What are Words Really?
They’re a label, that’s all. Even label is a label. The word label isn’t what a label is. It’s just a word: a sound assigned to something. Words only become language when it can be understood and repeated by others. Isn’t that fascinating? … when you think about it. Words are convenient. They allow us to express ourselves to others, to ask when we need an answer, and to reply when asked. With them we can direct, inspire, move, educate, and affirm others. Yep. Words are awesome. Without them, we’d have to point all the time. You can see how grunts became words distinguishable from each other. Do you ever wonder where a word comes from? I mean, who first thought up the name for tree? Someone must have used the word first, then others must have liked it and used it. People tend not to use words if…
What is Worlds Within Worlds about?
Are you wondering what Worlds Within Worlds is about? I’ll tell you.
Norm – A Story of Every Man and Woman
This week’s Friday Free Web fiction is a video written and produced by Rose of Velvet Wings Design. It’s 3 mins long and makes an important point. If you’d like to read (or see) more Friday Free Web Fiction, sign up to receive blog posts by email – eyes right for the sign up box.
My Performances in Australia 1978 – 2000
I thought I’d give you a look into my performing past. The videos below come from performances in Australia 1978 – 2000. My daughter Rose of Velvet Wings Media put these short snips together from old footage. I performed with my husband Chris Newland in fringe theatre, schools and nightclubs from 1978 to 2003. First we called ourselves Mr Jupiter’s Children’s Theatre, and our adult shows used the name Jupiter Dance Theatre, then we became Tahlia & Kris for the nightclub shows, and finally Centrepiece Productions. Clowning Nightclubs School shows Roving
Steampunk Murder Mystery: Cafe Scene
Every week in Friday Free Web Fiction I post a first draft scene from my work in progress (WIP), or a short story, or an excerpt from one of my books. Today’s offering is from my Prunella Smith WIP, The Lock Smith’s Secret. This is from the steampunk thread, the story within the story, which is turning into a murder mystery. Nell opened the door and stepped into the cafe. Beth followed her into the dim interior, and they stood scanning the room for Richard. They spotted him at one of the tables at the far end. Gregory, a friend he’d known since school sat beside him. They chuckled together over some shared tit bit. ‘He’s very handsome, you know,’ Beth said as they walked across the café. ‘Richard, that is.’ ‘And you look gorgeous; the perfect lady,’ Nell replied, glancing at Beth’s pink waist corset over a sweet cream dress with tiny roses embroidered on…
The Boneyard: a free fantasy story
This short story is about an actual place near Kiama where I live in the Illawarra. The story was a semi finalist in the Aussiecon 4 Make Ready fantasy/scfi competition 2010. It’s now part of my short story collection: A Matter of Perception “Hurry up,” Con shouted. His voice sliced through Ellen’s morning fog. She groaned and rolled over, pulling the quilt over her head. Con poked his head into the bedroom. “Are you coming or what?” “I’m coming,” Ellen grumbled. She struggled out of bed and grabbed last night’s clothes off the floor. “I wanna see this place as much as you do, I’d just rather do it later, that’s all.” “I’m not going later.” “I know,” she growled. Why else would she be getting up before sunrise. Half an hour later, they stood in lung-searing cold staring at blocks of jagged rock silhouetted against a predawn sky. Waves crashed, splashing…
The Magan Mask of Power – it’s real!
The Magan Mask of Power appears in my book Stalking Shadows, book two of the Diamond Peak Series (a YA fantasy). The heroine of the story must wear it to prove to a Magan (Magicians) lord that she has the power to defeat the master demon. Those who wear the mask without that kind of personal power go insane. I made the base of the mask around the time I wrote the book back in 2013, but I only finished it recently. Would you be able to wear the Magan Mask of Power? It’s designed so you can. This is it. There will never be another one like it, and it’s only USD $152.57 or AUD $199 (craftspeople work for a pittance, but I meditate while I do it, so that gives it an ulterior purpose.) Buy Now I’ve also added a lovely new shell plaque to my masks for sale if…
Come look at my new website and its new lean clean theme
I have a new look. Please come and see what you think. I’ve gone for a zen-like simplicity and a nice way to display my books. There’s also a big link on the front page that will open up my mask site as well – and you can buy my ebooks directly from me. I’ll get back to the normal blog schedule on Wednesday, and I’m thinking to write some posts on steampunk as well as I do my research. I love the look and might do some posts on practical steampunk. I’d love to share some of the awesome steampunk images that are around, but I’m reticent to do it here because I may unknowingly offend some copyright. You can, however, take a look at my Pinterest board. https://www.pinterest.com/tahlianewland/steampunk-gypsy-and-goth/ and here’s a screen shot to show you the kind of things you’ll find there.
Free web fiction: A Building Without Doors.
Every week in Friday Free Web Fiction I post a first draft scene from my work in progress (WIP), or a short story, or an excerpt from one of my books. Today’s offering is from my Prunella Smith WIP, Past Worlds, The Lock Smith’s Secret. Once again I’m in the ephemeral city that floats in outer space. Through the luminous outlines of the buildings, I see planets floating, suns sparkling and constellations swirling in the darkness. I walk down a corridor in a transparent building with no doors, looking upwards at my goal—a room high above me. Someone is up there, working at a desk in a pool of light—a beacon in this otherwise empty city. I’m pretty sure they’re making keys and think they might know where the doors are. I stop and look around me at the doorless walls. How did I even get inside? With a shrug, I walk on. The corridor seems…