Written by <a href="/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=784:nyssa&catid=167:staff&Itemid=318"><span class="small">Nyssa</span></a>
Australian Spec Fic Blog Carnival
What do you do?
I write and study the art/craft of writing with a focus on science fiction and fantasy. I also like hiking in wild places and visit Middle Earth every couple of years.
What experience or learning did you have to do to get there?
I’ve always dabbled in writing, but became serious about it in 2000 when I started studying part time for my English BA, which was a complete departure from my previous profession as a registered nurse.
Studying and writing are two things I am passionate about, so this is what I do between caring for family and keeping house. As for the hiking, it started back when I first visited Middle Earth in the ‘70s.
How would you describe your role in the spec fic industry?
I see myself as a student writer and a fan – sometimes a teacher, always a learner.
Describe a normal working day for you (or if there are no ‘normal’ days, pick any as an example):
On weekdays, I aim to put in a solid six hours, often more. This is usually all writing or editing, or critiquing for friends, or researching for my PhD. On weekends and holidays, I’ll do any of the above if nothing else is happening.
What is the aim of your blog?
Communicate, share my experiences and write for fun.
What is the importance of the Australian Speculative Fiction Blog Carnival to the industry?
For me, it’s a showcase of interesting things going on in and around the Australian Speculative Fiction scene. It’s where I go when I want to see what people have been up to. It’s also where I meet new people.
What sort of things do you focus on when hosting the blog carnival? (Or what things do you like to read on it or think are the most important aspects)
I read the Carnival with an open mind, not focusing on anything in particular, but reading up on whatever looks interesting at the time.
I like reading people’s thoughts on writing, of their experiences writing, news and reviews on anything spec fic. I love the diversity of the contributors, whether they are fans or academics or both. It all makes for an interesting mix of ideas – the sort of stuff that helps me generate and sometimes re-evaluate my own ideas.
You can catch up on Carol's doings at the Egoboo Writer's Group blog or at her livejournal.
