writing
Life with no fear?
From the series of “random thoughts I can’t shake off”, I got to thinking about how a highly socialised animal like a human function, were their brain/body unable to feel fear. Partially the question was inspired by a short story “Shudder” by Daniel Morden’s upcoming collection “Strange Tales”. In most of the animal kingdom, the … Continue reading Life with no fear?
The top three things which cause me to throw a book across the room
So the title is somewhat exaggerated. I don’t really throw books across the room, but when faced with any of the below, I most certainly close them with disgust. As nearly every fiction writer, I’m a reader first. And in my reading journey, I’ve come across many lapses of writerly/editorial judgement. Many forgivable. Most forgettable. … Continue reading The top three things which cause me to throw a book across the room
2023 DOUBLE BOOK NEWS!
Exciting days are a-coming! I’m really excited to announce that this year I have two Slavic-folklore-inspired Fantasy novels coming out! Something for everyone: one for adults, one for children. The first one, THE STORM CHILD, is the continuation of Mara’s journey from The Wind Child. The sequel (and the last part of the duology) comes … Continue reading 2023 DOUBLE BOOK NEWS!
My most anticipated books of 2021!
I thought what better way to celebrate the death of the awful 2020 but by celebrating the art that makes it all a bit more bearable? So here are some of my most anticipated reads of 2021, in no particular order, if you’re wondering what this author likes to read in her spare time! I … Continue reading My most anticipated books of 2021!
The Joy and Wonder of Beta Readers
I’m not impatient, not at all. I’m just sitting here quietly, as my marvelous beta readers are doing their thing. For the uninitiated, beta readers are all of those wonderful people in your life (or on the web, depending on your preference), who are the first people to read through your novel (who are not … Continue reading The Joy and Wonder of Beta Readers
Editing the New Thing and the Sparkly Ideas
I’m waiting for my agent to finish reading through my big picture edits (see the last post) of my adult fantasy novel, let’s call it novel X. What does one do in this time, except drive themselves mad with anxiety? Well, if you’re me, you have a very long list of to-do jobs. When I … Continue reading Editing the New Thing and the Sparkly Ideas
Big Picture Edits
I have just completed the “Big Picture Edits” on my last manuscript. My agent, has gone over my book with a fine-tooth comb and came up with an INCREDIBLY LONG list of things that don’t work/could work better/need expanding. You know all those little lazy bit of writing you think will hide in the awesomeness … Continue reading Big Picture Edits
Books by Women
I have recently come across a Twitter thread by the wonderful Joanne Harris where she quoted a review of her own book, Chocolat, where the author of the review chose to describe it as a tale of a a single mother who liked chocolate. I kid you not. That prompted an extensive conversation and wide-spread … Continue reading Books by Women
Writing Scenes of Pain
Now my writing is filled with a whole lot of pain and hardship and difficulties. Misery writes itself, as we all know. But that could lead you to the entirely wrong assumption that I enjoy inflicting pain upon my characters. I do not. The scene I wrote today felt as upsetting to write as it … Continue reading Writing Scenes of Pain
Character sketches
Now for something entirely different… When I write I like to do a few sketches here and there: mostly of my characters and maps, though I have in the past done larger illustrations too. I thought I would share a few of them. It serves a purpose further than just indulging my love for art. … Continue reading Character sketches