Saturday, April 5, 2025
The Week in Review – April 5, 2025
Saturday, March 29, 2025
The Week in Review – March 29, 2025
This has been one of those weeks where I really don't have much to say – pretty much subsumed by work with a pack of brutal deadlines. I broke all my previous records and proved that when I have a fire lit under my arse I can type 2,500 words an hour. I don't recommend doing it, but I still have it in me. This was for an alt text job that I misjudged the number of images I had to write descriptions for. That was *fun*. Not. But hey, it pays the bills.
Anyhoo, I've not done nearly as much reading as I'd have liked to. I've just been so knackered in the evenings, and honestly, when I've spent my entire day reading and editing and writing, the last thing on the face of this planet I can bear doing is more reading. Nope, I watch short prank videos on IG. And chortle like a lunatic.
But today being my birthday, I'm taking things slow. The husband creature and I went to buy some nice things at the shops and we've got a few friends coming around for tea. Which is something we don't often do. My brain is itching for me to write, and my next WiP is nibbling at my grey matter. I've got some ideas I'd like to weave in. Mostly, I want to make some acerbic commentary about current global events. But it's good, also, that I'm not actively writing today. I need a break. I'm feeling a bit crispy at the edges.
And yeah I know, I'm blogging today, but I enjoy this; it's one of my guilty pleasures. In a few years' time I might look back at these words and cringe, but for now it's a valuable outlet. I'm not so vain to think I'll ever have a biographer looking through my dog ends of thoughts and opinions. But I'm not likely to inflict my memoirs on anyone either. Haha.
Which reminds me of a a writers' meeting I once ran. There were a dozen participants, of whom only one was a teen. The rest were all retired. There was the one prerequisite man with faulty hearing aids predictably sitting the furthest away from me (he was writing a political conspiracy theory thriller – of course he was). The rest were all ladies who were either writing poetry or their memoirs. The teen was sitting next to me, looking rather wide-eyed at all the older folks, and she leaned over to whisper, "What is a memoir?" At which point I laughed a little too loudly before I explained it to her.
We all want to be remembered. Have our names memorialised on stone. But when I walk in the local cemetery as I am wont to do, so many of the headstones are so badly eroded you cannot see the names. Particularly tragic are the ones that were initially intended as shared plots, with the one spouse's details on the joint headstone blank. There's a story there, except no one's around to tell it. Or the sad little stones, choked in long grass, of the little children who lived perhaps a day or two, who were so loved and wanted by their parents that they had their names carved into pale marble with a bible verse. The parents are now in the dirt, too. All gone. And homeless people make their beds on the graves.
I guess I'm always slightly maudlin about the ephemeral nature of life, conscious of trying to pack as much living into each moment before it's gone. I'm reminded of that immortal line from Highlander, when the Kurgan tells Connor McLeod: "It's better to burn out than to fade away" – and that's kinda been my ethos over the years.
Though now approaching 50 I have learnt to pace myself. 47 is plenty good to get stuff done, and I would prefer to be able to go at a decent pace for a good few years still. I like to remind myself that Robin Hobb wrote her breakout novel Assassin's Apprentice at age 47, when she'd already written and published countless other novels under the name Megan Lindholm. So perhaps there is hope for me yet.
And lastly... Because this is a bit of a rambling mess of a post. I have been slowly putting my ebooks up at my Ko-fi shop because honestly, I'm tired of Jeff Bezos getting more fancy yacht money out of me. If you've yet to read any of my books, do consider buying one of mine or simply buying me a cup of coffee just for shits and giggles. It being my birthday and all that...
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Almost Human by Lee Berger and John Hawks
Saturday, March 22, 2025
The Week in Review – March 22, 2025
THE BIG NEWS, OF COURSE...
Moving on from Amazon
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Witchmark (Kingston Cycle 1) by CL Polk
Saturday, March 15, 2025
The Week in Review – March 15, 2025
This week's very much been a case of 'butt on chair, fingers on the keyboard', and to an extent, I've been able to block out the awfulness of the world at large by focusing on work. It's not always easy, but rather concerning myself with the aspects of my life I have direct control over is better for my long-term mental health. I admit that I'm very lucky to be in the position that I am – working from home, doing work that I'm passionate about – whether it's designing printed assets for a large, multinational pet food company or editing a Daddy Dom book. My life is a far cry from what it was in the run-up to 2015, where I was depressed as all heck and stuck in a career in newspaper publishing that was fast going down the tubes. Life isn't boring. Also, I don't have a toxic work environment.
ABOUT LAST WEEK...
So, I was super anxious about my book launch at the V&A Waterfront Exclusive Books last week. As it turns out, I had nothing to worry about. It was AWESOME. Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to making the event successful. And there were OREO CUPCAKES.
But seriously, if you're yet to pick up a copy, hie yourself down to your nearest branch of Exclusive Books or Wordsworth, and if they don't have a copy of The Company of Birds, order it. For too many years my South African readers have complained that it's been so difficult to get my books in print in South Africa, and that's all set to change as I'm now focusing rather on my local readers.
With the world socio-economic situation being well [gestures vaguely around her] and with paper and fuel prices being horrific, it makes sense to focus on being sustainable and keeping it local. Late-stage capitalism has basically broken this planet. But anyhoo, let this not turn into a frothing rant.
As an author, I'm in a really happy place right now. I've got the long-term ghost-writing project that is helping to keep the lights on, and I've got multiple other projects on the boil. My editing income is steady, and I've enjoyable QA and alt-text writing work from a big publisher in the UK. Nerine in 2015 could only dream of what Nerine in 2025 is doing.
And on to Egyptian stuff...
So, The Egyptian Society of South Africa has its next meeting happening at the end of the month.
In 1798 Napoleon launched a military expedition to Egypt, leaving France with 335 ships, the French army and 167 scholars that included many engineers, writers, artists, linguists, scientists and mathematicians. Although the expedition was a military disaster, with Nelson having destroyed the fleet, it revealed the splendour of a forgotten civilisation and gave birth to Egyptology.
This is just a taster of the lecture "Napoleon and Ancient Egypt" offered by Peter Loyson on March 25, at 7.30pm at the St George's Grammar School, Richmond Road, Mowbray. Parking is available on the premises. Free for members of TESSA, Visitors pay R30. Refreshments R10.
I've really enjoyed being an active member of TESSA again because oh my goodness, the library is just brimming with books that are giving me all the joy. Plus I get to hang out with people who are just as passionate about ancient Near Eastern history as I am.
How do I become a better writer?
The other day on Threads I encountered a heartbreaking post from a writer who'd had a bad review. They'd been told that the idea behind the story was great but that the writing could have been better. They were at a loss at where to start. Now, the advice I give to anyone who wants to take their craft seriously, is that all good writers are, first and foremost, rabid readers.
And I don't just mean reading in the genre that you want to write – I mean reading all sorts of books, be they the most recent TikTok sensation, a classic, a crime novel, something non-fiction ... A good author is conversant with more than their chosen genre. They have a good sense of style. They choose words not only for meaning but also for how they'll sound. And to this, I also advise you to read and listen to poetry, and to listen to audiobooks narrated by gifted human voice artists.
And then the hardest part: put what inspires you in others writing into practice. Be kind to yourself if you feel that you fall short. Get to understand what areas of your writing need improvement and be aware of them when you write new pieces so that you don't keep breathing life into the same gremlins over and over again.
A good writer is someone who is constantly evolving and reinventing themselves. I look back at my earlier writing and I often wonder what on earth I was thinking when I did certain things – things I'd certainly never do now. And I'd like to think that I am a better writer for having made all those happy accidents.
If you're looking to embark on a career as a writer and don't know where to start, I do offer affordable, one-on-one coaching. Drop me an email at nerinedorman@gmail.com, and let's chat.
Saturday, March 8, 2025
The Week in Review – March 8, 2025
At the time of writing, it's a few hours away from my big book launch at the V&A Waterfront branch of Exclusive Books. To put it rather indelicately, I'm kakking bricks. The last time I had a launch at an EB it was the larney one up in Joburg at the fancy mall where they have those hair salons where you have to take a second mortgage to have your highlights done. And that was back in 2019 when I won gold in the Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature. So if you're reading this now, a few days later, I hope I acquitted myself well and that things weren't a complete clusterfuck. This being a Cycle Tour weekend and all, which means I somehow have to negotiate Cape Town's foreshore to reach the Waterfront.
ANYHOO...
BUT OKAY, IMMA GONNA TALK ABOUT DRAGON AGE NOW OKAY
OTHER STUFF
Saturday, March 1, 2025
The Week in Review – March 1, 2025
Possibly the most telling bit of social media I've seen this week was a meme saying something along the lines of anyone merely posting "He's an idiot" will have like 90% of people knowing exactly who you're talking about. That's all I'll say. At any rate, it's somewhat staggering for me how prescient some of my older writing is when it comes to saying fuck you to the patriarchy. On Friday this past week, The Company of Birds saw its official release here in Cape Town and I've been absolutely overwhelmed by all the people letting me know that they'd bought their copies.
Here I am, living the author life by signing copies at my local Wordsworth, where I'm told they sold out within a matter of hours.
Anyhoo, while I'm not going to be buying that second property in the Klein Karoo anytime soon for that eco-retreat for artists that's my pipe dream, it's still lank cool to be able to have my book on shelves. But it's been a busy week, as you'll well see.
WRITING WORKSHOPS FOR TEENS
Something I've been passionate about for ages is the fact that there's so few resources available to encourage young people to write and to furnish them with the very important skills and knowledge to embark upon a career as a writer. The industry itself is either heavily curated by gatekeepers or is rife with predatory companies and individuals out to make a quick buck. And self-publishing itself is a veritable minefield of misinformation. I'm very pleased to be partnering with Fish Hoek Library to provide free monthly workshops for teens who wish to learn more about writing better stories, and am also available to advise and assist with any questions about the industry. We had our first meeting this past Thursday, and I'm once again blown away by the enthusiasm and brightness of the young minds I encountered. This is my way of paying it forward. Spaces are limited, so please get in touch with the library to book your spot.
RSVP 021 400 7101 or email fishhoek.library@capetown.gov.za
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BIRDS
I'm tickled pink to say that I'm not having one but TWO launch events for The Company of Birds. On Tuesday, March 4, I'll be participating at the amazeballs Helen Moffett's Salon Hecate event at the Noordhoek Artpoint Gallery at 5.30pm. Rumour has it that local authors Sam Wilson, Diane Awerbuck, and Alex Latimer will be there, too, and they're some of my favourite people. So, join us for an evening of SFF bookish things, snacks, wine, and great company. My publisher, Marius, will be there with copies of The Company of Birds that you can pick up. What could be better than books in an arty environment? If the launch event at the V&A Waterfront Exclusive Books is a bit too much for you, then I recommend swinging past Noordhoek instead.
Then, of course, this is your reminder that the official launch event will take place on March 8, at the wonderful big V&A Waterfront Exclusive Books branch. This is honestly a dream come true for me to have my first solo launch event at an EB. In hindsight, I've always been part of some bigger event in the past. Please RSVP and join us on the day. I have it on good authority that there will allegedly be chocolate cupcakes.
MORE BIRDS
It's my birthday month. I forget how old I'm turning. I've been 46 for the past two years, LOL. Anyhoo, in lieu of gifts, I'm encouraging my friends to adopt a penguin on my behalf. Why am I so passionate about penguins? Well, back in 2000 there was a moerse big oil spill when the Treasure oil tanker ran aground off our coast. It got ugly. I wasn't working at the time, so I got roped into volunteering for a week at SANCCOB treating, feeding, and cleaning penguins. Needless to say, it's a quarter of a century later and I'm sure I can still wrangle penguins in my sleep. You spend a week covered in guano in a porta-pool with 100 angry African penguins... I had fish scales in my ears, up my nose, in my bra... hells, I even found fish scales in my knickers. No idea how they got there. It took me at least half a decade before I could ever eat pilchards again.
But anyhoo, thing is, the African Penguin needs our help. According to IFAW fewer than 19,800 mature birds remain. These happy little chaps live on my doorstep, and I would love to see them delight future generations with their antics. Adopt a bird today!
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Where the Dark Stands Still by AB Poranek
Saturday, February 22, 2025
The Week in Review – February 22, 2025
Jislaaik it, 2025 is fucking difficult, on so many levels. But this is not going to be me adding to the noise. I will be upfront and say that I'm having to work extra hard to manage my mental wellbeing, and for the most, that involves avoiding doomscrolling. Because I'm struggling to believe that people can truly be so callous and hateful. But anyhoo, this is your reminder that a little kindness is so important. And also, you don't need to engage with randos on the internet who annoy you. You don't owe them anything. Don't feed the monkeys.
FREE yourself from the hustle
So, part of the reason why I've started blogging again, even if it's old school, is that I'm sick unto death of this hustle culture that's gripped social media users. We've got all these influencers and super-users and what-not who're throwing terms like 'leverage your social media footprint' and 'boost your reach' and all that twaddle. I'm going to blunt.
Fuck that.
Now, with the enshittification of generative AI in the creative and media industry overall, the signal-to-noise ratio has whooshed past the abilities of mere mortals to keep up. You're going to keep getting al those AI bros telling you to adopt or lose out, banking on your FOMO. And I'll say it again.
Fuck that.
I know this makes me a fucking William Morris wannabe, but honestly, if we're not making art, music, or words with love and soul, then why the fuck are we doing this? I've seen so many movements pushing authors to put out a gazillion books in a short a possible time to maximise their profits that we're sitting with a shit avalanche of even shittier books that not only flood our retailers with dross but also erode readers' trust.
For those of us who're not hustling, we're not going to make all this apparent money that some of those schnaaiing scamsters promise in their advertisements. Ebooks are not some cash-cow renewable 'commodity' that will rake in piles of passive income. Anyone who says so is smoking their fucking socks. Plus the fact that they're likely trying to sell you some sort of skeezy get-rich scheme.
So this is me telling you to give yourself permission to take however long you want to write that novel, paint that picture, or record that album, for however long you want to take to do it. It's not about pooping the 'content' (and fuck me I hate that word – content) out as fast as possible. It's about process. About taking the time to create, to understand, to revise until you are happy with it, and then possibly still go onto collaborating with other creatives... until you can make something beautiful.
Don't get me wrong. It's great to hold a final work in your hands. But it's equally important to have that journey to reach that point. Giving in to the hustle will rob you of that very important part in the act of being creative.
Mini review – The First Murder on Mars by Sam Wilson
I will admit that this is the first Sam Wilson book I've read, and for a long time I've aways brushed shoulders with him at local bookish events and have admired his wit whenever we've had the opportunity to talk. He's done extensive work in the film industry, which most certainly shows in how The First Murder on Mars is structured. This is a really well thought out story, and has some relatable characters whom he really puts through the wringer. Mars as a setting provides a challenging environment, and humans are ... well... As a species, I get the distinct impression that we never learn, and Sam does an excellent job with his social commentary. The pacing is fast, and boy oh boy does shit go sideways, however I did feel there were three instances where characters withheld crucial information in a way that felt too contrived to heighten tension – which is something I've seen a fair bit in writers who come from a film background. That being said, this was not a deal breaker for me, but it did poke my buttons somewhat, and I can't help but feeling that this book would do really well if it was developed as a film or series where these sorts of withholding of information would not be an issue since we'd be outside a deep point of view. This is the one niggle I had with regards to an overall fantastic and highly engaging read. And for those of us who function in a daily routine that doesn't allow much time for reading – the short chapters were cherry.Libraries of Ancient Egypt lecture
A bastion of knowledge, The Bibliotheca Alexandrina was founded in 2001 and is dedicated to recapturing the spirit of openness and scholarship of the original great library of Alexandria. Joseph Koetsier will start his lecture with an overview of ancient libraries around the world before sharing his impressions of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The Egyptian Society of South Africa invites you to attend this lecture at St George’s Grammar School in Richmond Street Mowbray on February 25, at 7.30pm. Parking is available on the premises. Lectures are free for TESSA members; visitors pay R30. Refreshments cost R10.
We're launching, baybeeeeeeeee
Anyhoo, I'm super stoked that The Company of Birds will be launching at the Exclusive Books in the V&A Waterfront on March 8 at 4pm. I have specifically requested that there are chocolate cupcakes, so please join me for a sugar rush and all things bookish on the day. The Company of Birds is currently only available to South African readers, so this is like totes super exclusive. I chat briefly with Marius about the book here, but do come on the day where I'll be in discussion with fellow SFF author Masha du Toit. And yeah, please RSVP so we can have just the right amount of nice things for folks. And bums on seats and all that. See you there!Saturday, February 15, 2025
The Week in Review – February 15, 2025
Mini Book Review
Mirari Call for Submissions
Drabble
A Term in NevarraThe apprentice slunk from Emmrich’s study as if he expected a lightning bolt to bite his backside. Emmrich sighed. That would not be the last he saw of the precocious Tevinter lad before his term in Nevarra was up. Such a brilliant young mind, if one looked past his propensity for involving himself in drama.“Oh, one more thing,” Emmrich called, trying not to smile.The lad froze, shoulders hunched.“I anticipate great things from you, young Pavus. Now, get out of here, and for the love of Andraste, not every apprentice is as gifted at tugging the dragon’s tail.”
The Company of Birds
Saturday, February 8, 2025
The Week in Review – February 8, 2025
What a long year it's been, and it's only the first week of February! I make no apologies for my spiciness on my social media platforms. But anyhoo, I'm going to rather focus on the good things in this blog post, because if you're reading this, now, you're no doubt looking for a little haven of distractions.
Helpers Helping Writers
Drabble
Writing as an Act of Resistance
Important The Company of Birds update
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Guest Post: 6 Purr-fect Cat Movies Based on Books by Vanessa Morgan
Do you think cats rule the internet? Wait until you see how they dominate the silver screen—especially when their movies are inspired by books.
To celebrate the release of my book Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies, I'm diving into six unforgettable feline flicks that started as books.Meow! dives much further into these six films and many others, with many behind-the-scenes insights, fun facts, and plenty of feline flair. It's the ultimate guide to all things cat cinema.
6 Purr-fect Cat Movies Based on Books
By Vanessa Morgan
1) Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
Based on the novel by Eiko Kadono, Kiki's Delivery Service is a charming coming-of-age tale about a young witch navigating independence. Kiki’s black cat, Jiji, is her constant companion, offering sarcastic quips, loyal support, and comic relief throughout her delivery adventures. Jiji isn’t just a sidekick; he represents Kiki’s inner voice, grappling with doubts and confidence as she grows. Studio Ghibli’s adaptation perfectly captures the heart of this story, with Jiji stealing the spotlight as one of cinema’s most lovable feline characters.2) Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End (2024)
This recent horror film, adapted from the novel by Manel Loureiro, takes the zombie apocalypse genre to a chilling new level—and a cat plays a surprisingly pivotal role. In a world overrun by the undead, the protagonist’s tabby is a loyal companion that offers comfort and a sense of normalcy in a world descending into chaos. The cat’s presence in Apocalypse Z highlights the human need for connection and hope, even in the darkest times.3) The Three Lives of Thomasina (1963)
Based on Paul Gallico’s heartwarming novel, this Disney classic tells the story of a little girl, her veterinarian father, and their beloved cat, Thomasina. Narrated by the cat herself, the film explores her three “lives” as she connects the fractured family and helps them rediscover love and compassion. Thomasina’s role is both magical and deeply emotional, embodying themes of forgiveness and healing.
4) Morgiana (1972)
Adapted from Alexander Grin’s gothic novel Jessie and Morgiana, this Czech psychological thriller is a tale of envy and deception, where a mysterious feline plays a hauntingly symbolic role. The feline is a representation of guilt and justice (much like in Edgar Allan Poe's short story “The Black Cat”), mirroring the sinister undertones of a sibling rivalry that spirals into murder.
5) Felidae (1994)
Based on Akif Pirinçci’s novel, this German animated neo-noir film is anything but your typical cartoon. Francis, the feline protagonist, is a detective who uncovers a sinister conspiracy while investigating gruesome cat murders. Intelligent, gritty, and surprisingly philosophical, Felidae explores themes of morality, power, and survival, all through the eyes of its feline characters.
6) The Cat (1992)
This Hong Kong cult classic, adapted from Ni Kuang’s book series, blends sci-fi, horror, and martial arts into a bizarre yet entertaining cinematic experience. The story centers on an alien cat and its human allies as they fight a malevolent extraterrestrial force. The Cat is without a doubt the craziest cat movie ever made.
Final Thoughts
Cats have captured our hearts in books, movies, and just about everything else! Luckily, these six cat movies based on books are just the beginning of what’s out there. Whether you’re a fan of spooky stories, sci-fi escapades, or charming magical journeys, there’s no shortage of feline-inspired entertainment. Plus, you’ll find all of these films—and over 200 other cat-centric tales—in Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies, your ultimate guide to the world of feline cinema.
Now it’s your turn—what’s your favorite cat movie or book? Is there a feline hero or literary kitty with a special place in your heart? Share your pick in the comments!
About Vanessa Morgan
VANESSA MORGAN is the editor of When Animals Attack: The 70 Best Horror Movies with Killer Animals, Strange Blood: 71 Essays on Offbeat and Underrated Vampires Movies, Evil Seeds: The Ultimate Movie Guide to Villainous Children, and Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies. She also published one cat memoir (Avalon) and four supernatural thrillers (Drowned Sorrow, The Strangers Outside, A Good Man, and Clowders). Three of her stories became movies. She also introduces movie screenings at several European cinemas and film festivals and is a programmer for the Offscreen Film Festival in Brussels. When she is not writing, you will probably find her eating out or taking photos of felines for her website, Traveling Cats.
Saturday, February 1, 2025
The Greeks by Diane Harris Cline
I'd peg this as a general overview and a crash course into a highly complex culture, at best. And at the time I was looking for a bit of a refresher, so in that regard, it did its job. It also didn't hurt that at the time the book was included in my Audible subscription. I'd likely not have purchased it otherwise. I'd definitely want more meat on the bones, so to speak, otherwise.
I really don't have much more to say about this title that I've not summarised. It's easy enough to understand for folks who're not of a historical bent, so I'd recommend it for complete noobs, but as someone who's studied ancient Greek art and mythology at a tertiary level, it left me wanting.
The Week in Review – February 1, 2025
It's very much been a case of inoculating myself against the urge to doomscroll during the day by getting my whiff of 'What the fuck now, Murica' before I get up every morning. This week has offered in bucket-loads, and then some. But this morning was totally different when I discovered that the volume that has my essay about post-colonial themes in my writing in it – Afro-Centered Futurism in Our Speculative Fiction (Bloomsbury 2024) – is longlisted for a BSFA Award. I cannot underscore what an important read this is for African speculative fiction, and as an African author I'm both thrilled and honoured that I was invited to contribute.
Our Little Tuxedo-Wearing Friends
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Picture: Bl1zz4rd-editor (Wiki Commons) |
In 2000 during the disastrous Treasure oil spill, I had the incredibly privilege of spending a week helping to clean and feed penguins, an unforgettable experience. As a consequence, I can still wrangle penguins in my sleep. So although I no longer have the time to spend an entire day getting covered in fish entrails, scales and guano, I will do what I can to help these wonderful birds.
Fewer than 10,000 breeding pairs remain, and the bird has plunged to 97% of its previous population. If this is not a dire cause for alarm, then I don't know. This bird could be extinct within the next decade if we don't do something drastic, and soon.
SANCOBB has been doing incredible work with the penguins (and other seabirds) for decades, and I'd like to encourage you to adopt a penguin this year (or contribute to the hatching of an egg).
More on Birds
So, this week I signed off on the print proofs for The Company of Birds. It's such an amazing feeling to know that this wonderful book will be winging its way out to South African readers who may have missed out on a print copy the first time around back in 2019.My friend and fellow author Cat Hellisen was so kind as to say these wonderful words about the story:
A lush, dark fantasy of academics and magic that interrogates class, gender, and culture divides, where forbidden powers and uncovered secrets will right a centuries-old wrong. A Company of Birds is a book of hard truths in soft plumage, set in a mesmerising and all-too-real world.
You will be able to order a copy from your local Exclusive Books or Wordsworth or, even better, order directly from Mirari Press.