ELLIE GARRATT

Do you NEED books? World Book Day and Zombie Fiction Challenge

2012-03-01T08:00:00.003Z

First, an apology. If I haven't replied to your comments or emails, and visited your blog recently, I am really sorry. I've been away for a few days and work has been manic. I will be catching up with everybody over the weekend, I promise.

With Alex J. Cavanaugh's sequel CassaFire being published on February 28th, and today being World Book Day, it reminded me there are several books coming out in the first half of 2012, which I must read. But it's more than that - I actually need them.

It's hard for me to put into words why I need certain books, just that they'll do more than provide a good read. They'll remind me of what I love about books and the particular author. They'll remind me of the quality of writing to which I aspire, and the publishing success that can be achieved through hard work and determination. Their very existence will be like a comfort blanket I can wrap myself in.

Do you need books in this way?

So what books am I looking forward to in the first half of 2012?

CassaFire by Alex J. Cavanaugh (science fiction at its very best).

OUT NOW

Insurgent by Veronica Roth (second in a trilogy, the first of which, Divergent, is one of the best young adult science fiction books I've read).

Published May 1st

A Million Suns by Beth Revis (sequel to Across the Universe, a stunning example of a generational ship science fiction tale).

Published April 5th

The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter (I'm a life-long fan of Pratchett but have never read Baxter. However, I've been told I need to).

Published June 21st

Whilst I'm on the subject of books, I've taken up a more unusual reading challenge - Book Chick City's Zombie Challenge 2012.

To take part you need to devour, I mean read, several zombie fiction books during 2012. Depending on how many you read, you'll achieve a level of success i.e. six books equals One Chomp, 12 books equals Two Chomps and so on. Who can resist?

I've already read Can You Survive the Zombie Apocalypse? and will ordering this one I discovered on facebook yesterday:

Are there any books coming out shortly you think we should be reading?

Catch Fire! Blog Party - CassaFire by Alex J. Cavanaugh Launches

2012-02-28T00:01:00.144Z

Today I am delighted to be taking part in Alex J. Cavanaugh's Catch Fire! Blog Party, which celebrates the publication of CassaFire, his sequel to CassaStar. The goal of the party is for CassaFire to "catch fire" on the best sellers chart and achieve the success of his first book, CassaStar.

I was fortunate enough to read an early draft of the opening to CassaFire, and I can tell you it promises to be just as thrilling, exciting, and moving as CassaStar.

I met Alex through blogging and can honestly say he is one of the kindest, funniest, and most supportive people I've met. I genuinely want his novels to be a success, not only because he is one of the coolest writers I know, but because he can write. If you haven't read CassaStar, I urge you to - you won't be disappointed. In fact, I'll wager you will be ordering CassaFire not long after.

Here's the awesome CassaFire Book Trailer to tickle those tastebuds:

Have I tempted you into reading it yet? Still want to know more?

CassaFire

by Alex J. Cavanaugh

CassaStar was just the beginning…

The Vindicarn War is a distant memory and Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. He has kept the promise he made to his fallen mentor and friend - to probe space on an exploration vessel. Shuttle work is dull, but it’s a free and solitary existence. The senior officer is content with his life aboard the Rennather.

The detection of alien ruins sends the exploration ship to the distant planet of Tgren. If their scientists can decipher the language, they can unlock the secrets of this device. Is it a key to the Tgren’s civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassan’s technology and strange mental abilities.

To complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers themselves; the strongest of which belongs to a pilot named Athee, a woman whose skills rival Byron’s unique abilities. Forced to train her mind and further develop her flying aptitude, he finds his patience strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist, and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his privacy…

Available today!

Science fiction - space opera/adventure

Print ISBN 978-0-9827139-4-5, $15.95, 6x9 Trade paperback, 240 pages

EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-6-9, $4.99, available in all formats

CassaFire is the sequel to Cavanaugh’s first book, CassaStar, an Amazon Top Ten Best Seller:

“…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” - Library Journal

Want to win a copy and more? Alex is doing a blog tour from February 27 through March 9, and anyone who comments on his posts during the tour can win this special package from his publisher:

How cool is that?

So what are you waiting for? CassaFire is available from Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, and Amazon Kindle. Don't forget to launch yourself over to Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog and follow his journey.

Grimm Brothers Fairy Tales and TV Series

2012-02-23T08:00:00.003Z

It's not often I start watching a new television series and think, wow. Grimm is one of them. The premise behind the show is simple - the characters from fairy tales actually exist, albeit living their lives disguised as humans, and the Grimms are members of a family who can see these monsters and fight them.

The show starts with the lead character - a Grimm - not knowing his family inheritance. Throw in strange visions, a dying aunt, a trailer full of lethal weapons and ancient notebooks, and a job as a detective, and you have the ingredients for a great series. The casting is spot-on and the dialogue perfect. The show is dark and and there is violence throughout, but there are moments of humour and they work well. In fact one of my favourite characters is a lycanthrope who brings these lighter moments.

Each episode is loosely based on the characters from a fairy tale, but don't expect to watch Little Red Riding Hood or Goldilocks and the Three Bears. They are just the inspiration. However, I have to say after just two episodes I'm already thinking of buying a Grimm Brothers anthology. The series is that good.

Have you watched Grimm? If you have, what did you think of it? What was the last series that gave you a wow moment? Have you read any of the Grimm Fairy Tales? With over 200 of them, where would you recommend someone start?

Dreaming of Sleep . . .Literally

2012-02-20T08:00:00.041Z

I'm still editing my first draft of Dreaming of Sleep, and hoping to have completed the second draft soon. Of course the problem with editing a novel in which humans no longer sleep, and the main character is doing his best not too, is that it makes you tired. It also makes you want to dream a lot. I love dreaming; especially lucid dreaming, where you are aware you're dreaming and are able to affect the course of the dream. I'll be doing a whole post on the subject shortly, a long with a teaser from Dreaming of Sleep.

Other than working on my WIP, I haven't got anything else to update you on. Hang on a minute . . .didn't I register with Star Trek Online this week? Yes. And will I soon be able to create my own characters and 'explore, discover, and engage' in the Star Trek universe? Yes. Science Officer T'Moss reported for duty on board the USS Devon at around 11pm yesterday.

In the meantime, how about an operatic version of the Wrath of Khan to make you smile, laugh, or cringe, depending on your tastes?

So, what strange new worlds have you been exploring in the last week, both awake and sleep?

What was your last book surprise?

2012-02-16T08:00:00.032Z

Whilst catching up with my blog reading this week, I discovered a book I'd never heard of that left me squealing in delight. The Golden Eagle's Tuesday Teaser post featured this book by Martin Greenberg and Issac Asimov.

I want this book.

Did you hear me?

No?

I want this book.

Still not loud enough?

I want this book!

What was the last book you'd never heard of and were surprised find existed? Did you manage to get a copy? Did it live up to your expectations or where you left disappointed?

Whilst I've got your attention, pop over to author Tahereh Mafi's blog for a chance to win one of six signed books bundles. All six are stunning prizes.

As always, I'd love to know what you're thinking and what's going on in your part of the world.

Origins Blogfest - How It All Began

2012-02-13T14:00:00.005Z

There is no WIP Update today, as I am taking part in the Origins Blogfest hosted by the super-cool DL Hammons over at Cruising Altitude 2.0 .

For this blogfest participants were asked to do the following: On Monday, February 13^th, you should post your own origin story. Tell us all where your writing dreams began. It could be anything from how you started making up stories as a child, or writing for the school newspaper, or even what prompted you to start a blog. How about stories about the first time somebody took an interest in your writing, or the teacher/mentor that helped nudge you along and mold your passion, or maybe the singular moment when you first started calling yourself a writer. It all started somewhere and we want you to tell us your own, unique, beginnings.

So, where did my passion for both reading and writing fiction begin? What is my origin story?

I've always had a vivid imagination. One of the side-effects of being in the foster-care system is that you were constantly dreaming up tales about your parents coming to retrieve you or your real parents being somebody rich and famous. You spent hours telling other children these stories and listening to theirs. I was also fortunate to be placed for a while with a foster family who believed reading and writing were key skills for a childs development. Flash cards, spelling tests, and reading activities were a daily activity. We visited the library every week. All of this meant I developed a passion for writing and reading.

But I did not even consider writing fiction until my late teens, after I read The Stand by Stephen King. It was my first King novel and after finishing it I asked myself for the first time, 'Could I write a book?'. I decided the answer was yes. Horror wasn't my chosen genre, though. It was always going to be science fiction, which I also developed a passion for with the same foster family. Every Thursday I was allowed to stay up late to watch Star Trek. Other programmes followed, such as Dr. Who, Battlestar Galactica, and Space 1999. I was and still am crazy about anything sci-fi. My very first story was about an intergalactic hooverman who cleared space debris. Yes. I know. It was bad. But I loved it.

There you have it. Now you know how my love of writing began. How about yours? What is your origin story?

Tumble 4 Ya Blogfest

2012-02-10T16:00:00.002Z

Whilst reading Alex J. Cavanaugh blog today, I stumbled upon this little gem and could not resist.

Hosted by Nicki Elson, Suze, and M. Pax.

So, who was my 80s celebrity crush?

In one word. Bowie. There really could have been no other answer. Modern Love. Lets Dance. China Girl. Bowie romping naked in the sea at the end of the China Girl video. I need say no more. Take it away, David.

Do you design mock covers?

2012-02-09T08:00:00.037Z

One of my worst forms of procrastination is designing mock covers. Sometimes they are for novels and other times for short stories, and even though I should probably be writing instead, I get a creative buzz from searching for pictures and writing suitable captions. It somehow helps to solidify the novel or short story, making the idea more concrete in my mind.

For both of my works in progress I have designed and printed mock covers. They will probably look nothing like the real cover, should I be fortunate enough to see them published, but I have them framed and on the wall above my writing area. They remind me of what I'm pushing for - a published novel.

Do you create mock covers? If so, how helpful have you found them in inspiring and motivating your writing? If not, will you consider designing a mock cover in the future or are you leaving it to the professionals once you've got a publishing contract?

As always, I'm interested to know your thoughts.

WIP'ing the Word Count

2012-02-06T08:00:00.080Z

Before I update you on my WIP, I need to tell you about my problems with Hotmail. Last week I went through every comment and replied to them as I always do, by sending an email back to the commentor. I thought all was going well until I discovered a lot of them had been sent to the same email address, and not who they were intended for. A few swear words were uttered, I can tell you. So, if you either a) received several emails from me that made no sense or b) didn't receive a reply to your comments, I apologise. I have no idea how many of you did get my emails or what the solution to the problem is. I'll let you know if I manage to resolve it.

Now on to my WIP Update:

The problem with re-reading first drafts, as I have done in the last two weeks, is you find a lot that needs cutting, and down goes the word count. Suddenly your precious 90,000 words become 83,798 words. You also note all the scenes, dialogue, and description you should have written, and theoretcially up goes the word count. You slice, dice, and then cajole a few more words into existence. So maybe we should call editing 'WIP'ing the word count'? What do you think?

Putting humour aside, one of the most important lessons I have learnt whilst editing is that you should trust your instinct when it comes to cutting or re-writing. What was your first reaction to a word, line, paragraph, or scene? If your instinct said it doesn't work then it doesn't. If it said it isn't good enough, it isn't. Always trust your first reaction. You have the answers within you.

Now this might sound contradictory but another important lesson is to keep everything you cut, especially if it's a scene. You may just change your mind. You may want that line or scene for another piece of writing. Or you might not have been paying full attention to your instinct when you cut it and later regret not keeping an earlier version. Keep everything. You'll thank yourself one day.

So, what important lessons have you learnt whilst WIP'ing the word count?

Should a writer EVER give up on a story?

2012-02-02T12:00:00.054Z

I wrote a short story called Last Ranch On The West around 12 months ago. It was intended for Wicked East Press's Dead Rush Anthology (last submission date 28th February this year). Since writing the first draft I've written three different endings, cut scenes, rewrote scenes, but all the while been unhappy with it. I can't give you concrete reaons for my unhappiness; I just don't think it works. My gut instinct tells me it's lacking something - that magic spark that turns an okay story into a great one.

So, after 12 months of uneasiness, should I try another edit or admit defeat and press the delete button? Should a writer ever give up on a story? Or are there other ways to establish what isn't working and how to remedy it?

As ever, I'd love to know your experiences, thoughts, and advice.

A to Z Challenge, CassaFire, and the Muse Returns

2012-01-30T08:00:00.062Z

Before I talk about my work-in-progress, I want to highlight a couple of important upcoming events:

From today you can sign up for the blogging event of the year - Arlee Bird's A to Z Challenge. In short, your challenge is to post every day of April (except for Sundays), with the theme for each post suggested by a letter of the alphabet. Most people start with A and end with Z, but some go in reverse order. You also try to visit as many of the participating blogs as possible, though after last years entrants topped 1000, I didn't get anywhere near visiting them all.

To find out more about the A to Z challenge, advice on how to manage your time, and to sign up click here.

February 28th sees the long awaited publication of Alex J. Cavanaugh's sequel to the stunning CassaStar - CassaFire. If you haven't read CassaStar yet, do. I read it in one sitting and that is rare for me. If you have, then I know you'll be ordering or downloading your copy come the 28th. If you want to help spread the word, then sign up for Alex's Catch Fire! day or stick the icon on your blog for all to see.

WIP Update:

Thank you to everyone who answered my question last Thursday - how do you find your writing muse, AGAIN? Although I haven't responded to and thanked everyone for their suggestions (I will be catching up this week whilst on holiday), I have already tried some of them. Over the last three days I've re-read my published and unpublished stories, watched some more creative television programmes (Project Runway never ceases to inspire), and read through the first draft of my science fiction novel Dreaming of Sleep. I can safely say the muse has returned and I can't wait to start writing again.

Thank you all. You have reminded me of why I blog - to be part of a community of inspirational and selfless writers.

How do you find your writing muse, AGAIN?

2012-01-26T08:00:00.036Z

When I decided to take my writing dreams seriously in early 2010, I didn't truly believe I would stay the distance; that I would write on a daily basis or see my stories published. I also thought writing and maintaining a blog on a weekly basis would prove too much work. As it was, by September 2011, I was well on the way to proving myself wrong. I was a published author. My blog was a moderate success. I was embarking on a three-month work break to write my YA science fiction novel. Unfortunately, as life so often does, an enormousness asteroid struck during the end of 2011. Not literally, of course. But changes in my personal circumstances forced me to temporarily suspend my writing and blogging.

Now, having decided I've spent enough time feeling sorry for myself, I've decided to get back to my writing dreams. But I need to locate my muse and drag her back, kicking and screaming if need be, to help inspire and motivate me once again. But she's gone into hiding, and I've gotten used to spending a little extra time in bed and flicking the television channels at night. I've grown lazy. I've also perfected a long list of excuses as to why I can not write at the moment.

Do you have any suggestions as to how I can get back my muse? What methods do YOU use to get back into your writing after a long break?

Apologies, Changes, and 2012

2012-01-23T08:00:00.037Z

It's been over four months since my last blog post and I need to offer sincere apologies to all my writing friends and blog followers. Several of you emailed and phoned, and I was a bad friend in not replying. Thank you all for caring so much; I will be emailing and/or phoning you all over the next few days.

The last three months of 2011 did not go the way I had planned. Although I completed detailed plot notes and wrote the first act of my YA science fiction novel, there were major changes going on in my personal life. I am saddened to say Mr. G and I have separated. It is an amicable split but I am currently living with my parents, so life has radically changed for me. I am on holiday for the first two weeks in February, and I am planning to use that time to get back into my writing and blogging.

In the meantime, I hope you are all well and following your writing dreams. I will be catching up with all your blogs over my two week holiday. I am sure there is much I have missed and I'm excited to see what life has been like for you all over the last four months.

Let me know what you've been up to, and not just with your writing.

WIP Update: Day 15 & Conversation With An Antagonist

2011-09-12T00:00:00.001+01:00

It's day 15 and the start of week three. So, let's see how I got on:

Total word count: 16440
Word count this week: 7281
Time spent writing: 11 hours
Time spent on writing-related tasks: 4
Time spent thinking about novel: not as much as I would have liked

More things I've learnt in the last seven days:

Life will sometimes get in the way; will affect your ability to write. When it does you either have to work through it or cut yourself some slack. Life isn't always easy.
Unless you are the kind of writer who wakes up one morning with a fully formed and perfect plot, your plot will change. And that is okay. It isn't a sign you're a weak writer; it's a sign you know when things aren't working.
Don't go back to make changes when writing your first draft. Make a note of what needs to be changed, how it will affect the rest of the story, and then keep moving forward.
Carrying on from my last point, follow your gut instinct - it is always right. This may seem like a sweeping statement but from my experience with short story critiques, every time I left something in that I wasn't sure about it was picked up by the person doing the critique. It doesn't mean what you've written instead is perfect but at least you've cut what you know isn't.

Conversation with an Antagonist

"Hi."

"Well hello, Mr. Antagonist."

"Yeah. I don't like that title."

"Why ever not? You get to be villainous and scary, and appear rather a lot."

"But the problem is you're making me look all bad."

"And?"

"In real life people aren't like that. There are reasons they turn bad."

"Well-"

"I mean I might have been dropped on the head as a baby, dumped by the love of my life, and fired from my $100,000 job because I wouldn't sleep with the boss. I'd be bitter. I'd want revenge."

"But nothing like that is going to happen in your novel."

"True. But what I'm trying to say is you have to show reasons why I behave the way I do, otherwise the reader will think I'm cardboard cut-out cliché."

"Okay. I get your point."

"Just one more little thing."

"Go on."

"Could you make me a bit taller? I want to be able to intimidate people with my height."

"Em . . ."

So, how do you ensure your characters are both believable and three dimensional to your readers?

Firstly, you need to remember everything a characters does, says, or feels happens for a reason, whether they are the antagonist or protagonist. Real life might be a series of coincidences but not in fiction. Every story element must make sense. If the antagonist wants to strip away the protagonists power it's because they want power. If they want to murder the protagonist's wife it's because they believe the protagonist was responsible for the death of someone they loved. There must be a reason for every action.

Secondly, every character needs a backstory. Whilst you don't need detailed backstories for every character in your novel, knowing all the key elements in your main character's lives will help to add depth to both the characters and the story. It will make the characters actions more believable.

Thirdly, your character must undergo a journey or transformation of some kind. They need to have been changed or to have at least learnt something by the end of a story. This does not mean your protagonist ends up bad, whilst your antagonist turns all fluffy and kind-hearted by the end - they might do but that in itself can be seen as a cliché - it means how the character is at the beginning and how they are at the end will make sense to the reader because of the choices they made.

Those are my three methods for ensuring my characters are believable and are not simply cardboard cut-outs. Do you have any of your own?

WIP Update: Day Eight, Writer Support 4U, & Writing A Novel

2011-09-05T00:01:00.068+01:00

"Where does she think she's going, aiming so high?"

"She's practising for the 2012 Fisholympics."

It's day eight and I thought I'd reflect on the last seven days.

Word count: 8925
Time spent writing: 10.25 hours
Time spent on writing-related tasks: 4.75 hours
Time spent thinking about novel: unknown

I'm quite pleased with my progress, considering I only wrote for three days. The other two were spent finishing my plot notes and re-working the first few scenes in act one. On a good day I can achieve 1000 words an hour. When I'm not so sure of my scene objectives that figure drops to around 800 words.

Things I learnt during the last seven days:

If you want something bad enough, you will do it. You will be at your desk at 8am every morning, or whatever time is better for you, because your novel will not write itself.
Turn off mobiles and ban the Internet until you have finished your writing session.
Facebook is just as addictive as blogging.
Ask your friends and family not to call or disturb you during the hours you are writing.
It is better to give yourself broad achievable deadlines. Saying I will write scenes one to three in week one is better than saying I will write exactly 2500 words every day.
There is only so much preparation you can do before starting to write. In the end you just have to just get on with it.
If you can pick any time to take a work-break, pick the summer. It's warmer.
I cannot read fiction when I am so heavily involved with writing a novel. I had to stop reading my current book, Blood Red Road, because all I could think about was my own WIP. I've switched to non-fiction, and have already read two books.

Things I learnt about having a broken toe:

Elevating your foot whilst writing at your desk is impossible.
You can't hoover, dust, or go grocery shopping. This equals more writing time.
If you're not getting any exercise, and eating all day, you will put on weight.

So, when was the last time you took a giant leap into the unknown and what did you learn?

Before I go, I want to tell you about a couple of things I discovered on Facebook this week.

Firstly, the fabulous Sheri Larsen set up a support group for writers on Facebook earlier this year. Here's what she said about it in a recent blog post:

We went from 1 member, Moi, on July 1st to 96 as of yesterday!! Many of the writers who joined over the summer used the space to share their current struggles or successes, and almost instantly got some sort of response from one of the other members. It's been a great way to connect and expand the skills of our writing community.

We'd love to have you. You can JOIN HERE!

Go on. You know you want to join!

Secondly, whilst reading the messages in Writer Support 4U I discovered this YouTube video. Take the time to watch it because it is a truthful but hilarious account of writing a novel.

WIP Update: Day One & A Trekkie Question

2011-08-29T07:00:00.001+01:00

It's day one, albeit a week earlier than planned, and I have a confession to make. I am no-longer writing the first book in my Cosmic Seed Trilogy, Daughters of Velika. I actually made the decision a few weeks ago but wanted to be totally sure before announcing yet another project.

In early July an idea came to me that wouldn't go away. So, I decided to prepare for both novel ideas. After writing blurbs, taglines, creating mock covers, synopses, scene and character notes, I decided the new project was a much stronger idea.

Unlike my other novel ideas, I am not going to reveal anything other than it is YA science fiction, first-person viewpoint, and post-apocalyptic. This is because I have been advised me not to reveal too much information in case someone likes my idea and uses it to write their own novel before me. Of course they wouldn't be the same, and the chances of someone actually doing that are virtually non-existent, but there is still a chance. I want to stress I am not talking about my blogging friends and followers; I'm talking about the small minority of dubious individuals who may stalk the Internet for ideas.

Now I've confessed all, I can talk about my week one objectives. I have two plans in mind for writing my novel, and will choose one depending on how my first week goes:

Write the first draft during September and October, five days a week, with a 2500 daily word count. Edit during November. My week one target would be 12,500 words.
Write the first draft during September, October, and November, with a 1600 daily word count. Edit once I go back to work. My week one target would be 8000 words

I'd like to go for plan number one, but until I start writing I'm not sure how many words I can realistically achieve on a daily basis.

I also have come up with a daily writing schedule. Mornings will be spent writing and/or typing up new scenes on my laptop. Afternoons will be spent writing new scenes by longhand or editing/re-writing previous scenes. So that I do not overdo it with the computer, Sundays and Tuesdays will be non-computer days.

The other plan I had related to staying mentally and physically healthy during my 12-week break. The most important thing was getting out, whether that be running, going to the gym, or meeting friends and family. The last thing I wanted to happen was to be cooped up for days on end. Unfortunately, breaking my toe has put an end to the running and gym, and if I want to meet up with anyone they'll have to pick me up. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my toe heals quickly.

What do you think is a realistic daily word count? How do you schedule your writing days? And what do you do to stay healthy?

Now for a Trekkie question. Below is the rather cheesy 80s video for Aha's You Are The One. Pause the video 53 seconds in and tell me whether you think the girl in the taxi is Jeri Ryan from Voyager. She would have been around 18 when this video was made, so the timing is right.

Breaking Bones, Blogfests, and Bright Eyes

2011-08-27T15:00:00.003+01:00

I managed to break a little toe on Thursday. I stubbed it on my exercise bike (stop reading from here if you're squeamish) and dislocated it. Through some sort of natural instinct I managed to push it back into place.

It's safe to read now. At first I didn't think it was too bad - I've stubbed my little toes dozens of time. After hobbling into town, I realised it was worse than I thought. I went to the emergency room, and they told me it was probably broken. However, as it's a little toe, their advice was to just to stay off my feet. As I have a high pain threshold, and not wanting to be off sick when I've only got seven shifts left, I still went to work. Thankfully, they gave me a sit down job.

Unfortunately, the pain and swelling is far worse today. After speaking to NHS Direct, who have advised I need to keep my foot elevated, and that it can take four to six weeks to heal, I asked if I could start my 12-week work break a week earlier so as not to be off sick. They said yes, so I'm starting my new novel this Monday. I feel a little sad as I won't get to say a proper goodbye to my work colleagues but I will pop to see them.

I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in the Star Trek Blogfest - it was every bit as fun as I thought it would be. I'm looking forward to Talli Roland's Watching Willow Watts Launch Party on September 14th and Alex J. Cavanaugh's Worst Movie Blogfest on September 19th. If you haven't checked them out yet, please do.

If you want to watch something that will make you smile (or cringe), pop over to iZombie's blog and watch William Shatner sing Bright Eyes. Yes. You did read it right. The Shatman sings, again.

Finally, I've joined Facebook. Now I know I said I never would but I realised last week just how much I am going to miss my friends at work. I won't miss the work but there are a handful of my colleagues I'm going to feel a little lost without. If you're on Facebook, please feel free to send me a friend request. There is a link on my sidebar. I've set my account so that only my friends can see me. Plus, I'll be posting daily updates on my WIP progress.

So, my friends, have you ever broken a bone? If you have, I want all the gory details.

Star Trek As We Know It Blogfest

2011-08-22T00:01:00.162+01:00

These are the voyages of the Starship Blogfest,

its one-off mission to explore strange character choices, to seek out favourite episodes and incredible films, to boldly go where no blogger has gone before . . . I think.

The adventure begins, my fellow Starfleet Bloggers. Have you reported for duty? Is your keyboard set to stun? Have you dared wear red? Read Science Office Garratt's choices below the linky, and don't forget to report to your fellow officers' duty stations. Engage.

Top Five Characters

1. Tribbles

Come on. You know you want one. Just don't take them near any Klingons.

2. Seven of Nine

In my opinion this character saved Voyager. I just wish I looked that good in a Starfleet uniform.

3. Khan Noonien Singh

A genetically altered superbeing. Evil. Calculating. What's not to like?

4. Spock

Pointy ears. Logic. Dodgy eyebrows. Every Science Officers dream.

5. James Tiberius Kirk

The Captain. Need I say any more? You all know I love William Shatner.

Top Five Episodes

1. The Trouble with Tribbles

I've always loved this episode because it was so ridiculous. You have to laugh once in a while!

2. Year of Hell

In this fourth season episode Voyager spends a year getting beaten to hell by an alien race that possesses the power to change the timeline. As ever, Janeway would not surrender, and took the ship and her crew to near oblivion before beating the aliens.

3. The Best of Both Worlds

For me this was by far the two best episodes to come out of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and set up the back story to the first solo Next Generation Film, First Contact.

4. Amok Time

Spock. Emotions. Nurse Chapel. A fight with Kirk. Just superb.

5. Space Seed

The legendary episode where we first got to meet Khan. I hear rumours that Khan maybe in the next film, and I have a bad feeling that it won't work. Who will they get to play Khan? Ricardo Montalban is Khan. Mr. G suggested Jean Claude Van Damme. I told him to never utter those treacherous words again; after all, revenge is a dish best served cold.

Top Five Films

1. Generations

Kirk: "I take it the odds are against us in a situation this grim."
Picard: "You could say that."
Kirk: "Sounds like fun."

2. The Voyage Home

Kirk: "Everyone remember where we parked."

3. Star Trek (2009)

Scotty: "I like this ship."

4. First Contact

Lily: "Jean Luc. Blow up the damn ship!"

5. The Wrath of Khan

Khan: "He tasks me. He tasks me and I shall have him! I'll chase him 'round the moons of Nibia and 'round the Antares Maelstrom and 'round Perdition's flames before I give him up!"

So, those were my choices. Do you agree or disagree? Will you be beaming me down to some desolate planet where the odds are grim, and anyone wearing red will die? Or, will you be beaming into the Captain's private quarters?

If you're looking for another blogfest to satisfy your creative urges, the mighty Alex J. Cavanaugh is hosting another of his awesome blogfests. Go on, you know you want to take part.

We are the Borg. Resistance is futile.

2011-08-20T00:01:00.002+01:00

No. No. No. Not that kind of Borg. I mean this kind.

All those signed up for the Star Trek As We Know It Blogfest should report for duty Monday, August 22nd.

Dismissed.

William Shatner Letter Advice Needed!

2011-08-17T00:01:00.007+01:00

I know I said I would only post once a week but I need your help. As some of you may know I had two stories accepted for the Tribute to the Stars Anthology, which has just been published by Static Movement.

The anthologies theme was to write stories which if made into a film would have a specific actor in mind. My acceptances were Night of the Therapist, starring Ben Stiller, and Why Do Aliens Love Iowa? starring William Shatner.

On Tuesday I received an email from the editor, Chris Bartholomew, to let me know that the anthology was now available, and that Ben Stiller would be receiving a copy soon. Unfortunately, due to a close family bereavement Chris is not able at the moment to arrange sending a copy to William Shatner. Understandably, she needs to take time off to be with her family. So, I asked if she would like me to forward a copy to him. She has said yes, and sent me what I assume is William Shatner's agent/ publicist's address.

I now have to write a suitable letter to go with the anthology, and given that William Shatner has been one of my all-time favourite actors from a young age, I am a bit starstruck. I have no idea whether he will ever read the anthology, but what if he does? What if my letter is the only thing standing between him receiving the anthology or not? I don't want to be too gushing in my praise but I do want him to read my story.

So, my blogging friends, what should my letter say? I've already decided I need to make mention of the editor and all the hard work she has put in to making the anthology a success. Other than than that, I've been to nervous to think of another thing to say.

Help!

WIP Update: A Squirrel Called Brian, Rusty Webb, & Free Kindle Content

2011-08-15T06:00:00.000+01:00

On Wednesday evening I started re-reading Dorothea Brande's Becoming A Writer to re-invigorate my will to write before September. If you haven't read this book, and especially if you are just starting out on your writing journey, I urge you to obtain a copy. Her inspirational guide does not focus on how to write, it focusses on training both your concious and unconscious minds to work together so that you do write. It is a must read for all writers.

On Thursday morning I set the alarm half an hour early so that I could carry out her first piece of training - writing for a set period of time every morning before you do anything else. It doesn't matter what you write - in my case I'm making notes for my next WIP - as long as you do write. No excuses.

Anyway, I am sat in bed at 7am with a notebook and pen, and I hear someone shout 'Brian!' several times. As the voice did not sound human, I went to the window and peeked through the curtains. At first I thought it was an escaped parrot. Then I saw a squirrel sat on the wall. Yes. The squirrel was making a noise that sounded like Brian.

Since then I've been woken every morning with the sound of 'Brian!'. In honour of Brian the Squirrel, my morning writing sessions will forever be known as Brian; I just have to make it clear to Mr. G that Brian is a squirrel and not some man I'm hiding under the bed.

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a squirrel in possession of a good fortune of nuts must be in want of a nutcracker.

`'You mistake me, my dear. For I am not a gentleman.'

Anyone for Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and Squirrels?

Changing the subject, Rusty Webb over at The Blutonian Death Egg has taken the plunge and released a novelette on Kindle. Here is the stunning cover and blurb:

In 1895, deep in the Southeastern U.S., a sleepy little town is home to one of the most violent criminal families in the country. When Thomas O’Brien witnesses the brutal murder of his best friend and the kidnapping of his beloved Mary at the hands of the O’Malley brothers he thinks things can’t possibly get any worse.

But when a mysterious stranger shows up to help, Thomas begins to suspect this man is more than he seems. This stranger pledges to help bring Mary safely back from the O’Malley brothers, no matter the cost.

Tom’s real nightmare is about to begin.At just under 10,000 words, A Dead God’s Wrath is a Science Fiction novelette.

Pop over to his blog and follow him on his journey.

Whilst we're on the subject of Kindle, you can now get a free trial version of the Fantasy and Science Fiction magazine on your Kindle. It is not the full magazine, but you will get one story and all the articles. A full edition is available on a 14-day trial. This is the perfect opportunity to check out a market you might be considering submitting or subscribing to in the future.

So, what have you been up to during the last seven days?

WIP Update: Prepping Hell ...Only A Month Away

2011-08-08T08:00:00.001+01:00

One month from today I will have started my 12-week work break aka novel writing holiday. Let me say it again - one month. Four weeks. Twenty-eight days.

Am I excited? Yes. Am I as nervous as hell? You bet I am. I've never done anything like this before. I have written the first draft of a novel but it took me nine months, with odds snippets of time grabbed here and there. Hang on. Nine months? I wonder if that was why working out those final scenes felt like I was giving birth? Might explain a lot.

Where was I? I've never had this length of time to concentrate on one project with no work to distract me. But I'm also realistic enough to know I will still need to be careful with my time. I've got one chance to get this right. So, I've made some tough decisions this week. For the next 16 weeks I will be posting just once a week, my Work-In-Progress Updates, which will move to Mondays. There will still be the occasional guest post and blogfest. Don't worry - I'm not leaving the blogosphere, rather cutting back on my post writing and responding to comments. I will still be lurking around your blogs and commenting; in fact, I'm counting on you all to keep me sane.

I will also be asking my friends and family not to call or text me - unless an emergency arises - before 1pm each day, so that I at least have the mornings to write in peace.

What sacrifices have you had to make in order to complete a project? Were you able to stick to your resolutions?

Guest Post: Maria Zannini on Self-Publishing

2011-08-05T13:00:00.013+01:00

I'm delighted to have Indie author Maria Zannini guesting on my blog today, making her final stop on her Indie Roadshow.

Take it away, Maria.

An Indie Checklist

This is the last stop of our Indie Roadshow and it only seems fitting to end it with a checklist on what it takes to self-publish your own book.

An indie author is self-motivated, self-determining, and willing to take chances. If there’s one thing I learned about this journey so far, it’s that you can’t wait for someone to give you an opportunity. Self-publishing is all about giving yourself that opportunity.

But there are definite down sides to this business model.

• You are competing for an audience that is already over-saturated with options. Find something that sets you apart.

• Whereas traditional publishing pays for editing, cover art, formatting, and a little (usual minor) marketing, you must either do these things yourself or hire someone to do them for you.

• Stigma still exists, though it does appear to be waning. My best advice is to put out the best book you can, that way you can stick your tongue out at the naysayers with pride.

The positives outweigh the negatives in my opinion.

• You get a larger chunk of the royalty.

• There is far more freedom in cover design and deadlines.

• Review sites that welcome indie authors are growing in leaps and bounds.

• Self-published books that sell well do get noticed by agents.

• It is really a lot easier than it looks from the sidelines. Believe me, if I can do it, anyone can.

So what does it take to be an indie author?

1. Have a great idea. Novellas are a good way to test the waters without much investment.

2. Be willing to do the work and put in the time. No pain, no gain.

3. Set your ducks in a row before you begin. Create a timeline so you know if you’re on schedule and what you have to do next.

4. Do not skimp on necessary things like editing and cover design.

5. When it comes to formatting, follow the instructions step-by-step. I’m not kidding. Don’t say I didn’t warn you, should you decide to cheat.

6. Make a list of potential reviewers. I did this way too late and I’m paying for it now. Contact them as soon as you can because they usually have a backlog.

7. When your book is officially out, make an announcement, but don’t pimp it like a red-light special. People get tired of sales pitches.

8. Write your next book.

One of my very first editors told me that the way to increase sales is to build a back list. She was right! The Devil To Pay is my fourth book since 2009. I am selling more of my books now (including my first book) than when I started.

I hope you enjoyed The Indie Roadshow and I hope you’ll try The Devil To Pay. Thank you, Ellie for hosting me on my last stop of the tour.

If you have any questions, fire away.

***

The Devil To Pay is available at Amazon and Smashwords for only $2.99. It is the first book of the series, Second Chances.

Synopsis: The road to Hell is paved with good intentions and bad tequila. Shannon McKee finds herself at the end of her rope, and she bargains her soul in a fit of despair.

Shannon’s plea is answered immediately by two men who couldn’t be more different from one another. Yet they share a bond and an affection for the stubborn Miss McKee that even they don’t understand.

When Heaven and Hell demand their payment, Shannon has no choice but to submit. No matter who gets her soul, she’s not getting out of this alive.

Bio: Maria Zannini used to save the world from bad advertising, but now she spends her time wrangling chickens, and fighting for a piece of the bed against dogs of epic proportions. Occasionally, she writes novels.

Follow me on Facebook or my blog.

Thank you, Maria!

Novel Films Blogfest Part Two

2011-08-02T17:00:00.004+01:00

In parts two and three of the Novel Films Blogfest Madeleine Maddocks has asked us to review the book and film pairings we listed yesterday, and list which books we've read that we want to see made into films.

I've decided to break this down into The Good, The Bad, and The Books I'd Like To See Made Into A Movie. In the interests of brevity, I will only review my top three good and bad films. Afterwards, I'll list which books I'm desperate to see made into films.

Please note for a film to have made it into my good list it did not have to be a faithful line by line re-telling of the book. I've also given the date of the film or television series where I know there has been more than one made, but I may have missed one or two.

The Good

2001 & 2010
The Andromeda Strain (1971 version)
Bladerunner (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep)
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Dune (1984)
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (1981 television series)
Jurassic Park
Little Women (all three versions - 1933, 1949, 1994)
New Moon
Postcards from the Edge
Pride and Prejudice
Raise the Titanic
Silence of the Lambs
The 39 Steps (1935)
To Kill A Mockingbird
Twilight
We Were Soldiers (We Were Soldiers Once . . .And Young)
The World According to Garp
Carrie
The Green Mile
Misery
The Running Man
Shawshank Redemption
The Shining
Stand By Me

Eleven of the 27 books were read before seeing the film, so, perhaps not unsurprisingly, I went on to read 16 of the books the films I liked were based on.

My top three are:

I wish that I had read Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? before seeing Bladerunner, just to be able to compare the image of the futuristic world with the one my own mind would have conjured from reading the book. The plot of Bladerunner is a lot different from Philp K. Dick's novella, but the film captured the essence of the world he portrayed. And who can forget Batty's closing lines?

I read Fannie Flagg's book before seeing the film, and fell in love with it. So much so, that I even have a copy of the accompanying cookbook. Fortunately, the film did not disappoint in anyway. If you have not read the book or seen the film, make sure you do both - there is a lot more to the plot than fried green tomatoes. Mystery. Murder. Friendship. Love. All the right ingredients. Excuse the pun.

Another film I saw before reading the book. In my opinion, this is a masterpiece in film making, and one that belongs in the Stephen King Finest Adaptations category. Films or television series based on King stories seem to fit into two groups - brilliant or awful. This is a film that is both funny and sad, and it's emotional punch will stay with you long after it has finished.

(narrowly missing out were The Shining and Silence of the Lambs)

The Bad

Alice in Wonderland (any version) (sorry, I hate these types of films)
Animal Farm (any version)
A Perfect Storm
The Bicentennial Man
Bridges of Madison County
The Hotel New Hampshire
The Lovely Bones
The Memory Keeper’s Daughter
The Perfect Storm
The Pilot's Wife
My Sister’s Keeper
Starship Troopers
Yes Man
Christine
Firestarter
It
Pet Cemetery
Salem's Lot

Only five of the seventeen films were seen after reading the book, because generally I don't like watching movies based on books.

My worst three are:

I think maybe it's just me but I did not like this film, especially after reading the book by Issac Asimov. I found it long, mawkish, and too sentimental.

I have to be honest here - I only watched the film out of a kind of morbid fascination after reading the book. I really dislike Eastwood in these kinds of roles. I also only read the book because in On Writing Stephen King cites it has an example of bad writing. I think no one told the author Robert James Waller about show not tell. Anyway, I'd better stop there before I offend anyone. But if you see a copy read through the first few pages and let me know what you think.

I love Piccoult novels. The effortless way she handles several viewpoint characters and tackles issues many other writers would avoid has always impressed me. Having said that, I don't think her books translate well into films. The multiple viewpoints get lost in the process some how. My Sister's Keeper was no exception, and what irritated me more than anything was that I saw it before reading the book, and overheard the person behind me in the cinema telling her friend it had a different ending. Thankfully, I was able to escape before I heard the rest.

(narrowly missing out were all the other Stephen King films and The Hotel New Hampshire)

The Forgotten

Marley and Me

The Books I'd Like To See Made Into A Movie

I think it is safe to say this list could go on forever, so I'm going to list my top ten favourite novels, novellas, and short stories I want to see made into movies. In no particular order they are:

The Chaos Walking Trilogy by Patrick Ness.
Across the Universe by Beth Revis
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Under the Dome by Stephen King
All the Thursday Next books by Jasper Fforde
Marley and Me by John Grogan (this would be a remake; the first film is awful)
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith and Jane Austen
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

And just to be really cheeky:

Why Do Aliens Love Iowa? by Ellie Garratt (starring William Shatner)
Night of the Therapist by Ellie Garratt (starring Ben Stiller)

So, do you agree or disagree with any of my choices?

Novel Films Blogfest Part One

2011-08-01T10:00:00.003+01:00

Today is the Novel Films Blogfest hosted by the awesome Madeleine Maddocks at Scribble and Edit.

For part one of this blogfest, Madeleine asked us to: Post a list of books we have read where we'd also seen the film.

For some reason I was expecting the list below to be longer. Perhaps I have forgotten some? One thing I do know is that I'm not a great fan of watching films, or TV adaptations, after I've read the book. So often the results are a disappointment. Having said that my list does include a few examples where the films did work, and sometimes surpassed my expectations. After watching some films, I have even gone out and bought the book.

Here is my list:

2001 & 2010 by Arthur C. Clarke
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Animal Farm by George Orwell
The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick
The Bicentennial Man by Isaac Asimov
Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Dune by Frank Herbert
Fried Green Tomatoes At The Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
The Hotel New Hampshire by John Irving
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards
My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
A Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger
The Pilot’s Wife by Anita Shrieve
Postcards from the Edge by Carrie Fisher
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Raise the Titanic by Clive Cussler
Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein
The 39 Steps by John Buchan
To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
We Were Soldiers Once . . .And Young by Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore and Joseph L. Galloway
The World According to Garp by John Irving
Yes Man by Danny Wallace

And by Stephen King:

Carrie
Christine
Firestarter
The Green Mile
It
Misery
Pet Cemetery
The Running Man
Salem's Lot
Shawshank Redemption
The Shining
The Stand By Me

How many of these films have you seen?

Call back tomorrow for parts two and three of the Novel Films Blogfest, where I'll be discussing The Good, The Bad, and The Books I'd Like To See Made Into A Movie.

WIP Update: First Draft Completed and CassaFire

2011-07-31T00:01:00.038+01:00

I have finished the first draft of Dreaming of Sleep! Total word count 93,137 words.

It seems an eternity ago when I started it for NaNoWriMo 2010. There have been major changes, not least renaming the main character several times before finally settling on Hayden Monroe. I was thinking of modelling him on this guy:

Just kidding.

It has been a challenge, but I've learnt a lot. I now know what does and does not work for me as a novelist. I know I'm neither a planster or a plotter, but a plotster,which is halfway between the two.

So what will happen to Hayden Monroe now? He and the manuscript are being put aside for a few weeks, so that I can prepare for my next project. Hopefully, when I pick up the manuscript again, it will be with a fresh outlook. No doubt scenes will need to be re-worked or cut, and I will curse at sentences that need tightening and silly grammatical errors I should have spotted. But doing the first edit is my favourite part of writing - we get to play God with our stories. How about you? Do you enjoy the first read through and edit?

Now check out the fabulous working cover art for Alex J. Cavanaugh's sequel to CassaStar, CassaFire. Isn't it spectacular? I can't wait for it's release next year. If you haven't read CassaStar, and you're a science fiction lover, why not? I know you will love it.

See you tomorrow for the Novel Films Blogfest.

QOTW: Who's Your Best Book Friend? Novel Films Blogfest & Deadly Intent

2011-07-28T07:00:00.033+01:00

I have to admit I copied the idea for this post from Laura at Daily Dodo. In yesterday's inspired post she asked the question, Who is your best film friend? My answer was A Fish Called Wanda because it makes me laugh every time I watch it, even though I know the plot and dialogue by heart. Do pop over to her blog and let her know who your best film friend is.

My question is who is your best book friend? You know the one. The book you've read several times, and will return to again in the future. The book that makes you smile, or scream in terror if you're that way inclined. The book that makes you caress the cover fondly, and quote lines from when someone asks you about it. The book that you insist your friends and family should read because they don't know what they are missing.

For me that book is The Tales of Olga da Polga by Michael Bond. I know this is probably the last answer you'd expect from a science fiction geek, but I first read this book as a young child and have re-read it numerous times. It's witty, clever, and just plain adorable. Here's a teaser:

"From the very beginning there was not the slightest doubt Olga da Polga was the sort of guinea-pig who would go places."

Sticking with the theme of books and films, Madeleine at Scribble and Edit is hosting the Novel Films Blogfest from August 1st to 3rd, where you can discuss films based on books. Pop over to her blog to read the details and how to sign up.

I'm pleased to say Laura Eno's new book Deadly Intent is now available in paperback and ebook format. You can read the first chapter of her horror/thriller novel here.

Finally, I've now completed 94% of my current WIP Dreaming of Sleep. I'm hoping to have finished the final scenes by the weekend. I feel a celebration coming! Any suggestions?

Tuesday Teaser (19): The People Next Door by Christopher Ransom

2011-07-26T07:00:00.015+01:00

Today's Tuesday Teaser comes from the horror novel I will start reading tonight.

Title: The People Next Door
Author: Christopher Ransom

For a moment, as they touched him and kissed his cheeks, he was certain that these people, while bearing every hallmark of his pairing and making, were not his real family at all, but others hiding beneath clever masks of artificial skin.

I read Ransom's first book The Birthing House in 2009, and even though I found it awkward and confusing in places, I gave him another chance when he published his second book, The Haunting of James Hastings. I really enjoyed his second book, although I had to re-read the opening several times before I had some idea of what was going on - I suspect he didn't want the reader to fully understand until the end. The problem is I'm still not sure if I did understand by the time I'd finished reading it.

At this point you're probably wondering why I'm giving him another chance. I'm not sure I really know myself. All I can say is that there is something about Ransom's books that draws me in and then hooks me with it's understated terror. I shall let you know next week whether his third novel was a dramatic improvement or another big question mark.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should be Reading.

Do you have any books or stories you'd like to tease us with?

Changing the subject completely, here's a photograph of myself and fellow colleagues before starting Sunday's Race For Life in aid of Cancer Research.

Being a shorty, I'm in the front row, second from the right. We had a great time, with some running and others walking double-time like myself. I did 5km in 45 minutes, not bad for my first race. More importantly, we've helped to raise a lot of money for a worthy cause.

I'd like to dedicate this year's race to my father-in-law Tom, who lost his battle with cancer in 2005. You really were dad number two, and I miss you more than words can say.

Star Trek As We Know It Blogfest (August 22nd)

2011-07-24T00:01:00.040+01:00

I'm skipping my WIP Update post this week to tell you about my exciting new blogfest - the Star Trek As We Know It Blogfest.

As I'm sure most of you know, I love Star Trek. I also know a lot of you feel the same way. So why not do a blogfest just about Star Trek? Have I tempted you yet? Here are the details on how to take part:

Leave your name and rank on the linky below (i.e. scienceofficergarratt).
On August 22nd post your top five Star Trek characters and episodes and/or films, and tell us why you love them.
Warp your way over to as many of your Starfleet comrades as you can and comment on their choices.
Spread the word on all hailing frequencies, and feel free to post the image on your blog.
Wear red at your peril.

Remember - the needs of the many bloggers outweigh the needs of the one!

QOTW: Electronic ink screens for writers. Would you buy one?

2011-07-21T07:00:00.009+01:00

If there is one thing above all others that would make my life as a writer easier, it would be a computer with an electronic ink display. Why? Because traditional LCD screens are backlit and flicker, and this can trigger migraines.

Backlit screens can cause glare and eye strain, and whilst the flickering, or refresh rate of the screen, is too fast for the eyes to see, it can also cause headaches or migraines. All of this means the amount of time I can use my laptop is severely limited, not just to one day, but to how many days in one week.

As a writer I cannot put more emphasis how big a problem for me this is. Last week I bought an Acer Notebook because it only has a ten inch screen, in the hope less glare and flicker equals less eye strain.

Of course there are things we can do to help ourselves when using a computer:

Use your computer in a well lit room to reduce glare.
Set the background on your word processing software to blue and font to white.
Use a white background and black text for your blog or website. White text on a black ground is difficult to read.
Look away from your screen and focus on a distant object at regular intervals.
Make sure you blink regularly - dry eyes cause extra strain.

I am sure that you will have plenty more suggestions. But no-matter how careful I am, I still can't use my laptop for extended periods of time. But an electronic ink screen - as seen on the Kindle and other electronic book readers - are not backlit and do not flicker. I can use my Kindle for hours with no ill effect.

Of course, there are drawbacks. At the moment ink screens are only available in black and white. They cannot be used in a dark room, as there is no light. But the technology is being developed, and I am sure eventually there will be computers with colour ink screens because they have one major advantage - they have a much longer battery life because there is no screen to light.

But where does that leave me and anyone else who would happily trade their laptop for a new electronic ink screen version? It seems that for the moment this new technology is at the development stage, and considerations such as gaming and viewing the internet in colour are more important than the possible health effects of LCD screens.

So my suggestion would be for one of the major computer companies to develop a basic word processor for writers that comes with an electronic ink screen. As long as it is compatible with major software programmes such as Word, and has a USB port so work can be saved, I would buy it. I would pay good money for it as well. As for browsing the Internet, well that can still be done on my LCD laptop.

What do you think? If such a machine was to become available, would you buy it?

Update: Further to one of the comments, I want to reiterate that electronic ink screens do not work in the same way as LCD screens, and it is those differences that can trigger my ocular-induced migraines. Unlike traditional backlit displays, electronic ink displays reflect light like ordinary paper. They are not lit in any way.

The image itself is produced by polyethylene spheres between 75 to 106 micrometres, which are suspended in a bubble of oil embedded in a transparent silicon sheet. The polarity of the voltage applied to the spheres determines whether the black or white side shows. Because this creates a stable image, is does not need to be refreshed. Thus there is no flicker. Unfortunately for me, ensuring my laptop's screen refresh rate is 60hz or over, or using a larger PC screen does not help.

Tuesday Teaser (19): The Ask And The Answer by Patrick Ness

2011-07-19T07:00:00.027+01:00

Today's Tuesday Teaser is the second of the Chaos Walking Trilogy, and winner of the 2009 Costa Children's Book Award.

Title: The Ask And The Answer

Author: Patrick Ness

There's so many of 'em, so many long white faces looking back at me, their eyes too big, their mouths too small and toothy and high on their faces, their ears looking nothing like a man's.

But you can still see a man's face in there, can't you?

I cannot recommend this trilogy more highly. The central characters of Todd and Viola are engaging, and the use of first person POV perfectly handled. When I first started reading book one, The Knife Of Never Letting Go, I wasn't at all sure I liked Ness's style. However his use of both short and long sentences really works, building and maintaining tension from the beginning to end of each book. But be warned - this is dark fiction, and features violence throughout. I also suggest you have all three books in the series at hand - you will want to read them all. This is YA science fiction at it's best.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should be Reading.

Do you have any books or stories you'd like to tease us with?

WIP Update: When A Writer Takes A Vacation . . .

2011-07-16T16:00:00.004+01:00

Are they always flooded with new ideas?

Mr. G and I had a wonderful few days away eating out, relaxing, and buying yet more books. But whilst we were away I had two more novel ideas. Yes. That's ideas number four and five for anyone who is still counting.

I did my best to dismiss the post-apocalyptic and space-opera tales from my mind by making a few hasty notes on my phone. Alas I failed. Over the next three days characters, scenes, and story arcs popped up in the most inconvenient locations. Ever tried making a quick note of something whilst programming a satnav, looking out for a Harvester restaurant, and listening to Mr. G ranting about Bournemouth's seemingly impossible road layout? Not easy, I can tell you. So when we got back Friday I did what all worthy writers would do, I opened up a new Word document and made detailed notes.

Unfortunately, I now have several more people - I mean characters - demanding my attention. There were enough voices in my head already! But I guess that's all part of the profession, along with copious amounts of coffee, eye-strain, carpel tunnel syndrome, and spreading behinds.

Changing the subject, did you know you can now visit the End of the World?

The Worlds End turned out not to be the doom and gloom we've all come to expect, or falling off the edge of the planet into space, but a pub near Weymouth. Who would have guessed it involved a ploughman's lunch and pint of cider? Of course The Muse took it as a sign that I should be writing my post-apocalyptic novel. But when we drove a few hundred yards around the corner and saw The Botany Bay, I just shouted Khaaannnnnn!

So, what's been happening with you over the last seven days?

WIP Update: Final Name Change, Blogging Break, & Up-coming Blogfests

2011-07-10T00:01:00.050+01:00

Okay. This is the final time I am changing the name of my main character from Dreaming of Sleep. You read it here. Poor Myron, who then became Landon - which clashed a little with other famous literary characters - is now, and will remain forever more as, Hayden Monroe. If there are any other characters with this name, I don't care. As Scotty in Star Trek would say - she canno' take no more, Captain. But thank you to those who did point out Landon was too similar to other notable characters - I do appreciate your comments.

On a more positive note, my word count for Dreaming of Sleep increased this week - I'm now 86% done. 14% to go until the first draft is written.

I am taking a blogging break for a few days, as next week will be the last holiday Mr. G and I have together before my 12-week novel writing period begins. I promised Mr. G he would have my undivided attention, and we are planning to catch up with friends and family, and have a few days out.

Before I go, here are a few up-coming blogfests:

Poetry Schmoetry Blogfestfrom the 11th to 14th July, hosted by the wonderful Shelly Brown.

Inspiration Blogfest on the 18th July, hosted by the talented Summer Ross.

Novel Films Blogfest from the 1st to 3rd August, hosted by the inspirational Madeleine Maddocks.

Finally, a blog post that caught my attention this week - Death by Critique. Let me know what you think.

I shall be back towards the end of next week. Until then, have a fabulous week.

QOTW: If you were selling your muse, how would you describe her/him/it?

2011-07-07T07:00:00.001+01:00

Purchase mug here.

Sometimes I ask myself the most bizarre questions. After reading about Army of Dave's attempts to sell the Universe on eBay last week (do read his blog post, I still have a smile on my face every time I think about it), I started wondering how I'd describe my muse, if I ever tried to sell her.

Of course I wouldn't! What do you take me for? But if I did . . .here's what the advert would probably say:

Second-hand speculative fiction muse.

Has given immense satisfaction during usage, and provided all my best ideas. Both ink and computer trained. Will require a weekly trip to a book store and Costa Coffee, and a few days holiday a year. Will disappear from time to time, but always returns with new ideas.

£1,000,000 or nearest offer.

If you were selling your muse, how would you describe her/him/it?

Disclaimer: Ellie would like to apologise unreservedly to her muse and any other muses who may have been offended by this blog post. She would never attempt to sell her muse. She worships the ground her muse walks on, and understands that without muses all writers would not . . .well, write.

Tuesday Teaser (18): Divergent by Veronica Roth

2011-07-05T07:00:00.016+01:00

Today's Tuesday Teaser comes from a book I bought at work, which is a rare occurrence. They hardly ever stock genres I like.

Title: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth

My problem might be that even if I did go home, I wouldn't belong there, among people who give without thinking and care without trying. The thought makes me grit my teeth.

Speculative fiction, dystopian worlds, and a back cover blurb that is near perfection - what more could entice me to read a book? I'm fast discovering I love YA fiction, and this book is no exception. Here is part of the blurb to tease you: Once choice decides your friends, defines your beliefs, and determines your loyalties . . .forever.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should be Reading.

Do you have any books or stories you'd like to tease us with?

Alexia Chamberlyn over at The Life and Literary Pursuits of Alexia Chamberlynn is starting the Raven Moon Urban Fantasy Newsletter.

Here's a teaser of what will be included in each issue:

•Agent, author and publisher profiles
•New releases for the month
•Giveaways and contests
•Cool book trailers
•Must-visit websites and blogs
•Industry news
•Notice of upcoming conferences
•Book reviews
•Interviews

If urban fantasy is your thing, pop over and sign up - there are prizes to be won! You have until July 10th to enter.

WIP Update: Slow Progress, Blogging Authors Wanted, & A New Blurb

2011-07-03T00:05:00.044+01:00

Happy 4th of July to all my American friends!

In the last two weeks progress on my science fiction novel Dreaming of Sleep has stopped, run around in circles screaming, before finally realising it should be placed in the 'you-weren't-well-so-give-yourself-a-break' category. My grand word total was an amazing zero. Nothing. Thankfully, the main characters were very understanding - neither of them gave me a hard time. Of course they offered lots of advice. One suggested sleep. The other suggested not sleeping. No surprise there then.

I have a few announcements to make:

I have decided to cut my blogging schedule to three posts a week. Friday Fun has gone, and question of the Week has moved to Thursdays. Four posts a week, along with the occasional blogfest, is too much to sustain on a weekly basis. I need to give my poor eyes a rest.
I am putting together a Blogging Authors page, where I will list bloggers who have published a book. If you want to be on this list, please leave a comment here or email me via my contacts page. Each author will have a picture of one of their books and a link to their blog. Please note: you must be the sole author. No anthologies.
I've finally re-named my two main characters from Dreaming of Sleep. Myron and Talia are now Landon Monroe and Blue. There is a very good reason for Talia becoming Blue, but I can't explain why without giving too much of the plot away. Sorry. But if you follow the link, you can read my new back cover blurb. A huge thank you to Alex J. Cavanaugh for reading the original and offering advice - I hope you approve of the new version.

Finally, I have re-written my blurb for Cosmic Seed Book One, Daughters of Velika. A huge thank you to everyone who read my original blurb and offered advice. Although a few of you liked the blurb as it was, there were too many who were confused by it. Worse still, it failed to get across that there were to two female main characters - The Keeper and the daughter. I think only one person picked this up.

This new blurb is a complete re-write, and could probably still do with some tightening up. I've also had a major re-think as to the direction the novel was headed in, so there are a few changes:

Two daughters. Two races. One will fulfil a prophecy; the other will stand in its way.

Bria’s birth was kept secret from the people of Velika. The ancient Prophets foretold the birth of a male heir to the planet’s throne, a son who would bring new life to the dying planet. But Bria was female, her existence proving the prophecies false and endangering the people who preach them. Her true identity must never be known.

Kaylan's ancestors have served the Velikians for longer than history is told. Like her mother before her, she is a Keeper and a scientist, positions considered beneath the race they serve. But the Velikians are dying - their life-giving seed finally depleted - and they look to the Keepers to save them. To re-seed the planet Kaylan must risk exposing the very secret she swore to uphold - Bria.

How have the last two weeks been for you? Did you make any progress with your writing?

QOTW: Do you read outside of your comfort zone?

2011-06-30T07:00:00.180+01:00

This week's Tuesday Teaser featured Storm Front by Jim Butcher, a book that fits equally well into the fantasy and crime fiction genres. I'm two thirds of the way through and finding it a fast-paced enjoyable read. It takes an extraordinary writer to mix two genres, and Butcher has succeeded where I'm sure many others would fail. But am I itching to get the second book in the series? Not really.

Until recently I'd never read crime fiction because it didn't appeal to me; it all seemed too formulaic. Bad guy kills. Main character battles killer, police force, ex-wife, and inner demons, before solving the crime. I'm sure many of you will recommend books to challenge my views, and perhaps I've watched too many TV detectives shows?

I am not saying the crime genre is bad. It's just not for me. But the point here is that I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone and learned something in the process - I learnt what doesn't work for me. Next week I could read a bodice-ripper and find I don't like that either. Or I might find I love it. I might discover a new genre, full of thousands of books just waiting to be read. But how will I know unless I try?

How about you? Do you read outside of your comfort zone?

Have you read something from a genre you previously avoided and found it re-affirmed your reasons for avoiding it? Or did it open up a whole new fictional world you wished you'd discovered earlier?

Tuesday Teaser (17): Storm Front by Jim Butcher

2011-06-28T07:00:00.002+01:00

Today's Tuesday Teaser is another book recommended by a work colleague, and unlike anything I've read before.

Title: Storm Front (The Dresden Files)
Author: Jim Butcher

Have you ever been approached by a grim-looking man, carrying a naked sword with a blade about ten miles long in his hand, in the middle of the night, beneath the stars on the shores of Lake Michigan? If you have, seek professional help.

Storm Front is the first in a series of books featuring Chicago's first and only Wizard P.I. I don't normally read crime novels, but a series of crime novels featuring wizards and magic intrigued me. If I like the first book there are 12 more to follow, and a thirteenth coming later in the year. I'm six chapters in and finding it an enjoyable read. I'm not at the 'wow-what-an-amazing-book' stage yet, though it has made me laugh out loud in a few places. I'll reserve final judgement for when I finish it.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should be Reading.

Do you have any books you'd like to tease us with?

WIP Update: Cosmic Seed Book One - A Title & Blurb

2011-06-26T12:00:00.001+01:00

Having to take it easy over the last few days gave me time to think about my summer writing goals. Number two on my list was writing a back cover blurb for the first book in my Cosmic Seed Trilogy. So, with the aid of pen and paper, here is the back cover blurb for Book One, Daughters Of Velika:

Velika. Once home to a million. Now just a few thousand Velikians remain; the seed of life nearing depletion. They await the birth of an heir to the planet as foretold by the Prophets and preached by the Keepers of Velika – a son born during the time of the Darkening who will re-seed all men.

But the Keepers lie. A daughter was born to the House of Velika, threatening to expose the preachings of the Prophets as false. So her birth was kept secret, and the Keepers ordered to find another way to replenish the life-giving seed.

Only one Keeper can make it happen. Only one Keeper can stand in their way. She is Kaylan, last child of Velika.

So, there it is. As always, I'd love to know what you think.

Friday Fun: Feeling Hungry, Writers?

2011-06-24T10:00:00.001+01:00

I wrote this post a while ago and was saving it for a rainy day - I decided that day was today. My new migraine medication is messing with my sense of balance. Under known side-effects it lists low blood pressure causing dizziness, light-headedness, and fainting. Whoopee. Which is worse, the migraine or the medication?

Okay. Enough with the self-pity.

Feeling hungry? Please select three courses from the menu below or ask to see the Procrastinator Specials.

Starters:

Fried Green Dictionary

Stuffed notebooks on a bed of pencil shavings

Adverbs smothered in a delete-button sauce

Main Courses:

Slow roasted plot with light conflict

Pan fried fillet of protagonist, with antagonist vegetable medley

Steamy stir-fry of sexy characters

Desserts:

Re-constituted word soufflé

Spotted word pudding with proofreading custard

Agent Surprise

Complimentary Coffee:

We hope you enjoy your meal, and are always happy to take suggestions for new dishes.

QOTW: Do you judge a book by it's cover?

2011-06-22T10:30:00.004+01:00

It's been six days since my horrendous migraine and I'm still feeling unwell. I had an emergency doctors appointment yesterday and he's signed me off work until the 29th. I hate feeling unwell and I hate being off work, but sometimes we get little choice in the matter. My only consolation in all of this is that blogging can be done sitting down and without expending too much energy.

So on to my Question of the Week post.

When I checked Brenda Drake's blog this morning, and found my What Katy Did At School cover redesign has been chosen as a semi-finalist, it got me thinking again about how important to sales it can be to get the right book cover.

When I choose a book the cover plays only a small part in helping me to decide whether to buy it. Usually, I go to the science fiction, fantasy, or horror section, and unless I've already read a book by an author, it's the back cover blurb that helps me decide. If it excites, teases, or grabs my attention, I'll read the first few lines of the first page. If that does the same thing as the blurb, I'll buy the book. Even if I hate the cover, I'll still buy the book. The only time a cover plays a part in the process is when they sometimes have books facing cover forward, and a startlingly or unique cover draws me in.

I'm not sure if I am in the minority, average, or majority when choosing my books this way, but I have seen instances where the cover has influenced sales. For example, Talli Roland's Hating Game was doing good sales when it first came out but the publisher was concerned it wasn't reaching it's target market. They took the decision to change the cover and the sales immediately increased. She sold four times as many on the first day the new cover was used. So potential readers where judging the book by it's cover.

How about you? Do you judge a book by it's cover? How important a part does the cover play when you choose a book?

If you've published a book or are about to, are you satisfied the cover appeals to your target market? Would you consider changing it if sales weren't as strong as you hoped? Have you changed it? What was the outcome of that change?

Tuesday Teaser (16): The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

2011-06-21T07:00:00.031+01:00

Apologies to anyone looking for the Favourite Book Challenge Blogfest. As I'm still not feeling one hundred per cent, I am no longer taking part.

Today's Tuesday Teaser comes from a book recommended to me by Madeleine at Scribble and Edit. Actually, she put it in my hand and made me buy it. I'm glad she did, though.

Title: The Knife of Never Letting Go
Author: Patrick Ness

Ben says there used to be other settlements scattered around New World, that all the ships landed about the same time, ten years or so before I was born, but that when the war started with the spacks, when the spacks released the germs and all the other settlements were wiped out, that Prentisstown was nearly wiped out, too, that it only survived cuz of Mayor Prentiss's army skills and that even tho Mayor Prentiss is a nightmare coming and going, we at least owe him that, that cuz of him we survive alone on a whole big empty womanless world that ain't got nothing good to say for itself, in a town of 146 men that dies a little more with every day that passes. Cuz men can't take it, can they?

The first thing to say about this book is that there are a lot of long sentences at the beginning. The second is that it features a talking dog. So when I first started reading it yesterday, I was not at all sure I'd like it. Now I'm 162 pages in and don't want to put it down. I need to know more about this strange world, the 13-year old main character Todd, and even his talking dog, Manchee. If you're near a book store, find a copy and read the first few sentences - you'll be hooked.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should be Reading.

Do you have any books you'd like to tease us with?

WIP Update: The Neglectful Author & DOOM

2011-06-19T10:00:00.006+01:00

My friends, Mr. G said something to me Wednesday night that I was dreading hearing: "Since you started writing your novel you've become very serious. It's like you are always thinking about it."

I thought I was doing a great job of not thinking about it all the time. The one thing I don't want to do is neglect our time together, or make him feel as if I'm not really there. I no longer go on the computer in the evenings when I get in from work, and when we have a day off I try not to spend too much time writing or blogging. Obviously, I'm failing.

Now I know Mr. G would never try to stop me writing, and he has been a constant source of support and encouragement. But I don't want him to start feeling resentful either. I guess this is a problem most writers with non-writing partners face, and to a certain extent he'll just have to get used to it if I want to become a full-time writer. But doesn't that make me sound selfish?

Have you experienced this problem? How do you ensure you're not shutting yourself off from the people who really matter?

Changing the subject, the wonderful L.G. Smith passed on the Blog Award Of DOOM to me. I have to admit I did nearly beg for this one; anything to do with DOOM appeals to me. Not quite sure what that says about my state of mind?

The award was created by the fabulous Sarah McCabe, and comes with rules:

When you receive the Blog Award of DOOM your task is to post a short selection of your writing, 100-300 words, in which your favorite character suffers a horrible fate. It can be your favorite character from your own writing or from something you've read, it can be from a finished manuscript, a WIP or something you just made up on the spot. Your choice, but it has to be full of DOOM.
Pass it on to one other blogger and let them know their DOOM has come.
Remember that the person who passed the award on to you also received it as well. Go back to their post to read and comment on their writing sample. Make sure to thank them for sending the DOOM your way.
Whenever you use the word DOOM in your post, you must capitalize the whole thing.

What to choose? For a change, here's a piece of flash fiction.

Coming For You

It is a simple matter of finding your weakness, then charting a path to your withered soul and holding fast.

When I find you I will dig my claws in and smile a joyless grin, and carve names upon your forehead for all to read. Beelzebub. Lucifer. Devil. No one will fail to see the evil hidden within you – it will shine like the death throes of a dying star and reveal the truth of the insidious darkness within your soul. It will envelope you until all that remains is the faint echo of your destruction.

I will take back what was stolen – my life for yours. You won’t be laughing then.

You made me and I’m coming for you.

I'm passing the award onto Madeleine at Scribble and Edit, as I know she will bring her own unique vision and descriptive powers to the word DOOM.

Update 19th June: I had a severe migraine on Friday and ended up in hospital. My long-term blog readers will probably remember I collapsed last November and had to be taken to A & E (ER for my American friends). The same thing happened again at work - I couldn't speak and my left side was weak for several hours. It wasn't a stroke and I've already had an MRI, so it's nothing nastier. I'm okay now, except I feel really weak down my left side still.

I was going to cancel this blog post, but as it was already pre-written I decided to leave it. If you are taking part in The Grapes of Wrath Blogfest, and I haven't visited your entries yet, I promise I will visit them as soon as I feel up to it.

The Grapes Of Wrath Blogfest & Competition

2011-06-17T07:00:00.145+01:00

I'm taking part in The Grapes Of Wrath Blogfest today, hosted by the wonderful Brenda Drake. It features prizes. Really awesome prizes. The winner will receive a professional cover art design by CA Marshall. Can you get a prize much better than that? Two other entrants will also win a surprise.

All you have to do is redesign a book cover - your own or any book you like. It can be funny or dead serious. Sign up to the linky on Brenda's blog, and post it on your blog today.

My entry was inspired by a childhood love of the What Katy Did books - only I added a murderous twist. In my version Katy went on a murderous rampage at boarding school. Think Battle Royale does St. Trinians.

Image purchased from Canstockphoto.com

Don't forget to visit the other participants.

QOTW: Have you ever ignored a book recommendation and regretted it?

2011-06-15T09:00:00.000+01:00

Mr. G doesn't read fiction. Ever. His does read plenty of non-fiction, but here's the strange thing - if I recommend a non-fiction book to him he won't read it. Don't ask me why. Perhaps it's because he thinks it will be like fiction if I've read it. I assure him it's called non-fiction for a reason but he never listens.

A couple of years ago I read The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger. Whilst it is the best-selling account of the Andrea Gail which inspired the Hollywood film, it is so much more than that. Junger writes not only about the crew, but the communities surrounding them, and the brave men and women who put their lives in peril to man the search and rescue missions. I know Mr. G would enjoy this book. I've tried not recommending it and leaving it out, but that doesn't work. There's no fooling him.

The problem is I've done the same thing myself and ignored book recommendations. Sometimes I've given in and tried a book and hated it. Other times I've been left wondering how I could have been so silly as to ignore the book for so long. Was I being stubborn or just stupid? I'm not sure.

Have you ever ignored a book recommendation, only to read it and regret that it took you so long?

Tuesday Teaser (15): Eye In The Sky by Philip K. Dick

2011-06-14T07:00:00.006+01:00

Today's Tuesday Teaser comes from a master of the science fiction genre.

Title: Eye In The Sky
Author: Philip K. Dick

Tiny sun, tiny stars, the great obese blob of an Earth, swollen and bloated, occupying dead center. That was true here - that was the way this universe was run.

This is only the second Philip K. Dick book I've read, after being a little disappointed by Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? To be fair I think my disappointment in the first book was due to seeing Bladerunner numerous times, and the film being somewhat different from the novel.

A work friend has been suggesting I read as many of Dick's books as possible, and given that I ignored his suggestion to read Jasper Fforde's Tuesday Next series for a long time, and then kicked myself for having not listened to him earlier, I decided I ought follow his advice. I found Eye in the Sky in a bargain bookshop and it seemed like a great place to start. I'm three chapters in and finding it an infinitely better read.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should be Reading.

Do you have any books you'd like to tease us with?

WIP Update: Was it something I said?

2011-06-12T14:00:00.000+01:00

"I don't like this ending."

"Don't like it? Why?"

"I died."

"Well, I'm afraid the plot called for it."

"But I was hoping to appear in the sequel."

"We've been over this before - there is no sequel to Dreaming of Sleep."

"That's easy for you to say, but you're not a minor character with aspirations of becoming the main antagonist."

"I'm sorry. I really am."

"What about a part in Cosmic Seed?"

"No."

"Why?"

"Characters can't just move between unrelated novels. Besides, you'd have to travel through time to reach Velika."

"That could be done. You do write science fiction."

"Yes. But it still has to be believable."

"Oh."

"If it helps, you really were one of my favourite characters to write. If you were real, and there was no Mr. G, I might have asked you to perform a level one diagnostic, if you know what I mean. Wink, wink."

"Ah. I . . .I . . .need to check on some of my dialogue in chapter three. Nice talking to you again, Author."

"Damn. Was it something I said?"

Friday Fun: Tagged

2011-06-08T09:00:00.011+01:00

Prolific bloggers and talented writers Denise and Donna K. Weaver have tagged me. There are eight things I have to do for this tag. Here they are:

1. Do you think you're hot?

Well I don't want to give too much away, but the Sun is out, all the windows are open, and I'm naked. Just kidding. It's warm here in South Devon today, so I'm a bit hot.

2. Upload a picture or wallpaper you're using at the moment.

This is the image I cropped and used for Cosmic Seed's mock cover, and it's there to remind me what my new focus is.

3. When was the last time you ate chicken meat?

Last night. Mr. G and I had KFC.

4. The song you listened to recently.

I'll let you in on a little secret. Mr. G is a film score fan and Time Is Like A Dream by Georges Delerue was a big part of the inspiration behind my science-fiction novel Dreaming of Sleep.

5. What were you thinking when you were doing this?

I was lost in the lyrics and haunting vocal, and daydreaming as usual.

6. Do you have nicknames? What are they?

Elliebum or Smelly Ellie are the common names. I'd like to point out I don't have a large bum and I certainly don't smell. Elliebum was the name my stepson gave me when he was young and it's stuck ever since. Smelly Ellie just rhymes.

7. Tag eight bloggers.

Gosh. Has anyone any idea of how many people have already been tagged? A lot. I'm going to list eight and hope they haven't already been tagged:

Maria Zannini
iZombie
Martin T. Ingham
Tony Benson
Dorothy Evans
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Milo James Fowler
Simon Kewin

8. A few questions about your tagged friends . . .

Who's listed as number one?

Maria Zannini is an extradionary science fiction romance writer, who is also generous with her time and support of aspiring writers.

Say something about number five.

I met Dorothy during NaNoWriMo last year and we live in the same town. I was supposed to meet up with her on my last holiday and had to cancel. Sorry, Dorothy.

How did you get to know number three?

I met Martin during the A to Z Challenge and have just finished reading his brilliant sci-fi novel, The Guns Of Mars.

How about number four?

I also met Tony during NaNoWriMo last year and he is a fellow sci-fi writer. Both he and his wife Margo are an inspiration to us all. I'm also a little jealous that they both write fiction; it must be wonderful to have someone there all the time to support and encourage you.

Leave a message for number six.

Just what the heck does the J in Alex J. Cavanaugh stand for?

Leave a lovey-dovey message for number two.

Jeremy and I are husband and wife in an alternate reality, so I'm just reminding him how much I want a pet zombie for my birthday or I'll be contacting a divorce lawyer. Oops . . .that's not really lovey-dovey. Sorry. I don't do those kinds of messages!

Do numbers seven and eight have any similarities?

Milo and Simon run the Write 1 Sub 1 challenge, and are both prolific writers. If you need a weekly shot of motivation, join them on the 2011 W 1 S 1 challenge.

Well, there are my answers. Thank you again to Denise and Donna for tagging me. Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

QOTW: Who inherits the publishing rights to your writing?

2011-06-08T09:00:00.001+01:00

I'm addressing a sensitive topic today - who inherits the publishing rights to your writing should the worst happen?

A few weeks ago I read a newspaper article about Stieg Larrson and the battle for ownership of his writing. It seems Larrson died without leaving a will that stated his partner, Eva Gabrielsson, should inherit publishing rights. Because he was not married to his partner of 32 years it passed to his legal next of kin - his brother and father. This means Gabrielsson has not benefited financially from the huge success of his novels.

My situation is quite similar to Larrson. Mr. G and I are not married (I can call him Mr. G because his surname is Grant), and because I was fostered, I have no contact with my biological family. Legally my next of kin are my brother, who I've never met, and my sister who I have not seen in ten years. There is no way I want either to inherit publishing rights to my work.

It seems clear to me I need to make provision in my will to address this issue, so that Mr. G would inherit the rights should I pass away. However, it would also be prudent to name another person, should Mr. G already be dead. At this stage I have no idea who.

All this might seem morbid and perhaps a little egotistical - after all, I've not yet published a novel. But is it? Have you asked yourself who would inherit the publishing rights should you die? Is there provision in your will to ensure the right person or people benefit?

I recognise this is a difficult and very personal matter, so I'm not looking for people to tell me the contents of their wills, rather to highlight a topic you may not yet have considered important enough to address. Maybe you are like a lot of people I know, who won't make a will for fear of tempting death. Maybe you believe the worst will never happen. Unfortunately, it can.

I will be back on Friday, when I promise the post will be more light-hearted.

Tuesday Teaser (14): The Guns Of Mars by Martin T. Ingham

2011-06-07T13:00:00.001+01:00

Today's Tuesday Teaser comes from a science fiction writer I met during this year's A to Z Challenge.

Title: The Guns Of Mars
Author: Martin T. Ingham

"When the time is right, the Martian colonies are going to declare their Independence from their Earth governments. Those of us on Villas Colony, and our counterparts here at Eridania, shall forge the basis of a new utopia," she said with rapture.

"How will you get our people on board? Teleport all thirty thousand colonists?"

I had several reasons for choosing this book: I was thrilled to find Martin Ingham, another science fiction writer and kindred spirit if you like. I'd also seen The Guns Of Mars whilst submitting short stories to various Pill Hill Press anthologies, and was planning to read a few of their novels to see if the standard was as high as for their anthologies. It seemed logical therefore to read Martin's book first.

I started reading it last night and I couldn't put it down - I'm already a third of the way through. I don't usually spend more than hour or two reading at a time, so for me to be this far into a book in just one sitting says a tremendous amount about how much I am enjoying it. The Guns Of Mars is the kind of sci-fi novel I want to write and see published, and I highly recommend it to all science fiction fans.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should be Reading.

Do you have any books or stories you'd like to tease us with?

Second Summer in the City Blogfest

2011-06-06T11:00:00.006+01:00

If you are looking for the It's All Fun & Games Blogfest, please see the blog post immediately before this one.

I haven't moved to a big city and there's no Central Park where I live, but when I read this on Bess Weatherby's blog, 'All I knew was that I needed a job, I wanted to write, and New York seemed like the place to go,' and her plans to celebrate her one-year anniversary in New York, I knew I wanted to share some of her passion and take part in the Second Summer in the City Blogfest. Plus, I might not have a large park but I do have a two-mile stretch of beach to spend my summer on.

The rules for the blogfest are:

Sign up
Follow her blog
On June 6, post two things: what your current WIP looks like and what your writing goals are for the summer

Sounds like a fun way to set some achievable writing goals, doesn't it?

My current WIP

At 73,259 words, I am 81% through writing the first draft of my science fiction NaNoWriMo novel, Dreaming of Sleep. This is my first attempt at writing a novel, and I've made plenty of mistakes along the way and learnt an incredible amount.

I know now that whilst I cannot 'pants' may way through a novel, with no real idea of the plot, too much plotting stifles my creative juices. Writing for me is an organic process - chapter by chapter, scene by scene, the characters themselves telling the story, and it would be unwise to ignore them. Writing Dreaming of Sleep has almost felt like it had two identities - the limitless free version I should be writing and it's awkward pre-plotted sister.

When I reach the 90,000 word limit, Dreaming of Sleep will be temporarily shelved. I'm not giving up on it; I've decided to focus my attention on the novel I feel most passionate about and wish to see published first, Cosmic Seed. I'm also hoping the lessons I've learnt from Dreaming of Sleep will help make it a better novel.

My writing goals for the summer

As my regular readers will know, from the 4th September I will be on a 12-week break from work to write the first book in my Cosmic Seed Trilogy. I do not intend to start writing it before then, rather I am going to use the next 12 weeks to prepare myself for my work break. I'd also like to enjoy the summer weather (safely), when work commitments don't prevent me from visiting the beach and the beautiful Devon countryside.

My writing goals are:

Complete the first draft of Dreaming of Sleep.
Create a collage for Cosmic Seed, include a mock cover, back cover blurb, and tagline.
Start a file for all ideas relating to Cosmic seed - characters, world building, scenes, and so on.
Complete or re-write all outstanding short stories, and submit them to appropriate markets.
Continue with my Write 1 Sub 1 monthly challenge.

So, those are my summer writing goals. I hope you enjoyed reading them and I'm looking forward to reading yours. Don't forget to visit the other participants.

It's All Fun & Games Blogfest

2011-06-06T10:55:00.004+01:00

"Two blogfests in one day?", I hear you say. Resistance is futile when it comes to the mighty Alex J. Cavanaugh. The date is June 6th. The place is Bloggerland. The blogfest is It's All Fun & Games. Here's how to take part:

List your three most favourite games and why. Board games, card games, RPG, video games, physical games, drinking games - even mind games! If it's a game you enjoy playing, it's worth sharing.

Drinking games, eh? Mind games? Muhahaha. Here are my top three games:

Fizz Buzz

I'm sure most of you have played a version of this drinking game during
your younger years - it has been many, many years since I played Fizz Buzz, but what joyful memories of friendship and hangovers it brings back.

The object of the game is for a group of friends (four or more is better) to count from one onwards, going around the group. Except for the number three and multiples of three, you must say fizz. For the number five and multiples of five, you must say buzz. Anyone who says the number, and not fizz or buzz, must have a drink.

For example group members should count out the following: one, two, fizz, four, buzz, fizz, seven, eight, fizz, buzz. Seems easy enough, doesn't it? It's not. The more answers you get wrong, the more drinks you have, and the harder it gets to say the right answer. Eventually you have to give up.

The Café Game

Given that I'm a writer, and therefore listen avidly to other people's conversations, you might think it's a bit hypercritical when I say nothing annoys me more than people listening in on mine. I'm like that sometimes. Anyway, Mr. G and I devised The Café Game to stop people ear-wigging, which works something like this:

You notice two old ladies are listening in on your private conversation and Café Game rules insist you must make them leave without asking them to. So you ask Mr. G how his rash is these days. Mr. G states that it is as virulent and contagious as ever. "In fact", he say, whilst pointing at his tea cup, "if the café staff did not ensure his cup was thoroughly cleaned there was a risk of another customer catching the virus." The two old ladies, looking suitably alarmed, leave. Game successfully completed.

As you can imagine, there is plenty of scope for other versions of this game - Bar Stool Game, Front Of The Queue Game, and Swimming Lane To Yourself Game are quite handy.

Horace Goes Skiing

Who remembers the Commodore 64 and Horace Goes Skiing? I thought it was the best thing ever. Little Horace, barely a few pixels in size, trying to cross a busy road and navigate a ski course. To a teenager growing up in the non-computing era, it was amazing. Even better, if you got hold of the right manual, you could programme your own games. It usually took several hours and rarely worked, but how clever you thought you were when it did.

So those are my three favourite games. I hope you won't be too alarmed by the second. I'll leave you with my friend Horace and some witty commentary.

Don't forget to visit the other participants.

WIP Update: Pantsers CAN Prep

2011-06-05T12:00:00.009+01:00

Post-it Heaven For Stationery Addicts

When it comes to writing I am an unashamed pantser. I do the minimum amount of plotting required and let the story write itself. For me, writing is an organic process. If I work out all the elements in detail - plot, chapters, scenes - the writing that follows feels awkward and forced.

With my first novel, Dreaming Of Sleep, I spent two days during the second week of NaNoWriMo working out a detailed plot. I did the opposite to when I write a short story because I discovered writing a novel is a lot harder; there are so many elements to balance, such as characters and timelines. I've been trying to work from that plot ever since but it has never felt a comfortable process. I do not want to repeat this method with my Cosmic Seed trilogy.

I have a basic idea of the plot for all three books - where I want them to start and finish. I know who most of the main and minor characters are for the first book, but I could fit all this information onto two sides of paper. My instinct is telling me not to plot Cosmic Seed in detail; my rational brain is telling me to find other ways to prepare or I'll mess up.

These are some of the ideas I've had so far:

Create a mock cover (done).
Write a back cover blurb (working on).
Write a tagline.
Create a collage of visual and written prompts, including the mock cover and blurb.
Start a file or notebook for all ideas related to the book(s). Sub-divide into key elements - plot, characters, and so on.
Get to know my characters by asking them questions. Create a character C.V.
World build. As the two planets of Velika and Vita are central to the first book, get a detailed picture of what both worlds are like. How alien are they to Earth? How different are they from each other?

Are you a pantser, a plotter, or something in between? Do you know of any other ways a pantser can prepare without stifling their creativity?

Friday Fun: Blogger Problem Resolved & Dust Elimination

2011-06-03T08:00:00.019+01:00

A huge thank you to Belle for suggesting I download Google Chrome to solve my blogging problems. I have, and I can now comment. Hurrah.

So on with today's blog post: The Write Steps To Dust Elimination

The Slipper Genie

You know you want a pair!

Ignore dust until it reaches letter-tracing levels.
Use sleeve of top to make a token effort to wipe it away.
Calculate the time it would take to get up from chair, walk over to cleaning supplies, and bring them back, as being greater than the time needed to calculate the time it would take and thus decide it would take too long.
Decide that as dead skin accounts for 80% of all dust, it would be easier if humans had reptilian skin, which they would shed just once a year. Then realise it would not be ideal for the whole population of a country to shed their skin at the same time, as other countries might take advantage of the populations' indisposed state. Worse still, if the whole of Earth's population shed their skin at the same time aliens could invade.
Forget about the dust; you've now got a brilliant new story featuring reptilian humans and alien invaders to write.

Any one else experience moments like this?

QOTW: Hollywood Haiku Runner-up! Do you Haiku?

2011-06-01T08:15:00.001+01:00

I had a wonderful surprise waiting for me yesterday afternoon when I read my emails - one of my entries was a runner-up for the Best For Film Hollywood Haiku Competition. Even more thrilling was that my friend and fellow blogger, Madeleine Maddocks, was also a runner-up.

Madeleine is the person I credit for inspiring me to write Haikus, and even took the time to let me know about the competition. She also takes part in a weekly Haiku meme, Sensational Haiku Wednesday.

The way in which the competition was run, and the professionalism of the Best For Film site, was a refreshing experience - I've entered competitions where little was communicated after it had ended, and even been left wondering which of my entries made it through certain rounds. Should they hold any further competitions, I shall definitely be entering.

You can read both our runner-up entries here.

Do you Haiku? I would love to read about your experiences with this form of Japanese poetry, and any places you have submitted it to.

If you haven't, what about it has put you off trying?

Tuesday Teaser (13): Touch Of Fire by Maria Zannini

2011-05-31T07:00:00.036+01:00

Today's Tuesday Teaser comes from a writer I've been fortunate enough to discover through blogging.

Title: Touch Of Fire
Author: Maria Zannini

She'd seen plenty of men naked. But this one was all sinew and snarl, daring her to turn him away.

So, I should admit that I don't usually like reading books about magic, witches, priestesses, and so forth; what I would call, probably unfairly, the swords and sandals genre. However, after reading True Believers - a science fiction romance - I was in no doubt I would enjoy Touch Of Fire and the newly published sequel, Apocalypse Rising. Zannini's books are exciting, sexy, and fun to read. True Believers was the first book I downloaded on my Kindle, taking me just two days to read. If you haven't read this author before, you won't be disappointed.

Check out the stunning cover for the sequel Apocalypse Rising, and for True Believers:

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should be Reading.

Do you have any books or stories you'd like to tease us with?

WIP Update: Birthing The First Novel - A Decision Made

2011-05-29T13:30:00.005+01:00

After much thought, consideration of my fellow bloggers advice, chocolate,
and some hair-pulling, I've finally made up my mind which novel will get my full attention come September.

It isn't Dreaming of Sleep. Whilst I will be using the next 14 weeks to complete my first draft of this book, and finish both my own and Myron's journey, I've still got that constant gnawing feeling - call it gut instinct - telling me it is too dark and too complicated - the central theme and plot rely to heavily on hard science for my liking. It isn't fantastical enough. It is more about an idea than the characters, and I don't like that. However, I do agree with all those who urged me to finish it. It needs to be written, and there is no reason why I can't come back to it in the future.

The novel I will be writing, and preparing for over the next 14 weeks, will be Cosmic Seed. A lot of you asked me which one I was passionate about, and this is the one. It's a bit like experiencing my first crush; I keep getting that excited nervous-sensation every time I think about it, which I have not had with Dreaming of Sleep. I already have a rough idea for the plots of all three novels in the trilogy, and I'm also hoping that if the first one is accepted for publication there will be more chance of publishing the second and third.

So, there it is. The decision has finally been made. My aim during my 12-week work break will be to write and edit Cosmic Seed, and then submit it to Maria Zannini for the manuscript critique I won earlier in the year.

I am working on my back cover blurb and will post it soon. In the mean time, here is my mock cover for those who haven't seen it before:

What was the toughest writing decision you've ever had to make?

Power Of Tension Blogfest: Cosmic Seed Trilogy

2011-05-27T00:01:00.013+01:00

There is no Friday Five today, as I'm taking part in a blogfest. The Power Of Tension Blogfest, hosted by Rachel Morgan and Cally Jackson, asks you to 'Give an excerpt (up to 300 words) from your manuscript or recently completed work (or just a random scene) that just drips with tension and will tie us up in knots wanting to know more. It doesn’t matter what the piece is about, as long as it screams tension.'

The blogfest runs from the 23rd to 27th May and also includes a chance to win one of three awesome prizes, two of which include a 1st Chapter beta read. To read other entries and/or sign up, click here.

Whilst continuing to write my science fiction WIP, Dreaming of Sleep, I've been making notes for a science fiction trilogy set on the alien worlds of Velika and Vita. The following is a first draft extract from the first book in the trilogy, Cosmic Seed:

“We have a problem, Professor.”

Kaylan looked up to see Captain Talcada, the only male officer serving aboard the Baylaa, clutching a red report. Red meant only one thing – mission abort.

Kaylan sighed. She’d hoped that Bria would not let her, and her people, down. “What happened this time?”

“She's joined the others.”

“Again?”

“Yes.”

“And she didn’t take the termination pill?”

“No.”

“I'm beginning to think this will never work.”

“We should be terminating them ourselves, Professor. As long as we leave Velikians on the planet, they will continue to work against us.”

“No. They have a right to life, no matter what that life might be. And without the means to leave Vita, how can they threaten the outcome of the mission?”

“It's not about the threat; it's about the numbers. We have gathered only a quarter of seed stocks needed, and already gone three months over schedule. My crew and I want to go home, and soon.”

“So, this is about your discomfort. Their lives are irrelevant?”

The Captain leaned forward and pointed the report accusingly in her direction. “This is about doing what is right for Velika. I too grieve for those who will be lost in the process, but neither of us can afford to become emotionally involved no matter who the candidates are.”

Kaylan stared at the Captain, who, like others of his sex, had been forced to push aside any thoughts of procreation and allow alien DNA to re-populate his species, and wondered if he really understood just how important Bria was.

“The day may arrive when those left behind will need to be eliminated to ensure Velika's survival but we haven’t reached that point. Not yet.”

“Well, we will just have to see what the Council have to say about it. Won't we?"

300 words.

Thank you to Rachel and Cally for hosting this awesome blogfest. As always, I'd love to know what you think of it, good or bad.

QOTW: Blogaversary! How did your blogging adventure begin?

2011-05-25T12:00:00.077+01:00

Today is my one-year blogaversary! I've been blogging for a whole year, and I've loved every moment of it. I would not change a thing. Well, except for being better at balancing my time.

Feeling rather nostalgic, I went back to my first blog post. After re-reading it, I thought back to how no one commented on it and the next two blog posts; how I had no followers and no real idea of what blogging really meant.

Then I discovered Microfiction Monday and found the point of blogging - sharing my ongoing writing adventures with new life forms and civilisations ...I mean new people ...exploring new writing worlds and going where no woman ...I mean many aspiring writers have been before. My blogging adventure had begun. Taking part in the weekly meme helped me to find other like-minded people and for them to find me, and I'd recommend any new bloggers to do the same.

Now don your party hats and raise your glasses, because I'd like to thank everyone who has visited my blog, supported me, and given me the courage to follow my dreams over the last year. My fellow bloggers and writers, you are the point of blogging, and I salute you.

So, how did your blogging adventure begin?

Tuesday Teaser (12): A Wrinkle In Time & Babel-17

2011-05-24T07:00:00.014+01:00

As I missed Tuesday Teaser last week, I'm giving you two teasers today. The first is from the book I read last week:

Title: A Wrinkle In Time
Author: Madeleine L'Engle

'They are very young. And on their Earth, as they call it, they never communicate with other planets. They revolve about all alone in space.'

'Oh,' the thin beast said. 'Aren't they lonely?'

A Wrinkle In Time is a science fiction fantasy book and the winner of several awards. What I admired about the author was the way she created such distinct voices for the characters. The other thing to note is that the book is full of adverbs - something we are advised to avoid in our writing - yet someone how it works; the adverbs do not distract from the brilliance of the story.

The second teaser is from this week's read:

Title: Babel-17
Author: Samuel R. Delany

'It isn't a language of the Alliance. I want to find out who speaks this language - because I want to find out who, or what, in the Universe thinks that way.'

Babel-17 was the 1966 Nebula Award winner (Delany won again in '67 with The Einstein Intersection) and from only reading a few pages, I can see why. This is a science fiction book about language, and how the use and context of words shape our understanding of the world, or, as in this case, the Universe.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should be Reading.

Do you have any books or stories you'd like to tease us with?

WIP Update: Beating The No-win Scenario

2011-05-22T10:45:00.004+01:00

I don't believe in the no-win scenario. If Captain Kirk could beat the Kobayashi Maru test, I can write a book and be published. But you might ask, "Didn't Kirk beat the test by cheating; by re-programming the parameters of the test? And wasn't the Kobayashi Maru really a test of how a person reacts in the face of certain defeat?"

Traditionally, a writer would seek a publishing deal with a major publishing house. If they were fortunate enough to secure such a deal and their book was published, they were considered to be a proper writer. Those who self-published were seen as nothing more than vanity writers. You might say they cheated the system, and as such they were looked down upon by the writing world.

Times have changed. With the coming of computers, the Internet, websites, blogging, ebooks, Kindles, iPhones, iPads, Twitter, Facebook, a plethora of digital publication formats and new medias for self-promotion has arrived. With this has come the ability to submit your writing to markets that were just not there or unavailable to writers as little as 15 years ago. Writers can even choose to circumvent the traditional publishing route and take complete control of their work, and many writers are doing just that and making a good living from it.

But are they cheating? Do you still see a distinction between those who self-publish and those who have a traditional publishing contract, or is the line starting to blur?

In my opinion the line is blurring. Self-published books are accepted and do sell. Of course along with that acceptance sometimes comes a drop in quality. If you are going to self-publish, you must be able to write. You do need the services of critique partners, beta-readers, and a good editor. You will need to pay for a quality cover and ensure you use a reputable printing house. All these things should be ignored at your peril.

Personally, I still want a publishing contract. Not because I disapprove of self-publishing or that I'm unprepared to do the work to ensure my novel is fit for publication; I want the security of knowing my work was chosen by an editor and considered worthy of publication.

But what if I did decide to self-publish? Would I be avoiding facing up to failure just like Kirk? Would I be shielding myself from rejection?

These are tough questions but as writers we should all be answering them, because how we answer could determine the rest of our writing careers. Do you want a traditional publishing contract or are you brave enough to cross the line? If you have already been published, which route did you take?

Live long and publish.

Friday Five: Want a peek at where I live?

2011-05-20T19:28:00.003+01:00

I'm back. The last five days have been exhausting, sleep-deprived, and a little fractious at times. Mr. G and I have painted and glossed, nailed down creaking floorboards, and hoovered up more dust and sand then I thought possible. But it was worth every moment, because now we have gleaming walls and new carpets.

Here are five things I learnt in the last week:

I can paint, contrary to Mr. G's protests that I couldn't.
We have far too many possessions.
I won't be wearing my short dress to the party Saturday night as my legs are covered in bruises from all the decorating and I'm now wearing a knee support on my right leg.
There is such a thing as too many chips in one week. I also find it concerning that we know all the Dock's Cafe staff by name and they don't need to ask for our order any more.
Having your own writing area really does motivate and inspire you.

As promised, here is a peek of where I live:

My new writing area. As you can see I don't go for the minimalistic look. There is room to leave my laptop out on the far right of the desk; so much better then having to put it away every day.

The house our flat is in. The four front windows belong to use, and the flat stretches around the right hand side of the building.

The Exe Estuary at sunset.

The Beach. See. I do exist outside of Cyberspace.

I hope you all had a fantastic week. I've missed everybody and will be catching up with my blog reading over the weekend. If you get a chance, check out my Hollywood Haiku competition entries here and here.

Hollywood Haiku #2: The War Of The Worlds

2011-05-20T19:22:00.001+01:00

Thank you again to Madeleine at Scribble and Edit for texting me about the Hollywood Haikus Blogging Competition during the week.

Here is entry #2:

The War Of The Worlds by Ellie Garratt

Tripods came from Mars
Their minds immeasurable
Earth held it's own cure

This is an entry for the Best For Film Hollywood Haikus blogging competition. Enter now. Read Hollywood Haiku #1 here.

Hollywood Haiku #1: The Wrath Of Khan

2011-05-20T19:21:00.001+01:00

Thank you to Madeleine at Scribble and Edit for texting me about the Hollywood Haikus Blogging Competition during the week. It was torturous not being able to really think about and post my entries until today.

Here is entry #1:

The Wrath Of Khan by Ellie Garratt

Needs of the many
Superior Intellect
Spock gives life for friends

This is an entry for the Best For Film Hollywood Haikus blogging competition. Enter now. Read Hollywood Haiku #2 here.

WIP Update: Who Let The Blogger Gremlins Out?

2011-05-14T07:00:00.007+01:00

I think it was me. I tempted fate by mentioning Gremlins in my Wednesday post and giving my Sunday 15th WIP post the title 'Normal Services Will Be Suspended'. I apologise.

Wasn't yesterday fun? I logged on early morning to finish writing my Friday Five post and found I couldn't access my blog account. When I returned home from work late evening I found the problem was fixed but I was too tired to finish my post. So, I've skipped straight to be my Sunday WIP post, which you are getting today. Confused? I am.

I'm taking a break from blogging next week. Mr. G and I are on holiday from 5pm today and have some major household changes going on next week. On Wednesday and Thursday, we are having new carpets going down throughout the entire flat. Before that can happen we need to finish ripping out all the old carpet, screw down all the loose floorboards, treat the lounge floorboards for carpet moths (don't ask; it's an old building), finish painting the lounge and hallway ceilings, and finally pack everything away for the carpet layers. Gosh. Even typing this is making me feel exhausted.

Friday will be a day off for good behaviour. On Saturday we have my sister-in-law's 40th birthday party and I think it will be one of those get-home-in-the-early-hours parties. So, I may be a little worse for wear on Sunday. In the interests of readability, I promise to either write my Sunday post before the party or at least after several cups of coffee Sunday morning.

Have a great week blogging friends.

QOTW: How Do You Stop The Grammar Gremlins?

2011-05-11T07:00:00.048+01:00

The Muse has undergone a recent transformation.

I don't usually do pity posts but I'm cross with myself for having missed an error in a recent submission. It isn't the first time this has happened, so I try to be as thorough as possible about checking and re-checking my work before submitting. So why do I still occasionally miss them?

My most common mistakes are using the wrong word and not eliminating all the unnecessary words during a re-edit. These types of mistakes are nearly always spotted before submitting, though sometimes I spot them when I'm sent the proof by the editor to check. But occasionally one still slips through and when that happens I tell myself I'm not a proper writer. I convince myself a real writer would make no errors and that I must be a fraud.

Does this happen to you? Have you got tried and tested methods for spotting and eliminating mistakes? Do you rely on someone else, such as your editor or critique partner, as the final line of defence?

How do you stop the Grammar Gremlins?

Tuesday Teaser (11): The Female Man & Dining In Hell

2011-05-10T07:00:00.099+01:00

Today's Tuesday Teaser is from the Science Fiction Masterworks series I'm working my way through, and was written in 1975.

Title: The Female Man
Author: Joanna Russ

I turned into a man.
I had been a man before, but only briefly and in a crowd.

What intrigues me about this book is that it deals with gender and parallel worlds; one society with an alternate history to our own, the other where there is only one sex - the female man. My WIP Cosmic Seed also deals with the blurring of genders, so The Female Man will be an interesting read.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read.
Open to a random page.
Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others.
Share the title and author too so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers.

Today's WIP Teaser is from Dining In Hell, which at 8850 words is the longest short story I've written.

“Now look here, Ruskie. I don’t know and don’t care why you and these . . .these people are here and why none of them are eating and why there’s a sign advertising the end of the world, but what I do want is some answers to some of my questions. Where is your underground bunker and how do you get us in there?” Hank waved the gun around in front of Oleg’s face and, as an afterthought, remembered to release the safety. This was not going to end well.

Dining In Hell is part of Wicked East Press's A Wicked Bag of Horror Tales Anthology and was published last week. The way the anthology came together was unusual. Each writer was asked to submit a horror story prompt and was then given someone else's prompt. The prompt I was given was, 'The run-down diner on a lost highway holds the horror within.' The final twist was that you had to write yourself into the story. The MC in my story is called Ellie and is English. Although she is quite different to me, I'd like to think I would have her survival instincts if I was ever faced with the horrors she experienced.

Do you have any books or stories you'd like to tease us with?

WIP Update: Choosing The Right Project

2011-05-08T12:00:00.008+01:00

Before I talk about my WIP, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all those who commented on my New Blogging Schedule and Life-changing News post. I created a special award last year for those who comment on my blog and if you haven't already received it, I'm bestowing it upon you now.

I would also like to thank the following bloggers for giving me awards: Huntress for the Blog On Fire Award; Madeleine for the Fearless Follower Award; and Josh Hoyt and Marian Allen for The Stylish Blogger Award. If you haven't already visited their blogs, please do - you won't be disappointed.

WIP Update:

As you now know, from the 4th September I will be taking a 12-week break from work to concentrate on my writing. I have 17 weeks to plan and prepare. My biggest question at the moment is which novel do I write? I have four novel ideas, ranging from already writing to a rough outline.

Dreaming of Sleep is science fiction. I've already written 67,000 words, so it makes sense to use the 12 weeks to complete and edit it. However, I don't have the ending yet and I am worried it is too dark. It does have a romantic element to it though, and I'm torn between keeping it dark or making it lighter.

The Devil's Song is horror, and I've written just under 18,000 words. It is also fully plotted; I know every scene and how it will end. However, the POV is first person and there are several, including an unknown POV who is revealed towards the end. Is it too complicated for my first novel? Also, I'm concerned about which genre I want to hopefully be first published in. My instinct tells me it should be science fiction, though I do love horror.

Cosmic Seed (formerly Seeds of Change) is science fiction bordering on fantasy. It deals with a dying planet and its attempts to re-populate its species using alien DNA. I have a rough plot outlined and would see this as the first in a trilogy (I have an idea what direction the second and third books would take).

The Alternate (provisional title) is an alternate reality YA novel with a twist, which is in the early stages of development. The basic premise is what if in the MC's world alternate realities are accepted as the norm? Adults can move between alternate realities with ease but children are barred from crossing over. What if the teenage MC's doppelganger is in danger and only the MC can help her? How far would she go in order to save her other self?

So those are my four novel ideas. What do you think of them? Am I making the decision too complicated by dreaming up new novel ideas? Does it really matter which genre I'm first published in? As always, I would really appreciate your advice.

Friday Five: Foods Writers Are Most Likely To Eat

2011-05-06T07:00:00.038+01:00

Let me start this post by saying I have strange dreams. Okay. Now you can read on.

Have you ever watched Family Fortunes? It's the game show where contestants from the same family are asked to pick the most common answers to a survey. For example, they might have surveyed a group of people and asked them to name items most commonly associated with Easter. The family members then take it in turns to guess the responses. Points are awarded for not only the correct answers but how popular the answer was in the survey. So if 80 out of the 100 surveyed answered eggs, and a family member guessed eggs, they win the round.

I dreamt I was on the game show earlier in the week and that the survey was 'Foods writers are most likely to eat'. I was with my mum and dad, and was the first to answer. For some reason I couldn't think of any item of food or drink. Nothing. I woke up cursing myself - the obvious answer was coffee.

As often happens after such dreams, I started thinking about what my guesses should have been. Here they are, starting with the most popular response:

1. Coffee
2. Wine
3. Chocolate
4. Muffins
5. Doughnuts

What five items would be on your list?

New Blog Schedule and Life-changing News

2011-05-04T07:00:00.062+01:00

If you look to the right you'll notice my blogging schedule has changed slightly. I am cutting down on the number of blog posts I write per week to allow more time for writing. My new schedule looks like this:

Tuesday - Tuesday Teaser
Wednesday - Question of the Week
Friday - Friday Five
Sunday - Work In Progress Update

I am not someone who can naturally multitask, giving my attention to several projects at the same time. You could say I'm an all-or-nothing kind of person, which is why I loved the A to Z Challenge so much. With that in mind, and my news I will reveal in a moment, I am turning my full attention to writing my novels. Whilst I will continue to blog - I couldn't go on writing without all your support - I am changing from the weekly to monthly Write 1 Sub 1 2011 challenge, which means I will only be writing one new short story per month. Also, I will no longer be taking part in Book Blurb Friday. I'd like to thank Lisa Ricard Claro for hosting the BBF meme - I'll still be there cheering from the sidelines.

Now for my exciting and potentially life-changing news:

I'm hoping this is how I'll look come September.

From September 4th I shall be taking a three month break from work to become a full time writer. For 12 whole weeks I will be concentrating all my efforts on my one of my novels without the distraction of work. I cannot begin to tell you how excited and emotional I am at the prospect, and, above all, thrilled that Mr. G believes in me enough to not raise a single objection against it.

So far I have only told family, close friends, and a few work colleagues. Apart from a couple of comments that I'm sure weren't meant to cause offence, they have all been happy and excited for me. When someone tells you they think it would be funny if you couldn't think of a single word to write during those 12 weeks you just have to laugh and curse under your breath. I guess there will always be doubters.

Over the next 18 weeks (I've started counting them down already) I'm going to be asking a lot of questions of myself and my works-in-progress, not least, which one should I concentrate on during my break? No doubt I'll be asking you all for advice on many occasions. So I want to reiterate how much all your comments mean to me, and believe me when I say I know that without them I would have given up by now. I cannot begin to re-pay you for all your support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Tuesday Teaser (10): Touched By An Alien & The Letter

2011-05-03T07:00:00.057+01:00

Today's Tuesday Teaser is from a book I've seen mentioned on countless blogs and Twitter posts, such is it's popularity.

Title: Touched By An Alien
Author: Gini Koch

"You know that's a crime I can be jailed for in this state? Being the wrong sex in the bathroom?"
"Humans have weird laws."

I was hooked by the humour on the back cover blurb as well: In hindsight, Kitty realized she probably should have panicked and run screaming the way everyone around her was doing. Instead she got mad, searched her purse for a weapon, and, armed with a Mont Blanc pen, sprinted into action to take down the alien.

I've cheated by giving you an extra teaser but I had to share that part of the blurb with you - it was what made me buy the book.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read.
Open to a random page.
Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others.
Share the title and author too so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers.

Today's WIP Teaser is from a story called The Letter, which has just been published by Wicked East Press in their A Cup of Joe: Coffee House Flash Fiction Anthology. As writers, I'm sure we all love each and every one of our stories, but this one, written over a year ago, is a particular favourite of mine.

If someone had told me a year go I would be given a cure for truth, I would have said they were lying - funny how much your life can change.

Are there any books or stories you'd like to tease us with?

A to Z Reflections & 300 Followers Competition Winner

2011-05-02T07:00:00.005+01:00

Thank you to Elizabeth Mueller for the award.

The A to Z Challenge has come to an end and I shall miss it. I've made lots of new blogging friends and gained over a hundred followers. I've read posts that brought tears to my eyes, others that made me laugh, even spitting out my coffee on a few occasions. I pondered topics such as beginning of the Universe and whether a Kindle could really replace my beloved books. I learnt about other bloggers lives and even more about the life of writing.

If there was one negative point about the challenge, it was that due to the large number taking part, I didn't get around to visiting every entrants blog. I feel truly sad about this and if you were one of the blogs I never visited, please accept my apologies.

To my fellow A to Z'ers, Arlee Bird, and the other bloggers who helped to run the challenge, I salute you.

Now for the big prize announcement. Using Random.org, the winner of my 300 Followers Competition and a prize of $40 (£30) in Amazon vouchers is:

Old Kitty.

As you may have noticed I also passed 400 followers during the challenge and so it seems only fitting that I should offer another prize to celebrate. But what? I asked myself. After much thought I decided the prize should be a copy of the 2013: The Aftermath anthology in which my piece of flash fiction, Hometown, appears.

Using Random.org again, the winner is:

Simon Kewin.

Congratulations to you both. I will contact you shortly to arrange your prizes.

Don't forget to visit my blog on Wednesday, I have some exciting news to share with you.

Aha. Butterfly, Butterfly!

2011-05-01T07:00:00.090+01:00

Today is the first day of Arlee Bird's A to Z Challenge. It isn't? When Ellie said yesterday was the last day, she really meant it? Nooooooooo. What is a muse to do now?

Whilst I go sob in the corner, here's something from a band beginning with A that are sadly no more, singing a stunning song beginning with B. Can you see where I was going with this? Ellie would have been so proud.

Crank up the volume - Morton Harket, Paul Waatkaar-Savoy, and Magne Furuholmen deserve no less.

Make sure you call back tomorrow - The Author has two competition winners to announce, and on Wednesday she will be sharing some life-changing news with you. I'm not allowed to tell you what it is but I think I'm more excited then she is.

Zen & The End Of A Challenge (A to Z = Z)

2011-04-30T07:00:00.028+01:00

A few tears will be shed today,

to mark then end of our writing zen foray.

The Arlee Bird challenge has come to an end,

no more sending our friends and family around the bend.

It seems an eternity ago,

since a distant Z first produced a faint glow.

When we began stalking the alphabet with a hopeful glee,

trawling other blogs to have a look-see.

Some of us were pantsers and others planners,

all of us trying to keep up with our blogging manners.

We made friends and laughed a lot,

and some of us cried or not.

This year we were over a thousand,

next year one million could be abound.

We'll be back for another April blogging marathon,

and perhaps we'll even have our own special challenge song.

So it's goodbye from me and and goodbye from thee,

See you on Sunday when I'll be back chasing aliens for a modest fee.

Thank you, Arlee!

Yay! Y'm Yack! (A to Z = Y)

2011-04-29T07:00:00.038+01:00

Yodel - Ay - EEE - Oooo. Yodel - Ay - EEE - Oooo.

Yhank you yor your yessages yf yupport. Yere ys yhis yeek's Yriday Yive!*

Yodel. Type of wordless singing, joyous in nature, usually associated with the Swiss or aspiring authors.
Yeti. The Abominable Snowman. Last seen near Yellowstone, I think.
Yokel. Person who yodels at seagulls, tourists, and aspiring authors.
Yacht. Something the Muse hopes to own one day.
Yoch Ness Monster. Cousin of the Loch Ness Monster, only yellow in colour and often the favourite pet of authors.

Does anybody know what happened to me yesterday? I remember a wormhole on Wednesday, the police turning up before work on Thursday, being teleported to CassaStar**, and then I was back here.

*Literary Police translation: Thank you for your messages of support. Here is this week's Friday Five.
** CassaStar was amazing. Please don't tell Alex though, he may be a bit peeved I got there before him.

Book Blurb Friday (9): Life Through Tinted Glasses

2011-04-29T06:55:00.001+01:00

Today is week eight of Lisa Ricard Claro's inspirational meme, Book Blurb Friday. The object of this meme is to take the cover image Lisa provides and write the back cover blurb you feel belongs to the book, in 150 words or less. Pop over to Lisa's blog to find out more and to visit the other entries.

Here is this week's image and my back cover blurb:

'I entered the space programme wearing rose-tinted glasses, believing astronauts to be infallible. I was wrong.' Ellie Garratt, 2019.

From the moment Garratt entered the European 2011 Space Explorer Program there was only one destination she had in mind - Mars. Read her incredible journey from RAF Fighter Pilot to astronaut in training, and her eventual acceptance on to the doomed 2018 Mars One Mission.

In this startlingly frank book she lifts the veil of silence surrounding the tragic death of her fellow astronauts and explains how she alone survived the perilous journey back to Earth. With indisputable factual evidence she counters the many conspiracy theories that surrounded her safe return and pays tribute to the five men and women who paid the ultimate price in the name of space exploration.

What book do you see when you look at the image?

eXterminated (A to Z = X)

2011-04-28T07:00:00.040+01:00

The author known as Ellie has been eXterminated for her own good. In eXtreme circumstances she may be permitted to re-emerge from time to time.

Xavier,

Chief of Literary Police,

Blogging Division.

Written appeals will be accepted below.

Where would your wormhole go? (A to Z = W)

2011-04-27T07:00:00.028+01:00

Imagine you have the power to create a wormhole and it can lead anywhere in time and space. Mine would go a few thousand years into the future, when space travel is quick and easy. I'd visit the rings of Saturn and float above the trillions of ice particles, and watch them shine with the rays of the distant Sun.

Where would yours go?

For the science behind wormholes visit Stephen Tremp's W post.

Voyagers (A to Z = V)

2011-04-26T07:00:00.024+01:00

Today's Tuesday Teaser is from an author I am ashamed to say I've never read. I found three of his books in a charity shop last month and I'm starting the first of a trilogy today.

Title: Voyagers
Author: Ben Bova

Both craft were hurtling away from Earth, flying farther from safety each second. The alien was heading out of the solar system, back into the unthinkable gulf between the stars, and unless they broke away and took up a new trajectory, Stoner knew that he and Federenko would also leave Earth's grip forever.

I'm looking forward to this science fiction trilogy; the three books I picked up were printed 24 years ago, and have that old book smell and colour about them that I love.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read.
Open to a random page.
Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others.
Share the title and author too so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers.

I don't have a WIP Teaser that starts with the letter V, so I'm giving you a teaser from my science fiction WIP, Dreaming of Sleep.

Myron sat down at the desk that ran the entire length of the pod’s right side and did the last thing they would expect – he logged into the Network early. The pain from the migraine would almost kill him but he didn’t care. “Conform and stay alive,” Talia had told him and he intended to.

Are there any books or stories you'd like to tease us with?

Unwritten: Shocking Western Titles (A to Z = U)

2011-04-25T08:00:00.002+01:00

To view my Now Starring Blogfest entry and casting for The Devil's Song click here.

Just when you thought the Wild West was tamed. Just when you thought you were done with six-shooters and saloons, along came this anthology call from Pill Hill Press:

And even worse, you decided to come up with some shocking story titles. Prepare to moan, groan, and shake your head in dismay. In fact some of these may actually cause your head to fall off. They are all mine and they are all unwritten.

Under A Few Graves More
The Ugly, The Uglier, and The Ugliest.
Fistful of Ugly.
The Way The West Was Un-won.
Return of Ugly.
Los Uglyios Amigos.
The Undead and the Damned.
High Vampires Drifter.
Two Body Parts Rode Together.
Lonely Are The Rotting Brave.

I did warn you. If you're still here and not upchucking, can you think of any of your own?

Now Starring Blogfest - Casting The Devil's Song

2011-04-25T00:01:00.007+01:00

Today I'm taking part in Lindz Pagel's Now Starring Blogfest, where you get to cast your WIP characters and imagine they are starring in the best movie adaption ever. What could be more fun than casting a movie of your book?

Here are the blogfest rules:

Choose 4-6 of your lead characters.
Let us know a little bit about what each of your characters looks like.
Then, pick any actor or actress, they’re all at your disposal.
Finally, apart from their appearance, what about this particular performer makes you think they’ll do your baby justice. What’s that special something that makes them perfect for the part? Their attitude? The way the walk? Their voice? Let us know.

To sign up and/or visit the other participants click here.

Here is my entry:

The Devil's Song (certificate 18)

Thirty years ago author Morwenna Maddox (Tilda Swinton, Constantine) thought she had ended serial killer Lucian King's (Viggo Mortensen, A History of Violence) reign of power. She failed.

Now Lucian King will force Kristi Black (Natalie Portman, The Black Swan) to write him a new story and he'll eliminate anyone who stands in his way. Can Kristi stop his new reign of terror before the morning chorus - before The Devil's Song?

Before I start talking about the casting of my characters, I should say that the novel is told in first person via three of the characters. Two of them are Kristi and Warwick Black. I can not reveal who the third person is at this stage without giving away too much of the plot.

Natalie Portman as Kristi Black

Kristi is an American who has moved to the UK with her English husband, Warwick Black. She has raven black hair, dark penetrating eyes, and an expressive face. Natalie Portman would be perfect for the part as she will be able to cover the range of emotions my lead protagonist experiences - from joy to sheer terror.

Paul Bettany as Warwick Black

Warwick appears to be the perfect husband, but life is never that simple or straightforward. I need an English actor for this part. I also need an actor who will bring a quiet confidence to the role. He is a man of action, but not the in-your-face type. But he is also someone you believe could turn darker at any time. Paul Bettany is Warwick Black.

Tilda Swinton as Morwenna Maddox

Morwenna Maddox is a deceased bestselling Welsh author. She was reclusive, guarded, and a little haunted - Tilda Swinton's quirky style would suit the part perfectly.

Viggo Mortensen as Lucian King

Lucian King is a serial killer. He is pure evil and very powerful. I've always wanted to see Mortensen play someone evil and unhinged, so I've cast him in the part.

Anthony Hopkins as Griffin Thomas

Welsh historian Griffin Thomas was Morwenna Maddox's lover and thirty years later he still lives close to the place of her death. He is obsessed with her and how she died. Who could be more perfect to play an obsessional 80 year old Welsh historian than Anthony Hopkins?

Ewan McGregor as The Policeman

The Policeman (I haven't decided on his name yet) brings some lighter moments to the novel and the reader will be left wondering whether he is good or bad for some time before the answer is revealed. I think McGregor would play the role to perfection because you won't be able to guess the outcome.

So, there are my choices. Ask me again when I've finished writing The Devil's Song and I may have re-cast the parts. But for the moment the process of writing my blogfest entry has been very helpful in making them seem more concrete in my mind. Thank you, Lindz.

What did you think of my choices? Have you tried something like this with your WIP? How helpful was it?

Trapped in Dreaming of Sleep (A to Z = T)

2011-04-23T07:00:00.066+01:00

Before I start talking about my T post, I wanted to let everyone know because it's Easter the last few days have been manic at work. I've got another nine hour shift to get through today and I already feel exhausted. I am way behind on my blog reading and responding to comments, and I have a big family gathering on Sunday. If you have commented and I've not yet returned the favour, I promise I will do so as soon as I get the chance.

Now on to Trapped in Dreaming of Sleep.

When I added the mock cover of my science fiction WIP, Dreaming of Sleep, to my blog, a few people asked me if the image of the hand pressing against the underneath of what looks like a computer screen was a representation of the novel's theme. It took me some time to find an image I was happy with but the image does portray one of the central themes of the novel - feeling trapped.

My protagonist, Myron, is trapped 2000 years into the future. He is a time traveller from the 21st Century who has no way back; at least that is what he has been told. Later we will find out there is always a chance of escape, it just might not be what he considers escape to be.

But when we join his story he is not just trapped physically, he is trapped emotionally. The 41st Century is a very different world to the one he knows - people do not interact in the way we do now - and he is tired of the constant battle between fitting in and not giving up on who he once was. Add to this a crippling medical condition caused by the virtual inter-connectivity of a 41st Century world, and he feels like he is literally being suffocated. He believes breaking the law will bring him his only method of release, death.

I'm not going to discuss how or if he escapes, and what role the beautiful and mysterious Talia plays, as that would be giving too much away at the moment. But watch this space.

What are the central themes of your novel? Is your protagonist trapped in some way?

Don't forget to enter part two of my 300 Followers Competition.

Star Trek: Seven, Khan, Picard, Spock, & Kirk (A to Z = S)

2011-04-22T07:00:00.033+01:00

Did you think I could go through the whole of A to Z without one post dedicated to Star Trek? I'm laughing at your superior intellect. Hang on. Isn't that supposed to be the other way around?

Back to the mission. Ensign Garratt's personal log, star date 2011.112:

Today's Friday Five is a run down of my top five Star Trek characters. The list could have been endless, but it's Friday Five and I'm sticking to the rules this week.

5. Seven of Nine. In my opinion her introduction to Star Trek Voyager in season four saved the series.

4. Khan. The ultimate villain. Does anybody know if that was really his chest?

3. Jean-Luc Picard. Step away from the hair piece because bald can be sexy.

2. Spock and Spock. I had to have a picture of both - Zachary Quinto is Spock.

1. Captain James Tiberius Kirk.

'Captain Kirk met me once. I was going to charge him £35 for my autograph but he gave me one of his legendary smiles and I parted with £35 for his.'

Ensign Garratt's, star date 2010.198

So who are your top five? Or are you one of few remaining human beings who have not yet enlisted in Starfleet?

Don't forget to enter part two of my 300 Followers Competition.

Right Rocket Man (A to Z = R)

2011-04-21T07:00:00.035+01:00

Is there anything more seductive then listening to the dulcet tones of William Shatner? No? Please don't suggest the logical answer would be Leonard Nimoy singing The Ballard of Biblo Baggins, or perhaps should I save that for another day?

So, enjoy this err . . .right rocket.

Don't forget to enter part two of my 300 Followers Competition.

Quotes That Inspire (A to Z = Q)

2011-04-20T07:00:00.040+01:00

I keep a journal with my favourite writing quotes. Some of them are from famous writers and some are from complete strangers, but they have all inspired me. Here are a few:

'Write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open.' Stephen King

'If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time to write.' Stephen King

'Omit needless words.' Element of Style

'Getting published is about practising until you're really good, then persevering until you're really lucky.' Tim Clarke

'It's always too early to quit.' Anonymous

'I am a painter, so I paint. You are a writer, so write.' Anonymous

'Until you treat writing as a job, even a part-time one, you won't ever be able to think of yourself as a writer.' Katie Fforde

What quotes have inspired you? Do you agree with Katie Fforde's assertion that you should treat writing as a job to really feel like a writer?

Don't forget to enter part two of my 300 Followers Competition.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (A to Z = P)

2011-04-19T07:00:00.005+01:00

Today's Tuesday Teaser is a cheat, because I've already teased you with two sentences from Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls and I don't have WIP where the title starts with a P. So sit back and enjoy the book trailer. Those with a sensitive constitution should look away.

Don't forget to enter part two of my 300 Followers Competition.

Overwhelmed (A to Z = O)

2011-04-18T07:00:00.016+01:00

SO it's day 18 and I'm feeling Overexcited, Over anxiOus and Over lettered. I have tOO many Os. They keep pOpping up wherever I lOOk; Over here and Over there. All Over the place. Please make them stOp. I dOn't need anymOre vOwels. I'm nOt sure hOw many mOre I can take.

Oh, fOr gOOdness sake, make them stOp!

The authOr.

DOn't fOrget tO enter part twO Of my 300 FOllOwers COmpetitiOn.

Awards, Thank yous, and Seven Things About Me

2011-04-17T09:09:00.004+01:00

I need to thank a few bloggers for generously bestowing awards on me in the last couple of weeks. Please click on the links to check out their blogs - you won't be disappointed.

Awarded by talented artist and writer Deirdra at A Storybook World.

Awarded by the truly versatile and fun Tara at Tara Tyler Talks.

Awarded by talented and dedicated writer Lisa Ricard Claro at Writing in the Buff.

Awarded by my friend and talented writer Madeleine Maddocks at Scribble and Edit.

Awarded by the fabulous and talented Rachna Chhabria at Rachna's Scriptorium.

I've met so many amazing people since I started blogging last May and even more since the A to Z Challenge started. Choosing who gets what award is impossible. So if you haven't received one or more of these awards yet, consider them yours.

The Versatile Blogger Award comes with rules, though. I have to tell you seven things about myself. Gulp. Here goes:

I am only 5ft tall.
My childhood pet dog, Benji, saved my life. I can't remember where we were but I was running across moorland with Benji when he suddenly stopped, jumped up at me growling, forcing me to fall backwards. When I got to my feet we were only a few feet from the edge of a quarry.
Prince Charles met me once. He landed his helicopter in our field when I was four.
I hate jelly, orange squash, Turkish Delight, and pineapple.
I can only write on yellow lined paper.
I was detained at Cairo airport for several hours because I lost my boarding pass. I was terrified they were not going to let me leave. Thankfully, they did.
I was named Eleanor after the record Lady Eleanor by Lindisfarne.

Hooray. I am up-to-date with my thank yous. Have a great Sunday and see you for the letter O.

Naughty Nanofiction - You've Been Warned! (A to Z = N)

2011-04-16T07:00:00.109+01:00

Violet stared dreamily at Pedro's ~~pulsating~~ ***** and fainted; she'd never seen such a ~~large~~ symbol of man~~hood~~.

Please note: Violet's Lover has been censored by the Literary Police. Helping you to douse unwanted desires.

* * *

Don't forget to enter part two of my 300 Followers competition.