I love the urban-fantasy noir-detective blend of this series, and have followed it from the start – it maintained its high quality throughout. What to Expect Trigger warning: Alex doesn’t get paid for this case. Well, OK, that’s not that atypical of gumshoe detectives – but most cases don’t start with being ‘hired’ by the […]
Indie Author
Re-reading one’s own works
As mentioned in a previous post (the one with cats), in an effort to restart my writing habit and complete In Victrix I have re-read all my previous works. The idea is to get back into the world, and ensure a smooth continuations (culmination?) of the series. Below are some observations, for the benefit of […]
Life of an Author — in Cat GIFs
The good news is that I’ve started reviewing my work on In Victrix (after a three and a half years hiatus), and I aim to finish editing it and publish it. Bad news, is that it will take well into 2024 until you can get your hands on it. Sorry — but it’s definitely coming! […]
Indie Book Marketing (or, how to work hard for a decade to become an overnight success)
This was a rant I wrote about 3 years ago, and decided not to publish because it was too rant-y. I’m now running low on character interviews for The Protagonist Speaks, so I decided to temper it down a little and publish. So here you are. A semi-relevant, rant-ish marketing advice from a lapsed author […]
Book Review: A Nymph Returns to the Sea, by Douglas Lumsden
The Alex Southerland series is one of the very best urban fantasy detective series out there, and I’m always keen to jump into the latest installment (see my reviews on past novels). What to Expect Alex is in a bad place in his life, sinking into a bottle of rye after a bad breakup. In […]
Creative outlets
Those of you with a passing knowledge of this blog know that I write on occasion. I haven’t been writing nearly enough, life just got in the way over the past couple of years. Doesn’t mean I don’t plan to get back to it (for a reasonable value of “soon”), or that I don’t seek […]
Creative Writing and Product Management
And now for something completely different. No, not the Spanish Inquisition (bet you weren’t expecting that!) I’ve mentioned in previous updates how I have In Victrix drafted and half edited, and how I just don’t seem to find the time to finish it. This is mostly because of my day job — I enjoy it […]
Book Review: Goblins at the Gate, by Ellis Skip Knox
Guess what? I found an historically-based, military style epic-fantasy on the backdrop of ancient Rome. Can you guess how quickly I jumped to read it? Goblins at the Gate is a masterpiece blending historical and epic fantasy elements. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys military epic fantasy and ancient Rome. What to expect An epic […]
Book Review: The New Magic, by Joseph Malik
The New Magic is a direct continuation of Dragon’s Trail. Considering how much I liked Malik’s first novel, I was looking forward to this one! What to expect An epic fantasy (technically portal fantasy, as the protagonist started on Earth in the first novel), with all the trappings – warring houses, enemies within and without, […]
Book Review: ‘Rocks Fall. Everyone Dies.’ by Eddie Skelson
I found out about Rocks Fall through SPFBO 2019, and an interview with Corbett (the cranky wizard) convinced me to read. It’s an excellent, lighthearted fantasy adventure that fans of D&D and MMORPGs would adore, and make just about everyone with a funny-bone snort at the jokes. What to expect Expect a funny fantasy romp, […]