Philippa Ballantine - Author

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

Podosphere

Is there anybody out there??

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 been posted over at Random Pimpage and View from Valhalla– and they are for the most personal of my stories (so far at least) Weather Child.

This is a story set in an alternate New Zealand and is, according to some reviews on itunes, seriously creepy. It is a rough first draft that I hope to get a home for after Geist has made its debut.

Here’s some of the things said that really made me smile

“Seriously just like I expected out of Pip great characterization you really were able to feel like Lily, Faith, and Jack were alive you get drawn into them and when the bad bad things happen to them (and yes some serious evil is laid down) you genuinely get pissed for them. It’s a great story great characterization and a hell of a ride. Let’s not forget the smooth sultry tones of the Lovely Miss Ballentine doing the narration” – Random Pimpage

“Weather Child is a beautiful and deeply personal story. Ms. Ballantine has drawn from her own family history to flesh out some of the characters, and it is an investment that is palpable. I love a well done historical fantasy, and Weather Child is very well done indeed. This is a story that exudes pain and sorrow, but never loses faith in the possibility of redemption.”- View from Valhalla

So yes – what you think makes a difference to me. It encourages me to write and podcast because it says that I am reaching other people. And that is what creativity is all about for me.

So many cool friends…

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. Everyone. It’s the kind of smart, fun book that takes language twists it about and gives you a spank with it. Seriously, listen to the first chapter put together by the just as talented JD Sawyer.

Download

Zodi and her co-consipirator Tim have began a project called 31 days of Ghosts for October. Since writing Geist and working on the sequel Spectre, I have a real fascination with ghost stories- scrub that- I have always had an interest in ghost stories. So I am looking forward to keeping up with all these great stories.

31 Days of Ghosts
31 Days of Ghosts

And finally Tee Morris has put up the 1st 15 minutes of his Speak Geek to Me talk, that he did at Te Papa. I did the camera work, and you can even faintly hear me chuckle. (Ok, anyone that has heard my laugh, knows faint isn’t exactly the description)

Tee’s a great speaker so pop on over and check it out

Now, I better go write something…these guys are making me look bad :p

Pirate Chapbook

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 Justin bought out his chapbook I had to pick up a copy- and of course get it signed. You can read the pdf for free, but consider buying a copy (for only $US5 you can’t really go wrong) and supporting a writer and podcaster that has given us so much.

Watch out boys she’ll chew you up

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 generosity continues- yes a free pdf copy of Nina Kimberly the Merciless. Have a read, have a laugh and one 15th May EST go buy your copy. The dark goddess will be there.

Far away into the silent land…

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 for my first trip to DragonCon in 2007, and was looking forward to meeting someone whose insight and charm I had enjoyed on shows like Slice of Sci Fi and Kick Ass Mystic Ninjas. I never got the chance- something I regret deeply. He touched the lives of a lot of people, some who had met him, many that had not. That is the beauty and power of podcasting.

Have a listen to the tribute show here and think about someone you lost today. We all have, and like it or not we all will pass that way too.

Then go hug someone you care about; a friend, a lover, a family member. Tell them how much they mean to you. One day you will not have the chance to.

Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go, yet turning stay.