Inspired. Energised. A wee bit daunted. That's how I feel right now. It's been one of those weekends. A fabulous weekend -- don't mistake me. But my mind is now spinning like a wind wheel. Bright and shiny? Yes. But spinning oh so very fast. The weekend started with a most satisfactory cafe writing session, … Continue reading Sunday journal ~ Infinite possibilities (Oh, my!)
I 'read' something like 30 books in 2012 (as far as I can remember). This isn't a huge total, but it's quite a few more than I suspected. 'Not reading' was one of my huge frustrations last year -- I couldn't seem to fit it in! Thank all the gods for audiobooks. Around two-thirds of … Continue reading What I read in 2012
You want to know what I think is one of the best things about the new WONDERFUL era of publishing and e-books? There no longer need be any such thing as 'out of print'. That's right. Books are now the most accessible they've ever been, and they can now live for ever online, just waiting … Continue reading No more ‘out of print’
It's funny, but when I sit down to list my all-time favourite fantasy novels or series, most of them are not what you'd call recent. In fact some of them are just plain old. Maybe this is because I believe favourites must stand the test of time and re-reading. Or maybe it's because I just … Continue reading Seven fantasy favourites
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
It's very difficult to put into words how I felt yesterday upon hearing about the death of Sara Douglass, a true pioneer of Australian fantasy. Even today, having had time to reflect and read some of the tributes, I feel intensely and confusedly emotional. I did not personally know Sara Douglass. I never even had … Continue reading Vale Sara
One of the aspects of fiction writing that I've had to work hard on over the years is how to structure a good story. For many writers this comes naturally, but I started with an interest in worldbuilding, high fantasy concepts and prose, which alone do not a good story make. I found out the hard way, … Continue reading Non-linear narrative in fantasy
I am reading a fantasy trilogy at the moment with rather a different structure than normal. I don't think it all quite works, but one aspect of it I am finding particularly intriguing. The first book opens with a short section (2 chapters) from the point of view of a character that dies. I was stunned … Continue reading Manipulating death
E V Gregory 