Maria Savva's Blog - Posts Tagged "odin-s-eye"
#ShortStoryMonth - Book Review: Odin's Eye, by Maria Haskins
Odin's Eye by Maria HaskinsMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was captivated by the cover of this book and when I read about the author's inspiration for the title and cover on her blog I was intrigued. Maria Haskins' writing definitely fits into the literary fiction genre. These are stories that are to be savoured. There is a depth to the tales that can only be fully appreciated by taking time to really read and digest every sentence, every nuance. Each sentence is skillfully crafted.
One of this writer's strengths is that she is able to describe something so succinctly and with such precision that everything she writes becomes a picture in the mind of the reader. Her stories show a deep understanding of the human condition.
All the stories are science fiction and are set in the near or distant future. They are set on different planets, different worlds. The characters are so well depicted and seem like real people telling their tale. We see things through their eyes, we feel their fear and sense their concerns.
These twelve stories will make you think about what could happen if science became so advanced that we were able to travel easily through time and space.
All of the stories transported me to different times and strange new worlds and each one contains insightful observations about life and people. The stand out story for me was 'Lost and Found', a tale about an astronaut, who is the only survivor after a crash, waiting to be rescued. That one is just perfect, in my opinion. It would make a great movie or short film.
Other favourites include 'Bethel', an expertly crafted story about the prisons of the future and what they might be like; 'Life Line' that will make you think about the concept of reality and what it actually is; and 'The Child', a very interesting tale about choices and the repercussions.
All the stories are brilliant and I'm glad to have discovered such a talented writer.
Take a trip into the future with these twelve short stories. You won't be disappointed.
View all my reviews
Favourite reads of 2015, so far...
It's already June. Oh well, they say time flies when you're having fun, so I must have been having a lot of fun :)
I thought I would take the opportunity for a mid-year look back at some of my favourite reads of 2015.
In no particular order, here are a few I'd recommend if you're currently searching for your next read.
Eli's Coming by Darcia Helle
Excerpt from my review: "...a supernatural thriller with elements of fantasy and suspense. [...] When we meet Eli he is at a kind of crossroads in his life because he has found love but there is a dark secret that he is keeping and something that could threaten his new love and also his own life. The secret is slowly and steadily revealed as the story unfolds and his past comes back to find him.
I really enjoyed Eli's Coming. The dark fantasy element is fascinating. I'm pleased that this is the first in the series and am looking forward to the next book!"
Amazon links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/Elis-Coming-Cha...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elis-Coming-C...
Living the Dream by Tim Baker
Excerpt from my review: "This book had me hooked from the start and kept me interested throughout. It's a fun and fast-paced read with lots of surprising twists and turns. [...] The book revolves around a series of strange recurring dreams that many of the characters have been having. [...] It's a complex tale involving many different characters and the author did a fantastic job with it. This would make a great movie!"
Amazon links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/Living-Dream-Ti...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Living-Dream-...
Easy Target by Jenny Hilborne
Excerpt from my review: "This is book two in a series, but I had not read book one and still enjoyed it immensely. I like the fast-paced style of the author's writing. [...] In this novel, Lucinda Fitchett or "Fitch" as she is known, has no recollection of events one evening after waking up in her own flat not sure how she got there after a night out. She has a very troubled past and is wary when contacted by someone who says he knows what happened to her. Fitch is determined to find out the truth [...] an action packed crime thriller that will keep you guessing until the end."
Amazon links:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Easy-Target-I...
US: http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Target-Ins...
Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive One
Excerpt from my review: "First in a series, in this 'weird' story, we're introduced to Henry Darling and follow him on his first adventure. [...] It kept me hooked from the start and it's wonderfully imaginative. Henry has been through an experience that changed him and now he collects oddities. His wife and his unlikely friend Brett are his companions and helpers. This is a truly unique story from a talented writer. [...] If you haven't read any of this author's work, 'Weird' would be a great place to start."
Amazon links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
The Cestus Concern by Mat Nastos
Excerpt from my review: "This is a fantastic book. It kept me hooked from the start. I loved the humourous interaction between Mal and his best friend Zuz.
Mal wakes up to find he's a cyborg and has no memory of the past 11 months of his life. In his quest to find out the truth he has to battle many government agents and man-made adversaries. It's a rollercoaster ride from page 1 with scene after scene of action packed adventure."
Amazon links:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Cestus-Co...
US: http://www.amazon.com/The-Cestus-Conc...
Dreams of a Calico Mouse: The Poems of Dorien Grey
Excerpt from my review: "Dorien Grey's "Dreams of a Calico Mouse" is the perfect example of the type of modern poetry that I enjoy. It's almost storytelling but in verse, and it contains heartfelt messages. The themes in this collection include: love, old age, regret, and dreams. A couple of the poems made me chuckle, and then there were a couple of them that nearly made me cry. All of them kept me interested and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole book. This is an accomplished collection of all types of poetry including some haiku."
Amazon links:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J...
Odin's Eye
Excerpt from my review: "Maria Haskins' writing definitely fits into the literary fiction genre. These are stories that are to be savoured. There is a depth to the tales that can only be fully appreciated by taking time to really read and digest every sentence, every nuance. Each sentence is skillfully crafted. [...] All the stories are science fiction and are set in the near or distant future. They are set on different planets, different worlds. The characters are so well depicted and seem like real people telling their tale. We see things through their eyes, we feel their fear and sense their concerns. [...] The stand out story for me was 'Lost and Found', a tale about an astronaut, who is the only survivor after a crash, waiting to be rescued. That one is just perfect, in my opinion. It would make a great movie or short film."
Amazon links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/Odins-Eye-Maria...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Odins-Eye-Mar...
I thought I would take the opportunity for a mid-year look back at some of my favourite reads of 2015.
In no particular order, here are a few I'd recommend if you're currently searching for your next read.
Eli's Coming by Darcia Helle
Excerpt from my review: "...a supernatural thriller with elements of fantasy and suspense. [...] When we meet Eli he is at a kind of crossroads in his life because he has found love but there is a dark secret that he is keeping and something that could threaten his new love and also his own life. The secret is slowly and steadily revealed as the story unfolds and his past comes back to find him.
I really enjoyed Eli's Coming. The dark fantasy element is fascinating. I'm pleased that this is the first in the series and am looking forward to the next book!"
Amazon links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/Elis-Coming-Cha...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elis-Coming-C...
Living the Dream by Tim Baker
Excerpt from my review: "This book had me hooked from the start and kept me interested throughout. It's a fun and fast-paced read with lots of surprising twists and turns. [...] The book revolves around a series of strange recurring dreams that many of the characters have been having. [...] It's a complex tale involving many different characters and the author did a fantastic job with it. This would make a great movie!"
Amazon links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/Living-Dream-Ti...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Living-Dream-...
Easy Target by Jenny Hilborne
Excerpt from my review: "This is book two in a series, but I had not read book one and still enjoyed it immensely. I like the fast-paced style of the author's writing. [...] In this novel, Lucinda Fitchett or "Fitch" as she is known, has no recollection of events one evening after waking up in her own flat not sure how she got there after a night out. She has a very troubled past and is wary when contacted by someone who says he knows what happened to her. Fitch is determined to find out the truth [...] an action packed crime thriller that will keep you guessing until the end."
Amazon links:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Easy-Target-I...
US: http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Target-Ins...
Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive One
Excerpt from my review: "First in a series, in this 'weird' story, we're introduced to Henry Darling and follow him on his first adventure. [...] It kept me hooked from the start and it's wonderfully imaginative. Henry has been through an experience that changed him and now he collects oddities. His wife and his unlikely friend Brett are his companions and helpers. This is a truly unique story from a talented writer. [...] If you haven't read any of this author's work, 'Weird' would be a great place to start."
Amazon links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
The Cestus Concern by Mat Nastos
Excerpt from my review: "This is a fantastic book. It kept me hooked from the start. I loved the humourous interaction between Mal and his best friend Zuz.
Mal wakes up to find he's a cyborg and has no memory of the past 11 months of his life. In his quest to find out the truth he has to battle many government agents and man-made adversaries. It's a rollercoaster ride from page 1 with scene after scene of action packed adventure."
Amazon links:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Cestus-Co...
US: http://www.amazon.com/The-Cestus-Conc...
Dreams of a Calico Mouse: The Poems of Dorien Grey
Excerpt from my review: "Dorien Grey's "Dreams of a Calico Mouse" is the perfect example of the type of modern poetry that I enjoy. It's almost storytelling but in verse, and it contains heartfelt messages. The themes in this collection include: love, old age, regret, and dreams. A couple of the poems made me chuckle, and then there were a couple of them that nearly made me cry. All of them kept me interested and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole book. This is an accomplished collection of all types of poetry including some haiku."
Amazon links:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J...
Odin's Eye
Excerpt from my review: "Maria Haskins' writing definitely fits into the literary fiction genre. These are stories that are to be savoured. There is a depth to the tales that can only be fully appreciated by taking time to really read and digest every sentence, every nuance. Each sentence is skillfully crafted. [...] All the stories are science fiction and are set in the near or distant future. They are set on different planets, different worlds. The characters are so well depicted and seem like real people telling their tale. We see things through their eyes, we feel their fear and sense their concerns. [...] The stand out story for me was 'Lost and Found', a tale about an astronaut, who is the only survivor after a crash, waiting to be rescued. That one is just perfect, in my opinion. It would make a great movie or short film."
Amazon links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/Odins-Eye-Maria...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Odins-Eye-Mar...
Some of my favourite reads from 2015
I've discovered some talented authors this year and also read some new books by some of my favourite authors.
In no particular order, here are some of my favourite books from this year:
(they may not all have been published in 2015 but are books that I read this year)
Eli's Coming, by Darcia Helle
From one of my favourite authors, the first in a series. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elis-Coming-C...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Elis-Coming-Cha...
The Smell Of Paprika, by James Everington
I enjoyed the first four books in this series. It's a weird fantasy tale. There are strange characters and even stranger goings-on. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series, and would definitely recommend the stories.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Quarantined-C...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Quarantined-Cit...
Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive One, by Julie Elizabeth Powell
Another series I have enjoyed this year. I'm looking forward to more "weird" stories about Henry Ian Darling :)
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Weird-Henry-D...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Weird-Henry-Dar...
The Cestus Concern, by Mat Nastos
Again, this is the first book in a series. I am looking forward to finding time to reading more by this author.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cestus-Concer...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Cestus-Concern-...
Living the Dream, by Tim Baker
I read the first two books from this series this year and enjoyed them. I have some other books by this author on my Kindle and am looking forward to reading more of his work.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Living-Dream-...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Living-Dream-Ti...
Dreams of a Calico Mouse: The Poems of Dorien Grey
If you like poetry, I'd highly recommend this collection.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dreams-Calico...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Calico-M...
Those Pesky Rabbits, by Ciara Flood
If you're looking for a good book to read to children, this one's great. My nieces and nephew (age range 4 years - 8 years) absolutely love the book.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Those-Pesky-R...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Those-Pesky-Rab...
Odin's Eye, by Maria Haskins
This is one of the new authors I discovered this year. She also writes poetry and has a new collection which I'm reading at the moment. She's joining us for book 5 of the Mind's Eye series.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Odins-Eye-Mar...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Odins-Eye-Maria...
Daddy's Glove, by Thomma Lyn Grindstaff
I've read quite a few of Thomma Lyn Grindstaff short stories this year and enjoyed them all. This is another author that I've invited to join us for book 5 of the Mind's Eye series.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Daddys-Glove-...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Daddys-Glove-Th...
Easy Target, by Jenny Hilborne
An engaging, suspenseful thriller. Although the second book in the series, I enjoyed reading it even though I haven't yet read the first one.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Easy-Target-J...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Target-Jen...
------------------------------------
Those are my top picks of 2015.
I must also mention the two Mind's Eye series books that were released this year.
Triptychs and Tales From The Cacao Tree.
I contributed short stories to those anthologies. There are stories from many talented writers, including Darcia Helle , Julie Elizabeth Powell,Lisette Brodey, Eden Baylee, Jason McIntyre, and J. Michael Radcliffe. There are also poems from Ben Ditmars and Helle Gade. Well worth reading.
Triptychs:
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Triptychs-Min...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Triptychs-Minds...
Tales From The Cacao Tree
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tales-From-Ca...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Tales-From-Caca...
In no particular order, here are some of my favourite books from this year:
(they may not all have been published in 2015 but are books that I read this year)
Eli's Coming, by Darcia Helle
From one of my favourite authors, the first in a series. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elis-Coming-C...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Elis-Coming-Cha...
The Smell Of Paprika, by James Everington
I enjoyed the first four books in this series. It's a weird fantasy tale. There are strange characters and even stranger goings-on. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series, and would definitely recommend the stories.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Quarantined-C...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Quarantined-Cit...
Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive One, by Julie Elizabeth Powell
Another series I have enjoyed this year. I'm looking forward to more "weird" stories about Henry Ian Darling :)
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Weird-Henry-D...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Weird-Henry-Dar...
The Cestus Concern, by Mat Nastos
Again, this is the first book in a series. I am looking forward to finding time to reading more by this author.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cestus-Concer...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Cestus-Concern-...
Living the Dream, by Tim Baker
I read the first two books from this series this year and enjoyed them. I have some other books by this author on my Kindle and am looking forward to reading more of his work.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Living-Dream-...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Living-Dream-Ti...
Dreams of a Calico Mouse: The Poems of Dorien Grey
If you like poetry, I'd highly recommend this collection.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dreams-Calico...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Calico-M...
Those Pesky Rabbits, by Ciara Flood
If you're looking for a good book to read to children, this one's great. My nieces and nephew (age range 4 years - 8 years) absolutely love the book.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Those-Pesky-R...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Those-Pesky-Rab...
Odin's Eye, by Maria Haskins
This is one of the new authors I discovered this year. She also writes poetry and has a new collection which I'm reading at the moment. She's joining us for book 5 of the Mind's Eye series.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Odins-Eye-Mar...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Odins-Eye-Maria...
Daddy's Glove, by Thomma Lyn Grindstaff
I've read quite a few of Thomma Lyn Grindstaff short stories this year and enjoyed them all. This is another author that I've invited to join us for book 5 of the Mind's Eye series.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Daddys-Glove-...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Daddys-Glove-Th...
Easy Target, by Jenny Hilborne
An engaging, suspenseful thriller. Although the second book in the series, I enjoyed reading it even though I haven't yet read the first one.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Easy-Target-J...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Target-Jen...
------------------------------------
Those are my top picks of 2015.
I must also mention the two Mind's Eye series books that were released this year.
Triptychs and Tales From The Cacao Tree.
I contributed short stories to those anthologies. There are stories from many talented writers, including Darcia Helle , Julie Elizabeth Powell,Lisette Brodey, Eden Baylee, Jason McIntyre, and J. Michael Radcliffe. There are also poems from Ben Ditmars and Helle Gade. Well worth reading.
Triptychs:
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Triptychs-Min...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Triptychs-Minds...
Tales From The Cacao Tree
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tales-From-Ca...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Tales-From-Caca...
Book Review: Lost And Found, by Maria Haskins
Lost And Found - A Short Story From Odin's Eye by Maria HaskinsMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
'Lost and Found' is a tale about an astronaut, who is the only survivor after a crash, waiting to be rescued. It would make a great movie or short film. It's full of suspense and Maria Haskins writes so eloquently. I read this story as part of her short story collection Odin's Eye. Lost and Found was one of the stand-out stories for me in that collection. This would be the perfect story to read as an introduction to Maria Haskins' work. If you like science fiction, you'll love this story, and even if you don't usually read science fiction I'd recommend this short story.
View all my reviews
Interview with Maria Haskins
Maria Haskins is a very talented writer and poet. She's also a translator. I met her online ages ago but didn't know she was a writer. Like me, she's mad about music and has a music blog Real Rock and Roll. I first came across her because of the music promotion she was doing. Then last year she published her collection of short stories Odin's Eye. It's a brilliant collection of science fiction short stories. I went on to read her poetry book, Cuts & Collected Poems 1989 - 2015, and now I'm a big fan of her work. Whether it's short stories or poetry, Maria is one of those writers who keeps the reader hooked from the first page. She's joined us for book five in the Mind's Eye series (to be published soon), and I currently blog with Maria and Darcia Helle on the Real Rock and Roll blog, and also the new sister-site, Soundwaves Review. Maria has become a good friend.
INTERVIEW WITH MARIA HASKINS
Hello, Maria! Thanks for visiting me here. Please introduce yourself.
I’m a writer and translator, born in Sweden but living in Canada since the early 1990s. My debut as a writer is lost in the prehistoric mists of time, but did happen in Sweden. Eventually I switched to writing in English, and these days I write mainly science fiction, fantasy and poetry.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Everywhere and nowhere. Sometimes a story starts with an opening line that just pops into my head, or with an idea like a “what if…”, or sometimes it starts with a character. It’s always different. Some of my best story ideas come to me when I’m walking the dog. Something about walking just seems to bring them out.
What 3 pieces of advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Read a lot. Both the classics, and new works by new writers. I know that gets said a lot, but it’s very true: writers need to be readers. Also: write a bit every day, or at least write with regularity. Inspiration often won’t come until you sit down, even if it feels like you’re just slogging through things at times. Finally: be open to learning and changing and improving: try new things, read new things, write things you maybe didn’t think you could write. If nothing else, you might have some fun and learn what doesn’t work for you.
Great advice.
Tell us about your latest book.
I’ve got short stories coming out in two new anthologies this year. Two of them are in the next Mind’s Eye series, which I am very excited about, and I also have a new short story in the anthology ‘Tales From Alternate Earths’ from Inklings Press. That last one is a new thing for me: alternate history with a definite science fiction flavor. It’s the first time I’ve done an alternate history story so that’s really exciting.
Last year I self-published two books. One is a collection of science fiction short stories called "Odin’s Eye". The other is a sort of poetry-anthology called "Cuts & Collected Poems 1989-2015" which was a very interesting project for me. It includes one new collection of poetry (the first one I’ve written in English rather than Swedish), and also translations of my three previously published Swedish collections of poetry.
Do you have a preferred writing space?
My desk. It’s a messy desk and sort of in the middle of the house, but it’s the place where I can concentrate the best. Recently I’ve also done some writing “on the move”, bringing a laptop with me when the kids have activities, and that’s been a lot of fun too. I can actually get writing done away from my desk, which is a new discovery for me.
LOL I used to be like that. When I first started writing, I only ever wrote while in bed, late at night, and for ages thought that was the only place I'd be able to write. But I've found that I can write pretty much anywhere nowadays.
What’s your favourite genre to read?
Fantasy and science fiction for sure, or more broadly what’s called “speculative fiction”. Those have been my favoured genres ever since I was a child.
What genre do you write in?
I write mainly science fiction and fantasy, often with a darker tone, and poetry.
Apart from writing, what are your favourite pastimes?
Reading is one favourite for sure. I also love hiking and walking in the woods, and I love cooking and eating! Travel is something I also love, though I don’t do as much of it now as when I was younger.
What’s your favourite book, and why is it your favourite?
That would have to be The Lord of the Rings, because that’s the book I’ve re-read the most times of any book, ever. I just love the depth of it: that sense of entering another world and wanting to stay there.
Which social media sites can you most often be found on?
I’m very active on Twitter and Facebook . I also have an Instagram account (@mariahaskins), though I’m not as active there. I also blog on my website: https://mariahaskins.wordpress.com/
If you could invite 3 writers (past or present) to dinner, who would you invite and what would you cook?
Oh my… choices, choices... I’d invite Ursula K. Le Guin because I love her writing SO much. Umberto Eco, because he was such an amazing writer and had so many interesting thoughts on literature and the world. And then I’d invite Kai Ashante Wilson: he is a newer writer and I love his work (‘The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps’, for example), but he is not active on social media so I’d love to just talk science fiction and fantasy with him. As for food, I’d make it a potluck barbecue with lots of good beer, wine, steaks, corn on the cob, prawns, salad, and fresh strawberries for dessert. And… now I’m hungry!
Ha, ha! Now I'm hungry too!
Thanks for answering my questions, Maria!
************************************
Author links:
Website/blog: https://mariahaskins.wordpress.com/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Maria-Haskins/e...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MariaHaskins
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariahaskins...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahaskins
INTERVIEW WITH MARIA HASKINS
Hello, Maria! Thanks for visiting me here. Please introduce yourself.
I’m a writer and translator, born in Sweden but living in Canada since the early 1990s. My debut as a writer is lost in the prehistoric mists of time, but did happen in Sweden. Eventually I switched to writing in English, and these days I write mainly science fiction, fantasy and poetry.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Everywhere and nowhere. Sometimes a story starts with an opening line that just pops into my head, or with an idea like a “what if…”, or sometimes it starts with a character. It’s always different. Some of my best story ideas come to me when I’m walking the dog. Something about walking just seems to bring them out.
What 3 pieces of advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Read a lot. Both the classics, and new works by new writers. I know that gets said a lot, but it’s very true: writers need to be readers. Also: write a bit every day, or at least write with regularity. Inspiration often won’t come until you sit down, even if it feels like you’re just slogging through things at times. Finally: be open to learning and changing and improving: try new things, read new things, write things you maybe didn’t think you could write. If nothing else, you might have some fun and learn what doesn’t work for you.
Great advice.
Tell us about your latest book.
I’ve got short stories coming out in two new anthologies this year. Two of them are in the next Mind’s Eye series, which I am very excited about, and I also have a new short story in the anthology ‘Tales From Alternate Earths’ from Inklings Press. That last one is a new thing for me: alternate history with a definite science fiction flavor. It’s the first time I’ve done an alternate history story so that’s really exciting.
Last year I self-published two books. One is a collection of science fiction short stories called "Odin’s Eye". The other is a sort of poetry-anthology called "Cuts & Collected Poems 1989-2015" which was a very interesting project for me. It includes one new collection of poetry (the first one I’ve written in English rather than Swedish), and also translations of my three previously published Swedish collections of poetry.
Do you have a preferred writing space?
My desk. It’s a messy desk and sort of in the middle of the house, but it’s the place where I can concentrate the best. Recently I’ve also done some writing “on the move”, bringing a laptop with me when the kids have activities, and that’s been a lot of fun too. I can actually get writing done away from my desk, which is a new discovery for me.
LOL I used to be like that. When I first started writing, I only ever wrote while in bed, late at night, and for ages thought that was the only place I'd be able to write. But I've found that I can write pretty much anywhere nowadays.
What’s your favourite genre to read?
Fantasy and science fiction for sure, or more broadly what’s called “speculative fiction”. Those have been my favoured genres ever since I was a child.
What genre do you write in?
I write mainly science fiction and fantasy, often with a darker tone, and poetry.
Apart from writing, what are your favourite pastimes?
Reading is one favourite for sure. I also love hiking and walking in the woods, and I love cooking and eating! Travel is something I also love, though I don’t do as much of it now as when I was younger.
What’s your favourite book, and why is it your favourite?
That would have to be The Lord of the Rings, because that’s the book I’ve re-read the most times of any book, ever. I just love the depth of it: that sense of entering another world and wanting to stay there.
Which social media sites can you most often be found on?
I’m very active on Twitter and Facebook . I also have an Instagram account (@mariahaskins), though I’m not as active there. I also blog on my website: https://mariahaskins.wordpress.com/
If you could invite 3 writers (past or present) to dinner, who would you invite and what would you cook?
Oh my… choices, choices... I’d invite Ursula K. Le Guin because I love her writing SO much. Umberto Eco, because he was such an amazing writer and had so many interesting thoughts on literature and the world. And then I’d invite Kai Ashante Wilson: he is a newer writer and I love his work (‘The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps’, for example), but he is not active on social media so I’d love to just talk science fiction and fantasy with him. As for food, I’d make it a potluck barbecue with lots of good beer, wine, steaks, corn on the cob, prawns, salad, and fresh strawberries for dessert. And… now I’m hungry!
Ha, ha! Now I'm hungry too!
Thanks for answering my questions, Maria!
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