Clayton Calculates: The feasibility of a hedgehog running over water

Hello readers! This week’s post is a response to a reader request. Harry (aged 27) has asked me to investigate the feasibility of a hedgehog running over water, if that hedgehog could run very fast. Some of you may have already guessed the inspiration for this enquiry, as it relates to a franchise that is … Continue reading Clayton Calculates: The feasibility of a hedgehog running over water →

Van Helsing (2004) is worse than I remembered

Hello readers! Do you remember the film Van Helsing, from 2004? It starred Hugh Jackman as a legendary vampire-slayer, and also had Kate Beckinsale in it. Count Dracula was the main villain, but there were plenty of other enemies. Frankenstein was in it. So was the Wolf Man. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde had a … Continue reading Van Helsing (2004) is worse than I remembered →

Six-minute summary: Ada Lovelace

Hello readers! It’s time for a six-minute summary. Ada Lovelace was one of the first computer programmers – an impressive achievement, given that she was born in 1815, well over a century before the modern concept of a "computer” was established. She worked with the eminent mathematician Charles Babbage, who had designed an “Analytical Engine” … Continue reading Six-minute summary: Ada Lovelace →

The blog is two years old!

Hello readers! On the 27th November, this blog reached its second anniversary. We now have two whole years of miscellaneous waffle in the post archives, all tangentially related to fantasy and science fiction. This week I’m taking the opportunity to look back over the last twelve months, picking out my favourite posts and acknowledging some … Continue reading The blog is two years old! →

Free book weekend: 22nd-24th November

Hello readers! From Friday to Sunday, all my books will be FREE on Amazon (find them here). My current series, Highmoor, is traditional high fantasy, and the first three books are now out (with the final instalment in progress). These books follow the adventures of three brothers caught up in a conflict between the nations … Continue reading Free book weekend: 22nd-24th November →

Clayton goes to Lanzarote (Part Two – The South)

Hello readers! I recently went on holiday to Lanzarote, and I have split my adventures and musings into two posts (see part one here). This week concerns the southern half of the island, which is home to its youngest volcanic features, located in and around the Timanfaya National Park. This week’s post will cover my … Continue reading Clayton goes to Lanzarote (Part Two – The South) →

Clayton goes to Lanzarote (Part One – The North)

Hello readers! Last week I was on holiday on Lanzarote, a volcanic island off the northwest coast of Africa. Here in the UK, the island has a reputation for being a package-holiday hotspot, and it’s a popular destination for Brits seeking cheap alcohol and horrific sunburn. Millions of people travel to the island each year … Continue reading Clayton goes to Lanzarote (Part One – The North) →

Free book weekend: 26th-27th October

Hello readers! This weekend, all my books will be FREE on Amazon (find them here). My current series, Highmoor, is traditional high fantasy, and the first three books are now out (with the final instalment in progress). These books follow the adventures of three brothers caught up in a conflict between the nations bordering their … Continue reading Free book weekend: 26th-27th October →