The Challenges of Writing Another Life
My speculative fiction novel, Another Life, combines themes of family life, myths and legends, a quest and cutting-edge science. These elements are introduced in a natural, uncomplicated way, avoiding technical explanations, so as not to alienate the reader. To bring these disparate elements together, I had to overcome several challenges, the biggest being how to […] more…
The Dobunni: The Tribe of Witches
As part of the scene-setting for Another Life, Oliver visits a small printing press in the Cotswolds. He is attracted to book on display, bearing the title ‘An Illustrated Account of the Old Religion, its Beliefs and Practices, by a Believer’. The owners of the press relate how they were visited by a stranger who […] more…
Another Life, Magazine Article
Delighted to see the article on my new novel, Another Life, on p37 of the Village Emporium magazine, Blackwater edition, summer 2020. https://online.fliphtml5.com/ibssq/yvju/#p=1 more…
The Garden
Of the Of the plotting and structural challenges in writing my novel, Another Life, the chapter ‘The Garden’ was one of the most demanding. It provides an overview of the life of the main character, Oliver, and suggests that not everything is as it seems and that his visit is expected. Oliver stops at the […] more…
Some Books Used in the Research for Another Life
Here are just a few of the books used as reference and inspirational material in the writing of my new novel, Another Life.Peter Ackroyd’s Albion, subtitled ‘the origins of the English imagination’ is nostalgic in its celebration of the historic ability to assimilate foreign influences in an inclusive, eclectic way.Engraved Gardens, illustrated by four leading […] more…
…And Here Are The Publicity Postcards
Not long now until Another Life is published on 1st May. I’ve taken delivery of a box of postcards and am pleased with them. The front shows the cover image; the back has a story soundbite, a recommendation and contact details. At the rate at which I’m sending them out, I may not have ordered […] more…
Seeking Reviews for Another Life
In conjunction with my publisher @BurtonMayers, I am seeking established UK reviewers and bloggers of Contemporary Fiction and Speculative Fiction for honest book reviews of my 1st May release Another Life. Please DM for further information. ‘It’s Another Life for the 21st Century’. more…