Ian Martyn's Blog, page 19

What makes a good science fiction read (or not) – 2)

Last week I outlined my frustration with a book that I enjoyed reading on one level, but annoyed me on another, because the basic logic behind the story didn’t stand up.   This started me thinking of other books that I’ve not enjoyed, so much so that in some cases I’ve stopped reading them.  I hasten … Continue Reading →

The post What makes a good science fiction read (or not) – 2) appeared first on Ian Martyn.

What makes a good science fiction read? Part 1)

This blog (and some future ones, I also want to cover the same for Fantasy) were prompted by two books I have read recently.  The first being ‘Zero Point (Owner Trilogy 2)’ by Neal Asher and the second ‘Heaven 2.0’ by Scott Haworth.  Now I should say at this point that these are my personal … Continue Reading →

The post What makes a good science fiction read? Part 1) appeared first on Ian Martyn.

8 Writers ‘Resolutions’

I’m calling these resolutions because it’s that time of year.  But they’re more a collection of things I know I need to do to “maximise my potential” (sorry that’s a phrase from a previous incarnation as a marketing person).  Generally I’m not a great fan of “resolutions” it smacks of joining the gym in January, … Continue Reading →

The post 8 Writers ‘Resolutions’ appeared first on Ian Martyn.

30, yes 30! things I’ve learnt in 2013

2013 in many ways has been a big year for me.  I started blogging, twitter and e-published my first two books.  So, in no particular order, this is what I’ve learnt this year: Twitter isn’t just for teenagers / young adults (whatever those are). How to put a web site together in WordPress.  Then, how … Continue Reading →

The post 30, yes 30! things I’ve learnt in 2013 appeared first on Ian Martyn.

What will we be doing in the future – (3)

So over the last few blogs I have agonised over the affect of increasing mechanisation, robots and computers taking over much of what we currently call ‘work’.  The bottom line as I see it is that there won’t be sufficient employment to go round, or at least not as we see it today.  So the … Continue Reading →

The post What will we be doing in the future – (3) appeared first on Ian Martyn.

What will we be doing in the future – part 2

In the last blog set out a case that with cleverer and cleverer machines there can only be increased mechanisation of ‘traditional’ jobs.  Also that these will not be restricted to basic manufacturing.  Now I know this is nothing new and that people have always objected e.g. the Luddites during the Industrial revolution.  However, new … Continue Reading →

The post What will we be doing in the future – part 2 appeared first on Ian Martyn.

What will we humans be doing in the future? – part 1

In past blogs I’ve looked at the development of robots and machines, even speculating on what might constitute being human, if we keep replacing bits of ourselves with machines.  One thing is clear to me, ever cleverer machines will happen and they will take over more and more of what have previously been human occupations.  … Continue Reading →

The post What will we humans be doing in the future? – part 1 appeared first on Ian Martyn.

Space Ships and Faster than Light Travel

This week its back to science fiction and what is one of the icons of the genre, the means by which people travel from one world to another, the space ship.  The fact that Einstein throws a spanner in the works by telling us that you can’t travel at the speed of light, or faster … Continue Reading →

The post Space Ships and Faster than Light Travel appeared first on Ian Martyn.

I’ve finally e-published! – 13 things I’ve learnt

Yes I’ve finally done it.  Those are my books (link for more information) and they are available through Amazon on Kindle.  It’s been quite a journey.  I can’t believe it is five years since I walked out of full time employment with a major Pharmaceutical Company.   The organisation was changing in ways that meant I felt I … Continue Reading →

The post I’ve finally e-published! – 13 things I’ve learnt appeared first on Ian Martyn.

5 Reasons why writers should blog.

A bit of a detour this week from issues raised by science fiction.  I’ve been blogging now for six months and I admit that , having read the advice from other writers’ blogs, it started as a way of getting my name out there.  Letting people see something of me and my work before I indie … Continue Reading →

The post 5 Reasons why writers should blog. appeared first on Ian Martyn.