Stuart Aken's Blog, page 170

Progress on the WIP: #SciFi in the Making.

The MS is complete. I even have a title, agreed after consultations with my publisher, Fantastic Books Publishing. Of which, more later in this post. Because, in publishing terms, the book has a short lead in time (we want to launch at Fantasticon in Hull; a fantasy/gaming/scifi convention that takes place on 2nd and 3rd … Continue reading Progress on the WIP: #SciFi in the Making.

The Sweet Oil of Vitriol: A Tom Glaze Hit, by Daniel Eagleton, Reviewed.

This is a different type of thriller. Dealing with the murky lives of Mossad Agents, it follows the early career of Thomas Glaze, a young man totally deluded about his appeal to women, his ability in the field, and his tolerance for drugs and alcohol. Unsurprisingly, with such a catalogue of denial, he fails miserably … Continue reading The Sweet Oil of Vitriol: A Tom Glaze Hit, by Daniel Eagleton, Reviewed.

Celebrating a Life Well-Lived

Monday, we travelled to Southampton for the funeral of a much-loved old lady. Aunt Vera, elder sister of my dad, Ken, fell and broke her hip. At the grand old age of 103, she was quite frail and failed to recover from the op to mend the break. She was a woman who enjoyed life, … Continue reading Celebrating a Life Well-Lived

Looking for the Best Word? Tip #42

Here’s some help for writers who want to make their work more interesting, varied, accurate and effective by using the most appropriate words. There are also insights into some peculiarities of English for language students. A good thesaurus will provide substitutes for the idea of a word, but not all these are true synonyms: context … Continue reading Looking for the Best Word? Tip #42

Progress on the WIP: #SciFi in the Making.

Some weeks are a country walk, others a trek across mountainous desert. This one has been a touch demanding. But, the book itself is now done. It lacks a title, of which I have a brainstorming session’s worth of around 50 at present. And the blurb demands to be done. I usually try for three … Continue reading Progress on the WIP: #SciFi in the Making.

Looking for the Best Word? Tip #41

Here’s a bit of help for writers who want to make their work more interesting, varied, accurate and effective by using the most appropriate words. There are also insights into some peculiarities of English for those learning the language. A good thesaurus gives substitutes for the idea of a word, but not all are true … Continue reading Looking for the Best Word? Tip #41

Progress on the WIP: #SciFi in the Making.

Reading each chapter, making amendments, additions, deletions, corrections, and then feeding them through grammar checker, Prowritingaid.com. It removes unintended repetitions, weak verbs, and many other small errors you can miss when reading from the screen. It’s pretty intense. But I’m up to page 329 of 411. Twelve chapters to go; mostly in the denouement now, … Continue reading Progress on the WIP: #SciFi in the Making.

Laid in Earth, by April Taylor, Reviewed.

Georgie Pattison sings again in this continuation of the amateur sleuth’s adventures. This is a heroine with all the self-doubt, anxieties and fears of any normal woman, but with the courage and sheer bloody-mindedness to find the truth. Justice matters to this lady and she’s willing to take personal risks to find it. Once again, … Continue reading Laid in Earth, by April Taylor, Reviewed.

Looking for the Best Word? Tip #40

There’s help here for writers who like to make their work more interesting, varied, accurate and effective by using the most appropriate words. And there are insights into some peculiarities of English for those learning the language. A good thesaurus gives substitutes for the idea of a word, but not all are true synonyms: context … Continue reading Looking for the Best Word? Tip #40

Creative #Writing #Contests Table Updated

  Here’s your monthly reminder that the writing contest table has been updated. I update frequently; in fact, whenever I come across new contests. I also subscribe to a few sources for information to pass on to you here. Make sure you get your entries submitted in plenty of time, there are some spectacular prizes … Continue reading Creative #Writing #Contests Table Updated