Speculative Fiction and Fantasy Festival, 7-8 May

I’m delighted to be on the program for the SA Writers Centre’s upcoming Speculative Fiction and Fantasy Festival, which is happening next weekend (7-8 May). This is going to be such a blast — as you can no doubt see from the list of featured guests: Gillian Rubinstein (aka Lian Hearn), Sean Williams, Lisa L…… Continue reading Speculative Fiction and Fantasy Festival, 7-8 May

Year’s Best Australian Fantasy & Horror 2012

Finally, I can announce that I’ve got TWO stories in the Year’s Best Australian Fantasy & Horror 2012, edited by Liz Grzyb and Talie Helene. HOORAY!! It’s wonderful to see so many great authors in the ToC, which has just been released today: Joanne Anderton, “Tied To The Waste”, Tales Of Talisman R.J.Astruc, “The Cook…… Continue reading Year’s Best Australian Fantasy & Horror 2012

I have been remiss…

Slackness the First: I’ve been back from Continuum for two days and have yet to post a con report. In short, the convention was brilliant. Got to Melbourne on Thursday evening, had a lovely dinner with Angela, Kirstyn and Mondy and then recorded our ‘guest appearance’ for the Writer and the Critic podcast. We had…… Continue reading I have been remiss…

Australian Shadows Awards 2011

The Australian Shadows Awards shortlists and winners have just been announced! I’m delighted that Bluegrass Symphony got an Honourable Mention for ‘Best Collection’ and my novella ‘From the Teeth of Strange Children’ got a nod as well! So cool to be mentioned alongside such excellent authors. Huge congratulations to all the winners and Honourable Mentions!…… Continue reading Australian Shadows Awards 2011

Year’s Best Australian Fantasy & Horror, Vol 2

Hooray! SO happy to see ‘Forever, Miss Tapekwa County’ on this awesome ToC! And the cover art for this volume is so pretty!!! Liz Grzyb and Talie Helene have compiled 32 fantastic stories and poems first published in 2011, from New Zealand’s and Australia’s finest writers. The contents are Peter M Ball “Briar Day” (Moonlight…… Continue reading Year’s Best Australian Fantasy & Horror, Vol 2

The Week That Was: In Pictures and Words

It’s fair to say that I’ve been a hermit since the Year of the Grant began. January and February have flown by in a whirl of words, chapters, stories… and very little else. Sure, I’ve emerged from the oubliette once or twice — for provisions, say, or to reassure my friends that I’m still alive…… Continue reading The Week That Was: In Pictures and Words

Tuesday Therapy: Being the Best Magpie

Jason Fischer is a fellow Adelaidean, harmonica-player, sometimes singer of undead camel songs, zombie aficionado, writer of rollicking stories, and all ’round hell of a nice guy. For this week’s Tuesday Therapy, Jason shares some advice that, really, I just adore. Writers as magpies: what a fantastic (and incredibly accurate) image… Be the Best Magpie…… Continue reading Tuesday Therapy: Being the Best Magpie

An Introduction to Australian Horror

In honour of Australia Day, I was asked to write an article about Australian horror for This Is Horror in the UK — and it’s now up! The article surveys some of the standout horror published in the past two years by Australian independent presses: so much to talk about, so much incredible talent! Australia…… Continue reading An Introduction to Australian Horror

Bluegrass Symphony launch: In Which I Gush and Share Photos

Sometimes I feel soooooooo lucky, and last night was definitely one of those times. It’s actually hard to describe how awesome everthing was at the Bluegrass Symphony launch. Jude at the SA Writers Centre was incredibly lovely, and helped to make sure the atrium was ready for the event to kick off at 7pm –…… Continue reading Bluegrass Symphony launch: In Which I Gush and Share Photos

Year’s Best Australian Fantasy and Horror 2010

Liz Grzyb and Talie Helene, editors of the inaugural Year’s Best Australian Fantasy and Horror anthology, have just announced the table of contents — and, I’ve got to say, I’m squeeeeeeeeeeeeing over how many awesome stories are in this book! And squeeing over how lucky I feel! (And how gorgeous is this cover?!?!) RJ Astruc:…… Continue reading Year’s Best Australian Fantasy and Horror 2010