So, last weekend was the World Fantasy Convention in Brighton, UK. My second, following the San Diego WFC in 2011. Once again, I had an excellent time, my activities largely divided between the official program and socialising, er, networking, in the bar. New friends were made and insights obtained... All very satisfying and definitely inspirational. … Continue reading World Fantasy Convention 2013 – a wrapup
Apparently the WIP doesn’t suck too much
Today I'm blogging instead of writing in the cafe. I thought it was time for another practice post with the bluetooth keyboard. I've spent time this week researching local sim options for my forthcoming trip, having decided to forgo mobile roaming costs -- besides, I like the idea of having data access on my smart … Continue reading Apparently the WIP doesn’t suck too much
D&D Chronicles: Dwarven treasure
ASH I am still not sure how we managed it, but we have come through our adventure largely unscathed. The sacred vessel has been retrieved and delivered to its place of honour in our village, our fallen paladin comrade, Intan, has been resurrected, and we are sitting in a cosy inn swilling ale, dwarven treasure … Continue reading D&D Chronicles: Dwarven treasure
Movie review: Riddick
Last week I saw Riddick, the latest Vin Diesel blockbuster movie, and reviewed it for Festivale Online Magazine. To summarise, I liked the opening (first 20 mins or so) a lot. The rest, not so much. Click through to read the full review! Above is an image from the part of the movie I liked. … Continue reading Movie review: Riddick
Fantasy and the Fast Diet
Today I ate just 500 calories' worth of food. I've decided to try out 'The Fast Diet' and today was my first fasting day. The Fast Diet seems to be all the rage just now. Check out the web site for the full deal, but in essence it involves fasting for two days in the week, … Continue reading Fantasy and the Fast Diet
Spring wishes
The blossom is out and the last couple of days I've worn a tee-shirt. Yes, it's been a gorgeous sunny end to winter and next week Spring officially begins with forecast temperatures in the mid-twenties. The blooming of Spring and the crackle of Autumn are my favourite times of year. I'm always ready for the … Continue reading Spring wishes
D&D Chronicles: Tragedy at the island
ASHI wish we'd never ventured onto the island. Not only is it completely in the wrong direction from the plains and our village, but we have lost one of our companions.It is no secret there was no love lost between the paladin and me, but despite his incessant blathering about his god, he was a … Continue reading D&D Chronicles: Tragedy at the island
On a writing (not reading) retreat
In many ways I suppose this could be a good weekend for reading. But that's not what I'm supposed to be doing... I'm at a writers retreat. I'm supposed to be writing. I'm here in a house with eight fellow word wranglers. There are laptops everywhere. The floor is strewn with cables. Wine is being mulled... … Continue reading On a writing (not reading) retreat
Thoughts on Among Others by Jo Walton
I recently read Jo Walton's Among Others, winner of the 2012 Nebula, Hugo and British Fantasy Awards for best novel. Since it's one of the few recent SF novels I've read of late, I thought I would share some of my thoughts. [Mild spoilers...] Among Others has been described as many things: a fairy story, … Continue reading Thoughts on Among Others by Jo Walton
A campfire memory
My introduction to Tolkien came when my dad read The Hobbit to my sisters and I as we sat around a campfire. Could there be a more perfect scenario? Our family was camping in South Australia's Flinders Ranges. I was about 11, my sisters younger. Our evening's entertainment consisted of hunkering around the fire that … Continue reading A campfire memory
Ellen Gregory 