Philippa Ballantine - Author

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

Pip news

Celebrate good times!

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 decade of active writing.

Yes, I have just confirmed that I will in fact be an Ace Books author. Ace is an imprint of Berkley Books (which is part of Penguin), and has a fine history. The deal is for two novels, with the possibility of more if those sell. The book in question is indeed Geist, and a to be named sequel.

This will take some major adjustment in my mind set- but as you can imagine is very VERY exciting. I can now say that like Scott Sigler and JC Hutchins I have moved into the big leagues. The names I will be joining in Ace include Ursula Le Guin, Tanya Huff, and Tad Williams to name but a few. These are stellar names, and it is a pleasure to be in the same stable.

This totally justifies my decision this year to go part-time in the corporate library, but I am not yet at the point where I can be a full time writer. That’s OK, I’m on my way. I expect there will be huge amounts of work ahead, but I am ready for it.

This would not have been possible without the assistance of three people. Gabrielle Harbowy who helped me edit Geist and get it ready for the big time. Laurie McLean, my agent, who is both an inspiration and a rock. And Tee Morris, who was my sounding board, kick in the pants and inspiration.

The final details are still being ironed out, and I will keep you all in the loop as things progress.  All I can say is…. YESSSSSSSSSS!

Loves to be loved

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 and I will post news and generally keep in touch with people over there. So if you love FaceBook then go check it out. If not, well we will still have this blog won’t we.

We’ll drink a cup of kindness yet…

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 novella (which got interest, but because I wanted more I had to decline with regret), which is now on its way to being a novel
  • I attended DragonCon
  • I had a successful launch of my novel Digital Magic, and a heck of a lot of fun with the Double Trouble Promotion with Tee Morris.
  • My novel got to #53 on Amazon.com charts
  • I had a lot of fun with voicework; including Metamor City, Codename:Starkeeper, Murder at Avedon Hill, and of course Morevi.
  • I participated in a fun and challenging collaboration with other podcast authors in the Pieces Podcast
  • I got my novel Geist edited and now in the hands of my agent

So what’s ahead in 2009??

  • Sell some more novels- but that is the in the hands of my agent and the fates
  • Weather Child- my New Zealand novel which has never been published anywhere before will be available as a podcast novel Feb 6th 2009.
  • Erotica a la Carte will continue and I plan on having fun with guest chefs in the kitchen while Weather Child is running
  • Working on a podcast only collaboration with Tee Morris. Steampunky goodness that may even make some money.
  • Digital Magic will be available as a podiobook in the latter half of the year.
  • I will be at Balticon to meet those other podcast novelists that I have missed meeting up until now
  • I will in in San Francisco to meet Chris Lester and J D Sawyer, both of whom I respect and admire.
  • I will be attending the CES in Las Vegas and I expect to learn a lot more on the social media side of things
  • Both Digital Magic and Chasing the Bard are up for Sir Julius Vogel Awards in May- and I don’t mind saying I want to win one!
  • I hope to have Erotica a la Carte, Chasing the Bard and Weather Child up for some Parsecs in September
  • I will finish my new steampunk erotica novel Magic by Gaslight
  • I’ll be trying to earn at least 10% of my income by writing, so plenty of schemes for making money are needed 
  • I’ll be training a new literary cat (or two)
  • Plenty of personal life changes that need to be made, but hopefully that won’t affect my writing
  • Changes are also in the wind for Whispers at the Edge
  • I hope to get to DragonCon again this year depending on finances

Whew, when I write it all done it seems a lot. I just want it to be a happy, productive year. 2008 has been a little bumpy with deaths, emotional turmoil and confusion but I hope for better things ahead. My wish is the same for you and yours.

Love

Pip

Money, money, money…

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 in the free lance work. I am hoping this will be by selling a novel, but I am not going to count on that. So I have to explore other income streams.

 

My novels will still be free podiobooks, I am committed to that, but I was considering offering my novellette Magic and Gaslight as an audio download for the princely sum of $5. I’d love to hear what you think. It would probably operate on the honour system. You donate by PayPal and I send you to a link. I’d love to hear what you guys think- is that too pricey? Not pricey enough? I’m just starting out and would love some input.

 

Someone also suggested I could write a column. Though for who I again have no idea. If you have a suggestion or a need for a kiwi perspective on social media, podcasting or life then email me pip@pjballantine.net. Heck any suggestions about ways to make money writing would be great. Regardless I will be doing my 8 hours behind the computer, writing.

And that I find very, very exciting….

I bet you think this song is about you…

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 better! The awards are designed by Weta Workshop and are presented at the  Annual Science Fiction Convention, to be held in June in Auckland. (Conscription).

Now it is up to the judges, but you all responded wonderfully. So fingers crossed the 2009 is the year I get some awards on that mantle.

Now…. about those Parsec Awards…