Dave Higgins's Blog, page 42

Wangarĩ Muta Maathai

This International Women’s Day, I’d like to celebrate Wangarĩ Muta Maathai, a inspiring campaigner for the environment and a fairer world. Among her many achievements are: First East African Woman to receive a PhD. Chair of the Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Nairobi. Founder of The Green Belt Movement, a Kenyan NGO focusing on … Continue reading Wangarĩ Muta Maathai

The Zero Signal by Rick Wayne

Part biopunk thriller, part speculation on post-industrial social advance, this novel will appeal both to fans of fast-paced gritty action and thought-provoking futurism. In a possible future, advances in gene manipulation allow people to edit their own bodies as easily as we hack technology, leading to a thriving mod community. Most modders are good intentioned, … Continue reading The Zero Signal by Rick Wayne

Publishing Turtles

Over the weekend, I came across Hugh Howey’s listing of his publishing values. So, I decided to try the exercise myself. Turns out my ordering of things needed for publishing is somewhat different from his. The exercise is to list groups/entities needed for publishing in order of importance. My first thought was that I agree … Continue reading Publishing Turtles

Seventh Wife of the Demon King by Jordan Elizabeth

Elizabeth blends romance with politics to create a fantasy novella that does not equate personal happiness with happily ever after. Generations ago, demons conquered the kingdom. Lord Robin, one of the current demon king’s nobles, has lived a privileged by tedious life until Katherine literally crashes into him. His body reacts as if she is … Continue reading Seventh Wife of the Demon King by Jordan Elizabeth

Hot Chocolate Macro

If one pleasure is good, then it seems logical two pleasures are better; however, that way might lead to the most lively awfulness. I rather enjoy Yog-Sothothery, computer gaming, and interesting recipes, so when I came across the Necro-Nom-Icon, a game that mixes Lovecraft and cooking, I felt an unspeakable draw. And once I began, … Continue reading Hot Chocolate Macro

Out of Mind by Matthew S. Cox

Cox blends wilderness survival, techo-thriller, and teenage anxiety with a fresh and interesting alien world in a way that each amplifies the others rather than conflicting. This is the second book in Cox’s Progenitor series. Possible spoilers ahead. Sima Nuvari grew up on the streets, chased by gangs and the law alike, until the day … Continue reading Out of Mind by Matthew S. Cox

Create Joy in Our Native Server

Many years ago, most of the fridges of friends were accoutered with magnetic poetry kits. I discovered today via a friend that one can now play with several of the kits for free online. Spared both the annoyance of lost words and the conflict with sociability, it provided a pleasant and productive afternoon coffee break. … Continue reading Create Joy in Our Native Server

Hindsight’s 2020, ed. Tyrolin Puxty

Flavoured with but not tainted by the uncertainty and constraint of the Covid-19 pandemic, this anthology provides a series of engaging escapes from reality. This anthology collect nine stories inspired by the theme of “regret”, spanning a range of genres and styles. ‘I Should Have Known’ by Samantha Bryant. A young woman reminisces on why … Continue reading Hindsight’s 2020, ed. Tyrolin Puxty

High Culture Party Poppers

Instead of the blizzard the weather forecasters promised here, today glows with sun. It is a day for joy. A day to sing, dance, and defend one’s feudal lord from a shapeshifting spider. Fear not if you have no shapeshifting spiders against which to battle; I can provide. Or at least a pretense. A trait … Continue reading High Culture Party Poppers

Deep Silence by Jordan Elizabeth

Elizabeth blends Regency society, magic, and political tensions to create a spy thriller where gadgets sit plausibly beside discussions of dresses. Discovered with no memory of her past, Audra is taken in by an orphanage. With no other prospects, staying on as a teacher seems a better option than the workhouse. However, when the son … Continue reading Deep Silence by Jordan Elizabeth