Well, its been hot - too hot to sit down and NaNoWriMo... I tried and didn't have it in me, but enjoyed the concept, so maybe next year. All I penned were 3500ish words, and did get some value out of it.

Here's a list of temperatures we've had, and while its slowed my writing, it strangely it hasn't deterred me from running in it and getting fit for summer - I suspect that I am like the frog they placed into lusciously warm water and then slowly cranked up the temperature until my skin changed to a boiling red - I don't notice the heat (the crispy garden does, however).

Day Date Temp Diff

Sun 01/11/2009 38.1 +11.0

Mon 02/11/2009 40.6 +13.5

Tue 03/11/2009 20.0 -7.1

Wed 04/11/2009 20.1 -7.0

Thu 05/11/2009 22.3 -4.8

Fri 06/11/2009 30.3 +3.2

Sat 07/11/2009 35.9 +8.8

Sun 08/11/2009 38.0 +10.9

Mon 09/11/2009 38.2 +11.1

Tue 10/11/2009 40.7 +13.6

Wed 11/11/2009 41.0 +13.9

Thu 12/11/2009 41.6 +14.5

Fri 13/11/2009 40.3 +13.2

Sat 14/11/2009 41 +14

As you can see the temperatures are mostly a LOT higher than normal November temps. We have had 5 days of 40+ temps, and another one tomorrow. At this rate February will be sitting at 45. I should go and pull out a story I wrote some time ago about Global Warming, a hot topic at the moment.

Originally published at David Kernot.

yes, it was impulsive, and no I don't have time... but I'm going to do it all the same, to progress a story I have. yes I'm in the middle of a collaboration with David Conyers, and there's the ASIM mag - should be fine...

So, I shall see how it goes.

Life is fun, is it not - this should be so too then :) I can hardly fail, even if i only write 100 words.

Originally published at David Kernot.

A while ago I did a review of Richard Harland's Steampunk story, WorldShaker. It was a fantastic read. Richard has just emailed me to let me know he is working on the next in the series - which is great news, and I wish him good luck with it. I hope it is even half as good as WorldShaker was, and then it would still be a very good read. If it was better than WorldShaker, then even better for us the reader.

So, to cut and paste Richard's email, he has some exciting news for us...

"I've just started the sequel to Worldshaker - TODAY! - and I've just started blogging for a month as writer in residence on the insideadog website - also TODAY! - so I'm recording exactly what happens day by day. A blood, tears, sweat, agony-ecstasy account of how the writing's going - like a soapie, but ten times more wild and crazy and violent. If you're interested, the writer in residence page is at -

http://www.insideadog.com.au/residence/index.php"

Richard is a wonderfully warm and at times a terribly funny man. Go and have a look and follow his trials and tribulations, I'm sure it will be a hoot... I hope you don't mind Richard, I've just told the world.

Originally published at David Kernot.

I've been bumped - and I'm your Christmas present - well not actually me, but my issue number 47 has been moved upwards and will now be issue 43 due out in December. So the hint for all concerned is obviously, we are going to have to edit your work sooner than later - much sooner!

I'm excited by it - I *PROMISE* - I'm not worried, my knees are not trembling (much!). Actually I've chosen some brilliant stories from Australia, New Zealand, the UK and US. You'll love them - and if you haven't subscribed, you should because from what I've seen of the interest in ASIM and the enthusiasm of the slushers and ASIM Cooperative - its going to be an enjoyable and issue packed 12 months.

Been catching up with my critiquing for Hatchette aka Orbit / Little, Brown publishing. and I'm almost up to date. Then I've got Ian Nichols book to do and I'm done unless I get more books.

Still waiting for my letter, for those who know, that's another story.

Originally published at David Kernot.

Well we were able to meet up with David Conyers and his family recently during the local town Show, and we made a good day of it doing the Show things, even if it had been a bit wet the day before and it was a somewhat sodden underfoot. It certainly didn't dampen anyone's spirits, though. Taking advantage of the face-to-face time to actually talk in person about writing was rewarding. No email, no telephone. It doesn't happen very often, and some of my writing contacts and friends are all over the world, so you get it, it was a good day.

Here's a picture of the day, and no - we didn't go on it:

[caption id="attachment_265" align="aligncenter" width="180" caption="Gawler Show 2009"][/caption]

I got the chance to talk about my involvement in the Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine and mention some of the fun that comes with editing your own issue. I'm slated for Issue 47 which is due out next year just before Aussiecon 4 in Melbourne 2010. It has been fun picking all the short and long stories and poems. Obviously being a Science Fiction writer I couldn't avoid some of the stories that I read, they screamed out pick me and I had to grab hold for my issue, but there is a good blend of light and dark, speculative and science in the issue and I'm pleased so far.

Talk moved on to collaborative writing, and we decided that we would give it a go - something difficult over email - but we'll see how it goes. I think the trick will be to get the right balance of communication going and I'm excited to see where we will take David's superb story plot. I've done heaps of research, but at the end of the day it still boils down to good plot and dialogue from credible characters.

David was helpful in my joining the Australian Horror Writers Association, and now as a paid up member I am keen to polish off some of my darker stories that are in various shades of completion and see what people think. Given time I hope that I can find the right voice to balance my style with some darker shades of writing. Time will tell. (Oh, you get this really cool AHWA member's card too when you join, and get to use their logo - see below.)

Today I was pleased to get another short flash fiction piece accepted by AntipodeanSF. Nuke as always is very supportive, and I was happy to learn that it is in Issue 136 in October 2009. It's short, and hopefully will make you think - I won't tell you the title this time, either. Go have a look for yourself, and as always read the other great submissions that appear there.

Cheers,

David

Originally published at David Kernot.

I come from a long line of people who believe in serving their country. I know that I have relatives who fought in the Boer War, the war to end all wars (First World War), the second World War and then there is a pause during Korea, Vietnam, etc. But one war my grandfather fought when he came out to Australia was one with his own body. He was one of the few who stood up at Maralinga in the deserts of South Australia and watched an atomic bomb go off during the tests in the 50's. Not surprising he died of cancer as a result of being bombarded with radiation. He's not alone: there were hundreds that stood alongside him - and died.

So it shouldn't come as a surprise that I'm writing a story about him - obviously I can't talk about my story, so I'll give it a codename "Bert" after my Grandfather, Albert; a quiet ex-artillary man who wanted to give his family a new start after the tradegies of the Second World War. We almost went to Canada, but that's another story.

I suspect I can sum up his life in this picture.

And I'll wear them with pride and remember him. Without him, I'd never have been born.

Originally published at David Kernot.

Well, I can say that I have been busy - with uni studies - not writing like I would have hoped, but I'm doing a post-grad thing that goes until May, and it's keeping me on my toes. Mind you I still have about 14 story submissions on the go, and I have not heard from any of them - which is good, and bad.

The other day, I went into town and was lucky enough to catch up with Jason Fischer for lunch. It is always great catching up with Jason, he is a bundle of focused writing energy who inspires you to jut throw everything else away and write (I almost forgot about assignments.) I am also hoping to catch up with the awesome presence which is David Conyers, and fam soon - that too is always a treat.

I can say that I have been able to don the mantle of Editor for Issue 47 of ASIM, which is due out just before WorldCon, to be held in Melbourne, Australia next year in September. I have some really great stories already picked out and am enjoying my time, slushing fiction, submitting reviews, picking stories for my Issue. It's all good experience, and still I am quietly, picking away at my novel editing and working on two shortish stories when I get the time. Roll on a break from all this study!

So, I remember saying a while ago, that I was going to post a couple of photos from the last Con in Adelaide., and so with permission I'll post these couple from the night. Angela Slatter and LL (Lisa) Hannett during the Masque Ball...



And the awesome Sean Williams, our host for the night:



And for those that want to know what I have been doing with my time really... Yes I have been riding around the countryside enjoying the rolling hills and the cold winter's days on "her".

Originally published at David Kernot.

Everybody knows that Adelaide hosted the 48th Australian National Science Fiction Convention. I write Science Fiction, so went for the Saturday, not knowing what to expect never having been to a "Con" before. I had three things going for me. I knew Jeff Harris, who was part of the organising team, I knew Jason Fischer, local Adelaide boy and Ditmar nominee, and ASIMites Dirk Flinthart (also a Ditmar nominee), Ian Nichols (launching his The Whorl and the Pallin) and Zara Baxter were going to be there. I was to be in good company. But I didn't realise the "Convention Effect" and how easy it was to make new freinds and bask in the greatness of so many established writers.

My first session was From Pen to Print, where I sat in awe listening to some great names, Trudi Cavanan, Richard Harland and Karen Miller give out some sensible advice. Jason Fischer was there too and his panel contributions were no short of awesome as he admitted some of his writing gaffs and rewards.

I caught up with Jason during the break and he introduced me to Peter Ball, which was great, but Peter had to dash and set up for a panel. As it turned I didn't get to speak to Peter again - aparently Cons are like that, and it was dissapointing given his success at his book launch which I found out about later. I won't go into detail - the internet is alive with peter's mating unicorn tshirt and use of profanity egged on by an eager crowd. Wish I had been there.

The next session I went to moved on to a debate on the differences between Urban Fantasy, High Fantasy and Magic Realism. A panel by none other than Peter Ball, Karen Miller and Dianne De Bellis. I have to admit to being completely out of my league there, and was not aware of such complex differentiations in fantasy styles. It was good with input from the audience too, something I noticed that happened throughout all the sessions.

Next an hour of Steampunk, its definition and examples of the different styles. Panel members were Richards Harland, Dave Cake and ASIM's own Dirk Flinthart. Not having met Dirk, it was good to be able to put a face to the name. That the debate was lively was an understatement, that audience participation was plentiful and outspoken to a point - undeniable, but everyone was having fun. I came away with an understanding of the influences of a post moderrnisation world on genre types. All very interesting. The front row was also filled in a lively set of folk in costume, and it turned out that two of them were the Fan Guests of Honour Catherine and Steve Scholz.Then i

It was champagne in the foyer as another ASIMite, Ian Nichols launched his book The Whorl and the Pallin. I too had no idea what Ian looked like before that point and it was good to put another face to a name. I remember him saying that there were places in the book that still made him cry. What a wonderfully enticing thing to say to an audience. I'm sure its true - such is the power of a good book. Ian did a reading from his book, did book signing and gave away a blow-up miniature tardis. I bought his book, got it signed and introduced myself. Ian let it slip that there was a map on the inside cover of his book - I had a look and it was smashing. I also briefly caught up with Dirk, introduced myself and then stepped out for a bite to eat before the next session.

At lunch I was lucky enough to catch up with Rob Stevenson, from Altair - Rob is a local Adelaide character and we chatted about Steampunk from Rob's perspective - it was good. I met Olivia Speirs, a local fantasy writer too and chatted with her.

The Academic as Hero was panelled by Julie Czerneda (Guest of Honour from Canada), Helen Merrick, and lilian Edwards. I went in an unbeliever and left truely convinced of the power of The Academic. It was odd how many times the series Buffy was used as an example, and poor fumbling Giles, was put on a pedestal, but then they came rolling out, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter... and on and on. It was a fun 30 minute session that was quickly followed by DM Cornish. I don't know what planet I have been living on, but I didn't get the opening. MBT meant nothing. Of course now I am educated to Monster Blood Tattoo... so apologies to DM Cornish, who was a great speaker. Simply fascinating to see the path people have taken in their writing endevours. I will get an MBT book, promise (when time permits - but it will be this year).

Cities of the Future followed by Dr Paul Downton. An hour of mankind's progress in the world and the impacts that cities have on the planet, left the audience silent, partly with distress and partly in awe of this great speaker. He used up his time, and then some - but nobody seemed to mind. It was a strange foil to the rest of the days frivolity and I think (as it was suppose to ) left everyone clear to the message. In some ways I felt bad being human and living in a house with the footprint it does.

That was all I could take, and I had to stop and catch a breath. again spent a few moments with Jason, finally was able to catch up with Jeff Harris and tell him all the fun I had had. I went and put my name down to receive info on WorlCon in Melbourne next year. I got a fridge magnet - its on the fridge - and a blurb for the wall. I caught up with fellow writer Astrid Cooper and got her spin on the day and found out how she has been - all good stuff, and then I collapsed in a quiet corner and waited for Richard Harland's book launch. By then I had stalked Richard so much, I felt like he was my best freind - not sure what Richard thought, but he only had to manage a day.

At 530 out in the Foyer, Richard Harland launched Worldshaker. There was copious quantities of champagne, a special tricky prize, and a reading, which Richard did so eloquently. Then his book signing. I bought a book, of course, and got it signed so that was super. I also got to chat more with Jeff and he introduced me to Aurealis Editor Stuart Mayne and we had a great chat about writing. After that I headed out into the miserably cold weather that is an Adelaide winter. It was wet, and Hindley street is not the best street at night, but it was good to catch up with Jeff, something I don't get to do often enough.

I had a bite out on Hindley Street staring out on the rain, and caught my breath before Olivia turned up in all her finery for the Maskabolo: The Masked Ball (then I had to catch my breath all over again). There is something about a Ball, a Masked Ball that brings out the girl in the girl - something they just can't keep away from... (more to follow)

Originally published at David Kernot.

Pleased as always to see my work in print with other gems, I was amused over my attempt at one of my few non-science fiction stories. I tried to get more of the human element into this one, and I have to admit to getting fellow writer, Jason Fischer to give it a look over beforehand.

Jason filled me with all manner of great ideas, and I appreciated his critique, but in the end I toned wild ideas down at the insistence of family - I don't think the world is ready for david-the horror-writer quite yet.

So all said and done, 500 words with some editorial tinkering by the master himself, Ion (Nuke) Newcombe and it turned out to be a reasonable story. Have a read (and the other submitters), just follow the link.

http://www.antisf.com/the-stories/the-wood-moths

Originally published at David Kernot.

Recently I blogged about fellow ASIM co-op member Simon Hayes (his Space Jock series success) and previously I have mentioned his novel writing software (which is free to download). Well, I've just started to use it for my novel, after deciding to choose it over another commercial writing package that was too glitsy - aimed at the new writer - and it irks me to have something so good for free.

Couldn't help but click on the submit button and make a reasonable donation using paypal for Simon's efforts.

Go and give it a go, and if you can only afford the $5USD option, then do so (even if it after you make your first story sale)

Here is the link if you can't find it http://www.spacejock.com/yWriter.html

Originally published at David Kernot.

I joined OWW a while ago, and got briefly disappointed, made a friend who died, RIP Gary... and went back to it because I found that it is a good forum to have your stories critiqued. I have been writing some different stuff of late to see how successful it is in ASIM, WOTF and others, and I am pleased to say that my style is becoming more accepted.

Today, I FInally did my 150TH critique and earned my second level (a 2 birds symbol). Shame my ASIM crits don't count for anything... but I have a piece in there that is in the collective for consideration, and we'll see how it goes. If it doesn't get in, then I'll send it on - it's good (no it is!!) and someone will take it - its made the this is alright category and got a good score. I am really hoping that they pick it up, because I have wanted to be published in ASIM for ever!! and it would be a dream come true.

Got to dust off my ETHAN story soon, in amongst TW0 Uni courses, I intend to resub my work to the forum for some comment / polishing and finalise it once and for all.

It feels right.

In the mean while, ASIM crits and stuff is going well, book reviewing is going well too, and with a David Conyers story from Jupiter to review for the UK mag soon, and did I say that I have been raise to the 2 birds level at OWW - quite a feat!!!

Originally published at David Kernot.

I have been lucky enough to be able to do some reviewing for Hatchette Australia and have received some books under the Hatchette and Orbit labels. You will see some reviews appearing here soon, and in ASIM and hopefully Specusphere.

Trudi Canavan's The Magician's Apprentice arrived in the post today, and I can't wait to start reading it -- all that is stopping me is a pile of stories to slush for ASIM, some OWW reviews, and of course the last book in the four part The Gap series by Stephen Donaldson!

Reviews abound, I am pretty content to have this opportunity.

Originally published at David Kernot.

For all those that don't know, Jason scored an honourable mention (again) from Writers Of The Future. I am pleased for him. He was actually a semi-finalist (again) which is a lot better than an honourable mention. So he lifts the bar higher and I hope he does well in his next submission to them. He will receive a critique from coordinating judge J.D Wentworth. Lucky guy. Way to go Jason.

Check it out at:

http://wotfblog.galaxypress.com/2009/03/1st-quarter-2009-semi-finalists-and.html

Originally published at David Kernot.

I'm often lucky enough to get my stories published by Nuke at AntipodeanSF, but this month I have to lay tribute to two fellow ASIMites: Felicity Dowker and Mark Farrugia.

Felicity as always is a treat to read her oddly gross horror or delightful milder spec fic. She is good - did I say she is good? - and I would always encourage anyone to spend the time having a read of her pieces. Felicity has Say The Word in the above release. Unfortuneately I can't say too much, but only through fear of her story come true... but give it a read - unfortuneately it's very good!

I have not had the pleasure of reading any stories from Mark Farrugia before, but he too can write and it was enjoyable in a bit of a horror kind of way to have read his High School Hunt piece. It too is good! It is a bit gory - maybe not for the faint haerted and squeamish, and I'm glad that I guessed the ending otherwise I would have been very concerned about dealing with Mark in the future. Give it a read, you'll find out why.

Mark also hads been been lucky enough to get published in Issue 11 of Borderlands. Well done Mark. If you get a chance - hunt it down, by accounts it is a good read.

Here's the link for the current 10 or so AntipodeanSF stories:

http://www.antisf.com.au/the-stories

Off to go and write something bold and significant!

Originally published at David Kernot.

Okay,

I've just set up a doo-hickey (this is a very technical term for the x-poster between dkernot LJ and my DavidKernot.com site.)

Should help keep me in touch with more writing folk.

Originally published at David Kernot.

Reality Is, are five interconnected 100 word (exactly) stories, and they have been published on-line by Alien Skin Magazine.

Go on and make my day -- have a read -- and at the same time take at look of some of the other excellent stories there that have been published.

Here is the link: http://www.alienskinmag.com/flash13.htm

Cheers,

David

Originally published at David Kernot.