How is Microsoft’s grammar checker still so ineffective?

Hello readers! This week’s post is a bit of a rant, I’m afraid. I’m working on a new edition of Highmoor that will be published in paperback form at some point in the next few weeks. My original plan was to release the third edition on the third anniversary of Highmoor’s publication, which was in … Continue reading How is Microsoft’s grammar checker still so ineffective? →

Why do witches fly on brooms?

Hello readers! Have you ever wondered where our modern concept of a “witch” comes from? I’m sure we all have a similar image in our heads: one of a woman with a pointy hat and a broomstick. The woman is probably wearing a black skirt, and she might also have accessories such as a cauldron … Continue reading Why do witches fly on brooms? →

Free book weekend: 9th-10th August

Hello readers! This weekend, all my books will be FREE on Amazon! 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 forest home. It … Continue reading Free book weekend: 9th-10th August →

The Last Man (1826) is a miserable read…

Hello readers! I recently finished reading The Last Man, a dystopian novel written in 1826 by Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein. I first learnt of this book’s existence when I was researching the origins of science fiction, as The Last Man is often listed as the earliest example of the dystopian, apocalyptic genre. The … Continue reading The Last Man (1826) is a miserable read… →

Free book weekend: 7th-8th June

New concept art: Nia

Hello readers! Just a short post this week, announcing the addition of another character to the Highmoor series “art” collection. This is Nia, one of the four major protagonists with perspectives that drive the story. She is the most headstrong of the main characters, in that she speaks her mind plainly and abruptly, and won’t … Continue reading New concept art: Nia →

Science fiction and the future: Part Two

Hello readers! In the previous post, we explored the challenges associated with setting a speculative science fiction story in a particular future year. The writer must choose a date that feels plausible to the reader, or else their credibility will be eroded, the foundations of their fictional world will be shaken, and their otherwise carefully-crafted … Continue reading Science fiction and the future: Part Two →

Another Lego creation: Trekja’s Rest

Hello readers! Another Lego model has joined the collection. Just like all the previous models, this is a micro-scale rendition of a fictional location from my Highmoor series – although my hope is that anyone can enjoy the intricacies of these tiny Lego pieces, even without knowing the source material. This is the first time … Continue reading Another Lego creation: Trekja’s Rest →

Free book weekend: 18th-20th April

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: 18th-20th April →

Laying an old laptop to rest

Hello readers. It is with great sadness that I must announce the retirement of my faithful laptop. This wonderful machine has facilitated virtually all of my creative efforts over the last ten years. However, it has really started to slow down over the last few months, and with Microsoft promising to axe all support for … Continue reading Laying an old laptop to rest →