Tag: Women In SFF

Books, Climate and #IWD2022

I recently saw a thread on twitter, asking the question, ‘Should we celebrate things when doing so feels like a travesty?’ There’s so much happening in the world that is hard, heart-breaking, scary and overwhelming. Is it then wrong to celebrate World Book Day, art, or the women who inspire us? Finding strength and empathy in times of crises requires resilience. Hopelessness leads to apathy; powerlessness leads to paralysis. So how do we build resilience that allows us to fight for change and do what is within our power?

Perhaps we build resilience through hope, and stave off despair by sharing ideas, strength and joy. That magic ingredient which energises each of us is individual to who we are. For me, it’s stories, books and art, community, and common goals that create positive change. And so, themed on International Women’s Day, comes my blog of two parts. Art news is still to come, but first, a blog from my world of books.

I have many favourite women authors: Octavia Butler, Nnedi Okorafor, Ursula Le Guin, to name a few. All are/were pioneers in their own right, and creative witnesses to the past, present and future. I was delighted to receive a short but sweet recent review of my novel, The Warder, and to be compared to the mighty Ursula Le Guin (blush).

Another fantastic Leguinesque fantasy
Dave Holwill, author and reviewer, reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 March 2022

And in celebration of International Women’s Day, I joined the lovely folks of Stairwell Books for an online event, alongside other authors and readers, sharing readings and discussion on the subject of eco feminism, climate change, and the place of fiction. It was great to hear readings from Border 7 and O Man O Clay, two dystopian novels I’ve read and loved. As I gave a reading from my own, Return of the Mantra, I was reminded of the origins of my debut. A fantasy novel with themes of climate change, and contrasting worlds inspired by the landscapes of the Sudan, and South Africa, where I once lived.

Quick recap: The main character is a young woman called Suni. She’s brought up in a desert town ruled by a tyrant leader. All she has known is desert and drought that has lasted for decades. She’s been raised to believe in the old ways of the Mantra, which has a mythology around the cause of the drought. And so begins her story of self-discovery and identity, and a fight for the natural world. She believes the resistance of old are dead, and that there is nothing beyond desert, until she discovers a hidden world where nature is hanging on – I won’t give more away, but on the subject of positivity, I went for an extract that inspires hope.

Click here for the YouTube link to the event, and my extract reading.

It’s what I think fiction can do well, give hope: bring empathy where it’s lacking, shine a light on injustices, show us how strong we can be when the odds are stacked against us, or just allow us the joy of reading. We drive our characters on through thick and thin, and (unless they don’t!) they survive. Themes of climate change run throughout the backdrop of Return of the Mantra. In the following sequels, the story takes a different turn as the world unfolds, but nature still features. I hadn’t necessarily planned it that way, but as I work through Blood Gift Chronicles Book 3, I realise how closely my characters live alongside wildlife. Perhaps there’s hope we can all close the gap between humanity and the natural world.

What are you reading?

Fantastical Creatures

It’s proving to be a fantasy-filled Saturday here at the British Fantasy Society’s Jubilee event – thank you Zoom! Given a reading slot for The Warder, Book Gift Chronicles Book 2, it was great to be able to squeeze in extracts highlighting the points of view of the three main characters. First up, Luna, a girl plagued by visions. Then her older cousin, Wanda, a young man gifted and also cursed by a shadow bound to him. And finally, someone who Wanda shares history with, a woman gifted to watch over her young friend.

As it turned out, the timing worked well, with my reading following a fascinating and fun Fantastical Creatures panel. Storytelling being as old as time, it’s interesting to consider what sparked the big cat legends, or how big birds carrying babies away might have given rise to the first flying dragons. And in the world as we know it, with species going extinct, how stories of dragons often feature a certain melancholy, analogous to real world extinctions. Whatever the origin, from lumbering giants and fearsome trolls, to magical elves and vampires, mythical creatures have captured imaginations since the dawn of time. Spawned from their environment, whether its selkies in a loch, or bogies chasing hunter/gatherers, they are used to entertain, to uphold morality, to connect to the divine, and warn against dangers. And they teach humility. There are things bigger than us, things beyond our control, things of the unknown.

Dragons featured heavily in the panel, of course, with discussion that got me thinking about the dragons I introduce in my own series. Rather than simply other-worldly, havoc-wreaking creatures that are an extension of the existing natural world, the dragons in my series are two-fold: an introspection of the dragons within us, woven into storylines analogous to trauma, loss, mental health, love, loyalty, and empowerment; and yes… the ultimate power rendering us common folk helpless. And then things change again in the final instalment, Book 3, and oh I’m having fun with the magic in that…

It’s such a great genre to work in, with so much scope, and fun – in many ways a great homage to the magic of childhood. As for incorporating fantastical creatures, the options are endless. Do we lean into existing creatures and their tropes, or create something new? As familiar as dragons are, I’m definitely going for a wholly fresh, new angle. And never say never to inventing something entirely from scratch. With so many folders on file and ideas to mull over, new creatures are in there taking shape. Perhaps the imagination is a muscle. The more you use it, the bigger it gets. Love what you do and I certainly do love creating thought-provoking and colourful fantasy worlds that might also just offer some insight into the world as we know it.

To finish, I’ll leave you with a couple of fantastical creature story recommendations: The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia McKillip, featuring a fantastical menagerie including a swan, a dragon, a lion and a boar; and The Water Bailiff’s Daughter by Yvonne Hendrie, for lovers of selkies.

What are you reading?

The Warder – Firebird Book Award

I’m delighted to share the news that The Warder (Blood Gift Chronicles Book Two) has won a Firebird Book Award in the young adult fiction category. Click here. Which means that both books are now sporting shiny new stickers!

I love writing stories that can be accessible to younger and older readers alike. I feel like The Warder pushes boundaries in terms of characterisation and representation, challenging familiar tropes and taking us to surprise places, both outwardly and inwardly. There’s so much scope in fantasy to be creative, and so much scope in young adult fiction to speak to a diverse audience. It’s always wonderful to hear your work is appreciated and enjoyed.

Speaking of representation, I recently wrote an article discussing some of my favourite reads with complex heroines. Click here to take a peek at my top five favourites. Return of the Mantra fits the bill, as does The Warder.

And so it’s been a busy time all round, and now I’m preparing for convention panels. I’m looking forward to BristolCon on Saturday, discussing all things worldbuilding and empires. And the week after it’s back on zoom for World Fantasy Con, travelling to Montreal from the comfort of my writing room, discussing the representation of gender, followed by a close up look at some of the classics. But more on that another time…

In the meantime, wishing everyone a great weekend!

FantasyCon 2021

Nearing the end of September and the month has flown by. Last weekend involved a trip to Birmingham to join FantasyCon 2021, an annual convention celebrating the weird and wonderful worlds of SFF.

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For the Love of Books #9

I was introduced to African Australian author, Eugen Bacon when I heard her speak at last year’s World Fantasy Convention. Thought provoking in her viewpoints, challenging in her ideas, refreshing in her insights… I was left inspired to read her work.

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Firebird Book Award

I’m delighted to share the news that Return of the Mantra has won a Firebird Book Award!! It’s wonderful to have recognition for the story. Affiliated with Speak Up Talk Radio in the USA, it’s an inspiring initiative linking the awards with a charity supporting women and children in homeless shelters: while books receive recognition, shelters receive gifts – win win.

I had the opportunity to be interviewed by radio host, Pat Rullo. To listen to the interview download, click here.

And to check out my author page, click here.

It was wonderful to speak with Pat yesterday, who got me thinking about various aspects of the book, my writing journey, and my creative life in general. From the African inspired landscapes in Return of the Mantra, the motivation behind the inspired mythology, to issues around representation and marginalisation in characterisation. The main character just happens to fall in love with another woman. It’s not what the story is about, it’s just part of her backstory, encompassing coming-of-age love. The story backdrop focuses on exploitation of the natural world, while along the way, exploitation of people is revealed, in particular, women and children, as well as the marginalisation of beliefs. Moving forward with the series, it interests me to see what societies go through when systems are overthrown and oppression is challenged. I hope you’ll agree that The Warder offers some insight into how characters evolve and change amid new freedoms and surrounding upheaval.

Overall, the interview got me thinking about the power of stories. Because of the charity that the awards are linked to, it seemed apt to expand on the themes of exploitation in the book, including domestic abuse and sexual exploitation. Having worked with women in various roles, in particular in a women’s refuge here in the UK, it was important for me from the beginning to have a broad range of women’s experiences represented. These are issues often not spoken about, which can leave those effected feeling marginalised. In the book I represent these issues in a non-graphic way, while focusing on messages of empowerment, and the bonds formed from people supporting one another. Together with challenging stereotypes (including different forms of love, complex women, hero underdogs, men who nurture and feel fear as well as courage…) and reflecting society, I was left with the thought of how stories can help harbour feelings of self-worth, affirmation and empowerment.

What are you reading?

 

Women In SFF

Over at The Fantasy Hive, July has been the month to celebrate women in sci-fi/fantasy. I was delighted to get a slot for my book, The Warder, in which I shared an excerpt of Chapter One. One of the things I enjoyed about writing this book was the different age ranges of the three protagonists: 30(ish)-yr-old Suni, 18-yr-old Wanda, and 10-yr-old Luna; each with their own unique flaws, personality and agency. The excerpt is Chapter One, and Luna makes an unusual entrance…

Click here for my post on The Fantasy Hive.

Click here for last year’s interview with The Fantasy Hive.

The Fantasy Hive have also run this month-long event on Twitter, with a different prompt each day for readers to share favourite titles. I’ve enjoyed joining in, championing books that have stood out to me. I confess I missed the odd day, but read on for highlights of my selections. Some have already featured on my For the Love of Books posts, in which I give a more in-depth review; some are still to come. But for now, here’s an overview of my selection of great titles for #WomenInSFF month.

Starting big, with Lifetime Achievement Award for most influential SFF writer. I have a special place for Ursula Le Guin, her worlds and characters that continue to inspire, and her sheer range of titles that lead me to see her as a pioneer for women in the genre.

All-time favourite fantasy character? Hands down it’s Onye in the magical, realistic, dystopian fantasy, Who Fears Death. I adored her grit, her fight, her flaws, her love and loyalty, and her magic. She’s a character I would love to meet in real life. Onyesonwu, meaning Who Fears Death.

All-time favourite sci-fi character? Phoenix in The book of Phoenix. She is a genetic experiment, a Specimen in Tower 7, Manhattan. After discovering everything she has ever known is a lie, she goes to battle for justice and transformation. It’s a journey that spans America, Africa and beyond, literally to the stars. An awesome read.

Sisters are doing it for themselves – favourite self-reliant protagonists? Tenar from Tombs of Atuan, priestess to the earth’s nameless ones, is the epitome of self-reliant. For so long she had no one, and still she made it out. One of my all-time favourite stories, so haunting and memorable.

Witches, sorceresses, magicians – favourite magic users? I adore Sybel in The Forgotten Beasts of Eld, the sorceress, at home on a remote island in the company of a wise boar, a black swan, a black cat and a dragon.

Most Intelligent – favourite scholarly or academic characters? Lauren in Parable of the Sower. When society collapses, she develops the philosophy ‘Earthseed’ and leads by embracing change. If we consider intelligence as linked to flexibility and adaptability, this character has it in bucket loads.

Someone to look up to – favourite older character? Rabbit, in The Empress of Salt and Fortune. She is an elderly woman, a storyteller, and former handmaiden to In-Yo, Empress of the North. ‘Do you understand?’ she says at frequent intervals, as she tells her magical tale to the cleric, Chih. ‘Angry mothers raise daughters fierce enough to fight wolves.’

Beauty Queens – judging books by their gorgeous covers. Straight in with the sequel, When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain. Beautiful art to complement a colourful and lush story.

More Pride Less Prejudice – celebrating LGBTQA+ authors and stories. While mentioning the sapphic storyline in my own, Return of the Mantra, my vote went to Fire Logic: epic war fantasy fought in the farmsteads by characters that tick boxes for equality in the broadest sense.

In the name of love – favourite couples, favourite romance? Mehr and Amun in Empire of Sand. The whole story felt like reading an evocative dance, heightened by the unfolding of this relationship which encompasses respect, tenderness, friendship and sacrifice.

Favourite female friendships? Thinking Zelie and Amari in Children of Blood and Bone (such a great read!). Throughout all the ups and downs there is real feeling between them, which gives a great example of friendship beyond boundaries.

Most dynamic character, having gone through the biggest changes? Celka in Weave the Lightning stands out to me. Against a Russian inspired backdrop she is a tightrope artist in a travelling circus, storm-blessed, working to help the resistance. She must come to understand the depth of her magic, while her identity is challenged by the arrival of Gerrit, who threatens to expose everything she is fighting to protect.

Most travelled – who gets the biggest adventure? Toni, in Threading the Labyrinth. She’s an American owner of a failing gallery, forced to leave the New Mexico desert behind when she is unexpectedly called to Hertfordshire, after inheriting an old manor house. Filled with haunting and peculiar magic, the gardens of the house change in the twilight, and Toni encounters lives carried across centuries.

The Royal – favourite women in positions of power? Sinai in Daughters of Nri, especially since she’s not  always comfortable with her power. I loved her reserved nature and stealth, and the complex relationships with supporting characters, in particular with the Namibian cook, Meekulu.

Starship Trooper – favourite sci-fi character? Aster, in An Unkindness of Ghosts. Set on a generation spaceship organised like the antebellum south, transporting the last of humanity to a supposed promise land, Aster gives us all a lesson on being industrious, working with what you’ve got, never giving up, and appreciating that there’s always choices to be found. Such an inspiring and memorable character.

Historic Retellings – Alternative histories? A random find in my local library, and glad to have discovered this trilogy. Morgan offers a new angle to the well-loved Arthurian legends.

Debut newbies. My current read, The Third Magpie, a 2020 debut. A page-turning dystopian romance, chilling and gripping, challenging gender norms, while looking at the consequences of ‘othering’ in an insular world.

Independent Women – favourite self-published author? Kit Mallory, with this great dystopian read, Blackout. The UK has been split in two by the Wall. Skyler’s survival as an illegal Northern refugee in the South has been a relentless knife-edge balance between evading the corrupt Board and maintaining her reputation as the South’s best hacker. Until she gets the chance to enact revenge on the regime that destroyed her home and family…

Antihero – favourite morally grey characters? Assuming we can class vampires as morally grey – Shori in this vampire thriller, Fledging; a fifty-three-year-old vampire attempting to discover the reason for her amnesia. Who slaughtered her entire family and left her for dead? As we might expect from this great author, vampire society is complex and richly described, exploring power dynamics and imbalances analogous to contemporary issues.

Femme Fatales – favourite villain? I don’t know if I can call her a favourite anything, but Aunt Lydia in The Handmaids Tale is up there with most stomach-churning, ghastly and complex villains.

And last but by no means least, Queen of Fantasy, and, Queen of Sci-fi, one author gets my vote for both – Nnedi Okorafor.

What are you reading?

 

New Horizons

I’ve returned to Blood Gift Chronicles Book 3 and it’s good to be back. In the midst of a revisit to early drafts, I’m no stranger to heavy-handed deleting, as I incorporate ideas I’ve been mulling over for a while. I plan and plot, dig deep for depth and meaning, while leaving space for the story to evolve and the characters to grow.

I’m excited for this story that will once again work as a standalone, but really, why wouldn’t you read the whole series! Each book is a story in itself, but they’re all connected by an overarching theme. The background mystery we’ve seen unfold so far, comes to a finale in Book 3, and as the world expands, new characters arrive, intermingled with familiar faces. As before there is grit and magic, mythology and drama, love and survival, and dragons… all driven by intriguing characters and spellbinding landscapes.

Like I said, it’s good to be back…

The Warder: Review

I often think there are two pillars we seek to accomplish as published writers. The first is to see our work in print. That moment of finally holding a copy of a book you wrote is pure joy. In my case, the writing journey takes years and many sleepless nights, especially in the planning stage. I am no stranger to scribbling ideas at 1am, getting thoughts down before they escape me, resolving those sticky plot holes. The sentences flow, some days a trickle, others a downpour, fleshing out the characters and the world, bringing it to life until it really does take on a life of its own. And just when you think you’re there, there are edits and more edits, and always more edits. So yes, years later, bound in its signature cover, holding that book for the first time is joy.

The second pillar is to discover that your story connects with readers. I love my characters and it means the world to me that others do too. It’s always wonderful to hear that these worlds I create are understood and embraced, and that a character’s hopes, dreams, struggles and aspirations touch on emotion and affect readers on a personal level. Stories have always been a form of communication, and I love to hear what messages readers take from mine.

As someone who deals in words, it can be surprisingly difficult to take a step back and give a succinct response to the common question, ‘What is the book about?’ Thank you to all those who take the time to share their thoughts. One book reviewer recently published a review of The Warder, which made my day!

‘This book was worth the wait and more. The Warder is the sequel to one of my favourite books of 2018, Return of the Mantra.’

Phew! The Warder has a different vibe to Return of the Mantra, and with that comes nerves on how it might be received. I introduce a new character, Luna, a complex girl through which hidden powers are revealed.

‘I wasn’t sure Susie would be able to increase the enthusiasm I had for her characters, and her world. However, she left me reeling after a couple of pages as I was drawn back into this African inspired fantasy. The way Susie was able to expand her world without slowing down the narrative was a masterclass in worldbuilding.’

And on Luna – ‘The development of her powers during the narrative is handled with a sensitivity I haven’t read in fantasy before.’

‘This book is a charming story of loss, love and finding yourself in the most unexpected places. It is epic fantasy with a heart that will leave you scarred, but begging for more.’

Fortunately, there will be more with Blood Gift Chronicles Book 3.

Click here for full review – The Warder

Click here for full review – Return of the Mantra

Happy Reading!

 

 

For the Love of Books #8

It’s the month of Pride, and for the second year running, colourful parades are cancelled. To mark the occasion, I have two SFF book reviews with references to the Pride community.

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