Joanne Anderton

Behind in my blog posting again, where is my head at the moment? Ah, I know. When a sff writer says ‘oh, sorry, I was in another world’ that means we’re hard at work… right?

So, what I have forgotten to mention is ‘Breathtaker’ — a quasi-romantic, quasi-apocalyptic short story of mine — will be coming out in ASIM issue #44. And it looks like that might be as soon as February! I’m really excited about this. This story popped into my head during a pranayam session at yoga (when I really should have been concentrating on my breath instead…*is bad*) survived a few reincarnations as I tried to work out what it was actually about, and finally came good with the help of my wonderful writing buddy, Rabia. I’m also thrilled that is was Felicity Dowker who said yes to it, as she is a writer who I greatly respect and admire.

What other world have I been in? What could possibly keep me from sharing this news as soon as possible?Why, that’s revision world, of course. I’m almost finished rebuilding the last in a series of scenes that I had to tear down and start from scratch. As per the page count I’m over 60% of the way through this draft and I can see the light from here! It’s getting there!

Sadly, ‘Dragon Bones’ did not win. But regardless, I had a fantastic time. This was my first AA ceremony and what fun it was! The organisers put together a wonderful audio-visual display and read excerpts from some older Aussie spec-fic novels and stories in between each category. All-round an inspiring showcase of Aussie spec-fic awesomeness.

The post-award cocktail party was a blast. Of course, it was also very hot and stuffy - full of bodies - and got a little difficult to hear at some stages. Met new friends (waves to Sarah, Jane and Tim) and caught up with some old.

And here’s a couple of photos (stolen from Cat Sparks, I should add!)

(Donna Hanson, me, Trudi Canavan & Nicole Murphy)

(me, Sarah and Jenny)

Came home Sunday evening feeling exhausted but inspired. This is what I love about these kind of events - book launches, workshops and cons are the same. There is so much energy in a room full of people who all write, read and love spec fic that it’s infectious. It recharges the ‘I love doing this!’ batteries.

And yay for that.

But I am a sheep with a desk. Lots of interesting writerly type people are showing off their writing spaces, so I decided to join the party. Observe:

Do you see my ‘Aperture Science (your trusted friend in science)’ mug? The cuteness of the mac mini and the pico headphone amp attached to it? (audiophile husband strikes again) Sadly my trusty lower-back-saving cushion is almost hidden on the chair there. All it’s missing is the usual kitten accessories.

So there we have it.

Baa.

Well, I just passed the half-way point in this revision and sure enough the middle is as big a muddle as I’d feared. Tonight, I sat down and worked out what wasn’t working and how I could fix it. Then I cut 9000 words, give or take a few.

But you know what, that’s ok. Because I will streamline the plot, ratchet up the tension, throw in some conflict for good measure and this will be a much better draft for it!

I think I’m starting to get better at identifying places that need work, and I’m certainly less forgiving when they aren’t up to scratch. I’m going to take this as a good sign, despite the crazy-makings.

I’m hoping that I will have this whole section re-written by the end of the weekend O.O

Maybe I should go and get some sleep, you know, so I have half a chance…

Urk, it’s too hot tonight. Of course, this is nothing compared to what others have been putting up with. But still. Hot.

Melting inhibits the revision so instead, I’ll chat about some odds and ends!

First, and very exciting, is that the ToC for Worlds Next Door has been announced and my short story, ‘Graffiti’ is in there! This story was inspired by an old house near Centennial Park that a friend and I inspected. Of course, we had no hope of buying it, but the place was terribly rundown and deliciously creepy. Thankfully the new owners haven’t knocked it down and seem to be repairing it — it must have been beautiful in its day and hopefully will be again!

But why so exciting? Well, because I love what Twelfth Planet Press has been producing and it’s great to be working with them. And then there’s the ToC itself, what amazing company to be in! And last, but not least, because my husband has done the artwork to accompany the story! Which I also love (lots of love in this post isn’t there…) but that probably goes without saying.

See! Fun and exciting all round.

Second is a review of ‘Albatross Ghosts’ at Tangent Online. I particularly love:

I would encourage Anderton to apply her talent to riskier projects. She has a nice touch with foreshadowing and with other sorts of innuendo and would do well by expanding to more creative storylines.

I feel inspired by that, challenged. This bravado will probably only last until the next rejection but hey, might as well enjoy it while I can