The Cunning Man, by John Yeoman, Reviewed.

On 02/01/201530/07/2017 By stuartakenIn Author, Book, Creative Writer, Reading, Review

This ‘fictorial’ as the author calls it, should start a trend amongst authors with a desire to help other writers improve their craft. That is precisely what John Yeoman does in this collection of historical mystery stories. He tells a tale and inserts footnote links in the text, these lead to the footnotes, which explain …

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Tips on Word Choice: Ruled by Intellect or Emotion? No17

On 30/12/201428/12/2014 By stuartakenIn Author, Book, Creative Writer, Word Use

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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EU Ereader? Beware VAT Rise in 2015

On 26/12/2014 By stuartakenIn Author, Book, Creative Writer

This is just a brief heads up for those of you who have an Ereader, or were bought one for Xmas. Many of you will be unaware that a change in EU law means that from 1st January 2015 VAT will be added to cost of all digital books, set at the rate applying in …

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Tips on Word Choice: Ruled by Intellect or Emotion? No.16

On 24/12/2014 By stuartakenIn Author, Book, Creative Writer, Word Use2 Comments

Sorry about the delay, this should have been posted Tuesday, but I was somewhat occupied. Some 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 …

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Ruled by Intellect or Emotion? Tips on Word Choice #14

On 08/12/201408/12/2014 By stuartakenIn Author, Book, Creative Writer, Word Use

This series started on my other blog. If you want to see the earlier examples, please visit and search the archive. Some 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 …

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Write. Publish. Repeat, by Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant, Reviewed.

On 04/12/201430/07/2017 By stuartakenIn Author, Book, Creative Writer, Reading, Review

I downloaded this book as part of a package of 3, offered for a very silly price, by which I mean, cheap, very cheap! It’s the best few pence I’ve ever spent. I’d have happily paid a hundred times more. This is the first book in the package and it speaks to me. Oh, how …

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5 Star Review for Partings, A Seared Sky (Book 2)

On 03/12/201430/07/2017 By stuartakenIn Author, Book, Creative Writer, Review

Partings is now available in print form. We’re still waiting for Amazon to connect the digital and print versions, but you can still buy it either from your local Amazon store by clicking here. Or direct from Fantastic Books Publishing by clicking here. And, after a long wait, I’ve finally got a review of …

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Ruled by Intellect or Emotion? Tips on Word Choice #13

On 02/12/201402/12/2014 By stuartakenIn Creative Writer, Word Use

I began this series on my original blog at http://stuartaken.blogspot.com and I'm now starting the process of placing the same posts on both sites whilst I work out which is most useful for readers. Some words/phrases can induce fairly specific responses in readers. As writers, we all know this, but do we use the power of …

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A Moving Experience

On 01/12/201401/12/2014 By stuartakenIn Creative Writer2 Comments

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/BA63793 This platform is still very new to me; still learning the ropes (a campanology reference for those who don't know), so please bear with me (a term gathered from the midwifes). At present, my wife and I are undergoing the stressful and frustrating business of moving house. It seems that every time we take …

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