Stuart Aken's Blog, page 182
October 29, 2016
SciFi in the Making: Now Available!
It’s here! It’s there! And you can have it everywhere! Okay, a little ott, but, hey! I’m excited. My latest science fiction novel, Blood Red Dust, is now available and you can get a copy by clicking on this link. At present, it’s available in paperback; the ebook will follow shortly: I’ll let you know … Continue reading SciFi in the Making: NowAvailable!
October 28, 2016
Looking for the Best Word? Tip #10
Examining similar and dissimilar words to find ways writers might make their work more varied, accessible, interesting, accurate and effective. A good thesaurus gives substitutes for the idea of a word, but not all suggestions are true synonyms. Context is vital. Putting alternative words in the same sentence to see if they actually make sense … Continue reading Looking for the Best Word? Tip#10
October 25, 2016
A Miscellany for Word Lovers, by Robin Hosie & Vic Mayhew, Reviewed.
As a writer and a reader, I love words. They’re the ingredients that form marvellous works and the means for the storyteller to create wonderful tales. This collection, presented as a series of quizzes interspersed with all manner of facts relating to words, is readily accessible. It’s also a brilliant resource for writers. It provides … Continue reading A Miscellany for Word Lovers, by Robin Hosie & Vic Mayhew,Reviewed.
October 24, 2016
Progress on the WIP: SciFi in the Making – Cover Reveal!
In a couple of days, I’ll be announcing the launch (soft at present, as the official launch will occur on 19th November at Fantasticon 2016 in Hull). But, to keep you up to date, here’s the cover of Blood Red Dust: Volume 1 (Generation Mars). This is my new science fiction novel. Watch this space … Continue reading Progress on the WIP: SciFi in the Making – CoverReveal!
October 22, 2016
The Bloody Chamber, by Angela Carter, Reviewed.
I ‘won’ a copy of this book in a giveaway entered online. When the paperback arrived, I was delighted, as I was about to go on holiday and expected it to make good poolside reading. This is an anthology of singularly dark, complex and richly written tales. Most are based on the elements of fairy … Continue reading The Bloody Chamber, by Angela Carter,Reviewed.
October 21, 2016
Looking for the Best Word? Tip #09
A series ofposts examining similar and dissimilar words to suggest ways writers might make their work more varied, accessible, interesting, accurate and effective. A good thesaurus provides alternatives for the idea of a word, but not all suggestions are true synonyms. Context is vital. Placing alternative words in the same sentence to see whether they … Continue reading Looking for the Best Word? Tip#09
October 20, 2016
Around the World in 80 Tales, by Dave Tomlinson, Reviewed.
There are stories from much of the world here, though the bulk concern East Asia, Australia and South America. The author uses simple everyday language to convey his adventures in often exotic locations. The style is easy and peppered with humour, humanity and the occasional caution. This is travel on a budget, so we’re treated … Continue reading Around the World in 80 Tales, by Dave Tomlinson,Reviewed.
Returning to the Digital Drama
On 20th September, I wrote a short piece titled ‘Denying Digital Demands’. This is the follow-up. If possible, once a year, I attempt a break from the demands of online life. Usually, it coincides with a holiday away from home. Breaking free from both the everyday and the unending demands of constant connection can refresh … Continue reading Returning to the DigitalDrama
October 19, 2016
Chopin’s Ghost, by Cary Marc Grossman, Reviewed.
Fantasy merges with scholarship under the masterful guidance of real, original imagination. This book will be pigeonholed as fantasy, paranormal, science fiction, romance, crime, historical and erotic. It is all and none of these: it is something much bigger and better. Playing with time, power, culture and wealth, this novel is at heart a love … Continue reading Chopin’s Ghost, by Cary Marc Grossman,Reviewed.
Take the Body and Run, by Jada Ryker, Reviewed.
I hate to do this, but I must give an honest opinion. I got to chapter 8, 25% of this book, but wasn’t engaged at all. Much of the dialogue held no interest, and there was too much American cultural reference to make me want to read on. I really didn’t care about any of … Continue reading Take the Body and Run, by Jada Ryker,Reviewed.
