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Kia ora <<First Name>>,
I've had another busy month, with lots of fun writing activities along the way.
On October 15th, an impressive contingent of Tauranga Writers travelled over the Kaimai Ranges to participate in the Regional Roadshow Kirikiriroa put on by the NZ Society of Authors.
I love learning more on the craft of writing. No matter how many times I attend a workshop on the same subject, I always learn something new.
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I participated in four workshops: Make 'Em Laugh - Write Funny, presented by the magnificent Kathryn Burnett; Out Damned Plot; The Plot, the Sub-plot, the Twist? presented by Vanda Symon;
Travels in Character, presented by Tracey Slaughter; and,
Developmental Editing, presented by Harriet Allan.
The keynote address was given by Lee Murray, it was poignant, funny and very, very Kiwi. You can read it HERE.I came home from the roadshow with a notebook full of scribbled thoughts and a brain filled with inspiration. In a small country like Aotearoa, events like the roadshow aren't only great for learning, but are invaluable for the contacts and friendships made.Throughout 2023, I've enjoyed attending a number of SpecFicNZ virtual
workshops. The latest of these was, 'Writing on the Darkside' with five-time Bram Stoker Awards® winner
Lee Murray (Despatches). Lee's workshops are always a treat and this was no exception. We learned how to infuse horror and suspense into our writing. The practical workshop covered what makes a story scary, the importance of the emotional core, how to create monsters and villains, and the importance of atmosphere, setting, and style.I've often written stories with dark themes, yet until recently haven't considered what I wrote to be horror. I've always claimed I hate horror, mainly because I was traumatised by films like Friday 13th and Children of the Corn (shudder). Books are different though - I loved Carrie and devoured John Wyndham stories as a child. What I do hate is certain types of horror films - especially jump-scare movies. So, you can expect to see more elements of horror and monsters in my work - but don't worry, they won't make you jump!Promotion of 'Remains to be Told: Dark Tales of Aotearoa' has lead me to do some big firsts. Thanks to Pace and Emily of Horror Nerds at Church, I appeared on my very first podcast in October, along with Editor, Lee Murray, Nikky Lee and Kirsten McKenzie. Listen along HERE as we discuss what makes New Zealand horror so unique.I also did live readings at both Conflux and as part of Verb Festival, where we were generously hosted by the Boneface Tavern in Wellington. Dark Clouds: In Search of Aotearoa Gothic kicked off with a discussion of what makes Kiwi horror unique, the panel was moderated by Dan Rabarts, with Denver Grenell, Lee Murray, Tim Jones, and Kathryn Burnett. Then, Debbie Cowens, Del Gibson, Helena Claudia and I joined the panel for story readings from the anthology. Great location, great crowd and a really enjoyable event.
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If you haven't seen it yet, check out my blog, Monstress HERE. In it, I discuss why I'm drawn to write monstrous women, and why I think it's a feminist act.
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'I am writing - do you know the feeling - and until this story is finished I am engulfed...It seizes me, swallows me completely...I'm in again and we're thrashing in deep water. I fully realise it...I'm lost - gone - possessed...I've been this man, been this woman. I've stood for hours on the Auckland Wharf. I've been out in the stream waiting to be berthed - I've been a seagull hovering at the stern and a hotel porter whistling through his teeth. It isn't as though one sits and watches the spectacle. That would be thrilling enough...But one IS the spectacle for the time...It's a lightning change affair...'
Katherine Mansfield.
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Read and review
If you've already read my books, I'd love you to leave a review. As an indie writer, I rely on reviews to drive recommendations to new readers. You don't have to write a long, expansive essay on why you love my stories, even a simple 'I liked it' will do! Thanks.
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Work in progress
With Sondrine submitted to a publisher for consideration, I'm focussed on the second installation in my Ghost Assassins of Bijou
novella series. Adeline is at the end of her career as a ghost assassin - she's seen, heard and done it all. She's always disapproved of Sondrine's swearing and unconventional ways, but when the absolute worst happens she's left with no choice but to join forces with her fellow assassin. Fuck!
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I'm also working on a new short horror story.
Have you ever been walking down the street, minding your own business when a man - a complete stranger - takes it upon himself to say "You'd be prettier if you smiled."?
It's happened to me more times than I care to remember, and every time it's infuriating.
In this story I ask what if...
What if the woman bites back?
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What I've been watching
This month it's all about time loops.
To my complete delight Loki' returned for Season 2.
Many of the episodes struck me as very Dr Who-like - with lots of running around and unexpected comedic moments.
I loved the introduction of Ke Huy Quan's character Ouroboros. He brought a fresh innocence with his fast-paced techno-babble.
The series was far from perfect. Most of the female characters were teased for the role of the antagonist and not always in a good way. I have no problem with women being cast as the villain, but to become the villain because they've been spurned by a man? What a lazy, lazy trope! I know Loki's evolved as a character, but I did miss his wickedness and lack of moral compass.
However...the final episode was astounding and I forgave the show runners all their previous sins!
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The second series I watched and loved was Bodies, a British crime thriller. Four detectives find themselves investigating the same murder after a dead man is found in a seedy Whitechapel lane. The man is naked, he's been shot through his left eye, and has an unusual tattoo on his left forearm. The twist is that the detectives live at different times: 1890; 1941 during the blitz; 2023 and; 2053. The series investigates themes of race, gender, religion, disability, queerness and cult mentality. There are some lovely twists and turns and I highly recommend it.
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What I've been readingI thoroughly enjoyed Gorgons Deserve Nice Things by Tansy Rayner Roberts. The collection of seven short stories (plus an essay on Wonder Women of the Mythic Multiverse) reexplores famous Greek legends from the perspective of the women involved. The stories are glorious in their irreverence, and some are giggle out loud funny. Highly recommend.I was also fortunate to read Nikki Lee's new novella, Once We Flew before it's release. Four generations ago a generation ship crashed into the sands of Savene. Since then, its survivors have eked out an existence in the planet’s hostile desert. Yet, the tech is failing, the sands are encroaching, and people are dying.
Read my review on Goodreads HERE.
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Photography corner, feat. ShadowCat
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ShadowCat engaged in relaxation mode.
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ShadowCat assisting in the office.
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Reflections: This was an accidental over-exposure. I love the surreal result. If I hadn't made the mistake, I wouldn't have created something different.
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I walk past this old macrocarpa twice a week. Yet this was the first time I noticed the inherent art of it's twisted branches. Sometimes, beauty is hidden in plain view.
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Thanks for reading all the way to the end. As a reward click HERE for a free flash fiction.Till next time...
Smilingly yours
Jacqui
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Ohauiti
Tauranga
3112
New Zealand
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