The Paintings, by Linda Acaster, Reviewed.

On 23/03/2015 By stuartakenIn Author, Book, Review4 Comments

Linda Acaster’s, The Paintings, is not a book to read before bed, unless, of course, you prefer nightmares to sweet dreams. This short chiller is subtly sinister, as it builds a story of the apparent ordinary into something with supernatural hints and underlying threats to reach a climax that is as satisfying as it is …

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Running and Writing for ME/CFS No.24

On 16/03/2015 By stuartakenIn Author, charity, Fundraising, ME/CFS, Progress3 Comments

Running: This week I ran all three of the set runs in the programme. Fifteen minutes through the forest, with the birds chirruping their joy in Spring on Wednesday. Twenty minutes on Friday, extending the same run. And then a short; ten minutes on Sunday, running up the steep rise of Church Road, down the …

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Mantle of Malice, by April Taylor, Reviewed.

On 16/03/2015 By stuartakenIn Author, Book, Review4 Comments

Mantle of Malice is the third book in the Tudor Enigma series, and, having read them all, I’d say it’s the best so far. In this alternative fantasy history, the main protagonist, Luke Ballard, has matured and grown in wisdom and experience. That’s not to say he no longer makes mistakes or has somehow overcome …

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Running and Writing for ME/CFS No.23

On 08/03/2015 By stuartakenIn Author, Fundraising, ME/CFS, Progress2 Comments

Running: This week saw me managing all three of the set runs in the programme. Ten minutes through the village with its rises and falls on Wednesday. Friday the longer run of twenty minutes and an extension of my normal fifteen-minute run through the forest. It was quiet, as usual, and I saw not a …

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Tips on Word Choice No. 25: Ruled by Intellect or Emotion?

On 03/03/2015 By stuartakenIn Author, Creative Writer, Word Choice

Certain words/phrases can induce fairly specific responses in readers. As writers, we all know this, but do we use the power of emotion in our work? For these few weeks, I’m looking at something subjective: how to choose between emotional and intellectual words for effect. You won’t always agree with me, of course; you’re writers. …

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Running and Writing for ME/CFS: No.22

On 01/03/2015 By stuartakenIn Author, charity, Fundraising, ME/CFS

Running: My Wednesday run, just ten minutes, took me down from the house, up the steep rise of Church Road, down the track that runs along the back of the houses fronting the main road, along that main road to the Post Office and then back up the slow rise until I reached the rather …

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Disorganisation, Distractions, Discipline and Desire.

On 01/03/2015 By stuartakenIn Author, Creative Writer, Organisation, Progress4 Comments

Some work best in disorder, with apparent chaos ruling. Some need order, pattern and habit to produce their best. I belong to the ‘clear desk’ brigade. Not from any notion that chaos is generally undesirable or disruptive, but because my memory isn’t good enough to cope with the randomness of a disorganised way of living. …

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Tips on Word Choice No. 24: Ruled by Intellect or Emotion?

On 24/02/2015 By stuartakenIn Author, Book, Creative Writer, Word Use2 Comments

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Tips on Word Choice No.23: Ruled by Intellect or Emotion?

On 17/02/2015 By stuartakenIn Author, charity, Creative Writer, ME/CFS, Word Use

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Running and Writing for ME/CFS No.20

On 15/02/2015 By stuartakenIn Author, charity, Fundraising

Running: First, the progress report, and then some news. Wednesday saw me running for the prescribed 10 minutes from my training plan. I covered a new route along a public footpath, down a sloping track and back home along the main road. Friday I had a 20 minute run, but it rained almost the entire …

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Tips on Word Choice No. 22: Ruled by Intellect or Emotion?

On 12/02/2015 By stuartakenIn Author, Book, Creative Writer, Word Use

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Running and Writing for ME/CFS No.19

On 08/02/2015 By stuartakenIn Author, Book, charity

Writing: At last! I’ve started the actual writing of the book. 2,000 words so far, which constitutes the opening chapter. Of course, the way I write means I’ll have to edit when I’ve finished the whole book, but that’s all part of my creative process. I’m aiming to have the book finished and ready to …

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Running and Writing for ME/CFS No.18

On 04/02/201504/02/2015 By stuartakenIn Author, charity

Writing: I’ve spent most of the last few days making the new home a good place to live. This is the beginning of a new life for us, and my wife has put up with a lot during the ten years I suffered with ME/CFS. She, of course, makes no demands, has no expectations, and …

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Tips on Word Choice No.20: Ruled by Intellect or Emotion?

On 28/01/2015 By stuartakenIn Author, Book, Creative Writer, Word Use

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Running and Writing for ME/CFS No.17

On 27/01/201527/01/2015 By stuartakenIn Author, charity

Writing and Running: Both have been on hold during the time it’s taken us to set up in the new home. But, we’re on top of the most urgent aspects now and things are starting to feel normal. Due to the amount of heavy manual work I’ve been involved in during the past 2 weeks, …

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