Kate Elliott's Blog, page 4
December 8, 2015
Loncon3 / Worldcon Schedule
Loncon 3 (London Worldcon) takes place 14 – 18 August 2014.
My Philosophy of Con-going: I attend conventions specifically to meet readers (and to see friends), so don’t be shy: Introduce yourself.
I am scheduled for a Signing on Friday (see below), but for signing books/etc also please feel free to come to my Reading, sign up for my Kaffeeklatsch, or track me down after a panel (except when I have back to back events I will try to leave time open post-panel) because I can talk or sign then too
I will also be at Fantasycon 2014, 5-7 September, in York, England, a small, informal convention where you definitely will be able to find me easily and the venue won’t be seething with masses of people as Loncon will.
LONCON: MY SCHEDULE
Signing: Kate Elliott
Friday 12:00 – 13:30, Autographing Space (ExCel)
I will have postcards with the cover of my forthcoming short story collection (Tachyon Press) featuring the truly fabulous Julie Dillon illustration from a scene in Cold Steel.
Imagining Fantasy Lands: The Status Quo Does Not Need Worldbuilding
Friday 16:30 – 18:00, Capital Suite 11 (ExCeL)
Mary Anne Mohanraj (M), Tobias Buckell, Kate Elliott, Rochita Loenen-Ruiz
Fantasy world-building sometimes comes under fire for its pedantic attention to detail at the expense of pacing or prose style. Do descriptive passages clog up the narrative needlessly, when reader imagination should be filling in the gaps? Where does that leave the landscapes and cultures that are less well represented in the Western genre: can world-building be a tool in subverting reader expectations that would otherwise default to pseudo-medieval Euro-esque? If fantasy is about defamiliarising the familiar, how important is material culture – buildings, furnishings, tools, the organisation of social and commercial space – in creating a fantasy world?
Beyond Bechdel
Friday 20:00 – 21:00, Capital Suite 7+12 (ExCeL)
Kate Heartfield (M), Kate Elliott, Jed Hartman, Julia Rios, JY Yang
The “Bechdel test” for female representation in films is now widely known. To pass it a film should contain two named female characters who have a conversation about something other than a man. In recent years, similar tests have been proposed for other under-represented groups, including the Mako Mori test for characters of colour, and the Russo test for queer characters. What are the strengths and weaknesses of such tests? How do they affect our viewing choices? And what does the popularity of such tests say about how popular media are being received and discussed?
“Your ‘realistic’ fantasy is a washed out colourless emptiness compared to the Rabelaisian reality.” Discuss.
Saturday 13:30 – 15:00, Capital Suite 6 (ExCeL)
Kate Elliott (M), Nic Clarke, Edward James, Kari Sperring, Jenny Blackford
‘Realism’ has become a buzzword for contemporary genre fantasy, but most medievalesque world-building still barely scratches the surface of the reality. One in three marriages in 14th-century Cairo ended in divorce; English towns were brimming with migrants, including people of colour; women fought on the battlefields of the Crusades; and cities across the world were awash with lurid pageantry that would make modern audiences blush. The panel will discuss aspects of medieval and early-modern life that were more complex than our fiction imagines, and ways of making our invented worlds as diverse and exciting as our history.
The Big Playthrough
Saturday 15:00 – 16:30, Capital Suite 7+12 (ExCeL)
Patrick Rothfuss, Kate Elliott, Michelle Sagara, Gail Carriger
Gail Carriger, Kate Elliott, Pat Rothfuss and Michelle Sagara West play Gloom for your delight and delectation! Gloom is a deeply inauspicious card game in which players strive to kill their horrid, horrid families in as gristly and grotty ways possible, whilst trying to keep the families of the other player alive. Will they be devoured by weasels or simply perturbed by pudding? Come along and find out…
Diversity Within Young Adult Science Fiction
Sunday 12:00 – 13:30, Capital Suite 2 (ExCeL)
Marieke Nijkamp (M), Kate Elliott, John Hornor Jacobs, Rochita Loenen-Ruiz, Mary Anne Mohanraj, Mahvesh Murad
From Earthsea to Noughts and Crosses, The Summer Prince to Akata Witch, children and teens need to see books with characters that represent the diverse world they live in, whether they are dystopian romance or fantasy adventure. Organisations like We Need Diverse Books are helping to promote diversity in children’s literature, but what actions can we take – as readers, writers, publishers, and book-buyers – to help them in their goals? And who are the great authors of the past few years we should be catching up on?
Kaffeeklatsch
Sunday 14:00 – 15:00, London Suite 5 (ExCeL)
Wesley Chu, Kate Elliott
(This is a small group meeting. You sign up in advance and the number of places are limited.)
Reading: Kate Elliott
Monday 11:00 – 11:30, London Suite 1 (ExCeL)
Kate Elliott (I will have a few special postcards (see above) signed by Julie Dillon to give away at this event.
Robin Hobb: When Assassins Didn’t Need to Be Hooded
Monday 13:30 – 15:00, Capital Suite 8 (ExCeL)
Tim Kershaw (M), Kate Elliott, Robin Hobb, Patrick Rothfuss, Kari Sperring
Robin Hobb has influenced a generation of epic fantasists with her unique voice, and a willingness to avoid easy solutions even if that sometimes means letting bad things happen to good characters. While Hobb’s work is dark at times, her famous assassin, FitzChivalry, is almost a kitten compared to the hooded cold blooded killers today’s audience seems to crave. Has the fantasy market fundamentally changed in tone and content, or just diversified? How did the field get from there to here? And, finally, where is it headed?
Mirrored from I Make Up Worlds.
NaNoWriMo 9: “Keep the channel open”
Yesterday I wrote 3105 words on a book which I tell you not to boast or preen but to let you know that I am desperately pushing to finish revising a novel that is overdue and which I’m almost finally done with.
Partway through the day I wrote some words to a friend.
I said:
You don’t know how your creative work will be received. All you can do is offer up what is present in your imagination.
It’s the choice we make as writers, I think, because I don’t think we have that much “choice” in what is inside us to write. Our individual imaginations are what they are.
Our choices are 1) analyzing those stories and revising/re-visioning them to filter out as many of the prejudices, cliches, defaults, and errors as we can 2) deciding whether we really want to expose our entrails (which is what we always do when we publish: to allow others to share in our creative imaginations is to make ourselves vulnerable).
What, how, and why you create is your path to walk. No one else can give the world what is in your heart and your voice and your experience.
Later I had lovely phone calls with both of my sisters. One, an academic, talked about a colleague of hers who is trying to convince her university to fund a program incorporating the study of fanwork. Yes! Fanwork is steadily infiltrating the academy.
The other sent me this quote that beautifully and brilliantly encapsulates what I was trying to say to my friend:
Martha Graham to Agnes DeMille –
“There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, nor how valuable it is, nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate YOU. Keep the channel open.”
Mirrored from I Make Up Worlds.
THE VERY BEST OF KATE ELLIOTT: 10 February 2015
I’ll have more to say about my first short fiction collection in a post I’ll be writing for The Book Smugglers called “The Courage to Say Yes,” which will be published right around the release day.
For now, feast your eyes upon the phenomenal cover of THE VERY BEST OF KATE ELLIOTT, illustration by (Hugo-award-winning) Julie Dillon and design by Elizabeth Story.
I will never ever get tired of showing off this cover.
A pair of princesses convene in the Queen’s Garden to plot against their scheming father. A mischievous saber-tooth cat from the spirit world uses his shape-shifting magic to right a wrong. The warrior Kereka tries to prove herself as a man, else live in the shadow of the hero to whom she’s betrothed. War-hardened Mai, in self-imposed exile, artfully shields her family from the spies of her jealous former husband, King Anji.
This career retrospective from bestselling author Kate Elliott (Crown of Stars) showcases twenty years of her best work. Collected here are many of Elliott’s previously unavailable tales, as well as a brand new Crossroads story. With her strong heroines, diverse worlds, and riveting storytelling, Elliott continues to inspire readers and push the boundaries of fantasy and science fiction.
A quote from the Publishers Weekly (starred) review:
This collection serves beautifully both as an introduction to Elliott and as a treat for fans who want more of her marvels.
Pre-order from your local bookstore (I’m a big believer in supporting local bookstores) or:
The Very Best of Kate Elliott is available internationally from Tachyon Publications.
Mirrored from I Make Up Worlds.
2015 In Review
My publications:
January: Review of Rosemary Kirstein’s Steerswoman series in Cascadia Subduction Zone
February: The Very Best of Kate Elliott (Tachyon Publications)
Started Remembering Japan memoir
Smart Bitches tribute post
Eggs, Bees, & Toilets
March: Writing Women Characters
August: Court of Fives
Blog tour
November: Black Wolves
December: Night Flower
The Beatriceid
Coming in 2016:
Poisoned Blade (Court of Fives 2) (August 2016)
Anything else is unconfirmed as of this time.
Mirrored from I Make Up Worlds.
Court of Fives – Coming Soon!
Kate Elliott’s debut Young Adult release, COURT OF FIVES, will be released on 18 AUGUST 2015. from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. You can pre-order your copy on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Indiebound (USA and Canada only!).
Description:
“In this imaginative escape into an enthralling new world, World Fantasy Award finalist Kate Elliott begins a new trilogy with her debut young adult novel, weaving an epic story of a girl struggling to do what she loves in a society suffocated by rules of class and privilege.
Jessamy’s life is a balance between acting like an upper class Patron and dreaming of the freedom of the Commoners. But at night she can be whomever she wants when she sneaks out to train for The Fives, an intricate, multi-level athletic competition that offers a chance for glory to the kingdom’s best competitors. Then Jes meets Kalliarkos, and an unlikely friendship between a girl of mixed race and a Patron boy causes heads to turn. When a scheming lord tears Jes’s family apart, she’ll have to test Kal’s loyalty and risk the vengeance of a powerful clan to save her mother and sisters from certain death.”
Or, as Elliott says: “Little Women meets American Ninja Warrior in a fantasy setting inspired by ancient Egypt.”
Here’s are some of the reviews so far:
Booklist, starred review:
“Jes will remind readers of fearless Katniss with her skill and strategy for games. But it’s the fascinating descriptions of traditions, royal interactions, and, of course, the intensities of the Fives that will enthrall readers most of all. Let the games continue!”
Publishers Weekly:
“An imaginative journey…. Elliott creates an intricate and intriguing story, conjuring a world of mysticism and centuries-old customs. Jessamy’s boldness and impulsiveness make her a striking heroine in a male-dominated land.”
Ann Aguirre, New York Times bestselling author of the Razorland trilogy:
“Haunting. Epic. Impassioned. Layered. Breathtaking. This isn’t just a novel; it is a coup d’état of the soul. Prepare to be ravished by Kate Elliott’s Court of Fives.”
School Library Journal:
“Set in an ancient civilization reminiscent of the Egyptians and the Mayans, this is a high fantasy novel that explores race, class, and gender struggles in a patriarchal society….a world of warring kingdoms where the victors have built their civilization on the backs of the conquered. Jessamy is loyal and strong female protagonist who fights against injustice. This trilogy opener will be a hit with readers who love action-packed fantasy adventures.”
Marie Lu, New York Times bestselling author of the Legend series and the Young Elites series:
“Kate Elliott’s magic and mastery is better than ever. Court of Fives enchanted me from start to finish, with characters and worlds that lingered long after I turned the final page.”
Tamora Pierce, author of the Tortall series and the Circle of Magic series:
“Fast-paced, tense, and riveting. I couldn’t put it down, and you won’t be able to either!”
Gail Carriger, New York Times bestselling author of the Parasol Protectorate series and the Finishing School series:
“This book is amazing. Kate Elliott combines everything I love best in a YA novel. Jes is a killer protagonist, tough and capable, but also lost in her upbringing and faced with impossible choices that test her character and her beliefs…. This book will not fail you.”
Stay tuned for how you can win a FREE copy of Court of Fives in a blog giveaway!
Mirrored from I Make Up Worlds.
NIGHT FLOWER – Available Now!
Exciting news: NIGHT FLOWER is now available exclusively as an e-book! Thanks to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and The Novl, you can download the Court of Fives prequel for only $2.99 through these e-tailers:
Apple iBooks | Google Play | Kindle | Nook | Kobo | Goodreads
NIGHT FLOWER focuses on Jessamy’s parents, Kiya and Esladas, and their serendipitous story prior to the events of Court of Fives:
When adventurous Kiya leaves behind her country home for a new life in the city of Saryenia, she meets a young soldier by the name of Esladas while working in the marketplace…and despite neither of them speaking the same language, chance encounters and stolen moments lead to a blossoming romance.
Everyone around them seems to be frowning upon their relationship, but how can they let it go when there’s this feeling in their chest that tells them that something great could come out of it? Is their love worth becoming outsiders for the rest of their lives?
For more information, visit The Novl’s official NIGHT FLOWER post. Happy reading!
Mirrored from I Make Up Worlds.
December 7, 2015
ICYMI: Kate Elliott Interviews & Guest Posts
In case you missed it, here’s a roundup of Kate Elliott’s recent online appearances:
Nov 5 – John Scalzi’s Whatever Blog Guest Post: The Big Idea
“Change always happens, but as Kate Elliott explains in this Big Idea for Black Wolves, the opening novel in a new fantasy trilogy, not all change happens at once.”
Nov. 13 – Barnes & Noble Sci-Fi and Fantasy Blog Guest Post: 10 Fantasy Novels Whose Depictions of Women Did Not Make Me Smash Things
“Long ago, in a galaxy far far away, […] it [was] almost impossible to find fantasy novels that gave me a fresh, provocative, innovative landscape without simply replicating the same dull and retrograde roles for women. Fortunately these days it’s new world dawning and I, for one, am thrilled.”
Nov 20 – Fangirl Happy Hour Ep. 27: “That Darn Internet”
“This week on Fangirl Happy Hour, Renay and Ana welcome Kate Elliott back to the show to discuss H.P. Lovecraft, the World Fantasy Award, fandom, rec the best pigeon dating game you will ever play, and answer some listener questions.”
Nov. 23 – Tor. Com’s Rocket Talk Ep. 69: Kate Elliott & Emma Newman
“This week’s episode features fantasy and science fiction authors Kate Elliott and Emma Newman on their recent novels, what it’s like to write aged characters and what kinds of resistance exists in society to hearing those stories. They also discuss the rarity of anxiety disorders in fiction.”
Dec. 2 – Lady Business Guest Post: The Call to Adventure
“Kate Elliott shares the old opening to her new novel, Black Wolves, which came out November 3.”
E.P. Beaumont Interview: The Muse of Research with Kate Elliott
“Kate Elliott took time from a very busy schedule of writing, revising, and promoting her work to grant this interview. As reader, I’m entertained; as writer, I’m taking notes.”
Happy reading!
Mirrored from I Make Up Worlds.
November 21, 2015
BLACK WOLVES – Best Epic Fantasy Novel Finalist
More good news! Kate Elliott’s latest fantasy novel, Black Wolves, is now a finalist for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards for Best Epic Fantasy Novel!
Other honorable finalists in the Best Epic Fantasy Novel category include Cecilia Holland’s Dragon Heart, Erin Lindsey’s The Bloodforged, and Juliet Marillier’s Tower of Thorns. Congratulations to all the nominees in all of the categories!
PS – You can also read RT Book Reviews’ review of Black Wolves here.
Mirrored from I Make Up Worlds.
BLACK WOLVES – Library Journal Starred Review!
Excited to announce that Kate Elliott’s Black Wolves has received a starred review from Library Journal:
“Elliott sketches in a delightfully complex landscape full of court intrigue, religious upheaval, culture clashes, and the mysterious demons who seem to be pulling many of the strings in play. . . . Elliott’s strong narrative will keep readers engaged.”
You can read more quotes, reviews, and more about the new epic fantasy at Kate Elliott’s main page. If you haven’t already, you can pick up your copy of Black Wolves at your local independent bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and other online and bricks and mortar stores!
Mirrored from I Make Up Worlds.
November 16, 2015
Black Wolves — Discussion Thread
If you have any comments, questions, or requests for clarification you wish to address to me, or if you just wish to chat with me or other readers about Black Wolves, here is a space you can do so.
Mirrored from I Make Up Worlds.
