So I'm starting a blog. And - ironic, as a writer - I'm stuck with the first entry. It's like walking into a party where you know about three people, and they've all gone out to get more booze. Do you introduce yourself first? Do you just start talking to people like they already know you, and hope no one will interrupt to ask "but wait, who are you, and why are you talking to me?" Do you lead with a joke, and hope you don't hear crickets after the punchline? Or maybe just buy everyone a round, and hope they're drunk enough it lands you some unshakeable friendships for at least the next half-hour while you learn enough names to make it sound like you belong?

The general consensus seems to be that an inaugural blog post should address four key points for its readers (or future readers). That feels a little contrived, like wearing a badge that says "Ask me about astrophysics, because I don't know what else to say." But it does sum the key points up without a lot of waffle, so here goes:

Who I am

I'm Sofie, an emerging speculative fiction writer based in Melbourne, Australia. I write novels, short stories, poetry and video game narratives, design RPG systems and settings, and work as a technical writer and freelance editor. In what's left of my spare time, I design jewellery under the label Davina Design, and software to suit my needs as a writer and artist. If that sounds like too much for one person, I assure you, it is. But I can't seem to help it; I collect hobbies like other people breathe.

Why I'm blogging

I love a good argument - sorry, discussion. The publishing industry is tiptoeing around a revolution, with print-on-demand, e-books, online stores and the rise in competing entertainment formats. The slush piles have never been bigger, the bookstores are saturated with new novelists, but - Rowling and Meyer aside - readerships seem to be dropping. It's a ripe battlefield for opinions, predictions, explanations, explorations and discussions, and I want in.

What I'll be blogging about

In a sweeping generalisation: writing, and the publishing industry. Industry developments and technology, the business side of authoring - contracts, promotion and the like, the craft of writing and world building, an analysis / review of books I read, and my own experience writing and submitting novels and stories. Also, the occasional segue into my life, jewellery, software, games and other things I find interesting or important.

Where you come in

I'd love you to leave comments on my posts - do you agree, disagree, have something to add or argue with? My comments aren't strictly moderated and I love a good argument, though I do reserve the right to edit or delete material that I deem obscene, flame-bait, offensive or spam, at my discretion.

You're also welcome to email me through the Contacts page (go to Bio and Links, and see the Contacts link in the sidebar, or alternatively click here to go straight there.) I'll try to answer as quickly as I can. If your question really piques my interest, (or is something several people have asked) I might be inspired to reply in a post.