Stuart Aken's Blog, page 183

Creative #Writing #Contests Table Updated

Here’s the monthly reminder to let you know I’ve updated the writing contest table. Make sure you get your entries submitted in plenty of time, there are some really spectacular prizes to be had. And think of the kudos! The table updates each time I save it, which is frequently, so whenever you visit the … Continue reading Creative #Writing #Contests TableUpdated

Looking for the Best Word? Tip #06

For a short introduction to this series, please click here. These posts look at 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. … Continue reading Looking for the Best Word? Tip#06

Looking for the Best Word? Tip #05

For a short introduction to this series, please click this link. These posts look at similar, and dissimilar, words in an effort 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 … Continue reading Looking for the Best Word? Tip#05

Denying Digital Demands

Regular readers will know I’m a little ambivalent about the digital world that enfolds and sometimes threatens to overwhelm us. Social media has a lot going for it, but it also absorbs much of our time and attention. There are times when a simpler, less demanding lifestyle calls. A period of spiritual refreshment is needed. … Continue reading Denying Digital Demands

Progress on the WIP: SciFi in the Making.

At the start of this week, my publisher, Fantastic Books Publishing, sent the edit notes for the MS of the novel set on Mars. A particularly perspicacious editor had spotted a few inconsistencies and had queries on a small number of issues. She was pleased to note the MS was unusually free of typos, … Continue reading Progress on the WIP: SciFi in theMaking.

Looking for the Best Word? Tip #04

For a short introduction to this series, please click this link. These posts examine some similar, and dissimilar, words in an effort to suggest ways writers might make their work more varied, accessible, interesting, accurate or effective. A good thesaurus provides alternatives for the idea of a word, but not all those suggestions are … Continue reading Looking for the Best Word? Tip#04

Don’t, by Bob Selden, Reviewed.

This book has a couple of informative subtitles: ‘Unlock the do in don’t…’ and ‘How using the right words will change your life’ I could add, ‘How using the right words will change the lives of those around you’, too. So, what’s it about? Essentially, it’s a manual for using the right language to make … Continue reading Don’t, by Bob Selden,Reviewed.

What’s it Like to Run the Great North Run?

I’m reminded by this morning’s BBC1 TV showing, that a year ago I ran the Great North Run. It struck me that others may be wondering what that’s like for the ordinary person. I wrote an account after the race, and you can find that by following this link. I’m resurrectingthis post for a couple … Continue reading What’s it Like to Run the Great NorthRun?

Oh heavens, why on earth did I follow that blog?

Originally posted on Mick Canning:
Every now and again I get unfollowed. And every now and again I unfollow a blog. Is it a big deal? Should it be a big deal? At first, it can seem hurtful to find that someone has unfollowed you on any sort of social media, but really it shouldn’t…

Looking for the Best Word? Tip #03

For a short introduction to this series, please click this link. These posts examine some similar, and dissimilar, words in an effort to suggest ways writers might make their work more varied, accessible, interesting, accurate or effective. A good thesaurus provides alternatives for the idea of a word, but not all those suggestions are … Continue reading Looking for the Best Word? Tip#03