Tatto For You

Just thought I might roll around some notions of what might happen post MBT. I have a sea-story idea rattling about in my head, but want so much to stretch out and explore beyond the Soutlands. Perhaps I might try doing a full tale and pop out a few short stories in the process... As for leers, Sara Charlotta Johansson , well there is one front and centre in the up-and-coming The Corsers' Hinge , we even get to see from his point of view... but I shall not reveal any more. Also, there is a discussion over at the Cult regarding the changing of the series title of the US/Canadian edition, new name, new cover, re-launch of first two books, all rather intriguing. Let us discuss...

Well, just to be different I have not begun the year with a January first wow-wee blog post; I have waited instead until the day before I move house for the 6th time in 10 years. Was it just me, or did the entry into this new year seem a tad low key? Well, here we are, 2010 - the year of Factotum , of The Corser's Hinge , of me thinking about and beginning a new tale: I have a few notions kicking around about what could be told next, certainly it will be set in the Half-Continent (I do not think I have much to say beyond it...) I think maybe some manner of adventure (a nice, contained middle-class kind of adventure, of course) might be in order, something to revive a soul rung a bit thin after 6 years on Rossamund's story. What are you folks thinking might be good for the new annum? BTW: in a fit of ego, whilst checking the spelling of "annum" at The Free Dictionary , I found that they had an entry on me (I couldn't resist!) A little buzz for the ego...

MERRY JESUS-BIRTHDAY ! to all of you, my patient fellow Sundergirdians*, or, as a soul might say in the Half-Continent, "Hale Thisgivingday!" Time is inexorably moving on and not too soon we will be in the actual year of Book 3's publication (if not the month yet). I want to thank you all for a year of great (though, I confess slow) blogging, of the ever excellent exchange between us. My hope is to regain some much needed energy over this festive (festy?) break to stride off in the new year with slightly more constant bloggingness (+ thoughts on a whole new story to embark, Lord willing). As always, we shall see. May this be an excellent time for you all, D.M.Cornish *a citizen of the Half-Continent.

Well, in the midst of completing the 3rd draft, I shall, with great trepidation, start with the bad - as is customary. There is no way to say it but straight: the release of Monster-Blood Tattoo Book 3 will be delayed until September of next year (2010). *wince* Sorry, sorry, sorry. The fault is mine for the time I have taken to write it. Apologies to everyone for causing any consternation at such a revelation. A silver lining to such a cloud is that it gives it all time to be just that bit better (the flip side of this being, it better be pretty darn good now then, huh?); also it will give you more time, Ms Ventress, to get a Sebastipole costume ready *hopeful face*. Okey dokey, on to the better stuff ... June next year (2010) is when my very first short story - The Corsers' Hinge (see your nearest explicarium for what a 'corser' is) - will be released here in Oz as part of an anthology called, Australia's Legends of Fantasy It will be published by Harper Collins, Au...

Given today is October 31st, I thought a bit of costume action would be appropriate. Ben, 10, the son of a friend of a friend of mine (the faithful and rather clever Sue-Ellen who gets me out of fixes with Latin and Greek) wanted to dress as Rossamünd for his school’s book parade this week. ... And so he did. I think his costume looks rather splendid; I especially like the battered old backpack and the untied shoe lace. These images makes me realise just how small and vulnerable Rossamünd was when he first left the foundlingery . I must say, I really dig all these Half-Continent costumes folks make. Thank you Ben... and his mum too, I reckon! *[Images used with permission]

I'm Allliiivvveee..! Over at Bookface [ TM] (where I am I think spending far too much time... maybe) Jane Hart Mason was good enough to ask me: Howdy... I hope you don't mind if I ask you a quick question, and I promise not be hurt if you don't have time to answer, or if it is your rule not to or whatnot. I am working on a little story of my own (not really to publish, just for my kid), and although I know what happens next and so on, I just can't seem to get it done. It may just be writer's block, but I am wondering if you have any tips or method as to what you do when this (if this?) happens to you. I have heard some writers set aside time to work on their stories, and even if they can't get anything written, they force themselves to sit there and think about it at least. Have you ever had any success with this? Mayhap you are one of those who is able to just pour it all out without pause, and if so please disregard this query. (I wish! DMC ) ... to which ...

In an as usually belated response to a continuing question about the inhabitants of the Half-Continent and beyond I have put this map up again but now with all new NUMBERS! [TM] by which I intend to answer said query. So here ' tis : 1/ Southeastern tip of Nenin , in the continent known as the Occident = Oriental derived cultures; 2/ Western coast of Heil , called Tung and home to a peoples derived from Mongol/ central asian cultures; 3/ Heilgoland proper, an empire based somewhat on Russian/ central European cultures; 4/ I cannot remember what this area is called specifically but it is home to a wide group of wild folk; 5/ The somewhat mythic lands of Fiele , little is known of here but that perhaps its is a land of sedorners and many monsters; 6/ The (Greater) Derelands , original home of the Skylds (for those who recall the history of Ingebiarge ), origin of greater derehunds (most excellent tykehouds ) and home of the Hagenards and various other peoples based on Nor...