Links
I’m out on the web a lot less than I’d like to be, but over the years I have come to know a number of very useful and/or interesting websites for fans and writers of speculative fiction. These links will open in a new window.
Other websites by Amanda
The Specusphere: www.specusphere.com
The Specusphere is a website that was founded by Stephen Thompson, the late Shayne Hall and myself in 2005. We first came together via Vision Writers group, a great little spec-fic writing group in Brisbane. With the aim of building a flexible and interactive webzine all about speculative fiction in Australia, we started this ‘Sphere of Speculative thought’. Today, The Specusphere enjoys a loyal group of visitors who are also members of our email bulletin. Articles are released bi-monthly and range from book reviews through to interviews, editorials and features. Though our focus is mainly on articles about the genre, we also accept short fiction. Go to the About Us section on www.specusphere.com for more info.
Greenslade Creations: www.greensladecreations.com
As part of my attempts to find ways to work from home, so that I have more control of my time and can write more, I offer my services freelance as a writer, editor, graphic designer and marketing consultant in Brisbane. Please check out GreensladeCreations.com if you need help with your own business or project, or email
Amanda@GreensladeCreations.com.
Amanda's Blog: amandagreenslade.blogspot.com
With articles on business, writing, marketing, movies, novels and more, there is sure to be something of interest to you here. Follow me and comment on my articles with links to your own blog if you like.
Tigerace: www.Tigerace.com
A website all about wild cats, including information, images, videos, lists of zoos in Australia and New Zealand that have wild cats, reviews of movies, books and games where you can find them. Check out the Tigerace card game, a game that you can use to teach kids about conservation or just enjoy with your friends and family. Can you get three aces?
Book reviews and book selling websites
Books Monthly (UK) : www.booksmonthly.co.uk/astorb.html
The editor of Books Monthly made lots of nice comments about my up-and-coming series The Astor Chronicles. Please visit his website—you might find other articles of interest as well.
Editors’ websites
Stephen Thompson’s Website: www.essteemedia.com/
Aside from being the editor of The Specusphere, Stephen is also a freelance editor who owns a small-press publishing business named essteemedia. Visit his website to check out some of the books he has been involved with.
Rebecca Wylie’s Website: sagewrittenword.webs.com
Rebecca is an experienced editor of anything from corporate documentation to essays to novels.
Writers’ websites
Simon Haynes’ Website: www.spacejock.com.au/
Simon is a published author who wrote the Hal Spacejock series. He has some great information on his website about the writing process and writing professionally, including some warnings about self-publishing. If you like the sound of comedy space opera, you simply must get a copy of Hal Spacejock.
Satima Flavell’s Website: satimaflavell.blogspot.com/
Satima is an editor for The Specusphere as well as a freelance writer on subjects including performing arts (especially dance and music) and speculative fiction. Satima’s blog is full of interesting anecdotes on creative topics and tales from her daily life.
Astrid Cooper’s Website: www.astridcooper.com/
Astrid is also an editor for The Specusphere on top of being a published author whose works range from spec. fic., to spec fic romance, fantasy/paranormal romantic-erotica. Visit Astrid’s website to learn more about her journey and buy her books.
Marianne de Pierres’ Website: www.mariannedepierres.com/
Marianne has been published in two of the most popular sci-fi sub genres; cyberpunk and space opera. But Parrish Plessis and Sentients of Orion are soon to be joined by a third series entitled The Age of Rage, which is a work in progress with a definite sci-fi bent. Read more on Marianne’s website, where you can also find tips and tricks about writing and getting published.
Fantasy Novels by Daniel Arenson: www.danielarenson.com/
Artists’ websites
Elfwood: www.elfwood.com/
Possibly the greatest fantasy/sci-fi artwork site on the web, Elfwood boasts the artistic works and literary line-up of thousands of artists and writers. Though many of them are purely hobbyists, there are some truly stunning works if you have a good hunt around. I particularly recommend Misti Wudtke and Adele Sessler (the artist for the cover of my novel).
MeadowHaven: www.meadowhaven.net/
The stunning works of Adele Lorienne (the artist for the cover of Talon). You simply have to check these out. They are incredible.
Mistique: www.mistique.com/
The creative and adorable works of Misti Wudtke, a genorous and kind-hearted lady who has allowed me to use her artwork on this and other websites. Also see her Elfwood page here: http://www.elfwood.com/art/m/i/misti/misti.html
Fan websites
Bella’s Lullaby Fanlisting: www.edwardandbella.net/fanlistings/lullaby/about.php
A fanlisting is a group of people who are all fans of one particular subject, in this case the song composed by Edward Cullen for Bella Swan in Stephanie Meyer’s book Twilight (composed IRL for the movie by Carter Burwell).
Fantasy and Sci-fi websites
How NOT to write an epic fantasy novel
This is a hilarious take on how typical epic fantasy is written. If you are an aspiring fantasy novelist, like me, then reading this page may help you detect some unwanted cliches in your own work.
Gaming websites
World of Warcraft : www.worldofwarcraft.com/
One of the most amazing computer games ever created, World of Warcraft is as immersive as any novel, but in a different way. With other people to enjoy the world with, and tonnes of content you can enjoy WoW whether you’re into the lore and storyline or prefer to just play until you conquer all!
Web pages featuring Amanda Greenslade
Now Public: www.nowpublic.com/culture/new-fantasy-novelist-launches-website
Now Public is a news website that allows real-time submissions by members of the public, writers from all walks of life. Please visit the link above and comment on my article.
Griffith University Alumni: www.griffith.alumni.comdispatch.com.au/?story=1166
Griffith University, the uni I studied at approached me about an article they wanted to write a few years ago. Back then I did have a wild cats website at tigerace.com, but I now have my fantasy novel website here so I can concentrate on it.
Web pages useful for Search Engine Optimisation
Use Nature: http://www.usenature.com