Short Fiction, stories

Chasing Storms of Sorrow

A little while ago I finished writing an paranormal/dark fantasy short story set in contemporary Melbourne, Australia. I was inspired by the changeable weather in Melbourne and fascinated by the strong winter storms that are drawn inland from the southern ocean. These storms can be very unpredictable and wild as the storm front meets the… Continue reading Chasing Storms of Sorrow

Short Fiction, stories

Historical Fantasy & Sagittarius

Very recently I finished writing a story inspired by the Zodiac sign Sagittarius. I was intrigued when learning the the astrological sign, of Sagittarius is representative of prophecy and fate, among other things. The story is a historical fantasy but set in a hypothetical Renaissance-style Italian city similar to Venice. In this world which is… Continue reading Historical Fantasy & Sagittarius

research

Iceland: National History Museum

In September 2019, I visited the National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavik. While in Iceland, I visited many of the wonderful major natural landmarks in the National Parks in the southern Iceland. You can read about my experiences riding Icelandic horses, exploring waterfalls, volcanoes and glaciers, an iceberg lake and black sand beaches. The National… Continue reading Iceland: National History Museum

reads, Recent Reads

Gideon the Ninth

I read Gideon the Ninth by New Zealand author Tamsyn Muir after hearing many great reviews for this magic-induced, science-fiction adventure. Gideon the Ninth focuses on the central character of Gideon from the Ninth House, an orphan raised alongside the ruling heir, the extraordinary necromancer, Harrowhark Nonagesimus, Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House. Harrowhark is… Continue reading Gideon the Ninth

Short Fiction, stories, Writing

Forthcoming: Taurus Zodiac Anthology

I am excited to have a work in the upcoming Taurus Anthology in the Zodiac Series by Aussie Speculative Fiction. There are a great collection of Australian and New Zealand speculative fiction authors who have contributed works to the fifth instalment in this 12 Zodiac themed Anthologies. My story "The Bull of Heaven" is modern… Continue reading Forthcoming: Taurus Zodiac Anthology

Writing

Latest: Ragnarok Dreaming

I am very pleased to announce my current work-in-progress fantasy novel, Ragnarok Dreaming is very nearing the finishing line. I have just finished writing the third Part of the novel, the draft has already expanded beyond my anticipated length with the new word count expected to be around 130,000 words. Of course, thereโ€™s a lot… Continue reading Latest: Ragnarok Dreaming

research, Writing

Loki and Angrboda

A few weeks ago, I finished writing a series of scenes for my work-in-progress Ragnarok Dreaming inspired by events described in the Norse Prose Edda and Poetic Edda. These involve the mysterious character of Angrboda, the โ€œHag of the Ironwoodโ€ who dwells in jotunheim, is alluded to as a witch and mother of many werewolves… Continue reading Loki and Angrboda

reads, Recent Reads

City of Lies

I was seven years old the first time my uncle poisoned me . . .โ€- City of Lies, Sam Hawke One of my belated book reviews is the debut Fantasy novel City of Lies by Australian author Sam Hawke. The opening line is the best hook for a novel of political intrigue, murder, mystery and… Continue reading City of Lies

research, Writing

Virtual Plotting & Planning

Iโ€™ve been investigating new ways to develop my world-building for my novel-in-progress Ragnarok Dreaming, inspired by Norse mythology. I am a highly visual person and my imagination (and writing) has become increasingly taxed by trying to remember my mental images and plans for complex landscapes, cities and worlds in my latest work-in-progress. I was keen… Continue reading Virtual Plotting & Planning