This is all stuff that came up during the research and writing of In Victrix, and found it’s way in some off-hand way into the book. I’ve mentioned before how small trivia and throwaway lines make for rich world-building. For me, I love exploring all those articles for the enjoyment in learning more about a […]
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Book Review: The Grey Bastards, by Jonathan French
The Grey Bastards is a shining example of SPFBO winner, and I’m reading through them to get all the best indie voices. This novel didn’t disappoint — the accolades are well deserved! What to expect A classic epic fantasy, starting small and building up to a grand finale, through many twists of betrayals, revelations, and […]
Series Review: Rivers of London, by Ben Aaronovitch
I’ve read the first novel in the series, Rivers of London, a few months back. I quite liked the premise, so naturally delved down that rabbit hole. Here’s a review of the whole series to date: seven books, a couple of novellas, six graphic novels, and assorted shorts.
The Editing Process (or, Playing in the Big League for Fun and Profit)
I’ve talked about my writing process (and how to make the muse work for you slash keep track of rabid characters and twisty plots), so now it’s time to talk about editing (and how to keep your sanity). For the curious, there are three reasons why I’m blogging about this: one, it forces me to […]
Book Review: Goblins at the Gate, by Ellis Skip Knox
Guess what? I found an historically-based, military style epic-fantasy on the backdrop of ancient Rome. Can you guess how quickly I jumped to read it? Goblins at the Gate is a masterpiece blending historical and epic fantasy elements. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys military epic fantasy and ancient Rome. What to expect An epic […]
#AuthorsForFireys – Or, Don't Buy My Books
Last week I participated in the #AuthorsForFireys Twitter “auction”. A lot of wonderful people posted something — books, author services, whatever — for others to bid on and raise money for Australia. I managed to raise AU$ 250 this way, which isn’t bad for an indie, and is certainly welcome for Australian firefighters. But I […]
#AuthorsForFireys – Do a Good Deed (and get a Good Book)
If you’ve ever seen my posts of social media, you’ll know that I care deeply about environmental issues. With the current devastation sweeping across Australia, authors across the globe are running a fund-raiser for the brave firefighters (most of whom are volunteers) at the front line. Rules are simple. It’s an “auction” over on Twitter. […]
Happy Reflections
It’s the end of another year, so, first and most importantly, I hope the last one went your way and may you have a great next year! Now, because life isn’t always as obliging (and there was enough pain and suffering this year), it’s probably a good time as any to remind ourselves of our […]
Book Review: The New Magic, by Joseph Malik
The New Magic is a direct continuation of Dragon’s Trail. Considering how much I liked Malik’s first novel, I was looking forward to this one! What to expect An epic fantasy (technically portal fantasy, as the protagonist started on Earth in the first novel), with all the trappings – warring houses, enemies within and without, […]
Crypto Saturnalia, or: How to Celebrate Saturnalia, When No-one Else Does
It’s the time of the year when every Romanophile secretly wonders how they could celebrate Saturnalia, without looking like a weirdo to everyone who celebrates the more acceptable holidays of midwinter in these modern times. Well, fear no more! Here is a tongue-in-cheek list to help you crypto-Romanophiles celebrate the grandest of holidays, without looking […]
