Here is part 2, in which the crime is committed and the protagonist victimised . . . Antagonist is key When writing crime stories, it turns out you always start by creating the perfect … Continue reading Robert McKee Thriller Day – part 2
Robert McKee Thriller day – part 1
It was almost a month ago now, but I've finally gotten around to posting about the Robert McKee Thriller day. There is quite a deal to summarise, so I've decided to divide it into a few sections for ease of digestion. This is part 1. First off, I should say that I decided to attend … Continue reading Robert McKee Thriller day – part 1
Wrapup of Continuum 7
I've spent the past 3.5 days at Continuum 7, Melbourne's own speculative fiction and pop culture convention, and I'm knackered. It's been an awesome frenzy of panels and meals and bottles of wine and talking and generally fuelling the literary flame. One of the guests of honour was the incomparable Catherynne M Valente, fantasy author and poet, … Continue reading Wrapup of Continuum 7
Good advice
Last week I stumbled upon Anne R. Allen's Blog and she has some incredibly sensible things to say about writers and blogging. Her series of posts on blogging (highlighted in her side bar) covers tips on content, search-engine optimisation, pitfalls to avoid . . . and how to attract readers. Highly recommended reading. On the … Continue reading Good advice
Eona launch at Glenfern
Today I attended the launch of Eona by the lovely Alison Goodman. It's the sequel to fantasy epic Eon, a tale of dragons and power and imperial politics set in a fantasy land inspired by medieval Chinese and Japanese mythologies. I'm actually reading Eon (also known as The Two Pearls of Wisdom) at the moment, and can't … Continue reading Eona launch at Glenfern
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
In the pub
I'm becoming rather a fan of writing in the pub. This might sound like a strange endeavour, and certainly our mini laptops all lined up receive odd looks from the other patrons. But, as we sit secure in a generous high-walled timber booth with wine, coffee and pub food flowing, somehow just the right creative ambiance is reached … Continue reading In the pub
Contemplating World Fantasy 2011
In keeping with my 'focus on writing career' philosophy for this year, I have mostly decided to attend the World Fantasy Convention in San Diego (27-30 October). I have been eyeing off this annual convention for years and years, ever since my first taste of the World Science Fiction Convention, which came to Melbourne in 1999 … Continue reading Contemplating World Fantasy 2011
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