Our little band of adventurers is really starting to hit its stride now. After Saturday's D&D session, we are lurking at the edge of a clearing in the forest, above which is suspended a temple in the treetops, completely overrun by goblins, hobgoblins and the like. We are poised for the battle of our short … Continue reading D&D Chronicles: the temple in the treetops
What was the 1st book you ever read?
I asked my mother this (of me) the other day, wanting to correlate my memory of my first reading experience with hers -- and was surprised by the answer. I've long thought the first chapter book I ever read was Charlotte's Web, when I was about eight. This is what I've been telling people for years. Only it … Continue reading What was the 1st book you ever read?
Celebrating 25 years of The Princess Bride
OK, so I've lost count of the number of people who have told me The Princess Bride is their favourite movie in the whole wide world. It's certainly one of mine... and this short tribute is in honour of its 25th birthday -- which I understand was last week. The Princess Bride is one of … Continue reading Celebrating 25 years of The Princess Bride
The epiphany: a new perspective
I had a major epiphany while working on my WIP today. I suddenly saw a solution to several problems all at once, and it was utterly thrilling. Very sadly, I was alone in the cafe at that point , my writing companion having disappeared temporarily for an appointment. I must've looked agitated, because the serving … Continue reading The epiphany: a new perspective
More on writing with joy
I've been on a mission of late to rediscover the joy of writing and in particular the passion for my current work in progress. I lost it for a while there -- lost sight of why as I got all caught up with what and how and is it actually any good? (In fact, I blogged … Continue reading More on writing with joy
D&D Chronicles: in which we almost starve to death
It turns out that food is terribly important when it comes to Dungeons and Dragons. And I'm not (for once) talking about the pizza, wine, popcorn, coffee, port and raspberry licorice we consumed as players -- although that was all quite fabulous. The characters have to eat too, it appears, whether 'trail rations', meals purchased … Continue reading D&D Chronicles: in which we almost starve to death
Seven fantasy favourites
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
D&D chronicles: rise of the miniatures
Session four, and I'm starting to get the hang of D&D now. More often than not I roll the correct die at the correct time and am gradually coming to terms with the fact I'm supposed to be acting my character, not just creating her. (The acting part is far far far the hardest, most traumatic … Continue reading D&D chronicles: rise of the miniatures
D&D chronicles: enter zombies
After our Total Party Kill a few weeks ago, we started a new game for our third D&D session, all playing new characters who entered the scenario in the aftermath of the previous game. This time I'm playing a ranger, and I even have a backstory consistent with the world we're playing in. [I should … Continue reading D&D chronicles: enter zombies
The importance of writing with joy
I've been thinking a lot about where I'm going with my writing of late. Thinking, not doing. There have been no new words on my WIP for over three weeks now. It was a conscious decision to stop. I wasn't happy with anything coming out, had been writing every scene twice, and finally reached the … Continue reading The importance of writing with joy
Ellen Gregory 