S.P. Oldham's Blog, page 39
March 27, 2019
Writing Scared - An Interview with Jennifer Sullivan
Thank you to Jennifer Sullivan of Writing Scared for interviewing me. I really enjoyed the questions, some of which were quite thought provoking! Thank you too, for the wonderful review of Wakeful Children and for encouraging others to review, too. I appreciate it very much.
If you would like to read the review or check out Jennifer’s site, click here: https://writingscaredblog.wordpress.com/2019/03/27/book-review-author-interview-wakeful-children-by-s-p-oldham/?fbclid=IwAR1qjWKCH7SbrNQZ8v5quQzX-BaFZaD9ocMtTLlN4hdUmUr-HKfZ9ZP_jCM
March 21, 2019
Bumper Competition - So Lost in Words
So Lost in Words Bumper Competition Time - Need Some Help
Don't forget to click the above link if you want to be in with a chance of winning the Bumper Competition Prize. There's even an extract ready for you to find the answer to the question! Good luck!
March 3, 2019
March 1, 2019
Happy St David's Day
This is OLD now! Was going to write something new for this year but other things got in the way. Will repost anyway, hope you can appreciate it even if you are not Welsh. I am sure we all love and feel passion for our homelands. Happy St David's Day all.
Wales I am.
What compares?
If you know of somewhere then please tell me;
This love affair has gone on for so long
And though we’ve had to part, as lovers often do
I’ve never really left this land of song
I know this earth is full of many wonders
Our Earth; a mystery of extremes
Places where the wild sea beats and plunders
Yet always I see Wales in my dreams
I’ve heard of awesome sights, beyond description
Of sun-kissed shores; of calm and peaceful pleasance
No matter how they defy imagination
Wales I always am, in essence.
So many scenes, to hold the eye’s attention
To tempt the painter and the poet to their art
Tell me once, if you must, then no more mention
Wales I am, and always will be, at heart
Countless beaches ravaged into drama
Shining deserts stretching far and wide
All are wonderful; all Earth’s panorama
Yet one place, alone, fills me with such pride
Have you ever left her? Longed to see her hills and mountains,
Waving promises in greenery and flower?
Holding secrets that they’ve held throughout the ages;
Knowing every hour is her finest hour
She seduces you; cleaves you to her wishes
Bends you to her will and makes you whole
Wales I am, praise God, and ever will be
Wales in the centre of my soul.
S. P Oldham.
My photo!
February 26, 2019
The Horror Tree - Why Horror Poetry
I am pleased to say that my article 'Why Horror Poetry?' written as part of Women in Horror Month, is now live over on The Horror Tree. Click the link to find out more and as ever, I would love to hear from you!
Why Horror Poetry? - The Horror Tree
Beautiful Day
Beautiful, sunny day here in South Wales. So warm I had to take my coat off while Milo and I were out walking! Hope wherever you are is a great day too. Now to settle down to some serious writing...
February 15, 2019
WiHM - Fiona Cooke Hogan
Very pleased to be featured author today on Fiona Cooke Hogan's Facebook page and on her website Unusual Fiction I love that web page title because, in some ways, it describes exactly what I write! Take a look at the website, see the other Women in Horror that Fiona has been showcasing. Who knows, you may just find yourself a new favourite writer...
February 9, 2019
WiHM - My Interview with Red Cape Publishing
For my interview with Red Cape Publishing, as part of Women in Horror Month 2019, just clink the link!
Questions? Comments? Let me know!
S P Oldham on Red Cape Publishing
Book Review - Darien - Conn Iggulden - SPOILERS!
A review of ‘Darien’ by Conn Iggulden.
In my book (pardon the pun) Conn Iggulden is an outstanding writer. I know I have said this before, but his Conqueror series, depicting the life of Genghis Kahn, was a fantastic read. His other historical fiction is none too shabby, either.
I received ‘Darien’ and its sequel ‘Shiang’ as a Christmas present. I thought at first it was another Historical Fiction series, and was pleasantly surprised when I realised that it is actually Fantasy Fiction. I love this genre. Therefore, seeing it done by one of my favourite authors made for a really winning Christmas gift!
From the outset, I was reminded of other characters and settings, the more so as I read on. In particular, in some instances it put me in mind very strongly of Sir Terry Pratchett’s Discworld. I am not suggesting anything here, it is just that the one reminded me of the other. Even down to character names; Daw Threefold, for instance, making me think of Twoflower, though the characters are very different. Certain areas of the city of Darien would not have been out of place in Ankh Morpork either. Of course, fantastical creatures appear across the genre, and so we have a golem, too, though an unusual one. We also have other fantastical inventions that (I think) Iggulden has added to the mix, such as the Blue Border and the very unconventional Witch who can only draw power from other magical objects.
Tellius and his band of rag-tag boys made me instantly think of Fagin, from Oliver Twist. They are a band of thieving, ragged street urchins. Tellius, a street-wise, deceptively able, conniving old man is their only carer. They even live in a dusty old attic over a workshop. The boys are expected to pickpockets or otherwise beg, steal or borrow to earn their place in the attic. There is also a character called Nancy, though she is not connected to Tellius and the boys.
Darien is ruled by twelve powerful families, a young king its figurehead. These families, naturally, vie for power at every turn. Some families are more powerful than others. Lady Sallet makes for a formidable figure in this rivalry. General Justan commands the Immortals and has plans to take over the city and grab all the power for himself. A group of unwitting individuals, whose fortunes are accidentally joined, help put an end to this, at great cost to themselves.
Of all the characters in this book, I liked Elias best. I like his ability to ‘reach,’ that he is not too magical to have lost his humanity, that he is a quiet, brooding soul who doesn’t really want to have any part in all this. He is forced to take part, for the safety of his children.
I warmed to Nancy as the book went on, though I admit to not being too keen at first, though I couldn’t say why! I loved Daw Threefold, and so was sorry to see him die.
This is a great blend of history and fantasy. I have already started ‘Shiang’ and am looking forward to seeing how the story develops. I hope we meet some of these characters again, especially Elias!
Book Review - Darien - Conn Iggulden
A review of ‘Darien’ by Conn Iggulden.
SPOILERS!
In my book (pardon the pun) Conn Iggulden is an outstanding writer. I know I have said this before, but his Conqueror series, depicting the life of Genghis Kahn, was a fantastic read. His other historical fiction is none too shabby, either.
I received ‘Darien’ and its sequel ‘Shiang’ as a Christmas present. I thought at first it was another Historical Fiction series, and was pleasantly surprised when I realised that it is actually Fantasy Fiction. I love this genre. Therefore, seeing it done by one of my favourite authors made for a really winning Christmas gift!
From the outset, I was reminded of other characters and settings, the more so as I read on. In particular, in some instances it put me in mind very strongly of Sir Terry Pratchett’s Discworld. I am not suggesting anything here, it is just that the one reminded me of the other. Even down to character names; Daw Threefold, for instance, making me think of Twoflower, though the characters are very different. Certain areas of the city of Darien would not have been out of place in Ankh Morpork either. Of course, fantastical creatures appear across the genre, and so we have a golem, too, though an unusual one. We also have other fantastical inventions that (I think) Iggulden has added to the mix, such as the Blue Border and the very unconventional Witch who can only draw power from other magical objects.
Tellius and his band of rag-tag boys made me instantly think of Fagin, from Oliver Twist. They are a band of thieving, ragged street urchins. Tellius, a street-wise, deceptively able, conniving old man is their only carer. They even live in a dusty old attic over a workshop. The boys are expected to pickpockets or otherwise beg, steal or borrow to earn their place in the attic. There is also a character called Nancy, though she is not connected to Tellius and the boys.
Darien is ruled by twelve powerful families, a young king its figurehead. These families, naturally, vie for power at every turn. Some families are more powerful than others. Lady Sallet makes for a formidable figure in this rivalry. General Justan commands the Immortals and has plans to take over the city and grab all the power for himself. A group of unwitting individuals, whose fortunes are accidentally joined, help put an end to this, at great cost to themselves.
Of all the characters in this book, I liked Elias best. I like his ability to ‘reach,’ that he is not too magical to have lost his humanity, that he is a quiet, brooding soul who doesn’t really want to have any part in all this. He is forced to take part, for the safety of his children.
I warmed to Nancy as the book went on, though I admit to not being too keen at first, though I couldn’t say why! I loved Daw Threefold, and so was sorry to see him die.
This is a great blend of history and fantasy. I have already started ‘Shiang’ and am looking forward to seeing how the story develops. I hope we meet some of these characters again, especially Elias!
