A Double Dose of Delight

Fantastic Scottish crime writer Stuart MacBride is touring Australia during July, and I will be interviewing him during his Perth leg of the tour! I became an instant fan after reading ‘Flesh House’ last year, which I reviewed and recommended on HorrorScope’s end of year editorial list. I am deep into his next novel, ‘Blind Eye’, and have not been disappointed (well, thus far). So I will try my hardest to act professional and not like a gushing fan. Now, to think of some interesting questions...

As if that wasn’t enough, the 2nd Anniversary of my Eclecticism E-zine is fast approaching (31 July 2009) and to celebrate the occasion I have had a little (well, HUGE) help from UK author Joseph D’Lacey (of ‘Meat’ and ‘The Garbage Man’ fame (Bloody Books, UK)), who is contributing a long short story to the issue! I can’t wait for you all to read the story, because it’s a good one (of course). And of course I haven’t stopped fainting from the kind contribution. It’s all quite surreal to me.

Here’s a sneak peek at the cover of Eclecticism E-zine Issue #9:



The lessons here: keep doing what you love, it will pay off; and never, ever (and I’ve said this before) underestimate the power of ASKING.

Don't judge me (because I'll be judging you)

If you have not heard/received the marketing by now, I have been chosen as one of three judges to compile the shortlist for this year's Australian Shadows Awards, run by the Australian Horror Writers Association (AHWA).

Shane Jiraiya Cummings is the Director this year, and has made the extremely sensible move to split the awards into three categories - Short Fiction, Long Fiction, and Edited Publication. This ensures a novel is not competing with a short story, etc, which I found to be rather bizarre in the past (but hey, maybe that's just me).

I can't wait to compile the list - I've already begun reading, obviously. It's wonderful to see the amount of work Australian writers are trying hard to put out there.

Time slips on by

Wow, I finally freed up some time to write on my blog and website, and realised how long it's been since I've done so. I apologise (to myself, really). So, in my last blog I stated that I would be heading to Adelaide for the Conjecture convention. Well, obviously I took said trip, had a blast (didn't win the Ditmar Award, but c'mon, I lost to the Aussie master of horror), and met lots of wonderful writers/editors/illustrators/fans. I could fill an entire blog post with their names, but you know who you are - thanks for making me feel welcome in my first full convention, in another State I had never been to, no less.

During the convention I capatilised on being unable to write too much for the better part of seven weeks (due to my teaching prac). If I wasn't at a panel, drinking with aforementioned people, or exploring Adelaide, I was sitting down writing (actually, I took a notebook around and wrote in numerous spots around Adelaide). And boy, did I write - six chapters! So if I appeared rude to anyone (sitting at the bar alone, scribbling away) it's 'cause I have had months-worth of plotline boiling away in my head, and it all needed to get out!

I am really enjoying this crime/suspense novel - my main character is slowly being forced (coerced?) to slip back into a life of crime he did everything to pull himself out of, and that just makes me tingle as I write out the progress. I'll keep you updated on the novel's progress - I'm probably only a quarter of the way there yet. In the meantime, I've been typing out and editing my draft for a young adult novel. I've passed the 11 000 word mark and counting (the draft is obviously longer). But that's a post for another day.

Flying High

Hi all,

It's all booked - my plane tickets have been paid for (thanks, Nan and Pop!), the hotel room is reserved, and my convention fees are paid - I'm going to Conjecture!

I know, it's exciting. Conjecture is the National SF Convention, to be held in Adelaide from 5-8 June. It's during this convention that the Ditmar Awards are announced, in which I have been nominated for Best Fan Writer. I can't wait to experience it all, especially since I have never been to Adelaide before. Look out, local cafes, I'm on the prowl!

The downside to this is that I miss two days of teaching - I now have to cram it all in to an already bulging timetable (what with Foundation Day in WA on Monday). But I'll manage; it'll be worth it.

If you're going to be at Conjecture, let me know. We'll have a drink.

Cheers,
Craig.

Pause for breath

Yes, I've been run off my feet, as of late, and barely have enough time for the necessities of life, such as breathing. Why? Well, I am in the middle of my final year's teaching prac and the planning and marking consumes almost every second of the day. For those who think teachers have it easy and leave at 3, you can pull that veil off your eyes now. But the effort will be worth it - I'm having a good time, and my teaching qualification and hence job is on the horizon (I think).

In writing news, I'm sure most in the dark fiction fan/writing community have heard of the recent release of this year's Ditmar Awards final nominations. I awaited the final ballot with a great sense of nervousness, wondering if my Eclecticism ezine would make this list. It didn't, but, lo and behold, I did! Yes, I've been nominated for Best Fan Writer, for my reviews on HorrorScope (and I presume the associated Black Magazine).

That took what little breath I had for quite a while. I am shocked and amazed and damn proud to be nominated. Reviewing novels has been wonderful, and to know that people are actually reading the reviews and enjoying them is the icing on the cake. My best times reviewing are when authors take the time to comment on your review - my last entries have received comments from Jonathan Maberry, Scott Sigler, Joseph D'Lacey, Dean Lorey, and many more. It is a testament that such writers are still humble enough to thank you - even if the review isn't all in their favour - and has been a wonderful example of what I will try to do should one of my novels actually make its way onto a bookshelf (that isn't mine).

I am so excited that I'm arranging my trip to Adelaide for the convention, Conjecture, where the Ditmar Awards will be nominated. That's right, in June I'll be visiting SA for the first time! I encourage you all to have a look at the nominations and vote (if you can, since its a Logies-style fans-only affair) as there are some wonderful, deserving entries, and I congratulate all my colleagues for their nominations - the night is going to be a HUGE party!