Coping in a Time of Covid. A #Poem

Picture from Masum Ali via Pixabay Coping in a Time of Covid. Strange and sometimes frightening timesHow do we respond react survive copewhen so much is unknownso much more conjectured often falselyExperts juggle with factsconstantly changing asresearch experience experimentscombine to form new truthsLeaders with supporters colleagues advisorsare overeager to display their skillsin managing a phenomenonstill …

Continue reading Coping in a Time of Covid. A #Poem

RAGE! A #Poem

Image via: http://clipart-library.com/anger-cliparts.html RAGE! How do you feel in thepresence of injusticeDo you rage at unfairnessDoes inequality ignite your ireDo you fume with furywhen you hear of a girl forcedearly into marriage with an old manwhen you learn of the boy deniedbecause his skin is another shadewhen the killer is set free to kill againwhen …

Continue reading RAGE! A #Poem

The Blind Watchmaker, by Richard Dawkins: #BookReview.

340 pagesBiological Evolution/Biology/Higher Education of Biological Sciences I came late to this seminal work, published 1986; a somewhat turbulent and formative period in my life. Wishing I’d read it at the time is pointless but nevertheless the case. It requires a special type of academic brilliance, combined with a good deal of experience, to tackle …

Continue reading The Blind Watchmaker, by Richard Dawkins: #BookReview.

the little book of humanism, by Andrew Copson and Alice Roberts: #BookReview.

254 pages Science and Religion/Ethics and Morality/Practical and Motivational Self Help This book, subtitled, ‘Universal lessons on finding purpose, meaning and joy’ encapsulates ideas I’d already formed from life experience, wide reading, and a deep love of the natural world. Every religion has its individual text, presented as a guide for how to live your …

Continue reading the little book of humanism, by Andrew Copson and Alice Roberts: #BookReview.

Amazon Decoded, by David Gaughran: #BookReview.

326 Pages Authorship Reference/E-Commerce Web Marketing. I read this book after reading the author’s ‘Let’s Get Digital’. It’s a natural follow-on for those interested in marketing their e-books as indie writers/publishers. In fact, it also has a lot to say about, and to, mainstream and some small publishers, much of which might benefit the authors …

Continue reading Amazon Decoded, by David Gaughran: #BookReview.

That Final Edit

That final stage in progress. The title to this post is, of course, a show of blatant optimism, since I have completed my personal final edit, but the publisher’s team, kept locked in his basement, will undoubtedly come back with more. However, it is a milestone to celebrate. The MS ran to 79,079 words when …

Continue reading That Final Edit

An Announcement

This sums up my current state! This is to let visitors know that my website may be disrupted for the next couple of days. WordPress works on 'Themes' and it appears my current Theme has been 'Retired', which means I have to choose another. That means I may have to completely redesign the site; not …

Continue reading An Announcement

Using Editing Software?

Word cloud created through wordart.com How do you organise your own editing of your creative writing? You’ll find an account of my latest WIP journey here to show how I go about it. The MS stood at 79,079 words at the end of the edit referred to in that post. I then began the penultimate …

Continue reading Using Editing Software?

Perils of the Pantster.

My desk during editing. If you write by the seat of your pants, you’re a pantster, as opposed to those who write a story from a structured plan; they’re plotters. Both methods have upsides and downsides, and both have devotees, some of whom can be unnecessarily scathing of those in the opposite camp. I’ve been …

Continue reading Perils of the Pantster.

Finding the Write #Words? Last in the Series.

Some of the books on the list. Each week since October 2019 I’ve been posting ‘reviews’ of books on my shelves that deal with the English language, its use, and the opportunities to find and employ different words to express yourself in speech and/or writing. The complete list of books is listed below with link …

Continue reading Finding the Write #Words? Last in the Series.

Finding the Write #Words? No. 38: Usage and Abusage

Completing the description of books on words and the English language listed in the introductory post, which you’ll find here. Book 38: Usage and Abusage Paperback, 380 pages. Published in 1947 by Hamish Hamilton and reprinted many times. I own the 1978 Penguin edition, which I bought for the princely sum of £1.10. There’s a …

Continue reading Finding the Write #Words? No. 38: Usage and Abusage

Creative #Writing #Contests Table Updated

On the 1st of the month I remind followers here that the creative writing contest table has been updated. (I update it several times each month and I’ll be adding more details in the next few days, but this reminder is posted just once!) If you’d like to be reminded by email, please click the …

Continue reading Creative #Writing #Contests Table Updated

Finding the Write #Words? No. 37: The Synonym Finder

Continuing the description of books on words and the English language listed in the introductory post, which you’ll find here. Book 37: The Synonym Finder Hardback, 1355 pages. Published in 1979 by Rodale Press, which is the edition I own. I don’t recall what I paid for it, as it was part of a collection …

Continue reading Finding the Write #Words? No. 37: The Synonym Finder

Today’s Pictures: 14 June 20

Sunshine streams through gaps in the canopy in this stand of pine trees. Trying to brighten the day for those people isolated indoors during the Covid-19 pandemic. Another day when grey skies greeted the morning and the forecasters predicted rain in the afternoon, so we ventured out early for our walk. It turns out they …

Continue reading Today’s Pictures: 14 June 20

Today’s Pictures: 13 June 20

In one of our favourite parts of the local forest. Trying to brighten the day for those people isolated indoors during the Covid-19 pandemic. Another day of cloud and sunny periods, with a threat of thunderstorms this evening. We set out to check the lilies on the fishing pond and found only a few have …

Continue reading Today’s Pictures: 13 June 20