Stuart Aken's Blog, page 314

Stuart's Daily Word Spot: Macadam

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Macadam: adjective - from John Loudon McAdam (1756–1836), a British surveyor; of the kind of roadway laid down by McAdam; macadamized (tarmacadam) noun - material of which a macadamized road is formed.
'Black and twisting, the macadam road snaked across the landscape, forming a barrier between the two sorts of ground it divided, with the uncultivated wilderness to the east and the tamed farmland to the west.'

Writing: What, Only 250 Words?

Been a long hard day at the boring office where I earn my daily bread. Wanted to write and post the review below this post and then had to deal with 90 odd emails, so not much time for the fantasy novel tonight, and tomorrow I'll be out at the writing group.
Still, 250 words is better than none, and I always try to get something new down on paper each day; if nothing else, it keeps the creative juices flowing.
Currently reading a very thick tome: Robert Jordan's 'The Gathering Storm'. It's a bit heavy to take on the bus, but I'll manage it, no doubt. I haven't read the whole series, but this is one part of the final book, and was recommended by a reading group on Goodreads. As a writer of fantasy, it's good to keep an eye on what is currently being read. Not that my own book is really like Jordan's; although I note there are some similar themes. I'm looking forward to the end of the week, when I can have a really long session of writing again.

Today's picture was taken over the weekend, just down the road from where I live.

Beneath the Shining Mountains, by Linda Acaster, Reviewed.

In 'Beneath the Shining Mountains, Linda Acaster brings to life a tribal myth of the Native Americans in a way that thoroughly engages the reader. Always meticulous and comprehensive in her research, Linda has managed to catch the attitudes, beliefs and customs of these proud and ancient peoples, employing a love story to bring alive a tradition now sadly lost. Her heroine is drawn with such empathy that the reader feels every doubt, every triumph, every sorrow and every passion as she strives to understand her world and her place within it.
That this is a book Linda wrote early in her career is evident from minor faults that she would avoid now. But these are both few and almost inconsequential when compared with the quality of most of the writing.
All the stereotypes we learnt as children, crowding round the TV or visiting the cinema to watch the westerns we embraced, are utterly destroyed as she clothes her characters with the flesh of real human beings. With a subtlety that permits her people to worm their way into our affections, she undermines our prejudices and reveals those we were told were savages as civilised, complex and spiritually profound individuals.
Reading this novel, I was transported to a different world, where priorities changed according the seasons and the needs of the tribe. I felt the anxieties of the hero, his great desire to be the man his peers and followers wished him to become, his confusion as he experienced love for the first time and slowly recognised that this was what it was.
The antagonists are drawn with equal understanding; the pressure to succeed and become respected figures, within a society that demands a great deal from its heroes, is tangible. Failure is so absolute in its consequences that those who desert honour for personal gain are rewarded with a fate worse than death.
This tale of love amongst a tribe that once freely roamed the plains and mountain passes of the great American west is vibrant, funny, poignant, occasionally erotic, moving, illuminating and romantic.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it to all who love a good story, regardless of gender. A damn good read.

Stuart's Daily Word Spot: Labile

Labile: adjective - likely to lapse, apt to sin; liable to fall from innocence; likely to undergo a change in nature, form, chemical composition; unstable; Psychology, emotionally or behaviourally unstable.
'Nigel was a changeable man, and when pretty women were around, he was so labile that no one ever knew what his real stance was any topic; so easily was he influenced by the effects of attraction.'
No image to go wit5h this one, so a random local landscape picture for your pleasure.

Writing: Another 1500 Words Today

Another early start, well, early for a bank holiday, as I was up at 07.00. Completed another 1500 words, added a new character, and wrote her character profile.
Had a relatively lazy day, after yesterday's activity. Finished reading the book I had on my Kindle: Beneath the Shining Mountains, by Linda Acaster. I'll review that tomorrow night, when I have a bit more time, after work.
A short walk in the sunshine, this evening and lunch out on the sparkling clean patio in the garden today.
Did some photocopying for my wife and photographed my old printer to put it up for sale now I've got my new mono laser Brother - print quality on text is brilliant!
That's me for now. Knackered and ready to relax.

The picture is from Hessle, on the north bank of the Humber Estuary, a place I spent many happy hours as a child. I've added more pictures of my home area. If you're interested, they're on my Facebook profile, which you can access by clicking the title of this post.

Stuart's Daily Word Spot: Kalisia

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Kalisia: another of my word spot/god slots. Kalisia is a guardian god of the pigmy hunters of Zaire and the Congo in central Africa. He brings them dreams, which tell them where they can find game. Sounds like a useful fellah to have on your side, if you're out there in the jungle or grasslands.

Writing: Another 1700 Today

Another early rise and straight to the keyboard to pepper the blank page with 1700 words; some action, some emotion, some mystery. The story moves along and gathers pace. Had to extract a character from a dicey situation and I think I managed to keep it all believable.
Our walk this morning took us along familiar tracks, as I was feeling less than full of energy after yesterday's efforts. Didn't stop me from completing the task this afternoon, however. The whole of the paving around the house, the patio and the stone set into the lawn are all free of the slippery stuff now and safe to walk on. It was a reasonable task to undertake under the bright sun.
This evening, I went out and used the hose to give the thirsty plants a much needed drink. Hasn't rained for more than two weeks. Of course, now I've watered the garden, it'll probably rain overnight.
Time now now for a rest and a glass of red, I think.

Today's picture, taken this morning, shows the blossom from the cherry trees floating on the surface of the pond down the road at Little Driffield. Pretty, isn't it?

Stuart's Daily Word Spot: Jacinth

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Jacinth: noun - a precious stone; the colour of jacinth, blue or, sometimes reddish orange; in heraldry the colour tenné, reddish orange, in blazoning by precious stones; a dyed fabric, blue or violet in colour; hyacinth. Adjective - of the colour of jacinth.
'April was prone to wear clothes that would be outlandish on many, but her willowy figure allowed her to get away with matching the jacinth, decorating her ring, with the hyacinth coloured flowing drapery that passed for a dress.'

Writing: 1300 Words Added.

Another relatively early start, after a great evening at my brother's house for wine, music and talk on many matters. Produced 1300 words of Ch22 and brought part of the action to a climactic moment, with plenty of threat and room for danger for a main character.
It's been a mostly domestic day; following breakfast in bed after the writing, I visited the local recycling depot and disposed of bottles and card there. Visited my brother again, to borrow his pressure washer. Washed the car, for the first time this year; well, the first time for about 6 months, if the truth be told. Lots of mud to remove and some odd spots now revealed that are in need of paint if the body isn't going to rust.
Emptied the larger of our two compost bins and spread the rich soil on the flower borders. Used the pressure washer to remove the layer of green lichen that has made the paving slabs dangerous in the wet: winter had left them with this film of green that turns into a slime when the rain falls, so i had to clean them. Half of that job done; the other half will have to wait until tomorrow.
It's Easter and it's Saturday, so that means it's Dr Who in UK. A must see TV programme.
After a busy day, physically, I think I've earned some relaxation time, so that's me finished for now. See what the morning brings.

Today's picture is of a gap in a dry stone wall. If it seems familiar, that's because I used it in combination with some other pics for the cover of my novel, Breaking Faith.

Stuart's Daily Word Spot: Glisters

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Shakespeare was born on this day in 1564 and died on this day in1616.
So my word is Glisters, as used by Will as follows:In 'The Merchant of Venice', Portia, a beautiful, virtuous, wealthy woman, is being wooed by numerous suitors. She's not free to decide which of these she'll marry, because her late father's will stipulated that she must marry the man who correctly picks out the one casket, of three, that contains her picture. One casket is gold, another silver, and the third is lead. The Prince of Morocco, one of a long line of suitors, believes it would demean Portia for her picture to lie in anything but a gold casket, and chooses that one. Unlocking it, he finds a picture of Death, with a message written in its hollow eye:
"All that glisters is not gold; Often have you heard that told. Many a man his life hath sold But my outside to behold. Gilded tombs do worms enfold."
With grieving heart, the Prince takes his leave of Portia, who, happy to see him go, wishes him "A gentle riddance."