Hobby-mare

I surprised myself last night by getting into quite a vehement exchange with inannajones on the subject of The Matrix Reloaded (scroll down this page to see what we said).

Inanna's response to my screed, which I read this morning, was a timely reminder that interpretation of artistic works is just that: each interpreter brings her own preoccupations to the exercise, and a critique does not encompass the work on which it focuses.

So, yeah, in my stable of hobby-horses is a spirited mare by the name of Portrayal of the Sexes in Speculative Fiction (a definition that can be assumed to include the screen as well as the page). It's very often the first thing I notice about a story. Could be why my next novel (after the bastarding fecker through which I'm currently ploughing is finished) will be a contribution to the rather fascinating sub-genre of gender-based SF.

(Note to self: make every effort not to get too mealy-mouthed about it.)

Interview meme

Here are my answers to yiskah's questions:

1. Would you tell me a bit about the novel that you're writing? (I understand that this can be a sensitive subject, so I won't mind if you choose not to answer.)

( Well...here goes... )

2. Why 'radegund'? I am intrigued!

( Because it's mine )

3. Describe your ideal, yet feasible weekend (i.e. no unlimited funds or access to celebrities or anything like that).

( Everything in the world )

4. Was there a particular moment or event that made you decide to be a writer? What was it?

( No road to Damascus )

5. I take it from your info page that you're vegetarian - for how long? What made you decide to stop eating meat?

( Just a feeling )

If you'd like me to dream up some questions for you, comment away!

More interview meme

Questions from brandnewgun:

1. If the only way you could publish your novel was for five of the books on the BBC Big Read top 100 to be permanently deleted from the public consciousness, would you do it? And if so, which five?

( Ah, decisions, decisions )

2. When did you last hit someone? Who, and why?

( Pax! )

3. Can gods die?

( Maybe )

4. You, a room full of ten-year-olds, and one hour. You must speak for the whole hour, but you can't tell the truth. What lies will you tell the kids?

( Now listen carefully... )

5. In what ways do you think you're better than the average person?

( Some are more equal than others )

Interview! Innnnterrrrrvieeeeewww!!!

These from inannajones:

1. If you should represent yourself with a book, what book would it be and why?

( That's easy )

2. I have the impression you would make a good academic, and indeed occasionally you have sounded a little wistful at not being one. Is working as an editor your first choice or would you prefer to dive back into academia?

( Following in the footsteps )

3. In your opinion, was the genetic engineering the women were doing in Gate to Women's Country morally right? If you haven't read it skip the question, ask me to elaborate or consult niallm.

( I'm an agnostic - get me out of here! )

4. Do you read Bruno?

( No )

5. Do you practice escapism? Why? What forms does it take?

( Practical escapism )