Victoria Janssen's Blog, page 107
February 8, 2010
My Favorite Girls Dressed as Boys - Fantasy Edition
Fantasy novels are rife with girls dressed up as boys. I'm not sure if it's because there are so many female fantasy readers versus so many male fantasy heroes, or if it's a result of a common romance-adventure trope sliding into its modern subgenre, or a combination of both, or neither.Anyway, here are some of my favorites in the fantasy genre.Ellen Kushner, The Privilege of the Sword: notable
February 7, 2010
Snow Pictures!
We interrupt your regularly scheduled blog for pretty pictures of a snowstorm in Philadelphia.
Alan Seeger, "Rendezvous"
RendezvousI have a rendezvous with DeathAt some disputed barricade,I have a rendezvous with DeathAt some disputed barricade,When Spring comes back with rustling shadeAnd apple-blossoms fill the air--I have a rendezvous with DeathWhen Spring brings back blue days and fair.It may be he shall take my handAnd lead me into his dark landAnd close my eyes and quench my breath--It may be I shall pass him
February 6, 2010
Help the Project Auction
Help the Project is an auction to benefit the Virginia Avenue Project, a free afterschool arts and academics program in Los Angeles, California. 100% of participating children graduate from high school. 95% go on to college. 98% are the first person in their family to go."The Virginia Avenue Project mentors Los Angeles children and teenagers, teaching classes in theatre and other arts, tutoring
February 5, 2010
Teaser from The Duke & The Pirate Queen
Today, a teaser from The Duke & The Pirate Queen.#Captain Imena Leung did her best to appear bored. The royal cutter's first officer examined the papers she had handed over to the inspecting officer. Chetri stood at her side, chewing mastic, hands clasped behind his back. He looked casual but was ready, she knew, to draw his knife at a moment's notice. Several of her crew handled
February 4, 2010
Belgian Soldiers
It's been a while since I've posted a historical photo. I love this one of a group of Belgian soldiers, because there's so much story there.(You should be able to click on it to see a larger version that gives a better view of their facial expressions.)
February 3, 2010
Breaking Chapters
Chapter breaks are a topic I can muse on indefinitely.This is because, when it comes to writing, I am a geek.I think chapter breaks have several purposes.1. Chapter breaks tell you where to stop reading and go to sleep.2. Chapter breaks give a guideline for the reader to tell her parent/child/spouse/friend when she'll stop reading and pay attention to them. "Just one more chapter!"3. Chapter
February 2, 2010
Short and Sweet
This month, I'll be working on a short story for an anthology. I haven't written any short stories in a really long time, but I ought to remember how.So, why I am doing this instead of hurrying to complete my proposal for the second Spice novel on my contract?First, because the editor asked me. I've sold him stories before, and we've had pleasant interactions online (we live in different
February 1, 2010
German edition of The Duchess, Her Maid, The Groom and Their Lover
Want to read The Duchess, Her Maid, The Groom and Their Lover auf Deutsch?You can now pre-order the German edition, Die Herzogin, ihre Zofe, der Stallbursche und ihr Liebhaber, scheduled to release August 1, 2010 from Mira Taschenbuch Im Cora Verlag, translated by Ira Severin."Herzogin Camille ist verzweifelt: Ihr grausamer Ehemann will sie umbringen, damit er sich eine junge, gefügige Frau
January 31, 2010
Openings from the Depths
One thing I haven't been able to do for the last couple of years is write short stories.I haven't lost the ability, or at least I don't think I have. It's that I'm spending all my time writing novels. Which, since those are under contract, is only right. But I still miss short stories. Especially that they're short.One of the most fun things, for me, about writing short stories was the beginnings
