Philippa Ballantine - Author

Award-winning Author of fantasy, science fiction, and steampunk

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Do you know the way to San Jose? I do

Suddenly realized that I haven’t blogged in awhile- and that isn’t because things aren’t happening. In fact it is because they are! There have been more nibbles writing wise, that are both sureal and exciting– and none I can talk about. One of them does involve my steampunk story. It has a new title, Books and Braun: Phoenix Rising. Yes, this is easily a series.

And here we come to the title of this post. San Jose is the city hosting World Fantasy– and I will be there. I will be meeting with publishers and my lovely agent Laurie. Also Edge Publishing will be there, and hopefully there will be stocks of Chasing the Bard and Digital Magic available to be bought. Also Dan Sawyer and Gail Carriger will be in attendance. (Gail is also having a party to release her fantastic new novel- Soulless) So let me know if you are going to be there.

This is not an ordinary thing…

You know, you work at something for 12 years, plugging along, enjoying what you are doing, but not expecting things to happen. I’ve just kept my head down doing what I love- and lately I’ve had to look up.

Ever since my wonderful agent sold the 2 book deal to Ace I have found new and wonderful things happening. Some possibilities I cannot tell anyone about, which just about kills me. But I can tell you about two.

Books and Braun is a steampunk tale of Wellington Books Esq. archivist for the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, and how his life is turned upside down by the demotion of agent Eliza D Braun; a feisty Colonial none too happy about being stuck in the Archives. Book and Braun soon find themselves investigating the death of Braun’s previous partner and steamy chaos ensues.

The other that I have just committed to is working a steampunk YA novel with Dan Sawyer.

Collaboration is a tricky business, but can also be a delight. Books and Braun is perhaps 80% done, but Dan and I won’t start writing the YA project until December. But I am excited.

Social networking and the wonders of the internet have bought me so many opportunities and have connected me with so many fabulous people. So hurrah for digital awesomeness.

Mystify, you mystify me…

If that is how Twitter makes you feel, then I have the solution.

Yes, All A Twitter is now available for purchase. My collaborator on many things, Tee Morris has written this great book on the hot social media application. Tee has written many technical books, including Podcasting for Dummies and his style is laid back and very palatable to even the most technologically challenged.

For me, Twitter is about staying connected to friends, family and fans all over the world. But I have to admit, when I first signed up I didn’t ‘get it’. A book like this would have really helped me through those awkard months of learning.

I also tech edited All A Twitter- using my librarian skills to make sure Tee was giving you the good oil. It’s a book that covers everything from setting up, building a network, proper ettiquette and everything in between. It is also funny- which is a nice thing to have in a tech book.

So pick up a copy. Or do what I am- suggest your local library purchase it.

Tee and the Radio

Tee Morris got to speak on Radio New Zealand- and I believe this is what is called karma. When I was in the States in 2006 I might have crowed about the coverage I got over there… and this is payback. 😉

Tee put together this cool video of the interview. Part 2 to follow

The 2nd best feeling in the world

Phil Rossi writes great stuff- creepy, sexy and gritty. I’ve been a fan of his novel Crescent for a long time, so to have him part of the DragonMoon Press family is exciting.

Anyway this video was too cute not to share. The man himself unboxing his books. *sigh* I remember my first unboxing. The lesson is keep pushing, keep your eye on the goal- it can happen.

And don’t forget to join Phil’s Amazon rush on 9th of July. Let’s get him up where he deserves to be!