What is it about horror that fascinates us? What is it about being scared that is like a drug? For many Brits of a certain age, that fear began young: cowering behind the sofa at the appearance of the Daleks or the Cybermen on Doctor Who. Children seem to love being scared and my childhood memories of television are littered with terrifying programmes such as Children of the Stones, Under the Mountain, The Tripods, Dramarama (some were spooky) and countless others who titles I can’t remember but have images of events that took place. Continue reading “Fear!!!! Why Do We Love It So Much?”
Category: PostADay
Which Story Endings Would You Change?
This is a bumped and edited old post that I felt needed a bit more exposure and an update. This was originally a Post a Day prompt to 2011. An interesting subject. We all have books and films where we felt a disappointing ending marred what had been a great story. Here is my humble list of changes I would make. Continue reading “Which Story Endings Would You Change?”
Favourite and Least Favourite Words of a Linguistics Nerd
The pen is mightier than the sword -Edward Bulwer-Lytton.
(And just as deadly in the wrong hands as Jack Nicholson’s Joker proves in Batman: The Movie).
Words can do many things. They can hurt an individual or they change humanity for the better or worse. They can be used to spread the truth and to spread lies. They can do untold damage or they can stir people into action. They can educate, indoctrinate and manipulate (hey, I’m a poet!). They can make you laugh and cry. They can cause calm or anger, or inspire fear or pride. Continue reading “Favourite and Least Favourite Words of a Linguistics Nerd”
The Ingredients of a Crime Novel/la
A few days ago, I published a short segment of a possible novella – I say “possible” because sometimes these things run away with themselves and end up much longer than they were ever intended to be. As it stands at the monent, it’s likely to be novella length. Interesting Daily Post on ingredients that I have decided to reinterpret for my new project. Continue reading “The Ingredients of a Crime Novel/la”
Freelancing and the Morning Routine
Ah yes, a lack of routine – one of the biggest stumbling blocks to any freelancing career. You’ll be called upon to work early mornings, late nights and weekends and though you should give yourself a break during the day (one of the perks is you can stop work anytime you like, even take a two hour lunch break if you like), self-discipline is what you need in bucketloads. Continue reading “Freelancing and the Morning Routine”
Every Writer Needs a Sanctuary – Where’s Yours?
I have written before about how to schedule time for creative writing, but there is one critical element you need aside from making time to write, having somewhere to go. There should be a physical space for you to go, whether it is a utility room you barely use, a part of the lounge or conservatory, an office corner in your breakfast room, the important thing is that it is somewhere comfortable and free from distraction. Continue reading “Every Writer Needs a Sanctuary – Where’s Yours?”
Photo Challenge 14/11/14: My Running Achievement
I don’t usually do the Daily Post Photo Challenge, but today I am making an exception. Last Sunday, 50,000 people ran the New York Marathon in freezing conditions. I’ve never run a marathon, but people who know me know that I do run. I am most comfortable with 10Ks but in January this year I ran the Brook’s Hell Run. 11 miles of gruelling terrain, sand, mud, swamp, steep slopes up and down.
Yes, in January. So here’s a photo of my medal. Continue reading “Photo Challenge 14/11/14: My Running Achievement”
Prestige Or Fortune? The Writer’s Conundrum
I’m guessing there’s not a writer amongst us who has not ask him or her self the question posed on today’s Daily Post
A literary-minded witch gives you a choice: with a flick of the wand, you can become either an obscure novelist whose work will be admired and studied by a select few for decades, or a popular paperback author whose books give pleasure to millions. Which do you choose?
Continue reading “Prestige Or Fortune? The Writer’s Conundrum”
Of Sins and Villains
An interesting daily post today but I am going to go slightly off topic here and suggest one favourite villain for each of the seven sins before suggesting my own eighth sin. We love our villains, don’t we? We love to hate them as well as enjoying the dynamic they bring to the book, film or game. Most are representations of the age old seven sins. Here are my favourites. Continue reading “Of Sins and Villains”
Questions for my Characters
Quite an apt Post a Day when I think about the importance of back story to my current work in progress. I’ve mentioned before that I have developed some extensive back stories, particularly personal demons, which will become important as the story wears on. The driving force behind each of my gladiators is their past: a past that the alien creatures they will come up against will not allow to remain forgotten. Continue reading “Questions for my Characters”