Archive

  • A Word of Wisdom from Terry Pratchett

    Miss Tick sniffed. “You could say this advice is priceless,” she said. “Are you listening?” “Yes,” said Tiffany. “Good. Now … if you trust in yourself …” “Yes?” “… and believe in your dreams …” “Yes?” “… and follow your star …” Miss Tick went on. “Yes?” “… you’ll still get beaten by people who Read more

  • What Do You Do With Your Time?

    When I was a kid, the thing I wanted to be when I grew up was an “everyologist.” I wanted to do everything: science, literature, travel, architecture, painting, history. A five-year-old can easily imagine doing all those things. After all, he has all the time in the world. When a single year is one-fifth your Read more

  • Seizing Opportunity from Reader Feedback

    Submitting your book to beta readers can be a daunting prospect. What if they don’t like it? What if their suggestions mean you have to overhaul your entire book? What if the book is no good at all? Writing for the public is always underpinned by a certain amount of nervousness. But we can prosper Read more

  • It’s Only an Event if It Doesn’t Happen Every Day: My Thoughts on Crossovers

    Crossover, crossovers. People from different worlds smashing into each other. Different genres, different styles, different stories. Throw them in a mixer and see what happens. What’s the appeal? I’d say it comes down to simple curiosity. What would happen if Superman met Captain America? How would Greek myths get on with Chinese myths? Can a Read more

  • Remembering Dinotopia

    Remembering Dinotopia

    Do you remember your favorite book from your childhood? In truth, there are so many books I loved as a child that I can’t remember them all. I just remember the hours spent in my room, lost in words and pictures. But there is one that does stick out in my memory. I have very Read more

  • What is a Masterpiece?

    Masterpiece. It’s a word you hear often. So often, I feel that its meaning has been drained out of it. Like “genius” and “magnum opus,” it’s a label we often apply to something that we enjoy on a personal level, regardless of whether it deserves the title. A little harsh? Probably. There’s nothing wrong with Read more