Philippa Ballantine - Author

Award-winning Author of fantasy, science fiction, and steampunk

admin

Music to watch words by

If there is one talent I wish I had above all others, it is the ability to play a musical intstrument. But, much like my attempts at ballet, I knew when to quit.

So I enjoy listening instead, and my tastes are pretty diverse ranging from celtic to hip hop, Sinatra to Nine Inch Nails. My main requirement for music however is something to write to.

I can do a number of things while watching TV, but I need something to evoke moods and let my brain roam free when writing- yet not distract me from my own process. For this purpose I have found instrumentals the best at setting a mood.

So when I got a chance to listen to Alex White’s soundtrack for the Gearheart: Maiden Flight of the Avenger I wanted great things to set those sparks free. And I was not disappointed.

Alex is a multi-talented guy, who works with words, images and music. He’s the creator behind the wonderful podcast the Gearheart, and he’s making things happen for himself. I have no doubt that we’ll be seeing a lot more of him in the future.

Now onto the music. This could easily be a big movie soundtrack. With stirring epics sounds, horns, bells. Pursued by Flame is something I will put on when I am writing a chase scene, combining action and menace in the same score. Tale of the Tome begins with the sweet sounds you might hear from a child’s music box, but sails upwards into something exquisitely beautiful. My favourite track however would be Once More, the Curtain Rises. At times military, at times epic, at times almost Celtic, I know that I will be listening to this track over and over while writing the second book of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.

Alex White has created something stirring and beautiful. Something that doesn’t need words to convey deep and wonderous emotion.

This soundtrack is one any writer would be moved by- and what’s more it’s a steal for a paltry $6.99. Go have a listen and then pick it up. It’s not that you will be supporting an indie producer – it’s that you will be getting a great work of music.

Another first- Special Guest

Yes, more news I have been sitting on for weeks (It’s dang uncomfortable I can tell you!)

I will be New Media Special Guest as Balticon – May 27-30 2011!

It’s my first big Guest role, and I plan to bring the A game to town. I’ll be reading from Spectyr- Geist’s sequel not out until June- and co-hosting with the charming Tee Morris, the release party for Phoenix Rising; a Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences novel.

If you don’t know about Balticon- let me fill you in. It is the Maryland Regional Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention, and it has quickly become the default con to attend if you want to see podcast novelists. It has plenty of other tracks to interest people as well such as Writing and Gaming. So all in all, a well rounded convention.

It’s held at the Marriott’s Hunt Valley Inn, just outside of Baltimore- and I can attest that this year I had a blast and next year is going to be even better. Not just cos I am going to be the Special Guest…but also a little bird has told me plenty of other podcast novelists will be in town. As an example, last year there was Tee Morris, Phil Rossi, PG Holyfield, Dan Sawyer, PC Haring, Nathan Lowell- and that’s just a taste.

So if you are craving some fun and frolics with podcasters, writers and readers then this is the con for you.

Looking forward to meeting you all next year.

Gute Nachrichten

Often I want to share news with you. Often I want to express my excitement. However these days I cannot just drop news, as I have publishers to consider.

So I pretty much end up looking like a total tease.

Then there are those times when I get the go ahead and I can share the whole story.

This thankfully is one of those times.

*drumroll* So here goes…

The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences will be available to more than just Americans. Yes, Germany, Australia and my homeland New Zealand will all get editions of both books.

This is not only great news for readers…but also for Tee and I. When you get an advance for a book, it is essentially a loan from the publisher to you, saying this is how much money they expect you to make. As an author ‘earning out’, means paying back that loan. It hangs over your head, and if you don’t earn out, selling new books is that much harder. Kinda like having a bad credit score.

So selling foreign rights helps pay back that loan, and get you one step closer to earning that thing you get once you have earned out– royalties!

So this news is very gute nachrichten (good news)!

Cover love

I have never been quiet about my love for the work of Jason Chan. He’s produced two wonderful covers for me, Geist and Spectyr, and I truly hope that he will stay on board for Wrayth, and Harbinger.

I also know those covers have bought attention to the writing within. Geist’s success has been aided by that cover. Covers sell books- paper, ebook–they just do.

So now’s a chance to give something back to Jason and highlight his beautiful work.

All Things Urban Fantasy is running it’s annual cover awards, and Geist is up for two; Best Female with Animal and Best Cover.
Click on over here to vote and show some love to Jason– let him know you think his work is awesome.

Spectyr revealed

I just got back from PhilCon where I got to spend sometime with Danielle from Ace Books. She’s a delight- and not just because she bought another two books from me!

She gave me the go ahead to reveal the cover for Spectyr- the second in the series coming in late June 2011.

Jason Chan has once again done a beautiful job, and I can’t wait to get this poster for my wall right next to Geist. There is the Rossin and there is Sorcha- this time using the cleansing flame, Pyet.

Spectyr bookcover