 Arrabella Candellarbra & The Questy-Thing to end all questy-things.
Arrabella Candellarbra, a beautiful, flaxen-haired maiden trained in all things warrior-like by the most famous warriors of all – The Reginas – embarks on a quest to claim her birthright and to wield the power of all the lands. She is joined by the perfect specimen of manliness, the loin-cloth clad and well-oiled, Lord Langly Kilkenny.
The pair team with the very fey fairy Prince Jim of the pistachio tights and magic arrows, and the icicle-bearded Gary, the wisest of all wizards.
But what happens when the four are pitted against the evilest of evil beings in all of the lands – the terrifying Betty-Sue and her minions – the Saw-Toothed Bunnies, the Viscous Tongued Frogs and the Barella Monkeys?
What happens? Well, an epic fantasy quest that ensures no questy-thing will ever be the same again.
With a host of characters and creatures never before assembled in one story, there’ll be love and lust, action and inaction, battles, incantations, sexual shenanigans and high-kicking sing-a-longs.
What happens? Hilarity – that’s what!
Arrabella Candellarbra & The Questy-Thing will be released by Clan Destine Press in June, 2011.
Arrabella Candellarbra and the Questy-Thing (to end all questy-things) is the first book in a series of comic epic fantasies by Amanda Wrangles and Kylie Fox, writing under the pseudonym of AK Wrox.
Mandy and Kylie began writing the book as an exercise in stretching their imaginations, writing outside their own styles and tackling those scenes that they found most challenging – namely, the more “intimate” scenes of their characters.
They soon realised that what they were producing was unlike anything else they’d ever read, a book that took the classic elements of high fantasy and epic quests and turned them upside down, inside out and, occasionally, back to front.
Writing under a pseudonym gave them a sense of freedom to write those challenging scenes – because, they say, it’s not really them. And because it’s a collaboration, nobody ever has to know which of the pair created the more risqué scenes.
 Thanks to the blogreview network for some cool Sharp Turn reviews.
Wagga Book Buzz says: If you like Janet Evanovich you will love this series. It is set in Perth and Australian author Marianne Delacourt keeps you entertained … I can’t wait for the next book.
And Batgirl’s Book Blog says: I … found the book(s) to be funny, clever and worth reading.
 Storm Front
Book One of the Dresden Files
By Jim Butcher
Reviewed by: Mandy Wrangles
Published by Roc, an imprint of New American Library
ISBN – 978 0 451 45781 3
Paperback 322 pages.
My first introduction to the magical crime-fighting world of Harry Dresden was through the short-lived television series – ‘The Dresden Files’, which first aired in 2007. Unfortunately, back then we only had the pleasure of hanging out with Harry for one puny season of twelve episodes. Luckily for fans like me, the TV show (aired on Pay TV’s SciFi channel) was just the tip of the iceberg. There are currently fourteen books in author Jim Butcher’s series of the same name, with another is due early this year, as well as several graphic novels.
Storm Front is the first book in The Dresden Files, and although you could probably pick the series up mid-way, I always like to read series in chronological order where possible, so this would be my recommendation.
We’re first introduced to Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden as he bemoans the lack of good, money-making jobs. Harry is a wizard. No, not the Harry Potter type; there are no pointy hats or Quiddich pitches to be found here. He’s not a faux Las Vegas showman either, pulling rabbits out of a hat. This guy lives in Chicago and has a sign about his office door that reads:
HARRY DRESDEN – WIZARD
Lost Items Found, Paranormal Investigations.
Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates.
No Love Potions, Endless Purses, Parties, or Other
Entertainment
Harry Dresden is wizardry for grown-ups.
After a brief, amusing introduction to Harry and his unusual life, things suddenly get busy, and very, very messy. After making an appointment to meet with the wife of a missing husband, Harry is called in to work a murder scene by his sometime-friend and occasional colleague, Lieutenant Karrin Murphy. Murphy is the director of Special Investigations out of downtown Chicago. As Harry explains, Murphy’s job is to investigate any crimes dubbed unusual. Unusual in the world of Dresden translates as Vampire attacks, troll maraudings, faery abductions of children… you know, the kind of thing that doesn’t always look good on a police report. And who else would a good cop need as an insight into that world? Yep, a wizard – of the hopefully good kind, of course.
What Harry finds at the scene is unsettling, to say the least. Two bodies in a blood-splattered hotel room, obviously killed in the midst of, err, well – you know. The guy is a well-known henchman of the local gangland overlord and the woman is a hooker of the highly-paid variety. So were they stabbed? Shot in the midst of the climactic moment? (sorry) Nope, this unlucky couple had the hearts blown out of their chests… from the inside-out. So begins a mad trail of black-magical clues, gangland thugs, a very grumpy cop and the dark cloud of the White Council (making sure he doesn’t break the rules) hanging over Harry’s head. Could things get any worse? Well, yes, of course they could. A demon assassin, a naughty pet spirit who lives in his own skull (the fabulous Bob) and an unhappy vampire all help to make Harry’s life hell. And that’s without a couple of mixed-up potions and an unknown, thunderstorm-invoking, dark wizard who’d like nothing more than to see Harry’s own heart explode out of his chest. Phew. I won’t even mention the trouble Harry gets into without his clothes on…
Storm Front is fast, fun and furious. I loved Harry’s voice… “My head was throbbing, and my hands were shaking, but I went down the ladder to my workroom – and started figuring out how to rip someone’s heart out of his chest from fifty miles away. Who says I never do anything fun on a Friday night?”and this: “…except for the electric light of its wide, round, googly eyes as it came toward me. Its throat was working in little, undulating motions. ‘Crap,’ I said. I’m quite eloquent in times of crisis.”
No, Storm Front won’t change your life. Sure, this is pulp fiction, but pulp fiction at its best. I’d describe it as junk food for the brain… but more like a gourmet pizza than a slimy burger. Jim Butcher does a great job of mixing mortal crime on the mean Chicago streets with the supernatural. For sheer entertainment value and escapism, Storm Front will have you running back for more of Harry’s antics. Luckily for us, there’s lots more to come.
Season one of ‘The Dresden Files’ starring Paul Blakthorne as Harry Dresden is available to purchase on DVD.
 Bones
Article by: Cecilia Jansink
When you look at the creation behind one of the most popular crime shows on our screens, “Bones” it’s no wonder it has an honest, hard-hitting crime factor and a more realistic scientific feel.
Dr Temperance Brennan began “life” as the protagonist in real life Forensic Anthropologist, Dr Kathy Reichs’ crime fiction series. Reichs is also a producer on the show “to keep the science honest”. She also appears in the second season episode “Judas on a Pole” as Professor Constance Wright and additionally the season five episode “The Witch in the Wardrobe” is written by Reichs.
There are major difference’s between the two Dr Brennan’s, but both are ideally suited to their own universe and it makes both forms all the more special. Our print Tempe is older, a recovering alcoholic, divorced with a grown daughter and divides her time between Carolina and Montreal.
In comparison Bones is younger,quite socially inept, based in Washington DC with the Jeffersonian and a team of experts behind her, and an author in her spare time featuring her “fictional” character Dr Kathy Reichs.
The books rely more on Tempe’s own skill and are laden with medical jargon but still have a magic that will keep you hooked. The bad guy often lurks deeply hidden under layers of intrigue and second guessing and their identity is by no means easy to work out. We also see more of a personal development with police liaison and love interest Lieutenant Detective Andrew Ryan and their struggle to put aside the past personal baggage they carry and make the leap across the professional and personal line.
 With Bones we are given the added bonus of a wonderful, diverse and dynamic team with inter relationships that keep the show fresh and full of storylines. We also see more of all the different areas of scientific know-how that goes into nailing the bad guy and the recent addition of Dr Sweets’ psychological profiling added an extra depth.
All in all, either version will get your heart-pumping and your grey matter puzzling. If you haven’t already make a date with both Dr. Brennan’s then do!
Cast of Main Characters:
Emily Dreschanel – Dr Temperance “Bones” Brennan
David Boreanaz- FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth
Michaela Conlin- Angela Montenegro
T.J. Thyne- Dr Jack Hodgins
Eric Millegan- Dr Zack Addy
Tamara Taylor- Dr Camille Saroyan
John Francis Daley- Dr Lance Sweets
List of Novels By Kathy Reichs:
Déjà Dead 1997 Paperback: ISBN 0-09-925518-9
Death du Jour 1999 Paperback: ISBN 0-09-925519-7
Deadly Décisions 2000 Paperback: ISBN 0-09-930710-3
Fatal Voyage 2001 Paperback: ISBN 0-09-930720-0
Grave Secrets 2002 Paperback: ISBN 0-09-930730-8
Bare Bones 2003 Paperback: ISBN 0-09-944147-0
Monday Mourning 2004 Paperback: ISBN 0-09-944148-9
Cross Bones 2005 Paperback: ISBN 0-09-944149-7
Break No Bones 2006 Paperback: ISBN 0-434-01544-X
Bones to Ashes 2007 Paperback: ISBN 978-1416525653
Devil Bones 2008 Paperback: ISBN 978-1-4391-5440-3
206 Bones 2009 Paperback: ISBN 978-0-4340-2005-8
Spider Bones (released as Mortal Remains in the UK and Australia) August, 24th 2010 Hardback: ISBN 978-1439102398
YA Fiction:
Virals November 2010
Author in Focus: Katherine Howell
 Author in Focus: Katherine Howell
Interviewed by: Kylie Fox
Katherine Howell is the author of the best-selling series featuring Detective Ella Marconi; “Frantic”, “The Darkest Hour”, “Cold Justice” and “Violent Exposure”.
Katherine worked as a paramedic for fifteen years which gives her an insight rarely seen in other crime novels. She has also completed her Bachelor and Masters degrees in creative writing.
In 2008, “Frantic” won the Davitt Award for best crime fiction of the year and was followed in 2009, by the Davitt Reader’s Choice Award for “The Darkest Hour.”
Katherine’s books are published in more than eight countries, have been featured in major newspapers and on bestseller lists and one was even selected by P&O Cruises as a book club pick.
Katherine is currently completing the fifth book in the series (which we hope to be able to get our hands on soon.)
I was lucky enough to ask Katherine a few questions.
Kylie: You’ve worked as an animal handler, a sales assistant and, of course, a paramedic and you’ve studied both science and writing – all leading up to becoming a best-selling author. How do these very different lines of work and study compare? Do you see any similarities between them?
Katherine: One similarity between those jobs is sensitivity towards the animal or person you’re interacting with, and also a need to be in-the-moment: you’re looking after that one person or animal at that one time and whatever else is going on around you has to come second.
Regarding the study, I guess there is a similarity in that science pulls apart and analyses things, events, and situations, and in my writing degrees I did the same with the books I studied and the ones I wrote and rewrote (and rewrote).
 As for between the areas of work and study, I think the sensitivity is what they have in common, particularly in the writing, where I need to have a feeling for the people in the story and for the readers as well.
Kylie: Alongside Detective Ella Marconi, your books feature paramedics in the main roles. There is a certain amount of sexism faced by the female characters in the police force and the ambulance service in your books – how does that relate to your own experiences? Have you seen any change in those attitudes?
Katherine: The police force and ambulance service are historically male-dominated workplaces. When I joined the ambulance service in 1990 the numbers of women in the job were still fairly low and a few men I worked with held onto the attitude that we shouldn’t be there. A fair percentage of the public was shocked to see a female walk in their door too! I was fortunate in that I didn’t suffer overt bullying (although I was the target of the ‘dog food’ crack made by the bully in Cold Justice) but some of the stories I heard from other female officers were awful, particularly from those who’d been posted to rural areas. A number of the tactics used by the bully in Cold Justice were based on these stories. I believe that things are slowly improving though, probably as people are held to account and because the times and the male:female ratio are also slowly changing.
Kylie: You’ve spoken of the emotional toll that being a paramedic took on you. Obviously, this helps in conveying the power into those scenes when you write but does it ever hinder you? Do you ever find that some of that emotion is just too difficult to write about?
Katherine: Writing about it does bring it all to mind again but I’ve never found anything too hard to put on paper. What does bring me undone is talking about it. Twice now I’ve cried on radio, and more than a few times I’ve come close. It’s partly remembering specific cases but I think also being in a job like that or the police changes you: I described it in one of those interviews as feeling ‘raw’, like a protective skin has been peeled off my heart. I keep thinking it’s grown back and then I talk about jobs I did and I realise it hasn’t. It’s been five years, so perhaps this is just me now.
Kylie: Being a paramedic is often a difficult job but must bring with it a certain level of personal satisfaction. Do you get a similar level of personal satisfaction from your writing?
Katherine: I gained a lot of satisfaction from helping people when I was a paramedic, and I gain a lot now when the writing’s going well and I can look at a finished scene and know that’s exactly what I was aiming for, but on those hard days when the words won’t come and it all seems like a pile of dog throw-up I sometimes think being a paramedic was easier. It’s a short-lived delusion, though. It’s very satisfying too to hear from readers who were completely lost in this world that I conjured up, but day-to-day it’s overcoming the mental struggle with the writing and then producing good work that keeps me going.
 Kylie: “Violent Exposure” is the fourth in the series featuring Detective Ella Marconi – are we likely to see more of her? What about in the television or film medium?
Katherine: Yes indeedy! Ella’s back in book 5 which I’m finishing now, and which will be out either late this year or early next, and I’m contracted for a sixth which will be out a year after that. I’m hoping to continue on from there too. Ella’s got a lot of life in her yet.
There’ve been a few nibbles from TV producers but nothing more yet. I would love to see it picked up though.
Kylie: For you, what is harder: writing that first book and hoping that it’s good enough or, writing the fourth (or fifth?) book in an already-loved series and hoping that you can repeat that success?
Katherine: They’re both hard but in different ways. With the first book you’re not sure if you can do it well enough; with the fifth you’re not sure if you can do it well enough AGAIN. The story options start to narrow as well: I think back to the key events of each book and think, okay, a child-kidnapping is out, a cold case is out ….
There’s also the reader factor: I so appreciate my readers and I want to give them a better book each time, but how do I do that?
One thing that is easier is the knowledge that the writing always feels bad. I used to worry that I was doing something wrong because it felt so awful and I was filled with such self-doubt. Now I know that’s just how it is. I keep a diary with each book and they’re all full of me whining about ‘how come this one is so hard?’ then I look back through the previous diaries and it’s all the same.
Kylie: What’s next for Katherine Howell?
Katherine: Finishing book 5 first of all! Deadline is the end of the month. Then work on my PhD thesis, which is a study of female doctors in crime fiction, and the novel I’m writing for that too, and also book 6. I’m teaching a few workshops this year too.
For more information on Katherine Howell, her books and public appearances and signings, visit her website or catch up with her on Facebook.
 The short synopses for the next two Tara Sharp books are up in the books section. Too Sharp explores the Brisbane and Perth music scenes, while Sharp Edge dabbles in fashion. Lots of places for Tara to get into trouble, and things certainly heat up between her and her least favourite gang lord.
Now what I want to know is …. shall I have another go at the real time whodunnits? Or would you prefer a Tara Sharp short story while you’re waiting for the next novel? Let me know how best you’d like to hang out with Tara over the next few months.
 Hands-on inspiration for crime writers
On 26 February, Queensland Writers Centre’s brand new workshop, Research for Crime Fiction with Meg Vann, will give participants unprecedented access to the State Library of Queensland’s hidden holdings.
In Australia, crime fiction is more popular than any other genre. The latest Nielsen Book Scan data shows that of the top 10 fiction book sales this week, eight were crime fiction or thrillers.
And Queensland is a state of crime writing, with Katherine Howell, J.J. Cooper, Marianne Delacourt, and Hélène Young all well-established on the Australian crime fiction scene. A new wave of crime writing from or about Queensland is gathering momentum, and this workshop is all about getting this new generation of writers mobilised and inspired to write!
Guided by experienced teacher, crime writer and researcher Meg Vann, participants will do their own real-life sleuthing in the Fox Family White Gloves Room, and get intimate with documents from real crimes in Queensland’s history, finding new stories and handling real pieces of history.
“This is an opportunity for participants to explore actual evidence used in real crimes in Queensland, and bring that realism to their work, says Meg Vann.
“These pieces are not in collections that are open to the public, so this is a one-off opportunity to touch these documents and discover their ties to real people. It’s a truly transporting experience, students will really get inside the minds of victims and perpetrators of crime.”
Great ideas are one thing, pulling them together into a great story is another. The workshop also focuses on creative writing and research techniques, and participants will develop their own research action plan to take away with them.
Don’t miss out on this one-off opportunity to develop and enhance your crime writing.
10:30am-4:30pm, Saturday 26 February
QWC, Level 2, State library of Queensland
Members $110, Concession $100, Non-members $160
Bookings online at www.qwc.asn.au or call (07) 3842 9922
 Meg Vann is manager of The Australian Writer’s Marketplace and her first novel is
under consideration with an Australian Publisher.
Queensland Writers Centre is the premier literature organisation in Queensland, supporting the development of Australian authors and promoting books, reading and literature. We are a non-profit association with more than 2,400 members across the state. Queensland Writers Centre (QWC) supports the development and opportunities of writers and celebrates Queensland’s vibrant literary culture. QWC is located at new, custom built premises on Level 2 of the State Library of Queensland (SLQ), as a strategic partner of SLQ and allied writing organisations: Queensland Poetry Festival, Book Links, the Children’s Book Council of Australia (Qld Branch) and if:book Australia.
www.qwc.asn.au.
Enquiries
Imogen Smith
Marketing and Communications Manager
e. ismith@qwc.asn.au
p. 07 3842 9956 | f. 07 3842 9920 | m. 0430 744 129
Imogen Smith
Marketing and Communications Manager
Queensland Writers Centre
e. ismith@qwc.asn.au
w. www.qwc.asn.au
p. 07 3842 9956 | f. 07 3842 9920 | m. 0430 744 129
Level 2, State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
PO Box 3488 South Brisbane QLD 4101
QWC: media | programs & projects | shop | blog | twitter | facebook |
Publishers of The Australian Writer’s Marketplace:AWMOnline | blog |
 I’m thrilled to bits to announce that Tara Sharp will be back in 2012 and 2013. I’ll be writing two new novels in the series which are tentatively titled, Too Sharp! and Sharp Edge. Check the books section soon for the synopses of each.
For those people who’ve won character names in the series, I’m sorry you have a bit of a wait, but my writing commitments are such that the next book will be out in October 2012. It will be worth the wait though – I promise!
In the meantime Kylie, Mandy and I will find lots of things to entertain you and standby for an interview Ms Tara Sharp did recently with Cels Jansink.
Friday 11th February
Article by: Mandy Wrangles
Sisters in Crime Australia kicked off the year with a bang on Friday night. As usual, Kylie and I attended the event along with a packed room of keen crime readers and writers at Bell’s Hotel in South Melbourne.
After a scrummy dinner and catch up with crime-loving friends, it was down to the important stuff; Ann Byrne, national co-convenor of SinC interviewing two of Australia’s top female crime authors – Kathryn Fox and Katherine Howell.
These authors have a lot of similarities: both have been involved in the medical field in their ‘past lives’ – Kathryn Fox as a doctor, and Katherine Howell as a paramedic, their fictional characters reflecting their time spent and knowledge in these fields. Both have on-going series, with Kathryn Fox recently releasing ‘Death Mask’ and Katherine Howell ‘Violent Exposure’ and both are widely published internationally.
It’s always fascinating to hear authors speak about the process they go through to write a novel, and Friday night was no exception (hooray for the whiteboard!). Although the subject matters Kathryn and Katherine write about are serious and often violent, they were both very entertaining and funny when it came to describing how they go about their craft. It seems the frantic meeting of deadlines, editing the edits on time, translations from Australian English to US English (think footpath to pavement, thongs to flip-flops), lack of sleep, sleep swearing(!!) and balancing ‘real’ life with a fictional one (thank goodness for calm, patient partners and families) is a universal link for writers. Kathryn Fox had some sage advice for all of us… never underestimate ‘thinking’ time – it’s not *really* procrastination – even if that thinking does go on for months and months before the words start to flow!
 After Ann finished up grilling our guests, it was time for the traditional raffle of stacks of crime novels (dammit, missed out again), questions from the audience and book signing time. Everyone gets a chance to speak to the authors at this time and Katherine
and Kathryn were extremely gracious with photo ops!
Thanks to Sisters in Crime for what is always a great evening, and to Katherine and Kathryn for travelling cross-country to join us. We can’t wait to catch up with them again in October for SinC’s 20th anniversary convention – SheKilda – where they will be joined by an incredible list of female crime writers from around the world, including of course, our very own Marianne Delacourt. In the meantime, watch this space for Kylie’s interviews with Katherine and Kathryn and more reviews of their books.
 Midsomer Murders
Reviewed by: Cecilia Jansink
In my opinion, one of the best non-scary crime shows to grace our TV screens would have to be without a doubt, Midsomer Murders.
From picturesque villages to a range of diverse and delightful guest characters and of course the ever unflappable DCI Barnaby and co, it’s the kind of show you can settle down with a nice cuppa and be whisked away by the mystery without having to worry too much that said cuppa will decorate your lounge room ceiling.
DCI Barnaby breathed his first breath way back in 1987 when Caroline Graham ’s first intriguing novel in the series ( and also the name of the pilot episode), “The Killings at Badgers Drift”, hit bookshelves. Here was yet another English old school detective who could have easily fallen by the wayside among all the colourful and at times, quite odd secondaries, but there is just something about Barnaby that allows him to rise to the front without being obvious about it. John Nettles also brought this Barnaby-esque quality to the small screen to with his portrayal of Midsomers finest.
Midsomer gives us a closer look into the home life of our hero than is often seen on crime shows. There’s his sometimes flighty and culinarily-challenged wife, Joyce, who flits from one hobby or cause to the next, and often, in the process, stumbles on another bit of mayhem for good old Tom to solve. Daughter Cully and her journey to find her niche shows us a softer side behind the man. And of course, my favourite of all, the Sargent’s road-accident-waiting-to-happen Cully (Gavin Troy) who is in some ways the son Tom never had.
 It’s not often that you can fall in love with two versions of the same character but both the book and TV versions pack a punch of their own, each recognizable but with traits that make them unique. Although the TV characters have been altered from Graham’s original creations, this seems to make them all the more real.
So whichever way you like your crime, be it in print or on the small screen, Midsomer is a good way to go. Just be thankful you don’t live in their world – could be harmful to your health.
The Chief Inspector Barnaby Novels By Caroline Graham are:
- The Killings at Badger’s Drift (1987)
- Death of a Hollow Man (1989)
- Death in Disguise (1992)
- Written in Blood (1994)
- Faithful Unto Death (1996)
- A Place of Safety (1999)
- Ghost in the Machine (2004)
In my experience, the best stockist for these books is Borders.
For more info on the TV adaption check out http://www.midsomermurders.org/
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