Kim Falconer @ AussieCon 4 Sept 3 - 6, 2010
Sat Sept 4th 1500 Rm 201: Signing
Sat Sept 4th 1600 Rm 212: Thinking in trilogiesThe trilogy seems synonymous with the fantasy story. Why is fantasy so closely tied in with the idea of the three-book story? Is it simply a marketing requirement, or are their structural advantages to the form that are not provided by the single novel. A look at the arguments for and against the trilogy, and whether it’s a tradition that’s here for good or due to be retired. Glenda Larke, Trudi Canavan, Fiona McIntosh, Russell Kirkpatrick, Kim Falconer
Sun Sept 5th 1200 Rm 201: Kaffeeklatsche (small group gathering for a coffee and a chat--bring your astrology chart and we can talk about current transits too!)
Mon Sept 6th 1300 Rm 204: Getting edgy: the disreputable protagonist in modern fantasyWhile fantasy used to centre around noble and good-hearted heroes, a growing sub-genre of recent years has celebrated a less savoury breed of protagonist. Knights and wizards-in-training are giving way to thieves, assassins, mercenaries and cutthroats. What is the appeal of this form of anti-hero, and what are its origins? How does changing the protagonist alter the kind of story you are able to tell? Ellen Kushner, Trudi Canavan, Fiona McIntosh, Kim Falconer
Mon Mon Sept 6th 1500 Rm 219: Whores and virgins: finding roles for women in fantasy fiction;
When developing fantasy fiction based on a historical inspiration, the roles for female characters in these stories would appear to be limited - or are they? What were the possible roles for women in medieval life, and how might that lead to new directions and ideas in fantasy fiction? Rose-Marie Lillian, Darlene Marshall, Jennifer Fallon, Kim Falconer
eRead Wolf Being
in the inaugural issue of Spectra
Today we’re offering you an excerpt of Kim Falconer’s wonderful environmental reflection with a surprise sci-fi twist, Wolf-Being. You can find out more about Kim right here on her official website.
“An aging creature finds itself all alone at the end of its species, and the collective memories of life on Earth are threatened with being lost forever.”
Writing and the Hero’s Journey
Follow your bliss and doors will open where once there were only walls. Joseph Campbell
Introduction: All writers are on a hero’s journey. They face the same challenges as Jason and the Argonauts, Psyche and Eros, or any other person who ever stepped out of their comfort zone and into the unknown. To fully appreciate this is to come into alignment with oneself. The first step is awareness and that means seeing the adventure for what it is—an archetypal journey. It can mean the difference between feeling helpless or powerful, stuck or fulfilled. Read the full article on Merrille Faber's Not Enough Words
Blood Honey Sex Magic
Join us on 10th August at 8pm when we're chatting with Kim Falconer. The topic of the evening? "Blood Sugar Sex Magic: Sex and the SF Fantasy writer" Hope to see you here!
If you think writing sex is simply a matter of describing an image from the Kama Sutra and adding ‘oh yeah, do it to me baby!’ this chat is for you. Unless writing pornography, sex scenes spark contradictory attitudes, values and beliefs.
They show who the characters are behind closed doors. Sex can be playful, dangerous, erotic and transformative. It can also carry tones of anger, resentment and revenge. Writing sex is not about anatomy and physiology, though it helps to have a working knowledge there. Whether good, bad, fast, slow, human, paranormal or bestial, sex is an intense and intimate experience that reveals deeper levels of personality as well as cultural and social paradigms.Come join the team at FANGtastic Books on August 10, 8 pm, when Kim Falconer gets down and dirty on a topic often overlooked and easily misunderstood in both genre and literary fiction.
Join Kim Falconer at THE BYRON BAY WRITERS FESTIVAL
6-8 AUGUST 2010
WORKSHOPS FROM 2 AUGUST
We’re delighted to introduce you to the complete range of marquee sessions, book launches, workshops, foodie and feature events that make up our 2010 celebration of writing and ideas, the fourteenth Byron Bay Writers Festival . Kim Falconer is appearing in the following events:
Tuesday 3rd of August 9.30am-12.30pm SCU Room Workshop;
Cast the spell: finding magic in immersion. Workshop resources - notes, links and exercisesThursday 5th of August 1:30pm-02:15pm MACQUARIE MARQUEE
Strange attractors: writing fantasy fictionFriday 6th of August 2.30pm- 4.00pm MACQUARIE MARQUEE
Bodice ripping: writing sex and intimacySaturday 7th of August 4.00pm- 5.00pm BLUE MARQUEE
Fantastical and magical: expanding the conventional worldSunday 8th of August 2.30pm- 3..30pm MACQUARIE MARQUEE
Keeping the faith: are writers influenced by the market?
Opportunities for Emerging SF/F Writers
Are you writing speculative fiction? Do you have a manuscript but don’t know how to market it? This seminar will bring you up to speed with the unique considerations for writing and publishing in this genre. Using the hero’s journey’ as a model, the steps for manuscript readiness and marketing will be discussed as well as ways and means of getting your work seen. We’ll also talk about expectations and assumptions and the kind of mind set that helps or hinders emerging writers.
Sub-genres will be considered - science fiction (hard, soft, dystopian, time travel, feminist, cyberpunk, steampunk, first contact, genetic engineering, space opera) horror, and fantasy (science fantasy, contemporary, dark, light, high, urban, paranormal, romantic, alternate history, vampire, werewolf) and we’ll examine a plethora of resources to help you get your work polished and published. Some time will be spent on opportunities for electronic delivery and internet platforms for networking. We’ll also take a look at what to expect once you’ve made your sale. There will be Q&A time as well.
HarperCollins Voyager author Kim Falconer’s first science fantasy series, Quantum Enchantment, has been on bestseller lists since 2008. She is currently signed for another three books to be released between 2010-2012. Notes for this seminar with annotated links will be available online for those attending.
When: Thursday, April 15 2010, 05:00 PM Where: Northern Rivers Writers Centre, 69 Jonson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481 Australia Sign up for my New Moon New letter full of updates, astro flash insights, myths and hints for emerging writers!
Writer's Resources
If you have a manuscript that needs revision but you're not sure where, how or why, Brian
Cook Manuscript Appraisal Agency is highly professional. They have top readers and offer a service that can help you get your work to publishing standard. My editor Sue Moran runs Dramatically Correct. She's a treasure of insight!
Also check out Bothersome Words. They offer a full range of professional editing and writing services. For a wealth of resources, writer's groups, author chats, reviews and community, visit A Writer Goes on a Journey. They have opportunities to publish your stories online and participate in critiques. Connect with like minded others on the Voyager site for F/SF community and all the latest releases.
And don't forget the Voyager Blog--I'm often contributing there! And don't overlook The Specusphere a cutting edge ezine for speculative fiction. There are more resources and individual author sites in the Links Panel. Email me if you have something to include! Also find links to my articles on revision, immersion and evoking the muse.
The Specusphere-an Interview with Kim Falconer
AC: Perhaps I am reading more into this name than I should, but . . .is this the reason why you chose the name (Gaela) and ‘played’ with it to reflect both your story premise and your own philosophy? Or was it serendipity?
KF: Astrid, I am so glad you brought this up. It’s a perfect example. You can’t read too much or too little into the work because it is the act of reading that makes it meaningful. . .
Blogging about immersion vs disbelief, the hero's journey, much ado about reviews, the way of the samurai, rejection letters, the astrology of character development, sentience--plus vampires, underwear, tattoos and Silver Metal Lovers!
Voyager Online Guest Author
Dynamic Revision
Five Ways to Enhance Meaning in Narrative
Abstract: Linear models for writing follow a ‘first . . .then . . .finally’ approach placing revision at the end—after the creative act (Sommers, 1980). This methodology is useful when editing for grammatical errors and syntax though a more holistic and ‘intra-writing’ approach supports revising for meaning. Using five key elements—point of view, time as structure, detail, dialog and register—revision for meaning is explored in the context of an example short story. Excerpts from a variety of novels and other works are also referenced. By being aware of these elements throughout the writing process, writers will be able to improve revision, clarifying meaning and adding weight to their narrative. View PDF
Fiction in Another world:
The Participation Mystique as an alternative model to the willing suspension of disbelief in reader/audience immersion
Abstract: The predominate explanation for immersion in fiction—novels, films, electronic games, theatre—is the willing suspension of disbelief. This model is examined and found unable to account for the depth of emotional engagement in reader/audiences. Through a discussion of plausibility and belief, and the binary opposites of imagined and real emotions, the concept of a ‘third space’ of engagement with fiction is considered, supported by the ideas of Holland (2002) Winnicott, (1998) and Jung (1971). Tolkien’s (1966) concept of a ‘secondary world’ is related to Lucien Levi-Bruhl’s participation mystique proposing the latter as an alternative model to the willing suspension of disbelief in reader/audience immersion. This hypothesis has potential ramifications across multiple disciplines—literature, arts, philosophy, sociology, psychology and behavioral sciences—inviting further consideration and study. View PDF
Kim Falconer. LPW504-SP 2 Swinburne University of Technology. August 3, 2007 - Print Version
Abstract: Many writers refer to creative inspiration as the Muse—an illusive creature beyond their control. By exploring the notion of inspired creativity through a multidisciplinary approach of mythology, fairytale and the collective unconscious, an archetypal image is revealed, depicting the Muse in her ancient guise, and through the symbolism of mermaids. Residing in the depths of the unconscious, the ebb and flow of creativity is highlighted, offering strategies on how to attract the Muse and encourage her to stay. The hypertext links give instant access to references, definitions, examples of author interviews and sites for further study. Concluding with practical exercises for approaching the ‘blank page,’ this site offers a ‘how to’ guide for writers who want to make friends with their inner Muse.Top
Kim Falconer © 2010
