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beyond the wall
This is a recent photo during our current sunny, frosty weather. It reminds me how photographs are so much better when you get good light… I’ve our holiday decorations packed away since Monday. I try not to let them linger too much after the festivities are over, but I do miss the blinking lights. They’re cheery during our long nights. Although, I’ve already noticed the extra minutes on our evenings, which is a delightful amuse-bouche of longer days to come. I’ve not made any resolutions for the New Year. In general I’m always working to a plan of improvement both personally and creatively, and I try (I don’t always succeed)…
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WoW, a review
Those of you who like video or online computer games probably noticed that the most popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) in the world, World of Warcraft (WoW), released an expansion to its system in early December, called Cataclysm. Richmond and Vicky at the Hi-Ex! Blog asked me to review the game, and I was happy to oblige. My review went up yesterday. I’ve been an irregular player of WoW for a few years. Whenever I’m very busy I don’t play it at all, as there is no bigger thief of time than WoW when you really get stuck into it. I played more often than usual during the…
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Vic podcast
Just before the dawn of 2011 I received word that my short story ‘Vic’, which recently appeared in the Year’s Best Dark Fantasy and Horror 2010, will be podcast in the April edition of Dark Fiction Magazine. DFM is a relative newcomer to the horror podcasting scene, since it launched just last October, but it’s already podcast a lot of quality work. I’m pleased that Del Lakin-Smith and Sharon Ring, who run DFM, want to include ‘Vic’ in their roster of horror short stories. The best thing about podcasting is that it allows stories to reach a much wider audience. Ultimately, that’s what most writers want: people to read/hear their…
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stillness
Today was my first time back in the woods I frequent the most since the cold and ice dissipated. The sun has disappeared along with the frost, leaving the days overcast, cold and dank. It’s not ideal for photos, but I brought my camera along out of habit. As usual I ended up seeing images I wanted to capture, although the light was indeed problematic. The woods were utterly still and stark this afternoon. It had the feeling of a hall after a party, with streamers hanging limp and the floor sticky with spilled booze. I wandered through the woods, calling to the dog quietly. The trees are in the…
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bye bye 2010
I snapped this sunset over a week ago when Ireland was tucked up under a blanket of snow and ice. The extreme weather brought with it a couple of problems for us and other people we knew, but we pulled through and were luckier than many. Overall I had a quiet, enjoyable holiday with my husband and parents. I’m grateful for the fine hospitality and good company we experienced. 2010 is pulling away from the station and I’m waving my hat at 2011. Every day, no matter the date, is an opportunity for change. I hope you enjoy all your wished-for changes, and cope with any daunting surprises during 2011.
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Little Crackers
Over the past couple of years the satellite broadcaster Sky has been venturing into commissioning original television programmes, which is generally a good thing as I’m always happy to see screenwriters getting work. Even though Sky is part of the Murdoch MegaCorp, it can have its benefits (as long as you avoid the news channels). This holiday season Sky has been airing a series of short films by male and female comedians called Little Crackers. Most of them are autobiographical, or at least represent the essence of the comedian (and the comedians usually appear in the short as a character). I’ve seen five of them so far and they are…
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swivelling on the year’s axis
I purchased this candle-holder and holiday decoration this winter. It’s a star entirely made of beads, and it’s been hanging in my dining room window for a couple of weeks. Today I lit a votive candle, placed it inside the star and took pictures of it illuminated by the Solstice sun. It’s quite a special day since it’s a full moon with a lunar eclipse on the solstice. I’m glad to celebrate the passing of the shortest day and to welcome back longer days. It’s been a cold and tough winter by Irish standards, and we’re not out of it yet, but I often feel optimistic on the winter solstice.…
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voices from the past
A new eBook publishing company, called H&H Books, has been created recently by writer Scott Harrison and editor Lee Harris. It will specialise in science fiction, fantasy and horror fiction, and will publish works to benefit a number of charitable causes. I’m pleased to mention that a story of mine will appear in the company’s first project, an anthology of flash fiction, entitled Voices from the Past. The table of contents will include writers such as Alastair Reynolds, Paul Magrs, Kaaron Warren, Jasper Fforde, Sarah Pinborough, Juliet McKenna and Paul Cornell. The cover art is by Vincent Chong. The anthology will be sold for just 59p/$0.99 through all major eBook…
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the kindness of strangers
It’s the last Sunday before December 25th so Galway city was thrumming with people and vendors earlier. The above picture was taken of the Galway market by St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church with an almost-full moon adding illumination. Smoke from a wood-burning stove lends atmosphere to the shot. The mood in the city was upbeat, if a bit manic in some of the shops. I’ve finished my holiday preparations, and now it depends on the whims of the weather if I can make it to my parents’ house for Christmas. When I’m out and about I tend to attract oddball characters who decide to befriend me. Today, as I was slowly…
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sky confetti
Just before I landed last night Galway threw down some sky confetti to celebrate my return, which was a lovely thought but unnecessary. As we were in our final approach the plane had to pull up as the runway failed its ‘braking test’, and we soared back into the night skies. I admired the lights of Galway and pondered how they were going to help the runway pass its test again. I assumed there was a mighty grind session, or at least grit scattered about. It seemed to work as the plane was able to stop so we could disembark. Much to my surprise my bag was already waiting for…
