Someone on a writing forum said they “need” to finish their novel, both because the story won’t let them go and because they need the money. This is some of what I said, which clearly not enough people are saying: First rule of writing is never ever write for money. Here’s some reasons, as brieflyContinue reading “Making money as a writer”
Author Archives: Felicity Banks Books
“The Blue Sword” by Robin McKinley
I first read this book – oh, many years ago now – and it stayed in my head all this time. About a month ago I remembered the author’s name and how much I loved the book, and I ordered a bunch of her stuff from the library, which I’ve been voraciously reading ever since.Continue reading ““The Blue Sword” by Robin McKinley”
Life lessons from “This Means War”
Last weekend CJ and I went and saw “This Means War” (starring the girl from “Legally Blonde” as the Ordinary Girl, the guy from the latest “Star Trek” as the Rich Over-Confident Man Who Treats Women Badly, and the guy from various stuff as the Single Father Who Until Five Seconds Ago Was Trying To GetContinue reading “Life lessons from “This Means War””
Rocking the roll
This week Louisette discovered how to roll from her back onto her front (which is harder than front to back, which she’s done once or twice a week since Mothers’ Day). We walked into her room in the morning and found her on her tummy, terribly pleased with herself. Then she did it several moreContinue reading “Rocking the roll”
Invent the solution
Louisette is a long way from actually walking (or crawling for that matter) but we installed our top-of-the-stairs safety gate all the same. Unfortunately, like all removable gates, it is a massive trip hazard – because it must be braced against both walls, and the only place to do so is along the bottom ofContinue reading “Invent the solution”
Climb into a good book
Trains, planes, and airships
You’ll like this gallery. See?
Are you almost there?
A lot of writers laugh indulgently at the pile of rambling grammatical errors that is their first book, and try hard not to think too hard about whether or not their current work in progress will be just as eye-rollingly embarrassing a little while down the track. For those who’ve been around the traps forContinue reading “Are you almost there?”
“The Farthest Shore” by Ursula LeGuin
I’m sorry to say that this is the weakest book of the trilogy. There is a fourth book that is weaker still, that I’ve chosen not to re-read. The rest of this review is at Comfy Chair, where I get paid for it.
Flap!
As previously advertised, CJ and I went to a live music gig at The Front Cafe Gallery in North Lyneham (yes, near Tillies). We took Louisette – it’s not like it’s even her first gig. The cafe gallery is all pretty small, and the main room was (rather close) standing room only – so weContinue reading “Flap!”
In sickness and in health
As expected, breastfeeding is now over (for this child). It’s been about 24 hours. I don’t and won’t have any of the usual weaning hassles, because I never did produce enough milk, and lately it’s been maybe 10mL a day (what an adult would consider a sip). Some people lose weight when they stop breastfeedingContinue reading “In sickness and in health”
Potato Salad
I had one of those moments today – you know the kind – where a lightning bolt struck my brain and I thought, “Egad! That food that I love so much – I can make it!” After a brief sortie into Google Land, I had a potato salad recipe. Between being thrown up on, doingContinue reading “Potato Salad”
The Avengers movie
If you’re any kind of self-respecting geek, you’ve probably already seen this more than once (or, alternatively, if you’re a lady fond of her eye candy). To the delighted relief of the geekmunity (who have been burned before), this is a great film. For those who know the name of Joss Whedon (writer and director),Continue reading “The Avengers movie”
Giant walking steam elephant
Need I say more? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Qa2HMpiQuc&feature=share
That First Chapter
Chuck Wendig at his blog says: . . . the first chapter serves as an emblem of the whole. It’s got to have a bit of everything. It needs to be representative of the story you’re telling — other chapters deeper in the fat layers and muscle tissue of the story may stray from this,Continue reading “That First Chapter”
The Tombs of Atuan
This is the story of Tenar, who is said to be a priestess reborn. As a result, she is taken from her family at a young age and brought up in a temple complex, taught to be the mistress and guardian of the Undertomb and Labyrinth. No-one else is allowed in all the dark places,Continue reading “The Tombs of Atuan”
Spice Rack
I wanted one so bad. I got one. Glass canisters, stickers and all cost $15. I love you, Target.
The Favourite Toy
This week CJ and I decided on a toy we intend to be Louisette’s favourite, and (once the danger of SIDS has passed) sleep-time toy. She really liked a particular monkey toy because it was a comfortable size, easy to hold on to, and nice to chew on. I didn’t like the monkey’s face, soContinue reading “The Favourite Toy”
Eurovision
Oh, Eurovision! How I love you. Eurovison is a Europe-wide* contest for unsigned musical artists. It is astonishingly, spectacularly bad. In some ways it is amazingly predictable. In other ways it is. . . not. Some of my favourites included the terrifying snake woman apparently giving birth on stage, the snow ninjas, the easybake babushkas (whoContinue reading “Eurovision”
They grow up SO FAST