Here in Melbourne, Australia, Spring is well underway after a miserable, wet Winter. As the days lengthen and the evenings grow warmer, the temptation to venture out into the evening is strong. Beckoned by the balmy air and lingering sunshine, I find myself donning track-pants and runners and heading down the driveway. I'm lucky enough to … Continue reading The beachfront beckons
It's hugely important to feed the muse, no matter the creative endeavour. And from now on -- at least for a little while -- I'm dedicating Wednesdays on this blog to this purpose. Today's inspiration comes in the form of music. Specifically Dvorak's Symphony Number 9 -- From the New World. I love all kinds of … Continue reading Dvorak and the bright, beautiful sunrise
Some time ago, I was challenged to list several sources of inspiration and -- before I get into that -- it has made me ponder the nature of inspiration and what people do with it. So what is inspiration? The dictionary says (OK, I'm also an engineer and I like definitions): inspiration - 1. drawing … Continue reading Contemplating the nature of inspiration
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
There's a 2006 Irish musical film called Once, which is one of those movies that grabs hold of you and won't let go. It's a really simple story about a musician (Glen Hansard from The Frames) busking on the street, who meets another musician (Markéta Irglová) by chance, and they decide to record an album. The addition of her … Continue reading When your mind’s made up (from Once)
Yesterday I took a walk with a friend in a local State Park called the You Yangs. The park comprises a series of about four modest granite peaks -- little more than hills, really -- surrounded by scrubby native Australian bush and grassland. Beyond, the land is relentlessly flat and cleared for farming, but within … Continue reading A timely reminder that creativity needs fuelling
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)
One of about six Guests of Honour at the recent World Fantasy Convention was artist Ruth Sanderson, who has illustrated an uncountable number of picture books (and/or book covers), many of them fairytales and other fantasy stories. Her paintings, several of which were on display in the Art Show, were breathtakingly beautiful -- had I … Continue reading World Fantasy GOH: Ruth Sanderson
It’s hard to believe that it’s essentially a week since the World Fantasy Convention in San Diego – I’m still recovering from all the people, panels and parties! I had the most amazing time. This convention was all about socializing and informal networking. Yes, I attended quite a few panels (mainly those featuring the various … Continue reading World Fantasy wind-down
Today I'm boarding a flight to San Diego USA to attend my first World Fantasy Convention. Exciting! It feels rather indulgent to be taking a trip halfway around the world simply to hobnob with other genre writers and industry professionals, but I know it will be a worthwhile experience. There will be plenty of people to meet, … Continue reading Heading to San Diego
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