The term trope has a number of definitions, but for the purposes of this post it refers to a theme, convention or plot device that readers have come to expect in a work of fiction. In this context, tropes are prone to becoming clichés, and any literary genre you can think of has them.... Continue Reading →
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PSA: A Thanksgiving Weekend Book Bargain
This is a public service announcement to inform readers in Canada that, for the duration of the Thanksgiving Weekend, Kobo has reduced the price of the ebook edition of my first novel, The Exercise Of Vital Powers, to only $0.99. The usual price is $3.99 so you don’t want to miss out on your chance... Continue Reading →
Book Review: Hyperion By Dan Simmons
THE PILGRIMS’ PROGRESS BOOK DETAILS Hyperion (Hyperion Cantos, Book 1) Dan Simmons Genre: Science Fiction Publisher: Gollancz Format: Paperback, 496 Pages Date: 24th February 2011 (First Published 1989) ISBN-10: 0575099437 ISBN-13: 978-0575099432 THE REVIEW It is the 29th century, and humanity has conquered the stars, establishing the Hegemony of Man that comprises innumerable... Continue Reading →
Trivia: The Origins Of The Hugo Awards
I think it’s safe to assume that most readers of fantasy and science fiction literature have heard of the Hugo Awards, which takes place annually to recognise the best science fiction (and fantasy) works and achievements in a number of different mediums during the previous year. Receiving a Hugo Award is regarded by authors... Continue Reading →
Book Review: Bitten By Kelley Armstrong
IT TOOK A SECOND TO CHANGE ELENA’S LIFE… NOW SHE’S FIGHTING BACK BOOK DETAILS Bitten (Women Of The Otherworld, Book 1) Kelley Armstrong Genre: Urban Fantasy Publisher: Orbit Format: Paperback, 464 Pages Date: 6th May 2010 (First Published 2001) ISBN-10: 1841499188 ISBN-13: 978-1841499185 THE REVIEW Elena Michaels is an anomaly. A female werewolf... Continue Reading →
Book Quote: “No One Would Have Believed…”
THE QUOTABLE QUOTE OF THE DAY The War Of The Worlds is arguably the best known alien invasion story of all-time, and certainly the most influential example of such works. It was written by the British writer H.G. Wells and published in 1898. It has been adapted for film, television and other mediums numerous... Continue Reading →
Book Review: Romanitas By Sophia McDougall
THIS IS THE ROMAN EMPIRE. NOW. BOOK DETAILS Romanitas (Romanitas Trilogy, Book 1) Sophia McDougall Genre: Alternate History, Fantasy, Young Adult Publisher: Gollancz Format: Paperback, 608 Pages Date: 24th February 2011 ISBN-10: 0575096926 ISBN-13: 978-0575096929 THE REVIEW It is the 21st century. The Roman Empire has not declined and fallen. It endures. The... Continue Reading →
Out With The Old Moniker, In With The New?
Anyone who has been following my writing journey over the past four years may have noticed that in 2018 I jokingly started using the moniker, Worst Selling Author, on my social media profiles. Obviously, the label was never intended to be taken literally; I adopted it primarily as an acknowledgement that I had yet... Continue Reading →
Book Review: Flash Gold By Lindsay Buroker
Flash Gold (Flash Gold Chronicles, Book 1) Lindsay Buroker Genre: Alternate History, Steampunk Publisher: Self-Published Format: eBook, 56 Pages Date: 27th March 2011 ISBN-13: 978-1458028129 The Flash Gold Chronicles ebook box set is available from: Amazon | Apple Books | Kobo | Smashwords A GIRL’S GOTTA DO WHAT A GIRL’S GOTTA DO A plucky young... Continue Reading →
How Do I Deal With Writer’s Block?
It’s been quite some time since I’ve had the opportunity to update my blog, and it’s likely to be a while before I can get back to blogging on anything like a regular basis. Until then, I’ve decided I may as well salvage some of the previously posted content from my old lonelyboy1977 blog,... Continue Reading →