David L. Atkinson's Blog, page 35
September 19, 2016
Tuesday Food Blog - Chicken, bacon and leek casserole
As autumn girds its loins and follows the sweltering late summer sun I was looking for something warmer than a salad but with a hint of lightness.
Chicken, bacon and leek casserole
Now I am making no excuse but this was a real cheat this week.
Ingredients
1lb diced chicken breast3 rashers of dry cured bacon, chopped1 leek, chopped400ml semi-skimmed milk1 sachet supermarket casserole mix (the cheat)2oz strong cheddar cheese, gratedsliced new potatoes to cover. (quantity depends on size of casserole)oil for cooking
If you insist on being totally cheffy then instead of the sachet you would prepare a white sauce with chicken friendly herbs. I would have thought that flat leaf parsley, bay leaf or thyme.In the case of the milk I used fully skimmed and the sauce thickened as required.
Method
Preheat the oven to 200 decrees Celsius. Mix the sauce with the milk. Fry the chopped bacon in the oil for 3 or 4 minutes then add the pieces of chicken; fry for a further 4 or 5 minutes then pour in the sauce and bring to the boil. Simmer in the pan for 3 minutes and then transfer to an oven proof casserole. Cover with the sliced potatoes and put in the oven for 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and add the cheese and return to the oven for a further 15 minutes.Serve with green vegetables.
I used sliced courgette (zucchini) sauteed in oil with garlic, salt and ground black pepper.
This was a success, very tasty and kept in the fridge for three days. I believe the quality of the bacon and the stronger cheese produced more flavour. So don't be afraid of using prepared sauces as there are still aspects of cooking that depend on your skill as a chef but if you are short of time - why not?
God Bless
Chicken, bacon and leek casserole
Now I am making no excuse but this was a real cheat this week.
Ingredients
1lb diced chicken breast3 rashers of dry cured bacon, chopped1 leek, chopped400ml semi-skimmed milk1 sachet supermarket casserole mix (the cheat)2oz strong cheddar cheese, gratedsliced new potatoes to cover. (quantity depends on size of casserole)oil for cooking
If you insist on being totally cheffy then instead of the sachet you would prepare a white sauce with chicken friendly herbs. I would have thought that flat leaf parsley, bay leaf or thyme.In the case of the milk I used fully skimmed and the sauce thickened as required.
Method
Preheat the oven to 200 decrees Celsius. Mix the sauce with the milk. Fry the chopped bacon in the oil for 3 or 4 minutes then add the pieces of chicken; fry for a further 4 or 5 minutes then pour in the sauce and bring to the boil. Simmer in the pan for 3 minutes and then transfer to an oven proof casserole. Cover with the sliced potatoes and put in the oven for 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and add the cheese and return to the oven for a further 15 minutes.Serve with green vegetables.
I used sliced courgette (zucchini) sauteed in oil with garlic, salt and ground black pepper.
This was a success, very tasty and kept in the fridge for three days. I believe the quality of the bacon and the stronger cheese produced more flavour. So don't be afraid of using prepared sauces as there are still aspects of cooking that depend on your skill as a chef but if you are short of time - why not?
God Bless
September 18, 2016
Writing - No pressure
Publishing independently is great because you're under no pressure of publishing dates - or are you?
[image error]
Over the last half dozen years I've published a couple of books a year but this latest effort has taken a little longer. My proof readers are dead keen to get me moving and keep asking where the latest book is etc. I don't really feel under any pressure but I wonder about Ben Aaronovitch.
[image error]
Aaronovitch has written a number of fantasy fiction books centred round a character called Peter Grant who is a policeman attached to the magical powers department of the metropolitan police force in London. To cut a long story short he was due to release his next book on 21st September, but I received an email today to say that the latest release date is 3rd November.
I have a mental image of Ben pouring over his computer with a blank screen and the publisher knocking on the proverbial door demanding chapters. It can't be much fun but that I don't have to worry about, self-publishing is in your own fief and stress free unless you put yourself under pressure.
Building 7
A brief timetable would look a little like this for this 10th Patrick Steele novel.
First draft completed by the end of September
First edit two weeks into October.
Author's copies to proof readers by end of October.
Book ready for distribution mid November.
Well that's what I'm hoping it will look like. Having said that I just hope it is out for Christmas as it is a good time to sell books. Whatever happens I feel confident that it will be available 2016.
Steele My hero was created post recession and so has no concept of how 'good' things were pre-2008. In 'I Have To Get It Right' when he began to flex his muscles he was working in an accountant's office. Then after the Gurentai took him under their wing and removed all of his financial worries, it was justice that was his major concern. He did become involved in international relations in 'The 51st State' but it was for the maintenance of a respectful distance between countries, rather than economic reasons. His trips into the USA had repercussions which can be read about in 'The Biter Bit' but then by the time things began to change in 2011 and the recession was really biting, Steele was trying to make sense of the state of the nation in 'A Changed Reality' and coming up against some really nasty people taking advantage of the shortage of money. By the time the USA are out of their recession Steele's steps are still being dogged by an unknown enemy from the same country. In 'Inceptus' we also find out more about what makes the man tick. The most recent Steele book 'Castled' where Steele is once again at risk from unseen enemies. It would seem that he has become quite recession proof!Then another addition to the Steele family is Earth plc in which our hero is concerned with political and emotional issues in this crime fighting adventure. This is followed by Grace and Favour which is a slightly cynical look into the lives of the landed gentry and the opportunity for crime. The ninth and most recent Steele novel is a look at the possible demise of the Malaysian aircraft that crashed almost two years ago and is entitled Flight into Secrecy.
All books are available in paperback or ebook through Amazon, Smashwords and all good book shop websites.
[image error]
Over the last half dozen years I've published a couple of books a year but this latest effort has taken a little longer. My proof readers are dead keen to get me moving and keep asking where the latest book is etc. I don't really feel under any pressure but I wonder about Ben Aaronovitch.
[image error]
Aaronovitch has written a number of fantasy fiction books centred round a character called Peter Grant who is a policeman attached to the magical powers department of the metropolitan police force in London. To cut a long story short he was due to release his next book on 21st September, but I received an email today to say that the latest release date is 3rd November.
I have a mental image of Ben pouring over his computer with a blank screen and the publisher knocking on the proverbial door demanding chapters. It can't be much fun but that I don't have to worry about, self-publishing is in your own fief and stress free unless you put yourself under pressure.
Building 7
A brief timetable would look a little like this for this 10th Patrick Steele novel.
First draft completed by the end of September
First edit two weeks into October.
Author's copies to proof readers by end of October.
Book ready for distribution mid November.
Well that's what I'm hoping it will look like. Having said that I just hope it is out for Christmas as it is a good time to sell books. Whatever happens I feel confident that it will be available 2016.
Steele My hero was created post recession and so has no concept of how 'good' things were pre-2008. In 'I Have To Get It Right' when he began to flex his muscles he was working in an accountant's office. Then after the Gurentai took him under their wing and removed all of his financial worries, it was justice that was his major concern. He did become involved in international relations in 'The 51st State' but it was for the maintenance of a respectful distance between countries, rather than economic reasons. His trips into the USA had repercussions which can be read about in 'The Biter Bit' but then by the time things began to change in 2011 and the recession was really biting, Steele was trying to make sense of the state of the nation in 'A Changed Reality' and coming up against some really nasty people taking advantage of the shortage of money. By the time the USA are out of their recession Steele's steps are still being dogged by an unknown enemy from the same country. In 'Inceptus' we also find out more about what makes the man tick. The most recent Steele book 'Castled' where Steele is once again at risk from unseen enemies. It would seem that he has become quite recession proof!Then another addition to the Steele family is Earth plc in which our hero is concerned with political and emotional issues in this crime fighting adventure. This is followed by Grace and Favour which is a slightly cynical look into the lives of the landed gentry and the opportunity for crime. The ninth and most recent Steele novel is a look at the possible demise of the Malaysian aircraft that crashed almost two years ago and is entitled Flight into Secrecy.
All books are available in paperback or ebook through Amazon, Smashwords and all good book shop websites.
September 17, 2016
Writing - 10 things in the news
Talking dolphins, lots about beer and a rampant old tortoise.
[image error]
1. Dolphins appear to talk in sentences.
Which is a step further along the evolutionary pathway than football supporters.
-------------------------------------
[image error]
2. New Zealand has a sperm shortage.
Ready for the call!
-------------------------------------
[image error]
3. There is a drone-racing league.
I thought they meant male bees.
-------------------------------------
[image error]
4. Doctors estimate dying patients will live twice as long as they actually do.
God decides.
-------------------------------------
[image error]
5. Most beer contains a product made from the swim bladder of fish.
Very fishy.
-------------------------------------
[image error]
6. How drunk you think you are depends on how drunk your friends are.
Never a right answer.
-------------------------------------
[image error]
7. A Harvester restaurant in Gloucester, England, already has its Christmas decorations up.
Only 98 days to go.
-------------------------------------
[image error]
8. You can earn a washing machine by picking 10 tonnes of cotton in eastern Uzbekistan.
Hope it handles woollens and polyester also.
-------------------------------------
[image error]
9. There's an "elderly Olympics" in which residents of Swiss retirement homes compete against each other.
Carbon fibre zimmer frames as well?
-------------------------------------
[image error]
10. Diego, a 100-year-old tortoise, has fathered about 800 offspring on his native Galapagos Archipelago, helping save his species from extinction.
Smooth operator!
-------------------------------------
God Bless
[image error]
1. Dolphins appear to talk in sentences.
Which is a step further along the evolutionary pathway than football supporters.
-------------------------------------
[image error]
2. New Zealand has a sperm shortage.
Ready for the call!
-------------------------------------
[image error]
3. There is a drone-racing league.
I thought they meant male bees.
-------------------------------------
[image error]
4. Doctors estimate dying patients will live twice as long as they actually do.
God decides.
-------------------------------------
[image error]
5. Most beer contains a product made from the swim bladder of fish.
Very fishy.
-------------------------------------
[image error]
6. How drunk you think you are depends on how drunk your friends are.
Never a right answer.
-------------------------------------
[image error]
7. A Harvester restaurant in Gloucester, England, already has its Christmas decorations up.
Only 98 days to go.
-------------------------------------
[image error]
8. You can earn a washing machine by picking 10 tonnes of cotton in eastern Uzbekistan.
Hope it handles woollens and polyester also.
-------------------------------------
[image error]
9. There's an "elderly Olympics" in which residents of Swiss retirement homes compete against each other.
Carbon fibre zimmer frames as well?
-------------------------------------
[image error]
10. Diego, a 100-year-old tortoise, has fathered about 800 offspring on his native Galapagos Archipelago, helping save his species from extinction.
Smooth operator!
-------------------------------------
God Bless
September 16, 2016
Writing - When your present becomes the past
We all are told to live in the 'now' as the past is gone and the future is unattainable. However, it is also true that as we get older what we have lived feels like our present, but the blow comes when you get to an age where what you have experienced is referred to as history, recent perhaps but nevertheless history.
[image error]
I recently read this,
The 19th century has dropped off the radar. Nobody who actually lived in it survives, and it has become a rather remote period of history - unlike the 20th.
It is interesting but that is the way of things and always has been and that is why it is important to write things down. I am old-fashioned enough to be unsure of committing everything to some hard drive or Onecloud, Dropbox or other ethereal method of storage that we pawns have no control over. Even floppy disks I could feel more confident about, but the idea that all of our data is being stored in some rent hungry cloud that we cannot have dominion over is quite scary.
[image error]
The fact that data can be stored without any physical place to see it means to me that if the 'lights' go out all of that information, some of which is personal, will be lost. To use an old saying 'like putting all of your eggs in one basket'. So keep writing on paper, producing real books and producing diaries because they could be all we have left in future centuries.
Back to the Victorian era. In some more primitive peoples the respect for the elders of their tribes may well come in part from their being a link to the past of that tribe. We in what is euphemistically described as the more advanced societies, are losing touch with our older members. There could come a time when the burden that is the over sixties, may attract some less than human solutions to its being solved.In our increasingly secular society we are contemplating actions which would never have even been voiced during the Victorian era. Suicide clinics, legalised euthanasia and the like have been hinted at in stories such as Bicentenary Man beautifully acted by the late Robin Williams, but I can't accept it as an option. People who are suffering severe illnesses may feel suicidal but my belief is that it is because the nature of their care isn't helping them to live as good a life as possible. My grandmother on my mother's side of the family suffered rheumatoid arthritis and died at the age of 41, a year after my grandfather died as the result of an accident in the coal mine. People with the same disease in the 21st century are living a lot longer because of medical breakthroughs in the realms of painkillers and drugs to slow the advance of the disease as well as a better understanding of how diet can help. To me it is illogical then to say that we allow people to kill themselves because of any disease, as the next medical development could be just around the corner.
[image error]
I remember people who were born in the late Victorian era and I'm only in my sixties there must be millions out there who have their memories which should be treasured. Each of us in our turn achieves that situation and there is a purpose to it. We have the wealth of experience of our lives and of those that bore us and within that there are valuable lessons for humanity.
Just because we are older than sixty does not mean that we are no longer productive or of value, so you youngsters beware because we know stuff you haven't learned yet!
God Bless
[image error]
I recently read this,
The 19th century has dropped off the radar. Nobody who actually lived in it survives, and it has become a rather remote period of history - unlike the 20th.
It is interesting but that is the way of things and always has been and that is why it is important to write things down. I am old-fashioned enough to be unsure of committing everything to some hard drive or Onecloud, Dropbox or other ethereal method of storage that we pawns have no control over. Even floppy disks I could feel more confident about, but the idea that all of our data is being stored in some rent hungry cloud that we cannot have dominion over is quite scary.
[image error]
The fact that data can be stored without any physical place to see it means to me that if the 'lights' go out all of that information, some of which is personal, will be lost. To use an old saying 'like putting all of your eggs in one basket'. So keep writing on paper, producing real books and producing diaries because they could be all we have left in future centuries.
Back to the Victorian era. In some more primitive peoples the respect for the elders of their tribes may well come in part from their being a link to the past of that tribe. We in what is euphemistically described as the more advanced societies, are losing touch with our older members. There could come a time when the burden that is the over sixties, may attract some less than human solutions to its being solved.In our increasingly secular society we are contemplating actions which would never have even been voiced during the Victorian era. Suicide clinics, legalised euthanasia and the like have been hinted at in stories such as Bicentenary Man beautifully acted by the late Robin Williams, but I can't accept it as an option. People who are suffering severe illnesses may feel suicidal but my belief is that it is because the nature of their care isn't helping them to live as good a life as possible. My grandmother on my mother's side of the family suffered rheumatoid arthritis and died at the age of 41, a year after my grandfather died as the result of an accident in the coal mine. People with the same disease in the 21st century are living a lot longer because of medical breakthroughs in the realms of painkillers and drugs to slow the advance of the disease as well as a better understanding of how diet can help. To me it is illogical then to say that we allow people to kill themselves because of any disease, as the next medical development could be just around the corner.
[image error]
I remember people who were born in the late Victorian era and I'm only in my sixties there must be millions out there who have their memories which should be treasured. Each of us in our turn achieves that situation and there is a purpose to it. We have the wealth of experience of our lives and of those that bore us and within that there are valuable lessons for humanity.
Just because we are older than sixty does not mean that we are no longer productive or of value, so you youngsters beware because we know stuff you haven't learned yet!
God Bless
September 15, 2016
Writing - Redacting words
I have problems with invented words and slang words such as 'swingeing' becoming acceptable. I understand the attitude that language is dynamic but honestly some of the things we are required to accept is just so much gobblefunk.
[image error]
I can't remember when redacting first entered my consciousness but it periodically is shown on TV as the other night in yet another programme concerning the hidden facts surrounding 9/11.(Watch out for the publication of my version Building 7). In fact, even before I knew there was a word for it, I used to do a fair bit of redacting in my school homework much to dad's annoyance.
Of course you could argue that official documents requested by special investigative bodies should never have any redacted sections. In one sense the CIA turning over documents regarding the role of the 9/11 terrorists full of redacted paragraphs is insulting to the receiving body. They want to read the original documents for a purpose and the CIA are still denying them that facility. Well in an effort to be open and above board none of my books have any redacted sections.
Please see below.
December 2015
Steele My hero was created post recession and so has no concept of how 'good' things were pre-2008. In 'I Have To Get It Right' when he began to flex his muscles he was working in an accountant's office. Then after the Gurentai took him under their wing and removed all of his financial worries, it was justice that was his major concern. He did become involved in international relations in 'The 51st State' but it was for the maintenance of a respectful distance between countries, rather than economic reasons. His trips into the USA had repercussions which can be read about in 'The Biter Bit' but then by the time things began to change in 2011 and the recession was really biting, Steele was trying to make sense of the state of the nation in 'A Changed Reality' and coming up against some really nasty people taking advantage of the shortage of money. By the time the USA are out of their recession Steele's steps are still being dogged by an unknown enemy from the same country. In 'Inceptus' we also find out more about what makes the man tick. The most recent Steele book 'Castled' where Steele is once again at risk from unseen enemies. It would seem that he has become quite recession proof!The most recent addition to the Steele family is Earth plc in which our hero is concerned with political and emotional issues in this crime fighting adventure.
All books are available in paperback or ebook through Amazon, Smashwords and all good book shop websites.
Cessation
This is a dystopian story that hinges directly on the state of the nation as a result of fiscal mismanagement. Having said that it is more a story of human relations, privations, love and loss.
Poetry - there are also two thoughtful collections of poetry available solely through Amazon.
The Musings of a Confused Mind
and
Words from the Raindrops
God Bless
[image error]
I can't remember when redacting first entered my consciousness but it periodically is shown on TV as the other night in yet another programme concerning the hidden facts surrounding 9/11.(Watch out for the publication of my version Building 7). In fact, even before I knew there was a word for it, I used to do a fair bit of redacting in my school homework much to dad's annoyance.
Of course you could argue that official documents requested by special investigative bodies should never have any redacted sections. In one sense the CIA turning over documents regarding the role of the 9/11 terrorists full of redacted paragraphs is insulting to the receiving body. They want to read the original documents for a purpose and the CIA are still denying them that facility. Well in an effort to be open and above board none of my books have any redacted sections.
Please see below.
December 2015Steele My hero was created post recession and so has no concept of how 'good' things were pre-2008. In 'I Have To Get It Right' when he began to flex his muscles he was working in an accountant's office. Then after the Gurentai took him under their wing and removed all of his financial worries, it was justice that was his major concern. He did become involved in international relations in 'The 51st State' but it was for the maintenance of a respectful distance between countries, rather than economic reasons. His trips into the USA had repercussions which can be read about in 'The Biter Bit' but then by the time things began to change in 2011 and the recession was really biting, Steele was trying to make sense of the state of the nation in 'A Changed Reality' and coming up against some really nasty people taking advantage of the shortage of money. By the time the USA are out of their recession Steele's steps are still being dogged by an unknown enemy from the same country. In 'Inceptus' we also find out more about what makes the man tick. The most recent Steele book 'Castled' where Steele is once again at risk from unseen enemies. It would seem that he has become quite recession proof!The most recent addition to the Steele family is Earth plc in which our hero is concerned with political and emotional issues in this crime fighting adventure.
All books are available in paperback or ebook through Amazon, Smashwords and all good book shop websites.
Cessation
This is a dystopian story that hinges directly on the state of the nation as a result of fiscal mismanagement. Having said that it is more a story of human relations, privations, love and loss.
Poetry - there are also two thoughtful collections of poetry available solely through Amazon.
The Musings of a Confused Mind
and
Words from the Raindrops
God Bless
September 14, 2016
Poetry Thursday 229 - Wheels within wheels #falkirkwheel
I visited Falkirk a few days ago with the express purpose of visiting the wheel there. It wasn't because I am an engineer but rather influenced by the marriage of art and engineering.
Falkirk WheelThe Falkirk Wheel is a great big wheel,designed to lift the narrow boat,from the Forth & Clyde to the Union side,then on to the city it’ll float.
The Wheel is lonely in the world,none other of its type exists.A masterpiece of engineering unfurled,by our Queen in her Golden gift.
The Wheel was planned in the nineties,to replace ancient eleven rise locks,to move the narrow boat in the noughties,from zero to twenty five blocks.
The Wheel is silent in motion,in spite of the mass it lifts,as gentle as baby lotion,but no rocking for those it shifts.
The Falkirk Wheel is a great big wheel,designed to lift the narrow boat,from the Forth & Clyde to the Union side,then on to the city it’ll float.© David L Atkinson September 2016
The following effort was inspired by the style that Roald Dahl as well as others have used to produce a narrative in poetic form. I remember a 1950/60s advert for hand washing and germ prevention about a girl 'Poor Gertie'. The poem was by Cyril Fletcher who narrated the advert on hygiene. You will notice that the poem below is linked to that above which was not my original intention but seemed to be too good an opportunity to miss.
[image error]
Square Wheels
You could say that it all beganwhen corners were knocked off by a man,who was fed up of bouncing along the roadin a cart sporting squares, in which he rode.His ageing horse was equally pleasedat the novel change and he agreedwhen his master bragged about what he’d donecos’ it allowed the old beast to run and run.The idea caught on pretty quickwith his neighbours and in a tickthe whole town was making rapid stridesin the surrounding country sides.The naysayers claimed it would never catch onand persisted with squares to bounce along,but those with foresight began to seeother uses that would set them free.
Making holes and lifting thingswere easier, that’s what rounds bring.And so narrow boats from mast to keel,could be lifted by the Falkirk Wheel.© David L Atkinson September 2016
God Bless
September 13, 2016
Writing - Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.
The title of today's post is a direct quote from Roald Dahl. It is the 100th anniversary of his birth today and so quite natural that we celebrate the life and achievements.
[image error]
I first read one of Roald Dahl's stories aged 24. I opened it after breakfast and didn't leave my armchair until I'd finished it a few hours later. Since then I have read many of his stories and poems. In my opinion he singlehandedly has done more for the cause of reading than any other author. Authors who have followed on in his wake seem to have been 'released' from the constraints of our language and social norms to produce work which can rightly be described as fantastic. Philip Pullman is an example.
Who else has given us such a wealth of gobblefunk? It isn't just kiddles that can enjoy the great man's stories but human beans of all ages. As a writer it is a phizzwizard to produce equally whoopsy-splunking stories as Roald Dahl.
[image error]
Possibly less well known from the pen of Dahl was his poetry. Like his stories the poetry is suffused with his tongue in cheek sniping at adult conventions.
[image error]
The Crocodile
'No animal is half as vile
As Crocky-Wock, the crocodile.
On Saturdays he likes to crunch
Six juicy children for his lunch
And he especially enjoys
Just three of each, three girls, three boys.
He smears the boys (to make them hot)
With mustard from the mustard pot.
But mustard doesn't go with girls,
It tastes all wrong with plaits and curls.
With them, what goes extremely well
Is butterscotch and caramel.
It's such a super marvelous treat
When boys are hot and girls are sweet.
At least that's Crocky's point of view
He ought to know. He's had a few.
That's all for now. It's time for bed.
Lie down and rest your sleepy head.
Ssh. Listen. What is that I hear,
Galumphing softly up the stair?
Go lock the door and fetch my gun!
Go on child, hurry! Quickly run!
No stop! Stand back! He's coming in!
Oh, look, that greasy greenish skin!
The shining teeth, the greedy smile!
It's Crocky-Wock, the Crocodile!
Roald Dahl
Gold Bless
[image error]
I first read one of Roald Dahl's stories aged 24. I opened it after breakfast and didn't leave my armchair until I'd finished it a few hours later. Since then I have read many of his stories and poems. In my opinion he singlehandedly has done more for the cause of reading than any other author. Authors who have followed on in his wake seem to have been 'released' from the constraints of our language and social norms to produce work which can rightly be described as fantastic. Philip Pullman is an example.
Who else has given us such a wealth of gobblefunk? It isn't just kiddles that can enjoy the great man's stories but human beans of all ages. As a writer it is a phizzwizard to produce equally whoopsy-splunking stories as Roald Dahl.
[image error]
Possibly less well known from the pen of Dahl was his poetry. Like his stories the poetry is suffused with his tongue in cheek sniping at adult conventions.
[image error]
The Crocodile
'No animal is half as vile
As Crocky-Wock, the crocodile.
On Saturdays he likes to crunch
Six juicy children for his lunch
And he especially enjoys
Just three of each, three girls, three boys.
He smears the boys (to make them hot)
With mustard from the mustard pot.
But mustard doesn't go with girls,
It tastes all wrong with plaits and curls.
With them, what goes extremely well
Is butterscotch and caramel.
It's such a super marvelous treat
When boys are hot and girls are sweet.
At least that's Crocky's point of view
He ought to know. He's had a few.
That's all for now. It's time for bed.
Lie down and rest your sleepy head.
Ssh. Listen. What is that I hear,
Galumphing softly up the stair?
Go lock the door and fetch my gun!
Go on child, hurry! Quickly run!
No stop! Stand back! He's coming in!
Oh, look, that greasy greenish skin!
The shining teeth, the greedy smile!
It's Crocky-Wock, the Crocodile!
Roald Dahl
Gold Bless
September 12, 2016
Writing - Create real people not characters
The title for today's blog may seem slightly strange but it comes in part from Ernest Hemingway and I think I know what he meant.
The above is the actual full quote from the writer. He was quite outspoken in his opinions about writing but well worth considering.
[image error]
When I go about my daily business, whether it be in the supermarket, in the pub or walking on the street I tend to watch and listen to those around me. Obviously, I am as unobtrusive as possible, but things said, the way people move and their behaviours all contribute to add depth to the people I create on the page. Waiting rooms can be a particularly rich source of inspiration!
My people, Patrick Steele, Naomi Kobayashi and the team that support them, are multifaceted born from my own experiences and from those I've observed. In saying that, the type of detail that helps to create the people in my stories are small things, personal habits, likes, dislikes and fears. In other words those things that make us human.
[image error]Ernest Hemingway (1899 - 1961)
Hemingway wrote a plethora of quotes more of which I'll share with you shortly but he was principally a writer of stories who didn't mind a bit of diversification into poetry etc. His first important work was 'The Sun Also Rises' but he also produced many short stories. Eventually his services to literature were recognised with the award of the Nobel Prize for Literacy in 1954. Like many other writers he suffered mentally and was treated for depression using 'the latest' electric shock treatment which he said disrupted his memory. He committed suicide in 1961.
[image error]
The above quote is so powerful and accurate because when you create people you are pouring out things that are from your life experience and knowledge. You bleed them on to the page.
[image error]
The apprentices quote I find to be the most positive, optimistic view of the art of writing. There are so many nay sayers out there that can't wait to rubbish a writer's efforts it is amazing that anyone ever writes anything. Of course they've all been to school and studied English so they believe that they have a greater command of grammar than you have and take great delight in correcting you.
The fact is grammar is an ever changing subject that, like clothes, suffers fashions and fads. Even Charles Dickens was considered inept in the area of writing good English! So my message is don't worry just ensure that your writing is comprehensible.
And finally, I will leave you with the way you write to get the best from your imagination,
God Bless
The above is the actual full quote from the writer. He was quite outspoken in his opinions about writing but well worth considering.
[image error]
When I go about my daily business, whether it be in the supermarket, in the pub or walking on the street I tend to watch and listen to those around me. Obviously, I am as unobtrusive as possible, but things said, the way people move and their behaviours all contribute to add depth to the people I create on the page. Waiting rooms can be a particularly rich source of inspiration!
My people, Patrick Steele, Naomi Kobayashi and the team that support them, are multifaceted born from my own experiences and from those I've observed. In saying that, the type of detail that helps to create the people in my stories are small things, personal habits, likes, dislikes and fears. In other words those things that make us human.
[image error]Ernest Hemingway (1899 - 1961)
Hemingway wrote a plethora of quotes more of which I'll share with you shortly but he was principally a writer of stories who didn't mind a bit of diversification into poetry etc. His first important work was 'The Sun Also Rises' but he also produced many short stories. Eventually his services to literature were recognised with the award of the Nobel Prize for Literacy in 1954. Like many other writers he suffered mentally and was treated for depression using 'the latest' electric shock treatment which he said disrupted his memory. He committed suicide in 1961.
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The above quote is so powerful and accurate because when you create people you are pouring out things that are from your life experience and knowledge. You bleed them on to the page.
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The apprentices quote I find to be the most positive, optimistic view of the art of writing. There are so many nay sayers out there that can't wait to rubbish a writer's efforts it is amazing that anyone ever writes anything. Of course they've all been to school and studied English so they believe that they have a greater command of grammar than you have and take great delight in correcting you.
The fact is grammar is an ever changing subject that, like clothes, suffers fashions and fads. Even Charles Dickens was considered inept in the area of writing good English! So my message is don't worry just ensure that your writing is comprehensible.
And finally, I will leave you with the way you write to get the best from your imagination,
God Bless
September 11, 2016
Writing - The end is in sight
As I approach the death throes of my eleventh novel I have begun to think - what next?
There is a freedom in finishing a novel. I don't have to write another. My time is my own. No pressure of any description. So why am I considering my twelfth?
Its the writing! Once you begin there is no putting it away so beware!
December 2015
Steele My hero was created post recession and so has no concept of how 'good' things were pre-2008. In 'I Have To Get It Right' when he began to flex his muscles he was working in an accountant's office. Then after the Gurentai took him under their wing and removed all of his financial worries, it was justice that was his major concern. He did become involved in international relations in 'The 51st State' but it was for the maintenance of a respectful distance between countries, rather than economic reasons. His trips into the USA had repercussions which can be read about in 'The Biter Bit' but then by the time things began to change in 2011 and the recession was really biting, Steele was trying to make sense of the state of the nation in 'A Changed Reality' and coming up against some really nasty people taking advantage of the shortage of money. By the time the USA are out of their recession Steele's steps are still being dogged by an unknown enemy from the same country. In 'Inceptus' we also find out more about what makes the man tick. The most recent Steele book 'Castled' where Steele is once again at risk from unseen enemies. It would seem that he has become quite recession proof!The most recent addition to the Steele family is Earth plc in which our hero is concerned with political and emotional issues in this crime fighting adventure.
All books are available in paperback or ebook through Amazon, Smashwords and all good book shop websites.
Cessation
This is a dystopian story that hinges directly on the state of the nation as a result of fiscal mismanagement. Having said that it is more a story of human relations, privations, love and loss.
Poetry - there are also two thoughtful collections of poetry available solely through Amazon.
The Musings of a Confused Mind
and
Words from the Raindrops
God Bless
There is a freedom in finishing a novel. I don't have to write another. My time is my own. No pressure of any description. So why am I considering my twelfth?
Its the writing! Once you begin there is no putting it away so beware!
December 2015Steele My hero was created post recession and so has no concept of how 'good' things were pre-2008. In 'I Have To Get It Right' when he began to flex his muscles he was working in an accountant's office. Then after the Gurentai took him under their wing and removed all of his financial worries, it was justice that was his major concern. He did become involved in international relations in 'The 51st State' but it was for the maintenance of a respectful distance between countries, rather than economic reasons. His trips into the USA had repercussions which can be read about in 'The Biter Bit' but then by the time things began to change in 2011 and the recession was really biting, Steele was trying to make sense of the state of the nation in 'A Changed Reality' and coming up against some really nasty people taking advantage of the shortage of money. By the time the USA are out of their recession Steele's steps are still being dogged by an unknown enemy from the same country. In 'Inceptus' we also find out more about what makes the man tick. The most recent Steele book 'Castled' where Steele is once again at risk from unseen enemies. It would seem that he has become quite recession proof!The most recent addition to the Steele family is Earth plc in which our hero is concerned with political and emotional issues in this crime fighting adventure.
All books are available in paperback or ebook through Amazon, Smashwords and all good book shop websites.
Cessation
This is a dystopian story that hinges directly on the state of the nation as a result of fiscal mismanagement. Having said that it is more a story of human relations, privations, love and loss.
Poetry - there are also two thoughtful collections of poetry available solely through Amazon.
The Musings of a Confused Mind
and
Words from the Raindrops
God Bless
September 10, 2016
Writing - 10 things in the news
Quite an informative collection of news this week. Having said that there are some items I find disturbing.
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1. Giraffes are four species, not one.
Or there are four species of giraffes!
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2. To be served quickest at the supermarket checkout, you should follow the shopper with the full trolley, not the line of people with a few things in their baskets.
Someone would have to explain the logic of that one.
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3. More than 200 UK drivers are at least 100 years old.
Please let me know when they're on the road.
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4. Just before competing in one of the finals at the 2016 Olympics, Mo Farah unsuccessfully tried to update his fantasy football team.
Really! Am I bothered?
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5. Being sarcastic about the regime of Kim Jong-un is illegal in North Korea.
Really?
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6. Women who eat full-fat yogurt regularly are less likely to be depressed.
Because they are happy with their self-image and have chosen full-fat as opposed to diet yoghurt.
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7. Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley carries a wad of £50 notes around with him.
That is because he is self-important and a show -off.
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8. Listeners find violent lyrics more threatening if they are rapped rather than sung to a country and western tune.
C'mon folks they are words - like these.
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9. The world's loneliest snail lives in Hawaii.
Well at least the weather will be decent.
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10. Public masturbation is legal in Italy so long as there are no children present.
Time that law was sorted. - Just my opinion.
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God Bless
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1. Giraffes are four species, not one.
Or there are four species of giraffes!
------------------------------------
[image error]
2. To be served quickest at the supermarket checkout, you should follow the shopper with the full trolley, not the line of people with a few things in their baskets.
Someone would have to explain the logic of that one.
------------------------------------
[image error]
3. More than 200 UK drivers are at least 100 years old.
Please let me know when they're on the road.
------------------------------------
[image error]
4. Just before competing in one of the finals at the 2016 Olympics, Mo Farah unsuccessfully tried to update his fantasy football team.
Really! Am I bothered?
------------------------------------
[image error]
5. Being sarcastic about the regime of Kim Jong-un is illegal in North Korea.
Really?
------------------------------------
[image error]
6. Women who eat full-fat yogurt regularly are less likely to be depressed.
Because they are happy with their self-image and have chosen full-fat as opposed to diet yoghurt.
------------------------------------
[image error]
7. Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley carries a wad of £50 notes around with him.
That is because he is self-important and a show -off.
------------------------------------
[image error]
8. Listeners find violent lyrics more threatening if they are rapped rather than sung to a country and western tune.
C'mon folks they are words - like these.
------------------------------------
[image error]
9. The world's loneliest snail lives in Hawaii.
Well at least the weather will be decent.
------------------------------------
10. Public masturbation is legal in Italy so long as there are no children present.
Time that law was sorted. - Just my opinion.
------------------------------------
God Bless
