Stuart Aken's Blog, page 177

Looking for the Best Word? Tip #24

A series offering writers help to make their work more accessible, interesting, varied, accurate and effective by exploring similar and dissimilar words. It also gives language learners insights into some peculiarities of English. A good thesaurus provides substitutes for the idea of a word, but not all suggestions are true synonyms. Context is vital. Placing … Continue reading Looking for the Best Word? Tip #24

I’d Like to Know: Why? #1

For some time, I’ve been tempted to run a series of questions here. I’ve serious issues I’d love to open for debate, silly matters that might cause amusement, trivial irritations that cause me grief, and fairly vital matters that demand answers. I’m opening the series with a minor peeve. It might result in some relief … Continue reading I’d Like to Know: Why? #1

Progress on the WIP: #SciFi in the Making.

The new book is progressing well and now stands at 40,591, an increase of 13,318 words this week. The story is moving well and characters continue to grow and surprise. I’ve done a little more research and learned about some new materials that are currently under development; they’ll be useful in envisioning some new inventions … Continue reading Progress on the WIP: #SciFi in the Making.

Creative #Writing #Contests Table Updated

Here’s your monthly reminder that the writing contest table has been updated. I update fairly frequently, in fact, when I find new contests. Make sure you get your entries submitted in plenty of time, there are some spectacular prizes to be had. Some are free to enter. And think of the kudos! The table updates … Continue reading Creative #Writing #Contests Table Updated

Looking for the Best Word? Tip #23

This series offers writers help to make their work more accessible, interesting, varied, accurate and effective by exploring similar and dissimilar words. It also gives language learners some insights into the peculiarities of English. A good thesaurus provides substitutes for the idea of a word, but not all suggestions are true synonyms. Context is vital. … Continue reading Looking for the Best Word? Tip #23

Choices and Illusions, by Eldon Taylor, Reviewed.

I received a free copy of this book for review from one of the team supporting the author, otherwise I would never have come across the book, let alone read it. It’s one of thousands of similar volumes ostensibly designed to offer ‘self-help’ or ‘self-development’ but, in reality more akin to an elaborate catalogue aimed … Continue reading Choices and Illusions, by Eldon Taylor,Reviewed.

Progress on the WIP: #SciFi in the Making.

The new book is progressing well. More research done, and another 9,000+ words added to bring it to 27,273 today. I think the book is probably about a third done in first draft at present. Of course, unforeseen changes may occur before the end to make it either longer or shorter, but my current prediction … Continue reading Progress on the WIP: #SciFi in theMaking.

Looking for the Best Word? Tip #22

One day late: sorry! This series offers writers help to make their work more accessible, interesting, varied, accurate and effective by exploring similar and dissimilar words. It also gives language learners some insights into the peculiarities of English. A good thesaurus provides substitutes for the idea of a word, but not all suggestions are true … Continue reading Looking for the Best Word? Tip#22

Progress on the WIP: #SciFi in the Making.

A short progress report. The week has gone well, with some new research done (there’s a lot happening regarding Mars at the moment!). I’ve added 13,345 words to last week’s start, making the total word count 18,145 to date. The story continues to flow and the characters are developing. I wake up at night sometimes … Continue reading Progress on the WIP: #SciFi in theMaking.

The Fallen, by Clay A. Kahler, Reviewed.

I don’t like to write negative reviews: writing a book is hard enough, and getting people to read it is even more difficult. But I review, honestly, as an aid to other readers, so here goes. Is this a bad book? Well, it’s full of typos and errors that a good piece of editing would … Continue reading The Fallen, by Clay A. Kahler,Reviewed.