Adrian Faulkner's Blog, page 141

Stoopid Anxiety

I’ve always been a worrier, I suppose a writer’s natural urge to ask “what if” means that it’s almost inevitable the two are linked. But I’m finding, as the taboos on mental health are slowly coming down, that my family has a history of anxiety.

The big trouble with anxiety attacks (at least for me. I can only speak for myself, I don’t claim to be an expert) is that unlike a full blown panic attack that stops you doing anything, anxiety attacks rumble away in the background. I can write with a...

Bookshelf Bombshells Rates The Four Realms As A “Buy It!”

Given how much writers struggle with putting together the synopsis of a novel, I’m starting to wonder, following this brilliant summary of the setup of The Four Realms, whether authors should employ reviewers to write them. I jest, of course, but this review does a really good job of getting ‘inside’ the setup of the novel.

They liked it and rated it a “Buy It” as well. This, as you can imagine, makes me happy.

“Drop that stack of romantic books about reluctant vampires and grab this harsh sto...

Book Beard

So yesterday Gareth L Powell, author of Ack Ack Macaque, did this brilliant video giving four essential tips for writers. He also talked about the book beard, the idea that you stop shaving whilst writing a book.

Seeing as I am in the early stages of the next big block of writing on the new novel, and that I was overdue a shave anyway (the result of a lot of working from home on the day job due to the leg), I thought this could be a thing. However, given that the first book took me 13 years, a...

New Fantasy Faction Article – Exploring Rural Landscape

My latest article for Fantasy Faction is now live. In Exploring Rural Landscape I advocate writers getting out into the countryside to make their rural scenes be that more believable. Be sure to check it out!

The Eastercon Report

[image error]It wasn’t that I expected Bradford to be a bad Eastercon, I just had really low expectations. For that reason, my entire focus leading up to the event was on my panels and trying to ensure they were as entertaining as possible. But it turned out to be a truly exceptional con.

I travelled up on Thursday (a little later than I had hoped due to an appointment to get the dressing changed on my leg) and was surprised to see that Bradford still had lots of snow. Down south, we’ve really escaped the...

A Different Sort Of Review

I had a number of writers tell me over the weekend that they don’t read reviews. Maybe I’m a little odd or maybe I’ve just been very fortunate that the reviews I’ve received are intelligent and insightful, but I enjoy reading them. That includes this one from Fangs for Fantasy which is a little different.

Fangs for Fantasy’s reviews are a little difference in that they put the spotlight on social justice. It means that they are really going to look into how you handle diversity and call you ou...

So I Have A Hole In My Leg

I’ve had circulation problems with my legs for a long time. It’s never stopped me doing stuff, other than wearing shorts (something I’m sure everyone is grateful for!). They tend to burn constantly with a cold heat and are so sensitive to touch, I tend to keep away from dogs and toddlers because the slightest brush against them can make me wince in pain.

They also tend to be worse in winter – goosebumps are incredibly painful – but I’ve walked 20+ miles and for a guy my size I’m not exactly in...

Eastercon Schedule

One of the highlights of the SFF calendar in the UK is Eastercon, an annual convention with a literary focus and solid aattendance. I’ve been going for a few years now, and even when the panels haven’t personally interested me, it’s been great to catch up with friends.

This year is a little different in that it’s my first year as a panelist at the event and I’m equal measures of scared and excited.

I’ll be on four panels at this year’s Eastercon on a number of different subjects and I’m hoping...

Interview With Fantasy Book Review

Not sure how I missed blogging about this, especially as I really enjoyed answering the questions and think it’s a great interview, but I did this interview with Fantasy Book Review. A nice mix of personal stuff as well as a few story teasers, I think the interview has bits of interest for everyone.

Check it out!

New Fantasy Faction Article On Tropes

My latest article for Fantasy Faction has gone live today. This month I look at tropes, what they are, what’s bad about them, what’s good about them and the risk of using them. Personally, I’m quite pleased with how this one turned out, so I hope you’ll all agree.

Check it out HERE