Every so often I read a book that really makes me stop and think about how stories are told. There's a lot of theory out there stating the 'rules'. But, at the end of the day, anything goes as long as it works... As long as a reader engages with it. It's really good to … Continue reading What if the main character dies in chapter 2?
How Time Team can help with fantasy worldbuilding
I've recently been watching a lot of old Time Team episodes (a British TV show hosted by Tony Robinson in which a bunch of archaeologists excavate exciting things over three days). I think they have the best job ever. I absolutely love the fact there's so much history buried under pretty much every innocuous field or footpath … Continue reading How Time Team can help with fantasy worldbuilding
On novel pitching: an insight and an epiphany
The recent Conflux Science Fiction convention in Canberra was the first conference I've attended where formal pitching sessions were available to authors. It's probably not surprising therefore that the art of pitching was the subject of much general conversation. I attended a panel about pitching on the second day of the con, featuring panellists Tara Wynn, … Continue reading On novel pitching: an insight and an epiphany
More on building fantastical worlds
I recently attended the Australian National Science Fiction Convention -- Conflux 9 -- a fabulous four days of hanging out with other writers, industry professionals and speculative fiction fans. The convention offered many valuable panel discussions and workshops (among other things); I attended a worldbuilding session with Glenda Larke, an Australian epic fantasy author whose … Continue reading More on building fantastical worlds
Two touchstones for worldbuilding
Another WIP Wednesday, and today I'm going to talk about one aspect of the fantasy genre you just can't escape from: Worldbuilding. This is perhaps one of the most attractive aspects of writing and reading fantasy for me. I just love the opportunity to explore amazing worlds, and when an author gets it right, it's … Continue reading Two touchstones for worldbuilding
Character and conflict in The Liveship Traders
I’m currently reliving Robin Hobb’s Liveship Traders trilogy during my commute to and from work in the car. (Have I mentioned how much I love audiobooks?) I first read this amazing fantasy trilogy back in 2005 and it has since resided firmly near the top of my all-time favourite novels/series. Even so, I’ve previously read … Continue reading Character and conflict in The Liveship Traders
World Fantasy highlights: Connie Willis (with Neil Gaiman)
I'm still in World Fantasy wind-down mode, and today bring you the highlights provided by Toastmaster, Connie Willis. If you read this blog regularly, you'll know that I was recently blown away by her novel Doomsday Book, so was particularly keen to hear what she had to say in person. And what a delight! I … Continue reading World Fantasy highlights: Connie Willis (with Neil Gaiman)
The 10 commandments according to McKee
This just arrived with me on email and I feel compelled to share: Robert McKee's 10 Commandments of STORY I. Thou shalt respect thine audience. II. Thou shalt research. III. Thou shalt dramatize thine exposition. IV. Thou shalt layer a subtext under every text. V. Thou shalt create complex characters rather than merely complicated story. … Continue reading The 10 commandments according to McKee
Endless editing conundrum
I've thought of another argument against showing your WIP to your writing group: it instills a desire to spend time fine-tuning chapters that shouldn't really be fine-tuned until the entire draft is written. I mean, what's the point in wasting all that time fine-tuning material that you'll probably need to revise later anyway? But, the thing … Continue reading Endless editing conundrum
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
E V Gregory 