research, Writing

Greek Myth: Sirens

Funerary statue of a siren with a shell lyre, c. 370 BCE In Ancient Greek mythology, the sirens are vaguely described by various sources but are usually interpreted as being large birds with the heads of women. In the classic Ancient Greek legend The Odyssey attributed to Homer, the hero Odysseus’s ship is attacked by sirens… Continue reading Greek Myth: Sirens

events, Long Fiction, Short Fiction, Writing

Conflux Convention

I’ll be attending the 17th Conflux Speculative Fiction Convention in Canberra from 29th September - 3rd October, 2023. I’ll be in the Dealer’s Room - All weekend!! Book Promo — Cursed Shards edited by Leanbh Pearson with Stephen Herczeg, 29th September, Friday 5.30 pm. I’ll be on 3 panels: Entrances to Evil: Doors in Dark… Continue reading Conflux Convention

research, Writing

Slavic Folklore: Upiór

The Upiór is present in Slavic and Turkic folklore and resembles the vampire. The Upiór is depicted as a ravenous and insatiable creature with vampiric features. Belief in the Upiór may have spread across the Eurasian steppes through migrations with its origins in the regions surrounding the Volga River and the Pontic steppes. An Upiór… Continue reading Slavic Folklore: Upiór

events, Writing

Diversity Grants & Awards

I’m really excited to announce I’ve been nominated for the Ditmar Awards for Best New Talent and Best Novella for Bluebells - an LGBTQI, disability dystopian alternate history horror. I’m a recipient of the 2023 Horror Writers Association Diversity Grants to allow me to continue research for my HWA mentorship project with Lee Murray. The… Continue reading Diversity Grants & Awards

events, Writing

Ditmar Award Nominations!!

I’m thrilled to announce I’m included in the 2022 Ditmar Awards Nominations. There is such a fabulous variety of works nominated this year. Presentations will be held at Conflux Convention in September/October. I’m nominated for Best New Talent and my LGBTQI dystopian alternate history novella Bluebells is nominated in Best Novella or Novelette. Congratulations to… Continue reading Ditmar Award Nominations!!

research, Writing

Celtic Myth: Danu

Danu is one of the oldest Celtic goddess. She is represented by the earth and its abundance. Many place names in Ireland are associated with her, most notable the Paps of Anu in Kerry, which resemble the breasts of a large supine female, part of the land. Danu is known as the ‘beantuathach’ (farmer) associating… Continue reading Celtic Myth: Danu

research, Writing

Norse Mythology: Frigg

Frigg (Old Norse Frigg, “Beloved”) is the highest-ranking of the Aesir goddesses. She’s the wife of Odin, and the mother of Baldur. Frigg is depicted as a völva - a Viking Age practitioner of the form of Norse magic known as seidr. Seidr was a shamanic discerning fate and working within that structure to bring… Continue reading Norse Mythology: Frigg

research, Writing

Aztec Mythology: Xipe Totec

Xipe Totec or 'Flayed One' in Nahuatl, was a major god in ancient Mesoamerican culture and particularly important for the Toltecs and Aztecs. He was considered the god of spring, the patron of seeds and planting and metal workers (especially goldsmiths) and gemstone workers. Xipe Totec was so closely connected to the sacrifices that were… Continue reading Aztec Mythology: Xipe Totec

research, Writing

Norse Mythology: Skadi

Skadi (Old Norse Skaði) is a frost giantess. Her name is identical to the Old Norse common noun skaði which means “harm,”. Her name may be related to the naming of landmass of “Scandinavia.” Skadi’s domain is the highest peaks of the mountains where the snow never melts. She is an keen huntress and her… Continue reading Norse Mythology: Skadi