Stuart Aken's Blog, page 172

Looking for the Best Word? Tip #36

Help for writers wishing to make their work more interesting, varied, accurate and effective by using the best words, and providing language learners with insights into some oddities of the English language. A good thesaurus gives alternatives for the idea of a word, but not all are true synonyms: context is vital. One way to … Continue reading Looking for the Best Word? Tip #36

Progress on the WIP: #SciFi in the Making.

Halfway through the major re-write, and a good many story elements yet to change. That’s the result of working as a pantster: plot develops as the story is created, and that impacts on parts already written. It’s particularly influential on the denouement on this occasion, since I had a ‘light bulb’ moment during an interrupted … Continue reading Progress on the WIP: #SciFi in the Making.

Forces of Nature, by Professor Brian Cox, Reviewed.

This surprising book exudes the author’s enduring sense of wonder and delight at the natural world. Such qualities, when demonstrated by a leading academic, who is also a well-loved and respected TV presenter, can motivate and inspire. I hope many non-scientists read this book. Not an ‘easy’ read, it demands attention and concentration. But it … Continue reading Forces of Nature, by Professor Brian Cox, Reviewed.

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 to … Continue reading Creative #Writing #Contests Table Updated

Looking for the Best Word? Tip #35

Trying to help writers who want to make their work more interesting, varied, accurate and effective by using the best words, this series also provides language learners with insights into some peculiarities of the English language. A good thesaurus gives alternatives for the idea of a word, but not all of these are true synonyms: … Continue reading Looking for the Best Word? Tip #35

Progress on the WIP: #SciFi in the Making.

Editing has started! So far, I’m halfway through chapter 3 with the major re-write. But, prior to that, I’d reduced the ‘story’ element of the editing notes from 20 to 12 items, and dealt with 15 of the other notes I’d made whilst writing/re-reading the first draft. I’ve also made progress on the drawing I’m … Continue reading Progress on the WIP: #SciFi in the Making.

Perils and Pleasures of Penmanship.

Writing is such an odd occupation, requiring peculiar minds combined with unusual personalities. All writers are weird; that’s a given. We know we’re strange, some of us peculiar to the point of near insanity, others merely eccentric. We’re definitely an odd bunch. But there’s a strange beauty, a wonderful schizophrenia about writing, especially when the … Continue reading Perils and Pleasures of Penmanship.

How can we encourage more readers to leave reviews for our books?

Originally posted on Smorgasbord - Variety is the spice of life:
I am very keen to make reviews a prominent feature of the book promotions and encourage readers to review the books that they buy and enjoy, or not as the case may be. Word of mouth is still the most powerful marketing tool that…

Looking for the Best Word? Tip #34

Help for writers who want to make their work more accessible, interesting, varied, accurate and effective by using the best words. The series also provides language learners with insights into the oddities of the English language. A good thesaurus provides alternatives for the idea of a word, but not all are true synonyms: context is … Continue reading Looking for the Best Word? Tip #34

Progress on the WIP: #SciFi in the Making.

Easter, and my wife, Valerie’s, birthday occurred in the last seven days, so progress has been interrupted. Valerie reached a ‘significant’ age, so I took her away for the day and night and we didn’t return home until this evening, after a smashing short break. Of course, I did absolutely nothing on the book during … Continue reading Progress on the WIP: #SciFi in the Making.