I found this book an excellent resource for writers, especially for those of us who may be at the stage I was in at the time of reading – nearing the end of the first draft of my WIP, Director’s Cut – which I have now finished. Sacha Black equips the writer with plenty of toolsContinue reading “Book Review: “How To Craft Superbad Villains: 13 Steps to Evil” by Sacha Black”
Category Archives: Writing
Fun and Excitement with Fantasy Authors at the UK Games Expo 2017
The UK Games Expo had not been on my radar until Richard Denning one of the Games Expo directors and a historical and fantasy novelist, kindly offered me space on the Authors Stand in the Birmingham NEC during the weekend Friday 2 – Sunday 4 June 2017. So there I was for three days, sharing a standContinue reading “Fun and Excitement with Fantasy Authors at the UK Games Expo 2017”
My Dream Cast for “Mystical Circles”
Novelists, have you “dreamcast the film adaptation of your book? Many do! Film Adaptations of books If you do it early enough in the process of writing your novel, it can be very helpful. Though I understand that the reality of having your book turned into a film can sometimes not be a very pleasant experience.
That’s Life – in the Eyes of Noel Coward
I’ve loved the work of Noel Coward since I first saw one of his comedies, in my teens. Among many different archetypal character-types which I hold in my mind, is that of an indolent Noel Coward male lead, lounging against a mantelpiece wearing a silk brocade smoking jacket, elegant, mannered, and dispensing witticisms with theContinue reading “That’s Life – in the Eyes of Noel Coward”
New Cover Design Coming for Edition 3 of Mystical Circles To Be Published by Luminarie on 31 August 2017
Mystical Circles will be published by Luminarie in a new third edition on 31 August. Instead of the present cover, it will have a new cover created by the designer behind the cover of A Passionate Spirit. The cover design will be darker and more mysterious than that for edition 2, in keeping with the toneContinue reading “New Cover Design Coming for Edition 3 of Mystical Circles To Be Published by Luminarie on 31 August 2017”
Find Me on the Authors Stand at the UK Games Expo 2017 in Birmingham
From 2nd to 4th June 2017 there will be a big event for games players and lovers of fantasy, thrillers and roleplay at the NEC Birmingham. There’ll be four authors at the Expo, of whom I am one. Click here to find out more about the authors Jonathan Green, Richard Denning, Gareth Baker and myself.Continue reading “Find Me on the Authors Stand at the UK Games Expo 2017 in Birmingham”
Joan of Arc: Mystical Experiences and Empowerment
The other day I saw an encore screening of George Bernard Shaw’s play “St Joan” from National Theatre Live. I studied this play at university. Then, as in my recent viewing, I was entranced by the character of Joan herself, and by the words Shaw puts into her mouth. Joan has special resonance for me becauseContinue reading “Joan of Arc: Mystical Experiences and Empowerment”
The Laborious Art of Book Writing
I love this post by Lucy Mills and it echoes my own thoughts about the process of writing a book. Lucy is writing an inspirational book, not a novel, but she describes an experience common to all those who throw themselves heart and soul into writing a full-length work for publication. Lucy refers to theContinue reading “The Laborious Art of Book Writing”
Whatever Happened to Small is Beautiful?
In 1993, E.F. Schmacher published a book entitled Small is Beautiful: A Study of Economics as if People Mattered. It was well received, and promised a potential revolution in ideas for capitalism and for the consumer society. Recently I saw a plea from a Christian charity for us to invest in poor (“small” in economicContinue reading “Whatever Happened to Small is Beautiful?”
What do the Secrets of the Australian Swagman Have to Say to Creative Writers?
“Ashes are much hotter than flames”.This is an observation I heard online a few months ago, and you’d think, OK, what does that have to do with creative writers? Well, let me take you to the Australian Outback to explain. The ‘swagman’ of Waltzing Matilda fame traditionally goes walkabout through the Outback of Australia withContinue reading “What do the Secrets of the Australian Swagman Have to Say to Creative Writers?”
scskillman.com 