Thursday Randutiae*

* Copying the style of fantasy author and generally amazing person Kristin Cashore, today's post is a collection of interesting and mainly book-related tidbits.

• Firstly, Tamora Pierce's latest recommended read is The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley.  Tamora writes "This is my current favourite read! It's a steampunk fantasy, and it's got a Japanese watchmaker with a clockwork octopus. What more do you need to know?"

• Here's a link to Ian McHugh's website. He's an Australian science fiction author who writes short stories. If you're looking for a short but alien read, he's your man. And most of his published stories are freely accessible through his website, FREE being the key word here.

• Next, for my more writerly readers: YA science fiction writer Beth Revis has recently published a new e-book on writing advice. It's called Paper Hearts and it's free via wattpad, that's FREE. Just note, you'll have to create an account to read the book.

• While on wattpad, consider entering Harlequin's annual So You Think You Can Write competition. Here are the details with the grand prize a 2 book publishing contract. This year they are joining forces with Carina Press which means they're not just accepting straight romance but also science fiction, LGBTQ and New Adult romance.

• And lastly, something a little different. Here's a wonderful 15 minute video of the Sydney Opera House as the backdrop to a living mural collaboratively created by more than 20 different animation studios worldwide. Thanks against to Kristin Cashore for the heads-up.

Manuscripts

I just thought today I would share my joy with all my readers :) Look what I found when reading about some of my favourite authors. 

This is a picture of the manuscript for Celine Kierman's new novel 'Resonance'. She also published The Moorehawke Trilogy... you know book one The Poison Throne. I found the original photo on Goodreads. If you would like to read Celine's post click here.

AND this is a picture of Kristin Cashore's manuscript for Bitterblue! Seriously exciting! It is the third book in her series along with Graceling and Fire. The original photos are on Kristin's blog. To read her post click here.

 

Kristin Cashore in Australia!

The old saying 'you should never meet your hero' definitely does not apply to Kristin Cashore!

Author of Graceling and Fire, Kristin blessed our Australian shores this May with her tour of Sydney and Melbourne. I was lucky enough to be able to travel into town (only three and a half hours on the bus) to see her give a talk, Q & A, and a book signing.

It really was lovely being able to see a few pages of Kristin's hand written draft and to be able to ask questions about her writing process. She answered everyone's questions with thought and honesty. My favourite piece of advice was her own thoughts on personal muse demons who attack an authors confidence. Thanks Kristin for showing us that even professionals such as your self are sometimes struck down with doubts about your writing.

To hear more from Kristin visit her blog This is my secret.