Helen Lowe's Blog, page 107
July 12, 2016
Big Worlds On Small Screens — Postponed
Big Worlds On Small Screens and the final instalment of “Fantasy Films From The Eighties that Weren’t That Bad” is being postponed until Rebecca has a chance to get over a recent rush of commitments.
I know Big Worlds On Small Screens followers will be disappointed, but like Arnie, Rebecca will be back! 
In the meantime, although I know it won’t be the same, I’ll post something else for you in an hour or so.
July 11, 2016
Tuesday Poetry: Haiku “Winter solitude” by Bashō
Winter solitude –
in a world of one color
the sound of wind.
– Matsuo Bashō, 1644 – 1694
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I have been posting seasonal haiku and short poetry recently: this is one of my favourites from the Japanese master, Matsuo Bashō.
July 10, 2016
The Influence of Trees on Landscape in “The Wall Of Night” Series
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on how trees not only influence human creativity in terms of art and literature, but play an important part in defining the fantasy landscapes in my books.
I’ve now looked at trees in the context of worldbuilding and landscape in all four of my novels published to date: Thornspell, The Heir of Night (The Wall Of Night Book One), The Gathering of the Lost (The Wall Of Night Book Two), and most recently Daughter of Blood (The Wall Of Night Book Three).
However, th...
July 9, 2016
Midwinter Photo Fun
Midwinter is a good time for getting out and about whenever the sky is blue.
Recently my sister and I took a walk along the rail trail, alongside Te Waihora, also known as Lake Ellesmere. If you look really closely you can see the snow-covered peaks of the Southern Alps in the far distance.
Afterwards we checked out the Little River gallery and cafe, where I always love their sculpture garden. Fun!
July 8, 2016
“Children of Earth and Sky” Giveaway — We Have A Result
UK/AU/NZ cover
On Monday I interviewed the internationally renowned author, Guy Gavriel Kay — and Hachette New Zealand provided two copies of his recently published novel, Children Of Earth and Sky, for me to giveaway to New Zealand readers.
The giveaway closed at midnight Friday and the subsequent draw was made using Random.Org Integer Generator — and the lucky winners are:
Cathie Bell Chris O’BrienCongratulations!
Please contact me on contact[at]helenlowe[dot]info with your postal address...
July 7, 2016
“Children Of Earth & Sky” Giveaway — Last Call
UK/AU/NZ cover
Today is the last chance for NZ readers to win one of two copies of Guy Gavriel Kay’s The Children of Earth and Sky.
The Children of Earth and Sky is the thirteenth Fantasy novel published by the internationally renowned Canadian author, who discussed the book and other aspects of his writing with me in our Monday interview.
To enter the giveaway, which closes at midnight tonight (NZ time), just leave a comment on the interview:
An Interview With Guy Gavriel KayI’ll post the w...
July 6, 2016
#thebloodinthebeginning – Check Out The Goodness!
Kim Falconer and I had a great deal of fun yesterday, discussing Kim’s new urban fantasy novel, The Blood In The Beginning, on the twitter hashtag #thebloodinthebeginning
We were thrilled that other authors joined in the chat and topics ranged from Kim’s heroine, Ava (“tough, edgy, smart, & loyal”), through Mixed Martial Arts, fracking, authenticity vs shock tactics in writing, secondary characters, the importance of “heart” — and so very much more!
So much, in fact, that I can only recommend...
July 5, 2016
A Twitter Interview With Kim Falconer — Very Soon Now!
KimFalconer
The clock is ticking and it’s almost time for my Twitter interview with Kim Falconer, honing in on the goodness that is her new-out urban fantasy, The Blood In The Beginning.
Just to give you an idea of time zones, the action will be happening at:
NZ: 11.00 am Australia EST: 9 am US EST: 7 pm (Tuesday 5)Stay tuned to #thebloodinthebeginning on Twitter to follow the Q&A fun.
And don’t forget that you’re very welcome to ask your own questions, too.
July 4, 2016
The Week of the Interview: A Twitter Q&A with Kim Falconer Tomorrow!
Just a headsup — ICYMI 
— that tomorrow (or later today for most of you in the northern hemisphere!) I’ll be on Twitter and interviewing Kim Falconer about her new-out urban fantasy novel, The Blood In the Beginning.
Although I have a few questions prepared, Kim and I would love it if you chip in with any of your own, or just generally contribute to the conversation.
Stay tuned to #thebloodinthebeginning for the tweet-up action!
Meanwhile, here are the details again:
Date:Wednesday 6 July, N...
Tuesday & Poetry: Haiku — “winter sun”
winter sun
…………a single persimmon
…………on the tree
Helen Lowe
Published in tiny gaps, New Zealand Poetry Society, 2006
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I have been posting seasonal haiku and short poetry recently: here is one of my own now we’re officially in the deep midwinter.
