The Spirit Engineer by AJ West: This fictionalisation of a true story was probably one of the creepiest tales I’ve ever read. The Spirit Engineer by AJ West was published in July 2022. Its creepiness does not come from the purported spirits conjured up by the deceptive Goligher family in 1920s Belfast, but much moreContinue reading “Book Review: ‘The Spirit Engineer’ by AJ West”
Tag Archives: novel
Blog Tour: ‘Burrowed’ by Maressa Mortimer
I’m pleased to be taking part in a blog tour today for fellow author Maressa Mortimer. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Maressa several times at different author events and conferences, and she is a lovely ebullient lady with endless energy, who despite being the wife of a Baptist pastor and the mother of fourContinue reading “Blog Tour: ‘Burrowed’ by Maressa Mortimer”
Fiction Genre: What is it Exactly?
As a writer, I believe we should be willing to explore new areas, and to step outside our comfort zone. And that applies very closely to our lives as readers too. I read a wide variety of books, both non-fiction, and fiction of all genres. I admit I do like psychological insight but I believeContinue reading “Fiction Genre: What is it Exactly?”
Book Review: ‘Half a World Away’ by Mike Gayle
This is a profoundly moving novel set in our contemporary society, which works on so many levels, intimate, insightful and also demonstrating panoramic vision. In ‘Half a World Away’ Mike Gayle takes as his subject those children who are born into deeply dysfunctional situations in the UK, and thus come to the attention of theContinue reading “Book Review: ‘Half a World Away’ by Mike Gayle”
Inspiration and Encouragement for Those Currently Trying To Beat the Target of 50,000 words in a Month with Nanowrimo 2018
The first time I ever heard of Nanowrimo (National Novel Writing Month) I was incredulous; I thought it a crazy idea. How on earth do you write a novel in a month? Then, as I investigated further, I realised that it’s actually a handy motivational tool to get that first draft of your novel written.Continue reading “Inspiration and Encouragement for Those Currently Trying To Beat the Target of 50,000 words in a Month with Nanowrimo 2018”
Book Review: “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman
A very thought-provoking novel told from the point of view of a woman who is “different” from others in her daily life and therefore arouses uncomfortable feelings in others, leading to alienation and loneliness. Yet as we progress through the novel, learning more about Eleanor and her life, there are times when we cannot helpContinue reading “Book Review: “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman”
On the Art and Inexact Science of a Good Ending to a Novel
On 3rd September on the third day of my Mystical Circles blog tour, blogger Rosie Amber hosted a guest post from me on her blog. This is part of a series in which I reblog the articles from that blog tour. So today’s post is the article Rosie Amber first published online, called: On theContinue reading “On the Art and Inexact Science of a Good Ending to a Novel”
The New Luminarie Editions of Mystical Circles and Perilous Path Are Out Now
I’m pleased to announce my two new books are on sale now. They can be found online through the links below and also, of course, to order through all good bookshops. You can download my psychological suspense novel Mystical Circles here, and you can buy the paperback here. My inspirational writer’s guide Perilous Path can be downloadedContinue reading “The New Luminarie Editions of Mystical Circles and Perilous Path Are Out Now”
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”
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?”
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