Influences - Use of Weapons by Iain M Banks
More than 30 years on, Iain M Banks’s sci-fi novel remains a masterpiece …
Reading List for 2023
Reading is one of life’s great pleasures. Here are the books I’m looking forward to in 2023!
Two Years as an Independent Author
As Christmas approaches and another year comes to an end, there’s chance to pause and reflect on my writing journey.
Looking Ahead at What’s to Come in 2023
My literary plans are taking shape. This is what I’ll be busy doing over the next 12 months, including news on a new novel for 2023!
Author Focus - PL Stuart
My occasional Author Focus series features new writers and this month it’s the turn of PL Stuart.
Summer 2022 Reading Recommendations
If you’re looking for some ideas for what to read this summer then why not take a look at the books I’ve enjoyed over the past 12 months?
Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off – Part 3
My reflections on reaching the finals of SPFBO 7 and my experience after being part of this competition for the past 12 months.
Influences - Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
Every author of epic, dark fantasy owes a debt to Bridget Jones’s Diary - or is it just me?
Author Focus – Bjørn Larssen
My Author Focus blog articles are aimed at highlighting talented writers whose work I admire and who I believe deserve a wider audience. This month, it’s the turn of Bjørn Larssen.
The Importance of Readers
Everyone knows how important readers are for an author but it’s not for the reason you first think …
Author Focus – The Dex Legacy by Emily Inkpen
The first in an occasional series aimed at putting the spotlight on talented new writers whose work I admire. This month, I’m featuring Emily Inkpen.
What Does Writing Success Look Like?
Hall of Bones was published just over a year ago, which got me thinking about what being a successful writer really means.
Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off – Part 2
My reflections on reaching the Finals of this year’s SPFBO contest.
Summer Reading Recommendations
In this post I’ve summarised my favourite books of the past 12 months. I’d thoroughly recommend each of the following if you’re looking for late summer reading material and in need of some inspiration.
Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off – Part 1
After a bit of an absence, I’m back with my thoughts after having entered this year’s Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off.
Some Thoughts on Marketing
This month I share my thoughts and experiences so far when it comes to marketing as an author.
Influences - Neil Gaiman’s Sandman
This blog post looks at another of the key influences for my own writing. This month, I examine the impact of the Sandman graphic novel series, written by Neil Gaiman.
World Building
In this post I look at the importance of world building in writing fantasy literature.
Influences - Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb
In the first of an occasional series of blog posts, I’m going to look at the work of other writers I admire and whose work I’ve found influential.