Helen Lowe's Blog, page 76
August 26, 2018
About That Book Then: Time For A WALL#4 Update
Book alchemy…
Those of you who have been following the writing and releasing of Helen Lowe books since this blog began, way aways back in 2010, will know that I am always very reluctant to talk about a book at all while it is still a work-in-progress.
This is because I feel, very strongly, that “the book that can be spoken of is not the book.” Or more prosaicly, that discussing something that is still very much in progress may upset the creative apple-cart. Or perhaps it is simply writerly su...
August 22, 2018
A Geography of Haarth: Oath Hold
“The Heir Of Night” map: artist, Peter Fitzpatrick
The A Geography of Haarth post series traverses the full range of locales and places from The Wall Of Night world of Haarth.
From January 25, 2013 to November 25, 2014, the series explored locations encountered in The Heir Of Night and The Gathering Of The Lost.
Now it’s returned to gazette the geography of Daughter Of Blood (The Wall Of Night Book Three.) The new series comprises updates of previous entries as well as new listings.
—
Oath H...
August 19, 2018
Just Arrived: “The Crazed Wind — A Novella-in-Flash” by Nod Ghosh
I am delighted to do a Just Arrived post for you today, because the new arrival is a novella-in-flash, The Crazed Wind (Truth Serum Press), written by my friend and fellow Christchurch author, Nod Ghosh.
Not only that, but I got to go the book launch last Thursday p.m. and there’s always something very special about a book launch, which combines celebration with the sense of an event that marks both an ending and a beginning.
Shiny…
I suspect you will have questions for me, including, “What i...
August 15, 2018
About The Characters — Meet Emeriath
Art by Peter Fitzpatrick
Last year, I resumed my “About the Characters” post series that focuses on the minor characters in The Wall Of Night series, because:
“I think it’s the presence of the smaller characters that “makes” a story, creating texture around the main points of view.”
Initially, the series focused exclusively on characters from The Heir of Night, but now I’m continuing on with minor characters from both The Gathering Of The Lo...
August 12, 2018
Having Fun With Epic Fantasy Tropes #9: Artefacts of Power—And Doom—And Where To Find Them
Artefacts of power, and/or doom, are one of the great staples of epic fantasy and the myths, legends, and folklore that inform the literature. Given they’re frequently the object of heroic quests, this instalment of “Having Fun With Epic Fantasy Tropes” is closely linked to Instalment 8, “We’re All Going On A MacGuffin Hunt.”
Those of you who are following this series will also be aware that it has a predecessor in a guest post (one of a mini-series of three) I put tog...
August 8, 2018
A Geography of Haarth: Northern March
The Wall of Night Series map; design by Peter Fitzpatrick
The A Geography of Haarth post series traverses the full range of locales and places from The Wall Of Night world of Haarth.
From January 25, 2013 to November 25, 2014, the series explored locations encountered in The Heir Of Night and The Gathering Of The Lost.
Now it’s returned to gazette the geography of Daughter Of Blood (The Wall Of Night Book Three.) The new series comprises updates of previous entries as well as new listings.
—...
August 5, 2018
Silhouettes on the River
Firstly, an apology, since today’s post was meant to be another instalment (#9 in fact!) of the Having Fun With Epic Fantasy Tropes series (the link is to the most recent instalment, which in its turn links back to all the previous posts.)
However, as those who have read my 1 August post on the Supernatural Underground may be aware, I have recently sustained an eye injury, one that means I have to limit my screen time until it’s 100% again. So since the “Having Fun” posts tend to be large and...
August 1, 2018
New Up On Supernatural Underground: I Rediscover Harry Potter Via Audio Book
As regulars here probably know, but newcomers may not, on the first of every month I post on the Supernatural Underground blog.
So yesterday I posted on my recent rediscovery of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (using the US title because the SU is a US-based blog) via the medium of audio book.
As it turns out, the post is timely because July 31 is Harry Potter’s birthday, so what better time to share my thoughts re a first-time listen which is also effectively a “re-read.” 
July 29, 2018
Inside Middle Earth: Snapshots
‘Tis the bleak midwinter still, here “inside Middle Earth” (aka Nu Zild, aka Aotearoa — the “land of the long, white cloud”, aka New Zealand) so I thought I’d share a few snapshots from “around the traps.”
WW1 centenary monument, Rimutaka Crossing
The view north, from Rimutaka Crossing:
Governor’s Bay, Banks Peninsular: the view is of Lyttelton Harbour:
Up close and personal: a Canterbury braided river, not far from the sea:
Looking upriver:
And for those who love gardens, something from...
July 25, 2018
About The Characters: Meet The Minor Players in “The Wall Of Night” Series — Meet Elodin
USA
Last year, I resumed my “About the Characters” post series that focuses on the minor characters in The Wall Of Night series, because :
“I think it’s the presence of the smaller characters that “makes” a story, creating texture around the main points of view.”
Initially, the series focused exclusively on characters from The Heir of Night, but now I’m continuing on with minor characters from both The Gathering Of The Lost and Daughter of B...
