http://www.pjballantine.com New Zealand writer and podcaster Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:20:43 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Sometimes there is a moment when a little bird has to find out if she really can fly - and this year is that moment for me. I'm considering a number of options on how to put some wind beneath my wings so to speak. And yes, shock horror! Some of ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2010/03/05/feeding-the-baby-birds/ Erotica a la carte has been lots of fun on Radio Dentata- and so it was lovely to be approached by Sean Owens of IRFT Celtic Radio about bringing Chasing the Bard to their station. My celtic roots run deep with ancestors both Scottish and Irish. My two trips to Scotland ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2010/02/19/bard-on-your-internet-radio-dial/ Most of my readers will know by now that this year began very badly for Tee Morris. He is now facing raising his daughter, affecitonately known as SonicBoom by himself after the death of her mother. Many donated to the ChipIn fund which helped with the immediate expenses surrounding Natalie's death, ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2010/02/18/ready-for-the-boom/ A recent Twitter conversation started by Scott Roche about public critique, specifically for podcast novels got me thinking about critiques, flames and feedback. I replied to Scott that as an author you have to expect to get all three. So here's my take on dealing with them as an author. The middle ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2010/02/13/dealing-with-slings-and-arrows/ The wonderful DDog has just added  Chasing the Bard to TV Tropes website and it was a very interesting thing for me as the writer to read. A trope is a common pattern or theme and they have been around since humanity first decided that telling stories was a great idea. ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2010/02/12/tropes-and-bards/ Last week I had the honour of being one of the panel on Litopia After Dark. Hanging with the wonderful folks and talking writing was a lot of fun. I was a little nervous, but the panel made me feel at home very quickly. Peter and Litopia do a great deal ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2010/02/11/litopia-and-the-nemesis/ Podioracket has been doing great work to promote and help podiobook authors. How Heather, Rhonda and the gang do it all I don't know. So when I was invited to be part of their first Anthology series I was very flattered. This series aims to expose listeners to a range of ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2010/02/05/visionaries/ This month has sped by, but I wanted to touch base with you all. Firstly I want to say thank you, thank you so much to all who have contributed to the ChipIn fund for Tee and Sonic Boom. In just over two weeks we have raised $20,000. That's an amazing ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2010/01/21/sound-and-fury/ This year has not started how it was meant to. My dear friend, collaborator and colleague has found himself with the prospect of raising his child without her mother. I know Tee wanted to keep this a private matter, but word hit twitter within hours and now the genie cannot get ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2010/01/07/together-we-are-mighty/ 2009 – what a mixed bag of nuts you were. A bunch of personal stuff was dealt with and sorted- which needed to happen. However there were a number of writing and podcasting successes that made up for all that. The highlight has to be the two-book deal with Ace. As I ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2010/01/01/goodbye-2009-and-welcome-in-2010/ Litopia, which is a podcast and a community I have really come to appreciate, is running a week highlighting podcasters- and one of them was me. I had a delightful chat with Peter Cox- and tried my best to sound as grown up as possible. ;) I hope to be involved with ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/12/23/the-fruitful-kiwi/ My lovely, enthusiastic and successful (hello... Ace deal!) agent Laurie McLean of Larsen Pomada - who now also represents Tee Morris for fiction- spoke to Kimi over at Tale Chasing. She may or may not mention me ;) The podcasting sphere is full of lots of opinion by writers, but getting ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/12/11/secret-agent-not-so-secret-now/ I've mentioned before how lonely it can be writing (except when you have a energetic collaborator like Tee Morris but that's another story for another post) so it is always nice when people send in voicemail, emails- or go that extra mile and review my work. Recently two lovely ones have ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/12/03/is-there-anybody-out-there/ As I have blogged about- this year I have gone part-time at the library, and that means picking up the loss in income from that in other areas. Mostly that has been by writing, but I am not adverse to working other angles. So just lately have been supplementing that income with ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/11/23/voicework/ The Gift of Lit is a collective effort by many of the fine authors from Podiobooks. Together, we would like to share with you our diverse works and invite you to take a look at the nice selection of books we have spent hours, days, months, or years writing. The Gift ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/11/17/give-the-gift-of-lit/ Coming Wednesday, November 18, 2009 Three Podcast Authors, Three Podcast Novels, Three Contests! What to look for: Blog posts containing printable PDF bookmarks at Digital Magic, Metamor City, and Literary Abominations. What you can win: A free book, maybe two or three! (Prize details for each contest will be available at each author’s website). Your Mission: Download and ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/11/17/triple-threat-double-dipping-contest/ I've teased people long and hard about this project, and now I have a little taste for you. Recorded before a live audience at World Fantasy Convention, award-winning podcaster and author Tee Morris and I (with the blessings of our agent) our work-in-progress now working its way through submissions: Books & Braun, our ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/11/15/preview-books-and-braun-recorded-live-at-world-fantasy-2009/ Just had to share this news... the BlogTalk Radio edition of Podioracket.com made it to the top of their Books Category. Now this was the show that Dan Sawyer, Chris Lester and I took over, since the lovely hosts were unable through sickness to attend. I worked the switchboard (which ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/11/14/youre-the-top/ After the whirlwind of Double Trouble in 2008, I decided to get together with fellow podcasters Dan Sawyer and Chris Lester and launch our follow up podcast novel on the world- but taking it one bigger. So was born the Triple Threat. Check out Chris Lester's Metamor City and Dan Sawyer's ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/11/11/triple-threat-storming-the-podosphere/ If you are going to be at World Fantasy Con on 31st of October, please come along and hear the debut reading of Books and Braun; Phoenix Rising. It will be the first chapter which is full of explosions, gun battles and maybe an airship or two. It is 10am ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/10/28/debut-of-books-and-braun/ In the next week I will be flying to the States. I do this every year at least once, because of one person- someone that I now consider family. My friend Mary Ann. She and her family have hosted me every year since 2006- and every year I feel safe, happy ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/10/10/my-friend-mary-ann/ The great thing about the internets is knowing so many talented folks. It challenges me, makes me work harder to be a creative individual. So here are three examples of cool, interesting, talented folks that are rolling out new projects. Gail Carriger's Soulless is a book that we need to buy. Seriously. ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/10/02/so-many-cool-friends/ This is part of the NZ Speculative Fiction Blogging Week- the other entries are well worth checking out Let's face it not all that long ago, in fact in living memory (mine specifically) , the number of kiwi spec fic writers was tiny. I remember being a kid and excited to ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/09/15/why-genre-is-blooming-in-aotearoa/ I love when authors and podcasters try new things, pushing their stories, and taking the bull by the horns as far as their own carreer goes. Justin Macumber has been doing a lot for his fellow authors with the Dead Robots Society- one of my favourite podcasts for writers. So when ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/08/26/pirate-chapbook/ Coach Ian Scott is one of the best interviewers I know, and so it was a pleasure to sit down and talk with him recently. We covered the past, present and hints of my future as a writer. The amazing thing is, Skype mostly behaved, and this interview conducted on opposite ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/08/22/coach-ian-and-me/ I have tech edited two wonderful books on Twitter by Tee Morris, but this is the first time I have helped choose stories for an anthology. I was very pleased to be invited to help chose from among the submissions for The Kiwi Writers Challenge Collection 2009 Yes that deserves to be ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/08/11/together-holding-hands/ Suddenly realized that I haven't blogged in awhile- and that isn't because things aren't happening. In fact it is because they are! There have been more nibbles writing wise, that are both sureal and exciting-- and none I can talk about. One of them does involve my steampunk story. It ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/08/10/sanjose/ You know, you work at something for 12 years, plugging along, enjoying what you are doing, but not expecting things to happen. I've just kept my head down doing what I love- and lately I've had to look up. Ever since my wonderful agent sold the 2 book deal to Ace ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/07/24/this-not-an-ordinary-thing/ If that is how Twitter makes you feel, then I have the solution. Yes, All A Twitter is now available for purchase. My collaborator on many things, Tee Morris has written this great book on the hot social media application. Tee has written many technical books, including Podcasting for Dummies and ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/07/12/mystify-you-mystify-me/ Tee Morris got to speak on Radio New Zealand- and I believe this is what is called karma. When I was in the States in 2006 I might have crowed about the coverage I got over there... and this is payback. ;) Tee put together this cool video of the interview. ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/07/03/tee-and-the-radio/ Phil Rossi writes great stuff- creepy, sexy and gritty. I've been a fan of his novel Crescent for a long time, so to have him part of the DragonMoon Press family is exciting. Anyway this video was too cute not to share. The man himself unboxing his books. *sigh* I remember ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/06/30/the-2nd-best-feeling-in-the-world/ A couple of new interviews I have done recently- I am talking about my journey. Both The Creative Penn and Coach Ian Scott give great interview. Have a listen- I think there are some pearls of wisdom in there. The Creative Penn And Coach Ian Scott (with Tee Morris) http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/06/15/talkytalk/ ...and a cast of authors to make you drool- and me. Here's the kick-arse vlurb for JC Hutchins kick-arse novel Personal Effects; Dark Arts. JC has been using vlurbs to great effect- have a look right here and don't forget to rush out and buy your copy The cast of characters in ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/06/09/personal-effects/ OK.. confession time. I have always concentrated my efforts on marketing and connecting with Americans, since they are the primary market for my writing. I need to correct that. Hanging out with Tee Morris and going to the Conscription Con, I have made more connections and realised that there are indeed ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/06/07/mama-im-coming-home/ I was able to drop Tee Morris in for his interview today with Radio New Zealand. He talked Social Media with them and had a blast. I got to sit backstage and listen- so it was almost as much fun... almost. Have a listen right here http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/06/06/radio-whats-new/ Conscription was a great con, well organised, full of enthusiastic people, and I got to share it with my good mate Tee Morris. So when I went to the awards ceremony for the Sir Julius Vogel awards I was in a zen place about winning one. (Here's an explanation on the award) Digital ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/06/02/my-friend-julius/ I've had plenty of fun this past week, hanging with my peers online. I got to talk with the Dead Robots and Helen Madden, Nick Scipio and Nobilis about writing erotica. It is a subject I am just learning about, but it was a fun time. (WARNING- you may have already ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/05/19/talkaboutit/ Well if I thought it was all just a mad dream, here is evidence that I am not. From May 2009 edition of Locus confirmation that the Ace deal is a go. So I sent the contract by fast plane to New York, and now I have a date of publication. ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/05/15/fix-a-date/ Tee Morris, the Social Media guru is heading to New Zealand. This is your chance to catch him and listen to his expertise. And here's where and how to do it. May 29-June 1 Conscription in Auckland, New Zealand June 2 ANTI-Social Media, presented for LIANZA, 12pm-2pm Room 420 Kate Edgar Information Commons Building #315 2 ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/05/14/tee-morris-and-social-media/ May 15th and Nina Kimberley the Merciless is coming out. If you love comedy, fantasy or women with swords (heck have all three) then on that day, buy this book. Christiana is a talented writer and we want her at the top of the charts on Amazon. UPDATE And now the ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/05/12/watch-out-boys-shell-chew-you-up/ ... well actually radio is still alive and well and living on the internet. And now Erotica a la Carte is being carried by the fabulous Radio Dentata. This is radio with teeth. Every second Thursday I'll be sharing an evening with the likes of Helen Madden's Heat Flash. Once the back catalogue ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/05/08/video-killed-the-radio-star/ Yes, it is heading toward award season again, and the nominations for Parsec Awards are open again. So what can you do to make the dark goddess happy? Why pick your favourite of my works this year. You can nominate Chasing the Bard as Best Speculative Fiction Story (Novel Form) and/or nominate Erotica a ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/04/26/and-now-the-time-has-come/ Sat down and had the greatest chat with my good friend, fellow podcaster and DragonMoon Press author PG Holyfield- who is now part of the Dead Robots Society- a fantastic podcast about the craft of writing. We go waaaaaay back and talk about my various podcast projects, hunting for an agent, finding one, ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/04/22/robo-boogie/ It's been a long time coming, and it's something I will have to get used to- but it has happened. After ebooks, small presses, and riding the wave of podcasting- I can finally tell you all. I have reached that thing that I have been dreaming of for over a ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/04/15/celebrate-good-times/ The story I wrote, Geist is top of mind at the moment. This is the tale that I was motivated to write after my visit to America in 2007, when I got to rub shoulders with some of the most creative people I know- in both the writing and podcasting ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/04/06/a-geist-story/ People often ask me 'show how popular was Chasing the Bard podiobook?' and truthfully I didn't know. It was something that didn't really bother me, since I knew plenty of people enjoyed it enough to contribute and give me feedback. I also studied Statistics at university and know the various ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/04/04/like-a-wheel-within-a-wheel/ I have recently learnt what sort of geek I am. And frankly it was staring me in the face the whole time. Yeah, I am a gadget geek, a sci fi geek- but most of all I am a history geek. Not surprisingly- I have two historical fantasy novel out! But ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/04/03/history-never-repeats/ Forgive me as I sway towards melancoly. Today is April 1st and you will find a number of podcasters remembering Joe Murphy on this date, because two years ago he passed beyond the Veil. Yet he is not forgotten. I never got the chance to meet Joe in person. I was preparing ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/03/31/far-away-into-the-silent-land/ It's been one of those months- everything seems to be hanging on a knife edge, and it is not my preferred method of living I can tell you. Digital Magic (best novel- adult) and the podcast version of Chasing the Bard (best fan production) are up for Sir Julius Vogel Awards ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/03/20/living-on-the-edge/ ...or alternatively touch the bard and the dark goddess. There is something extra cool about seeing your work on the new shiny devices. (I admit I am a gadget-head) Digital Magic should be the next month or so, but until then, get the bard and the dark goddess in your pocket. Purchase ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/02/20/touch-my-cheek/ When I started out working on Erotica a la Carte and thinking how I would manage it I knew there was one issue. Weather Child. A lot of podcasters make the mistake of working too damn hard- or piling their plates too high. So after doing Chasing the Bard I knew approximately ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/02/16/im-going-to-build-a-room-that-echoes/ Weather Child, my latest podiobook offering is now out in the wild. This is a very personal story for me, including many characters and stories based on my family. It is set the alternate history, where New Zealand is home to magicians- magicians that rely on a symbiote called a ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/02/06/you-always-take-the-weather-with-you/ It feels a little strange to say this... but I have a fan page. On Facebook. Someone sent me a message asking, I tweeted how weird and cool it was that someone asked, and next thing you know the lovely Scott Roche had created one.  Anyway it has photos, discussion boards ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/01/30/loves-to-be-loved/ Well its been a while since I have been blogging so, let's get into it. First off Whispers at the Edge is on hiatus. I find I have just too many podcasting and writing projects that need to get done, and something had to give. I imagine it will be 3 ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/01/29/friends-will-be-friends/ After a conversation with my agent and various other wonderful creative types in San Francisco a few days ago, I have realised that things are changing in a major way in the publishing business. The negative gear change in the economy is scary, but it is also bringing possibilities. When ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2009/01/10/the-tide-is-high/ Been a tumult this year, but a productive one. I recorded Chasing the Bard and posted it to a better reception that I had anticipated. I started recording Erotica a la Carte and have found it to be a fun and challenging experience I began work on a short story, which became a ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2008/12/31/well-drink-a-cup-of-kindness-yet/ OK.. so here's the deal. I am dipping my toe in the world of professional writing. I have reduced my hours at the library, and have one whole day a week to write. This means I have to make up the money I am not making in the corporate world ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2008/12/13/money-money-money/ Thank you all! I have been informed and accepted nominations for Chasing the Bard (in Fan Production) and Digital Magic (for Best Novel) for the Sir Julius Vogel Awards. This is New Zealand's version of the Hugo's and I am so pleased to be nominated. In fact twice is even ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2008/12/11/i-bet-you-think-this-song-is-about-you/ I find myself short of New Zealand accents for Weather Child, my next novel set in my country. The sad fact is I know more American podcasters, than NZers. So here's my plea; if you have decent recording equipment, an actor's soul and the inclination, I could use some help. Please ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2008/12/10/give-a-little-bit-of-heart-and-soul-2/   For sixteen years I had my writer's cat. She was named Sherazad, a teller of stories. She saw me through men, crisis, seven different homes, and triumph. Today she is gone. I took her catnip from the garden, and held her and told her thank you for all those years. ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2008/12/07/pussy-cat-pussy-cat-where-have-you-been/ Nominations open 1st December for the 2009 Sir Julius Vogel Awards. They are New Zealand's Hugo Awards- but prettier. And yes, I would love to have one on my shelf. So here's the deal. Email after 1st December sjv_awards@sffanz.sf.org.nz to let the committee know that you think Chasing the Bard is worthy ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2008/11/28/the-wind-beneath-my-wings/ Christmas is approaching, and I have a new box of books. So if you want to give some Fey magic to your loved ones (or yourself) then have I got a deal for you.... Well actually I have some books. For the princely sum of $US24.95 each (inc postage anywhere on our ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2008/11/19/hey-big-spender/ The wonderful Nobilis from Nobilis Erotica has finished the final episode of the Pieces Podcast. Eight writers an one crazy experiment. As Nobilis said, the result was far from perfect. Writers are usually solo creators for a reason! Plot, characterisation, style; all are very personal, and are best handled by one, ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2008/11/16/give-a-little-bit-of-heart-and-soul/ The end is nigh for the Pieces Podcast- the collaborative experiment that Nobilis of Nobilis Erotica came up with. Eight fiction writers Nobilis, Chris Lester, Christian Ellis, Greydancer, Paul S Jenkins, Brandon Crose, John Tanzer and myself all taking turns to write a world. It was quite a different experience for me. ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2008/11/03/working-on-the-chain-gang/   [caption id="attachment_120" align="alignleft" width="400" caption="photo by JR Blackwell"][/caption]   Who are the people that influence your career? Is it someone whose books you read and whose style you admire? Or is it someone that challenges you to strive harder and do better? I have plenty of the first (even been lucky enough to ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2008/10/28/honesty-is-hardly-ever-heard/ I was, however briefly, in fine company. The banned books brigade with Judy Blume, John Steinbeck, JK Rowling and many, many others. Here's how it went. I posted my first episode of Erotica a la Carte. Itunes accepted it, and boy was I surprised when it popped up into the ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2008/10/25/banned-in-the-usa-briefly/ Two podcasts in less than 24 hours! Yes I am both proud and exhausted. The first episode of Erotica a la carte is online (don't forget to keep voting so I can keep writing) as well as a new episode of Whispers at the Edge. I am slowly pulling all ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2008/10/16/dirty-and-sweet/ My reading of Jeremiah Tolbert's Arties are Stupid is live at Escape Pod. Once I started doing it I realised that reading someone else's story is a completely different to reading your own work. I was half into it before understanding I was interpreting someone else's baby. Reading your own stuff is easy by ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2008/10/12/its-tricky-tricky-tricky/ Closing off a project is hard. Especially when it is one as delightfully unexpected as the Chasing the Bard podcast has been. I've been blown away by the response to my little tale. The number of people who have called, written and contributed was something I never expected. So the final ... http://www.pjballantine.com/2008/10/09/darling-i-say-goodbye/