Random Thoughts
It was a while ago that I first spoke with the folks at Cult Pens. At the time I was desperate for some special ink colours, and I was delighted to learn that I could buy them from a company based not far from my house. Tiverton has always had a special importance for … Continue reading
Modern Books, ebooks and Writing
Writing books is a funny way to try to earn a crust. Authors are expected to be slightly odd characters (and most of us can live up – or down – to that), with peculiar insights which can be gained only by using illegal drugs or by excessive quantities of legal ones. I tend to … Continue reading
The Most Crucial Writing Tools
I’ve already had a few enquiries about how easy it is to put new works up on the internet, so thought I’d add a few comments. First, you obviously need a piece of software that will help you to create your work. And most authors will leap to Word immediately. Well, you can use Word. … Continue reading
First Attempt at Epublishing.
At a time when publishing is in such a state of turmoil, the last thing that an experienced author wants to do is set off in a different direction. Which is what I am doing. Still, there are good reasons for it. I want to sell more books. And what is irritating is, I have … Continue reading
Pens, Pencils, Computers – Guess My Favourites
Writing – again. The last few weeks have been really fun. Hard, but fun. I am in the middle of the next book for Simon & Schuster, which is to be an action story based on the Hundred Years War, with the campaign that finally led to Crécy, and I am enjoying it enormously. However, … Continue reading
Writing Tips: In Praise of Editors – or – Where to Research?
OK. This is a subject I’ve moaned about before, but still, here goes. It’s more interesting in so many ways than the latest grief to hit the Eurozone. Research is always a hot button. ‘Can you help me? I’m looking for …’ is one of the most common questions I get – at least once … Continue reading
Testing Times – Writing for the Web
It was a while ago I decided that I’d have to test the digital waters. At present a few of my books are up there on the web. I’ve the first six or so titles available through the HarperCollins imprint Avon Books in the US, and the more recent books are all on the internet … Continue reading
Displacement Activities
I’ve been trying to type the first paragraph of the next book. For quite some time. It’s there, in my head, but my head is an irrational location in which to story it with any hope of getting it out and down on paper. Dr Wang, who created Wang Laboratories in the 1950s, was an … Continue reading
Pirates and SOPA
I don’t think SOPA was well written legislation. In fact I can easily understand why it would have been so unpopular, because it did seem to be a catch-all for any misbehaviour. The UK and USA already have extradition laws in place. There is a fellow, Richard O’Dwyer who is currently fighting his extradition … Continue reading
So, is this one a real or a political promise, Dave?
Just for the record, let me state that I love Germany, France, Austria, Italy, and every other European country I’ve visited. I like Europe. And the european people. And I especially like going to Europe, partaking of their foods and wines, and enjoying their cultures. That, though, is the point. They all have different cultures. … Continue reading
writerlywitterings 