G’Day!

Yes, an Aussie saying, coming from an Aussie. Don’t get used to it. I’m not one for using the term, and I don’t think I’ve ever uttered the word ‘crikey’. My name is Nicky Strickland, and Scribblerati’s founder Lia Keyes managed to convince me that posting regularly here on the Edge would be a good idea. So here I am.

I’ll admit the fact that I may be the lone voice from Down Under had a certain appeal for me. I mean, while many of you reading this are wondering how cold can it go, I’m wondering just how many unending days of high humidity and temperatures in the mid-30s (high 80’s in fahrenheit) I can survive before having my head implode.

Given this is my first post I should give you some background. I’m a pre-published author, writing what is commonly called contemporary fantasy (the mermaids and elemental creatures kinda give it away). I don’t know exactly what age I write for – all I know is I love storytelling and think anyone loves a good story, whatever their age. However, in this day of the internet and competitive world markets one does need to have a ballpark idea, so to that end, I’d say I’m YA.

Although I’m up the older end of this so some have taken to using the term being coined by St Martins recently, New Adult.

This whole writing thing started on a dare. A fanfic dare. I discovered the online world and writing at the same time, during the days of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (disclosure – I’ve enjoyed all of Joss Whedon’s shows). A friend had a site that suggested challenges. Another friend dared me to write something for her two favourite characters using one of these challenges. My response was along the lines of “it’ll only be six sentences if you’re lucky” – her reply was “uh-huh”. She was right as 16,000 and my own characters introduced later, I was “er, yeah, you maybe onto something about me writing.”

I also love reading. I call myself a reading omnivore (much like my music tastes) – there isn’t anything I won’t try at least once.

Now, since I’ve been given the impression a lot of readers here are from the Northern part of the planet, I’d like to throw it out to you all for ideas, suggestions and opinions on what type of things you’d like me to post about.

Oh and one other thing, I’m not a fan of koalas. I know, it must be some kind of sacrilege. They are endangered and it’s all very sad and there are many in this pool (Tasmanian Devils have huge issues regarding their gene pool, or lack thereof). However, as my many US friends are now aware, there are so many more interesting and odd animals down here—platypus, lyrebird, wombat for starters. Seriously, not ALL of them are deadly, though we do like to keep that image out there (keeps the beaches a little clearer for us locals to use…).

A Koala. Sleeping. What a surprise. When an animal sleeps like this for about eighteen hours a day, easy photography (especially if using the ones in captivity too – no high tree climbing required).

A platypus. Much more interesting to look at. Alas, they are hard to find and very shy. Therefore harder to photograph.

Seriously, throw me some ideas and I’ll see what I can do. I look forward to sharing and discussing writing, life and the meaning of hemispheres with you.

J - Ciao!

(I use this since it can be used for both times of day – meaning my time zone-addled brain doesn’t become further confused).

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