This is a very belated review of the Tongues of Men or Angels, by Jonathan Trigell. I have put this off for three years, because I knew what a challenge it would be to write. I won't feel that bad though as Trigell's story took two thousand years to write. This review/blog contains some mild …
The process of editing a novel (a.k.a the hardest yet most rewarding thing you can do as a writer)
The draft novel is finished. What now? Almost two years ago, I wrote a post explaining how I took zero words and managed to produce the first draft of a novel. I spent my entire life aspiring to do this almost impossible thing. Life is busy, hectic, full of responsibilities and serious stuff going on--but …
Month Two – report
Yes, I'm doing a brave thing and going back to my resolutions to report on progress. I had a list of 'do more' and 'do less'. One month in, I've rated progress using the amazing five tick/check system. More: READ MORE BOOKS; I’M AIMING FOR ABOUT 30 THIS YEAR. √√√√√ Seven books finished in …
Black Mirror – pointless episode ranking
I'm not behind the times, but I actively resist watching 'the latest must see' TV shows when they come out. My first (reluctant) episode of GoT was only last year, 2017. I didn't finish the first season, likewise Breaking Bad, where I got to the second season but didn't get any further. The Leftovers, I …
Day One
New Year Resolutions - love or loath them, they're a good chance to try and aspire to something different. It's easy enough. A list of things I want to do more of and a list I want to do less of. More: Books. While I'm delighted I completed the only book I wanted to read …
Emerging Horizons
I had the most wonderful news recently. The British Fantasy Society (a big deal in Fantasy writing, films and conventions all the way back to 1971), were looking to find and promote the next generation of talented Fantasy writers. They've deemed one of my stories to be worthy of such an honour. Their initiative is …
Grab some darkness before the adverts for holidays, weight-loss and new jobs…
In the first of two updates in the same day: In times of endless Turkey, Cranberry and Stuffing sandwiches. In the days filled with rubbish TV ads (and there are not many good ones this year). With every organisation telling you to buy stuff you don't need because you love your wife/children/yourself/friends/pets/normally anti-social neighbours more …
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Remember, remember, fifty thousand words in November
So, how did my massive experiment with writing 50,000 words in a month go? It was, by all accounts, a great success. I am the proud owner of a shiny certificate, but, more importantly, I am the owner of a draft which totals more than half of a my second novel. A draft novel is …
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Countdown deal, NaNo progress and FlashFeeD ranks
Greetings to you on this fine day. Book discount To celebrate progress on my next novel, I've made Metropolitan Dreams available on a countdown deal. It starts at a heavily discounted rate then the discount is not as generous towards the end date. It's had some rather splendid reviews, so I'd love it if you …
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Metropolitan Fear news
Hey there. I've never been a big fan of NaNoWriMo ((Inter)National Novel Writing Month). I guess I always knew the limitations of a busy full time job with tons of responsibility, the commitments of hectic family life, trying to fit in volunteering and supporting others with their dreams and ambitions. I also didn't like the …