I have pointed out on this blog before that in recent years Australia has produced an amazing number of excellent fantasy writers, many of whom have made their marks on the international spec-fic scene. Earlier this week, I was fortunate enough interview one of them: the very popular Fiona McIntosh. You can read the resulting article here.

I'm pleased to report the muse is back, at least for now. I have half a chapter including a fixed plothole to prove it. However, given that this is the Silly Season it's quite possible that he'll flit off again before I pin him down to any more writing. I hope not. I'm dead miserable when I can't write.

Silly Season... mm. This has, of course, been a busy week and the next ten days will be worse. Every year I try excuse myself from the madness that is Christmas, but I've never yet succeeded and doubt I ever will, no matter how loudly I cry Bah! Humbug!. Never mind: it only lasts a fortnight and then we'll be back to normal. Well, as normal as most of us ever get!