It’s been a while
Yes, it's been a while alright. Time seems to fly faster than a dragon at the moment. Anyone who has visited my blog before (thank you so much if you have!) will know that being an author is not my full time profession, more's the pity. Stresses of work and general...
IWSG December 2021 – In your writing, what stresses you the most? What delights you?
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Posting: The first...
Time to stop feeling sorry for myself and do something about it
Over the last 12 months, I have changed my mind about what I want to achieve a hundred times. I'm a qualified accountant, but if truth be told, that's not the way I want to spend the next 20-odd years of my working life. Sure, the benefits are good - but what I...
The Kiss From a Dragon
Debut fantasy Novel "The Kiss From a Dragon" will be released on 1st December 2020. Pre-order is available from the Amazon store here at a special pre-release price. The paperback version will shortly be available for pre-order, please check back soon. After an...
IWSG November – Why do you write what you write?
This month's IWSG topic is: Why do you write what you write? Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven...
IWSG October – The Working Writer
This month's IWSG October optional question was to do with : When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who...
Don’t Fall Into The Same Trap As Me
Mistakes happen. It is how we learn from them that counts. I am paying for mine now, so please make sure you don't fall into the same trap as me when it comes to publishing your novel. The truth is, I published my debut novel Kiss From A Dragon too early. Far too...
Light At The End Of The Tunnel
It is fair to say that July has been a bit of a write-off for writing. So here, at last, is my August 2020 update - light at the end of the tunnel. At the moment, writing for me is not (unfortunately) my main job. I wish to was, and one day I hope it will be. But for...
IWSG August – Where Does Form Come From?
This month's IWSG August optional question was to do with : Where does form come from? Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance...
Kiss From A Dragon to be re-written
Following some harsh but true comments on my debut novel, I have taken the decision for Kiss From A Dragon to be re-written. Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who took the time to read KFAD. Secondly, I would like to apologise for releasing it far too soon....
WordPress Addon Guide for Authors
WordPress is an incredibly powerful tool, but can be very user-unfriendly in its purest form. That is where official and third-party addons come into their own. In this WordPress addon guide for authors, I will go through the addons I use for my author website....
Rituals Used To Get In The Zone
This month's IWSG optional question was to do with rituals used to get in the zone. Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and...
Film Review – Hercules
Film Review - Hercules. The following is a totally independent and unbiased review of the 2014 film, “Hercules”, by Chris Pennington. 2014, Director: Brett Ratner (Rush Hour, X-Men: The Last Stand) This is an older film now, and one until recently I did not know...
How are things in your world?
April 1 question - The IWSG’s focus is on our writers. Each month, from all over the globe, we are a united group sharing our insecurities, our troubles, and our pain. So, in this time when our world is in crisis with the covid-19 pandemic, our optional question this...
Film Review – 1917
Film Review - 1917. The following is a totally independent and unbiased review of the 2019 film, “1917”, by Chris Pennington. 2019, Director: Sam Mendes (Skyfall) It may seem strange to start a new film review section of a fantasy novel website with a war movie, but...
What Started You On Your Writing Journey?
January 8 question - What started you on your writing journey? Was it a particular book, movie, story, or series? Was it a teacher/coach/spouse/friend/parent? Did you just "know" suddenly you wanted to write? I’m sure I will not be the first aspiring fantasy...
Should I be insecure?
Today is the first Wednesday of the month, and my first ever post to the Insecure Writer's Support Group - so firstly a big hello to all fellow members! A link to the IWSG website can be found here. So maybe it is a little odd that my first post to the group comes...
Why World of Warcraft made me love dragons
I love dragons. The beautiful, mysterious, enigmatic creatures hold a fascination for me that has gone back to my childhood. For as long as I can remember, I have been enchanted by stories, folklore, films, games and books that have had anything to do with these...