First, a gentle warning for authors tempted to invite me to review their books: I read this book as the result of a particularly effective ‘pitch’ letter sent via the contact page on this website. Let me remind others eager to do the same for their books that I’ve signed the True Review Pledge. That …
Continue reading Inevitable Ascension, by V.K. McAllister, Reviewed.
This week’s progress report reveals I’m now 71847 words into the first rewrite, which takes me 8302 words further than last week, most of this is new work, as the story needed revision due to research. In fact, I’m now writing the final chapter of the current version. However, I was struck by an idea …
Continue reading Progress on the WIP: SciFi in the Making.
This week’s progress report reveals that I’m now 63545 words into the first rewrite, which takes me 17762 words further than last week at this time. I’ve had to take out some of the original story as a result of additional information I’ve gathered from the last lot of research. It’s actually given the story …
Continue reading Progress on the WIP. SciFi in the Making.
This historical novel, set at the very end of the 16th century in London, is more than merely a damned good novel. It’s purpose is to help other authors improve their writing through example. John Yeoman is a well-respected writing tutor, amongst other things. He displays a wicked, sardonic, sense of humour in the story, …
Continue reading How Did the Author Do That?, by Dr. John Yeoman PhD, Reviewed.
This series aims at helping writers find the right words to express their meaning. Your thoughts and comments are welcome here. Do you want to inspire readers with joy, stoke their terrors, romance them with love? Or, maybe you need your reader to sink into despair along with your protagonist? This set of posts looks …
Continue reading Searching for the Right Words? Tip #14
Another week has passed and I've been prodding those keys with vigour. The WIP is now up to 45783, with 4865 of those words new to the story. Several developments are emerging following my research, and the story is twisting and turning with a life of its own. This is the first rewrite, so there …
Continue reading Progress on the WIP
This is not the first book I’ve read by this author, which is why I bought it! She has a knack of stating the relevant facts without offending but without wasting words. If you’re looking to market your book(s), read this short piece of advice before you start to spend cash on the process. It …
12 days since I last gave you an update on the scifi novel I’m currently writing. I’ve been quite busy on a number of things, both domestic and in the writing arena since. Suffice it to say that progress hasn’t been as rapid as I’d hoped. But I’m not beating myself up over that: life …
Continue reading Progress on the WIP
This resource is remarkably extensive and varied. There are articles on strange human behaviours, odd customs and traditions, peculiar animal behaviour, secret societies and events, curses, unusual illnesses, myths, fakes, religious peculiarities, odd individuals and many other topics. This isn’t a book to sit and read, but a research and inspiration tool to use for …
Hoping to inspire readers with joy, arouse their fear, romance them with love? Or, perhaps your story needs the reader to sink into despair along with your protagonist? This set of posts looks at ways of influencing mood by selecting the ‘right’ words for the job. Example: “We went to the second hand bookshop in …
Continue reading Searching for the Right Words? Tip #9
An unusual and intriguing anthology, this. The author introduces each piece of fiction with an account of his route to the story and some of his writing methods. It makes for an interesting read for both readers and writers. The collection is varied in both topics and style, but each tale is well structured and …
Continue reading How to Win the Lottery (And Other Stories), by Iain Parke, Reviewed.
My publisher, Fantastic Books Publishing, has just released this great little video to promote my SciFi novella, The Methuselah Strain. Please take a look, 'Like' it and, if you're looking for some exciting reading, buy a copy. It's available in both ebook and hardback versions by clicking those links. You can also find a synopsis …
Continue reading Publisher’s Trailer for The Methuselah Strain
The science fiction anthology from Fantastic Books Publishing is now available in print form. I’ve already reviewed this when it first appeared as an ebook. You’ll find the review by clicking this link. I have a story in this excellent collection of imagination and future speculation mixed with fantasy scifi. Great stories, now available for …
Continue reading Synthesis, Fantastic SciFi Anthology Now in Print.
Subtitled, The Plan to Settle the Red Planet and Why We Must, this extraordinary work by Robert Zubrin, with Richard Wagner, is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in Mars either as an observer or as, in my case, a writer of science fiction. In researching for my novel about Mars, I’ve read a great …
Continue reading The Case for Mars, by Robert Zubrin, Reviewed
I bought a copy of this paperback to see what sort of work might win the prizes in this much respected annual contest for writers. I’m intending to enter this year, so I wanted to discover what quality and style of work is considered good enough. Each year, the judges for the three categories of …
Continue reading The Bridport Prize Anthology 2015, Reviewed.
Short stories, novel extracts and musings from an emerging author
SHORTS, NOVELS, AND OTHER THINGS
Books, writing, reading, words and images. I love them; do you?
An Independent Nondiscriminatory Platform With No Religious, Political, Financial, or Social Affiliations - FOUNDED 2014
Life Lessons, Books, and Pretty Things!
Writing Magic, Myth and Mystery
A photographer's view of the world - words and images to inspire your travels and your dreams
Book Reviews ∙ Bookish Tags ∙ Book Discussions
Retired and travelling - it doesn't get better than this!
writing circles & poetry to keep your light on
Peace. Tranquility. Insanity.
A writer inspired by nature and human nature
We Survived and Arrived - Now as Warriors We Thrive
Sometimes, life is like that.
Book lover and reviewer.
Musings and Ramblings of a Disorganised Blogger
Speculative Fiction Author, & Reviews.
British Crime Writer April Taylor
Fiction, Poetry, Photography
Where The Eagles Fly . . . . Art Science Poetry Music & Ideas
Registered Charity 308286. Your local venues, Lydbrook Memorial Hall and Recreation Ground, are here to benefit our community.
Books and Shrimp!
Ù…Øمد القربي
Discover the "Inside Story" with Sassy Brit & Her Gang!
A daily selection of the best content published on WordPress, collected for you by humans who love to read.
Antidote to the Novel
Stuart Aken 