Saturday at St Hilda’s proved a really enjoyable day, in spite of the dreary weather. Four fascinating panels touching on everything from starting out in publishing and producing the first novel, to reflections on a life in writing, provided much to think and talk about. There was even an impromptu reading by Ian Watson when the local pub was overwhelmed by hungry writers and readers and lunch overran!
The Anthology was duly launched to the clinking of teacups as The Write Fantastic celebrated five years (five years!) of spreading the word about the pleasures of reading and writing fantasy and science fiction.
| I’m really looking forward to taking part in The Write Fantastic one-day event in Oxford on May 8th: exciting panels with fantasy and science fiction writers and editors, the launch of the anthology – and, of course, the opportunity to chat in the bar!So why not come along and meet me and the other writers and enjoy a stimulating day of discussion on speculative fiction?
(From the website)
Since our launch in May 2005, The Write Fantastic’s diary has seen over 60 engagements, ranging from library and bookshop events, talks to local writers’ groups and contributions to literary festivals to teaching creative writing.
We’ve found readers’ appetite and enthusiasm for fantasy fiction is boundless, from epic tales of sword and sorcery to gritty urban myth. It’s been our pleasure to help make sure that no one is missing out on all the wonderful reading currently on offer.
To celebrate TWF’s fifth year, we’re welcoming Kari Sperring, Ian Whates, Freda Warrington and Liz Williams to the team and holding our first day event, at the Jacqueline Du Pré Building, St Hilda’s College, Oxford on May 8th 2010.
We’re inviting friends and colleagues to share their insights and recommendations in a wide-ranging programme. Our author guests are Stephen Deas, Ben Jeapes, Geoff Ryman, Mike Shevdon and Ian Watson. We’ll also be joined by David Moore and Jenni Hill of Solaris Books, Oxford’s very own SF&F publisher, to offer their editorial perspectives.
The day will also see the launch of TWF’s anniversary anthology of original stories.
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Wow! Utopiales is really something else! We were given a very warm welcome at the SF festival in Nantes. We were very impressed by the exhibitions of artwork and the many fascinating discussions of topics relating to SF and Fantasy (although mostly SF.) I’m very grateful to my editor Audrey Petit for inviting me and giving me the chance to meet some French readers (always a great pleasure!) It was also my first time to see the new Livre de Poche edition of ‘Les Enfants de la Porte du Serpent’ in the paper, so to speak, and to admire its cover by the talented Didier Graffet.
It was also a great pleasure to meet and talk Fantasy with Robert V.S. Redick (‘The Chathrand Voyage’) Fabien Clavel (‘L’Antilegende.’) and Anne Fakhouri, the winner of the Prix Jeunesse for her magical two novels ‘Le Clairvoyage’ and ‘La Brume des Jours’ about a young girl drawn into a fairyland so very different from that of the ‘Rainbow Magic’ novels.
And as a ‘Dinotopia’ fan, it was amazing to see a superb exhibition of James Gurney’s detailed and imaginative paintings – and to hear the man himself talking about his work. Lepidopters rule!
Utopiales: Nantes 2009
I am very pleased – and honoured – to have been invited to take part in the 2009 Utopiales Science Fiction Festival in Nantes. I’ll be participating in a panel on October 30th at 1.00 pm in the Espace Shayol with : Anne Besson, Anne Fakhouri, Jean-Philippe Jaworski, and Robert Redick.
http://www.noosfere.com/utopia/2009/
Elbakin Tournament 2009
Le Tournoi
Kaspar Linnaius, Magus and Artificier to Eugene of Tielen is pitted against ex-Dragon Rider Galbatorix (my apologies, not Brisingr, but from ‘Brisingr.’)
October 13th is the day to vote for Kaspar Linnaius! Visit www.elbakin.net to vote for the Magus.
I’m absolutely delighted to have been invited by Bragelonne to appear at the Kultima Festival des Cultures de l’Imaginaire in Paris alongside JapanExpo at the Parc d’Expositions de Paris-Nord Villepinte. Full details at the Kultima Festival website.
Retrouvez auteurs et illustrateurs dans le cadre de Kultima les vendredi 4, samedi 5 et dimanche 6 juillet prochains. Sarah Ash sera présente en invitée d’honneur avec la participation de Kultima.