Ash Oldfield - Fantasy Fiction Author
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Announcement 2: Up & Up Media
So things are looking up here at Ash Oldfield dot com (hehe pun). I have had a short story accepted for publication in Mix Tape One, a compilation of short stories by Australian authors. I am proud and excited to be a part of this project, to be published by Up & Up Media . The story I submitted is called The Conduit and is a creepy little story that gave me some serious insomnia while I wrote it. I don't want to give too much away because the whole story is one big plot twist. Suffice to say it is filled with darkness and magic. You can view my interview with Up & Up here, I'm not 100% sure yet when the book will be out - possibly over the Australian Summer. I'll be sure to let you all know once I have a release date!
In other news, I have received the final edits back for Fyrebyrne Island. Oh my goodness, it is looking so shiny and beautiful, I cannot believe it. My most amazing editor has just done some brilliant things with my words. The book is well on track for a February release date. You can have a sneaky peak at the latest version of the cover here. There's still some tidy up to do with the design so it will really POP.
In other news, I have received the final edits back for Fyrebyrne Island. Oh my goodness, it is looking so shiny and beautiful, I cannot believe it. My most amazing editor has just done some brilliant things with my words. The book is well on track for a February release date. You can have a sneaky peak at the latest version of the cover here. There's still some tidy up to do with the design so it will really POP.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Announcement 1: Book Cover Reveal
My lovely editor is hard at wonk making my novel, Fyrebyrne Island really POP.
Meanwhile, I have engaged a designer to begin work on the front cover. I am super excited by the original concept art. I can't wait to see what it will look like in full colour.
Isn't it perdy??
And just quietly, I may or may not have just booked a table to sell this beautiful specimen at Supanova Melbourne in April 2017.
Things are getting VERY exciting over here in the world of Ash Oldfield.
Stay tuned for even more announcements!!
Meanwhile, I have engaged a designer to begin work on the front cover. I am super excited by the original concept art. I can't wait to see what it will look like in full colour.
Isn't it perdy??
And just quietly, I may or may not have just booked a table to sell this beautiful specimen at Supanova Melbourne in April 2017.
Things are getting VERY exciting over here in the world of Ash Oldfield.
Stay tuned for even more announcements!!
Monday, September 26, 2016
A Short Story to Remember
Things have been full of excitement in the Ash Oldfield Camp lately. I am thrilled to announce that I came third place in the Monash WriteFest Short Story Competition. I saw this competition was running when I was in the library waiting for new tyres to be put on my car. I don't usually write general fiction, so I thought it would be a good challenge to write a story with that audience in mind. I was happy enough with it to submit (although as always I still see a story filled with flaws), so after much tidying and rewriting I sent it through. Only the top ten stories were passed on to the judges, so I am very flattered to have even been considered.
A huge thank you to the Monash library staff for putting this great competition together for the past twenty (TWENTY!!) years. It feels like my local area really supports my creative endeavours.
You can read my story on their website here: http://monlib.vic.gov.au/Events/WordFest/Short-Story-Writing-Competition-2016-Results/Coming-Home
I refer to it as 'Nostalgia' and it's designed to make you think about your halcyon childhood days
Congratulations to all of the other winners and placement holders!
Here's a photo with me and the lovely Mayor Geoff Lake
A huge thank you to the Monash library staff for putting this great competition together for the past twenty (TWENTY!!) years. It feels like my local area really supports my creative endeavours.
You can read my story on their website here: http://monlib.vic.gov.au/Events/WordFest/Short-Story-Writing-Competition-2016-Results/Coming-Home
I refer to it as 'Nostalgia' and it's designed to make you think about your halcyon childhood days
Congratulations to all of the other winners and placement holders!
All of the people.
Stay tuned for some further announcements that I am planning to make shortly. Things are barreling forward at such a fast pace I can barely keep up.
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Septermber = Exciting Times
I have been counting down the days to September and it is finally here! My editor has begun work on my novel. I can sense a busy few months ahead of me. I am hoping to complete the rewrites for Book 2 in the series before I receive the edits for Book 1 (Fyrebyrne Island), then once that is off to the press I will begin writing Book 3, since summer is the best season for me to be creative.
Watch this space!!!
Watch this space!!!
Thursday, July 21, 2016
A Day in the Life of a Writer
As a full time writer, people often ask me what it is I do all day. Looking around my house, it’s clear I don’t spend all my time cleaning.
So what does a typical writing day look like for Ash Oldfield?
I just want to preface this by saying that I make up my income via teaching Science at evening school. This means I do not get to bed until late. Please keep that in mind when I tell you that I wake up at any time between 10am to 11am (alarms are for the masses, not for me!). When I first quit full time work I was made to feel guilty about my late starting hour, but I have since come to realise that I don’t live the same schedule as everyone else, so of course my sleeping patterns are different.
I often lie in bed and have ‘imagination time’. In the first half hour after waking I have been known to plot out an entire scene, sometimes even a chapter, word-for-word. Once I have done with daydreaming I roll out of bed, fix myself a cup of tea, and sit for a bit with my cats. In Winter I put the heater on and wait for the house to heat up, huddled under a blanket. This is the time, in between waking and lunch that I devote to social media. My brain struggles to word properly, so I avoid writing unless I am truly desperate to put words down on a page. Once it hits around 12 or so I make myself some lunch.
After lunch I really get stuck in to my writing. I can sit for 5 or 6 hours on a good day, 1 or 2 hours on a bad day. How many words I get down depends on where I am in the writing process – planning, rough draft, rewrites or editing. Where I sit also depends on my mood – generally this is anywhere you can image other than a desk. I have even, on occasion, written whilst in the bath! If there is any sun out I take a chair outside and write from there, otherwise I huddle over my stable-table in all manner of places.
I try to finish writing by 4 or 5 o’clock. As I said, I teach in the evenings and find it impossible to have my students understand what I am saying when I am still in writing mode. I feed the dog, the guinea pigs and the rabbit, read for half an hour or so, then head off to work in the evenings.
Of course, this schedule is often mixed up a bit. Some days I catch a bus or train somewhere to work from a library, a cafe or my husband’s office. Other days I head off to see my Mum or my girlfriends. I believe it is vital for writers to leave their nests every once and a while. I have noticed that, if I have not socialised recently, my writing becomes stilted and staid. I also play indoor soccer (futsal) twice a week, and go for walks when I can be bothered. My bad back requires the exercise, and I find I can plot out some tricky scenes or dialogue when I’m walking. Unless I take my dog with me, in which case every stranger wants to stop me so they can say hello to the adorable little fluff ball (okay, so he’s a big fluff ball).
Am I being entirely honest here? Am I really that productive over all, every day of the week? Well, no, to be honest. Some days I spend my time researching topics for new ideas, studying online courses in history and the like. Some days the words just won’t come and I loll about on the couch in utter frustration. Sometimes I spend days, weeks on end doing nothing but reading. Some (very rare) days I clean the house from top to bottom, cook gourmet meals or even dance around the house like I’ve lost my mind. Some days I think I have lost my mind.
I am truly lucky with my lifestyle. It is varied and interesting. I can dictate how my days happen, if at all (pyjama day, anyone?) and I really, truly appreciate the opportunity.
So tell me: Is this what you thought a day in the life of a writer would be like? Did you somehow think it would be more exotic? Less exotic? Leave your thoughts in the comments below :)
So what does a typical writing day look like for Ash Oldfield?
I just want to preface this by saying that I make up my income via teaching Science at evening school. This means I do not get to bed until late. Please keep that in mind when I tell you that I wake up at any time between 10am to 11am (alarms are for the masses, not for me!). When I first quit full time work I was made to feel guilty about my late starting hour, but I have since come to realise that I don’t live the same schedule as everyone else, so of course my sleeping patterns are different.
I often lie in bed and have ‘imagination time’. In the first half hour after waking I have been known to plot out an entire scene, sometimes even a chapter, word-for-word. Once I have done with daydreaming I roll out of bed, fix myself a cup of tea, and sit for a bit with my cats. In Winter I put the heater on and wait for the house to heat up, huddled under a blanket. This is the time, in between waking and lunch that I devote to social media. My brain struggles to word properly, so I avoid writing unless I am truly desperate to put words down on a page. Once it hits around 12 or so I make myself some lunch.
After lunch I really get stuck in to my writing. I can sit for 5 or 6 hours on a good day, 1 or 2 hours on a bad day. How many words I get down depends on where I am in the writing process – planning, rough draft, rewrites or editing. Where I sit also depends on my mood – generally this is anywhere you can image other than a desk. I have even, on occasion, written whilst in the bath! If there is any sun out I take a chair outside and write from there, otherwise I huddle over my stable-table in all manner of places.
I try to finish writing by 4 or 5 o’clock. As I said, I teach in the evenings and find it impossible to have my students understand what I am saying when I am still in writing mode. I feed the dog, the guinea pigs and the rabbit, read for half an hour or so, then head off to work in the evenings.
Of course, this schedule is often mixed up a bit. Some days I catch a bus or train somewhere to work from a library, a cafe or my husband’s office. Other days I head off to see my Mum or my girlfriends. I believe it is vital for writers to leave their nests every once and a while. I have noticed that, if I have not socialised recently, my writing becomes stilted and staid. I also play indoor soccer (futsal) twice a week, and go for walks when I can be bothered. My bad back requires the exercise, and I find I can plot out some tricky scenes or dialogue when I’m walking. Unless I take my dog with me, in which case every stranger wants to stop me so they can say hello to the adorable little fluff ball (okay, so he’s a big fluff ball).
Am I being entirely honest here? Am I really that productive over all, every day of the week? Well, no, to be honest. Some days I spend my time researching topics for new ideas, studying online courses in history and the like. Some days the words just won’t come and I loll about on the couch in utter frustration. Sometimes I spend days, weeks on end doing nothing but reading. Some (very rare) days I clean the house from top to bottom, cook gourmet meals or even dance around the house like I’ve lost my mind. Some days I think I have lost my mind.
I am truly lucky with my lifestyle. It is varied and interesting. I can dictate how my days happen, if at all (pyjama day, anyone?) and I really, truly appreciate the opportunity.
So tell me: Is this what you thought a day in the life of a writer would be like? Did you somehow think it would be more exotic? Less exotic? Leave your thoughts in the comments below :)
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
5 Steps for Researching Story Ideas
Whenever I meet new people, and they find out that I am a writer, one of the first things they ask me is: "Where do you get your ideas from?"
I often don't know what to tell them. I mean, ideas are cheap, it's the execution of them that's the hard work, so I never really think about it.
Sometimes I get my ideas from weird dreams I have. I'll be honest with you, though, these never really amount to much because there isn't any substance to them.
I suppose most of my ideas, usually unconsciously, comes from spending many happy hours researching topics that pique my interest. I have been known to get lost in an infinite Wikipedia loop of fascinating information.
I am actually on the lookout for a new story idea as we speak. I am writing book 3 of a series (which I hope to release in one go), and when I am finished I want something that I can move on to straight away. Rachaya is about dragons, and I have probably spent around 10 years on and off researching these mythological creatures. The thought of moving on to a topic that I have not got as much in-depth knowledge of scares the bajeebuz out of me. So I have begun research on a whole new area.
But how do you do that without getting mired down in the unimportant?
Here are the basic 5 steps I follow whenever I am researching a new topic of interest:
1) Pick a topic that is of interest to you. What have you always wished you knew more about? What sorts of ideas are always click-bait for you?
2) Narrow down your field of interest into a simple, answerable question. The question I started with most recently was: "How did religion shape ancient civilizations and vice versa?"
3) Gather a whole heap of resources around you that can help you answer this question. I prefer to start with reference books such as encyclopedias before I head to the internet, but that's just personal preference.
4) Take detailed notes in an organised log-book (whether this is pen and paper or online).
5) Allow yourself to be taken along divergent threads of interest. I give myself boundaries with this; for me I only allow myself to diverge down paths that are relevant to the original topic of interest.
Following these steps should give you a whole heap of ideas to work from. In one week of research I have far too many ideas to pursue. One word of caution - never use this research as an info-dump in your story. It is for you and you alone to know.
How do you come up with your story ideas? Do you prefer more or less research before you begin planning and writing?
I often don't know what to tell them. I mean, ideas are cheap, it's the execution of them that's the hard work, so I never really think about it.
Sometimes I get my ideas from weird dreams I have. I'll be honest with you, though, these never really amount to much because there isn't any substance to them.
I suppose most of my ideas, usually unconsciously, comes from spending many happy hours researching topics that pique my interest. I have been known to get lost in an infinite Wikipedia loop of fascinating information.
I am actually on the lookout for a new story idea as we speak. I am writing book 3 of a series (which I hope to release in one go), and when I am finished I want something that I can move on to straight away. Rachaya is about dragons, and I have probably spent around 10 years on and off researching these mythological creatures. The thought of moving on to a topic that I have not got as much in-depth knowledge of scares the bajeebuz out of me. So I have begun research on a whole new area.
But how do you do that without getting mired down in the unimportant?
Here are the basic 5 steps I follow whenever I am researching a new topic of interest:
1) Pick a topic that is of interest to you. What have you always wished you knew more about? What sorts of ideas are always click-bait for you?
2) Narrow down your field of interest into a simple, answerable question. The question I started with most recently was: "How did religion shape ancient civilizations and vice versa?"
3) Gather a whole heap of resources around you that can help you answer this question. I prefer to start with reference books such as encyclopedias before I head to the internet, but that's just personal preference.
4) Take detailed notes in an organised log-book (whether this is pen and paper or online).
5) Allow yourself to be taken along divergent threads of interest. I give myself boundaries with this; for me I only allow myself to diverge down paths that are relevant to the original topic of interest.
Following these steps should give you a whole heap of ideas to work from. In one week of research I have far too many ideas to pursue. One word of caution - never use this research as an info-dump in your story. It is for you and you alone to know.
How do you come up with your story ideas? Do you prefer more or less research before you begin planning and writing?
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Author Introduction: Ben Rawlings
Years and years ago I wrote a couple of children's books about Scruffy the Bear ("Scruffy the Christmas Bear" and "Scruffy the Adventurous Bear"). I had them illustrated by the super talented and long-time friend, Ben Rawlings. He has been writing books for as long as I have, and is finally sharing them with the world! I am so super excited about these books. You can check out "Anastasia: The Dream Chronicles" and "The City That Forever Sleeps" here.
In other news, I am this close to completing the rewrite of my dragon book and am beginning to think up tentative titles. I am so relieved that the rewrite phase is nearly complete. It has really tested my perseverance. Next stop: editing town.
In other news, I am this close to completing the rewrite of my dragon book and am beginning to think up tentative titles. I am so relieved that the rewrite phase is nearly complete. It has really tested my perseverance. Next stop: editing town.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Update - 2016 - Where Has The Time Gone?
Twenty-sixteen has already proved to be a hectic year, and it has only just begun! Or has it? It's nearly March already. Where has the time gone?
I have, as always, been plodding along with my writing. In a fit of excitement I took the manuscript for book 1 of my Rachaya series and completely tore it apart, figuratively speaking. It has received the Oldfield Special Overhaul, complete with new characters, action-packed scenes, and of course even more exciting magic. I am hoping to share this story with the world by the end of this year. I feel like there have been many roadblocks with this book, but the only thing holding me back now is the cost of a good editor. Once that has been accomplished it will be full steam ahead, releasing my dragons out into the world for all of you to enjoy!
Late last year I locked myself away in a secret location (a.k.a. my home office) and wrote a really fun little book that is jam-packed with magic and adventure. My protagonist is called Leila. That's all I can say for now because the story is in first draft form. I tend to completely change everything during the rewrite. Instead of dragons my focus has been on witches, and I have really enjoyed researching the topic. If anyone has time to study a Coursera course, I can whole-heartedly recommend the University of Barcelona's 'Magic in the Middle Ages' MOOC.
In other news, I am getting married in a little over a week - eek! This will obviously keep me very busy, but to be honest I can't wait for all the planning to be over. I just want life to return to normal.
Until next time, Happy Reading and Happy Writing everyone!
P.S. What do you all think of the new layout of this website? So far I think it's my favourite.
I have, as always, been plodding along with my writing. In a fit of excitement I took the manuscript for book 1 of my Rachaya series and completely tore it apart, figuratively speaking. It has received the Oldfield Special Overhaul, complete with new characters, action-packed scenes, and of course even more exciting magic. I am hoping to share this story with the world by the end of this year. I feel like there have been many roadblocks with this book, but the only thing holding me back now is the cost of a good editor. Once that has been accomplished it will be full steam ahead, releasing my dragons out into the world for all of you to enjoy!
Late last year I locked myself away in a secret location (a.k.a. my home office) and wrote a really fun little book that is jam-packed with magic and adventure. My protagonist is called Leila. That's all I can say for now because the story is in first draft form. I tend to completely change everything during the rewrite. Instead of dragons my focus has been on witches, and I have really enjoyed researching the topic. If anyone has time to study a Coursera course, I can whole-heartedly recommend the University of Barcelona's 'Magic in the Middle Ages' MOOC.
In other news, I am getting married in a little over a week - eek! This will obviously keep me very busy, but to be honest I can't wait for all the planning to be over. I just want life to return to normal.
Until next time, Happy Reading and Happy Writing everyone!
P.S. What do you all think of the new layout of this website? So far I think it's my favourite.
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