As most of you would know (at least, those on the mailing list), I’m very close to finishing the first draft of In Victrix. In fact, I just killed someone — someone who was there from the start, and I always knew had to die… Horribly, violently so. It was a sheer bloodbath, and I […]
News / Blog
Why We Write
Every author gets this question: why do you write? Interview answers sometimes seem trite, but we also each ask ourselves that at times. Like those times when I actually write. Seems like it’s either fingers-flying-over-keyboard madly-cackling-about-to-be-arrested bouts, or the stare-listlessly-out-the-window and think “Why am I doing it to myself?” Well, here’s the (or at least, […]
Book Review: Orconomics, by J. Zachary Pike
Orconomics brings together humour, engaging character, and thoughtful consideration together to make excellent fantasy. What to expect The book starts on a lighthearted tone, almost a parody of classic role-playing games and their logical conclusion, by considering how would fantasy economies work with a plethora of adventurer parties running around and looting everything. Don’t be […]
Series Review: Plebs
Following my review of Chlemsford 123 (the greatest Roman-era sitcom of all times!) I found the more recent Plebs. Centered around the lives of (very) common people in 27 BCE Rome, it’s a nice little British sitcom with enough going on for it. What to Expect Set in Rome of 27 BC, two mates – […]
Writing Process (or, how to make sure the muse works for you)
On several occasions recently (lecturing writing groups and chatting online) I was asked about my writing process, about anything from using pen and paper vs typing to ideation. And it hit me that a lot of it is inter-connected. I’ve talked about the tools I use and where I sit on the plotting-vs-pantsing scale, but […]
Ancient Trivia
Did you know that the word “trivia” originates in Latin? Trivia is based on trivial, which in turn comes from trivialis. That pertains to trivium — three roads, or a crossroad, as something very commonplace that can be found anywhere. Of course, Trivia was also an epithet of Diana, goddess of the hunt, wild animals, […]
Book Review: Cthulhu Armageddon, by CT Phipps
I like genre mash-ups, have loved Lovecraft’s work (and have role-played the old Call of Cthulhu RPG), and although I don’t read much dystopian works these days I was in the mood for something darker. Cthulhu Armageddon was it. What to expect The author notes in the preface that he set out to mix Mad […]
The Soul of Tech
This is a real-life-inspired, near-future science-fiction(ish) flash fiction I wrote recently. I find it poignant to our modern existence, especially after my own social-media-detox last year. Mailing list subscribers got a chance to read it already, but for those who missed it here it is for your edification and consideration. Megan had a problem. Automatic […]
TV Series Review: Chelmsford 123
I’ve mentioned this TV series plenty of times, and I re-watch it every couple of years (yes, it’s that good). I’ve even put in some pop-references in my novels (an homage, not plagiarism 😜) So here’s a formal review, in case you needed encouragement to watch it. What to Expect Set in the year 123 […]
Book Review: By Demons Possessed, by P.C. Hodgell
As anyone who read my previous review of the series up to this point can imagine, I had this one on pre-order. As soon as it arrived I delved in (and the world could burn while I read — though see below how I handled it in between!). What to expect If you’ve read the […]
