Books. July. This is what I read. Debris - Jo Anderton I picked up a copy of Debris, Jo Anderton's acclaimed first novel (Angry Robot books) in the Veiled Worlds trilogy, in June at the launch of the third. And she very kindly signed it for me too. So, determined to get back on track … Continue reading July reading: Drought and Debris
Last week, indie publisher Turtleduck Press launched a new fantasy anthology that sounds like a LOT of fun -- especially if you're someone who's after more stories in which women seize control of their destinies. Under Her Protection: Stories of Women to the Rescue is edited by Toronto-based author and keen fellow traveller, Siri Paulson. … Continue reading Stories of Women to the Rescue
Today I bring you two very different images from my journeys through Spain a few years ago, inspired by the latest WordPress weekly photo challenge theme, which is ZIGZAG. The featured image (above) is from the Alcazar (palace) in Seville. It's a simple staircase descending into a tiled foyer, but I've always loved the angles … Continue reading Zigzag
ZILLAH The punt carries us downriver, out of reach of the arrows. The old woman -- Yag is her name -- instructs Ammonite on how to steer us to the northern bank. Those Testerris scum in Hyden's Ford have got their backs up... I think maybe Ammonite and Calwyn killed some of them, and we're … Continue reading D&D Chronicles: Trek through snow to the Lake of Tears
Winter sun. Wind. Waves. Words. Phillip Island in winter is quiet, serene, beautiful. With the blessing of a clear weekend, I hightailed down to the island this past weekend for some much-needed R&R and time alone with my WIP. It turned out to be one of the most relaxing and joyous weekends I've ever spent … Continue reading Sunday journal ~ time out at Phillip Island
Phillip Island is one of my happy places -- although I don't seem to get down there nearly often enough these days. On one of my first solitary writing weekends on the island, I took a walk along the beautiful southern coast to discover the wreck of the SS Speke in the picturesque Kitty Miller … Continue reading Relic
Still in mourning for Mary Stewart (read my tribute here), I re-read a couple more of her books in June. Set in Provence, France, Madam, will you talk? is the story of Charity, a young English widow, who's on holiday in Avignon when she befriends a young boy, David, whose father, Richard, has recently been … Continue reading June reading: more love and mysteries
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!)
Gosh, another month has passed already... it's been a busy one. I'm still juggling creative endeavours with paid freelance and contracting work -- but as the latter gains momentum, the whole balance is becoming trickier. Business momentum is good -- yay! Displacement of writing time is not -- meh... I'm longing for a writing retreat … Continue reading Sunday journal ~ push and shove
ZILLAH I've never been this far south before. The place is called Hyden's Ford and is teeming with southerners and their priests. A southerner has set himself up as a 'lord', claimed land that should belong to no-one but the wind and rain, and keeps an armed force to do his bidding. Added to this, … Continue reading D&D Chronicles: in which we are run out of town
Ellen Gregory 