When I have looked back on past posts defining my expectations for the year ahead, change seems slight and incremental. Little changed between the January and the December though I’m typically heading in the right direction. But this year, all bets were off. The post from December last year looking forward to 2020 seems likeContinue reading “Who Had Wildfires, Pandemic, and Mass Protests on their 2020 Bingo Card? (My Year in Review)”
Category Archives: Books & Fiction
This World Mental Health Day, Give Yourself Permission to be Creative
It’s 10th October and that means one thing – World Mental Health Day. Last year, I essentially “came out” to my family about my own struggles with depression. It took me a long time to come to terms with the mood swings, the inexplicable low periods, the periods of anxiety and especially the SAD. NowContinue reading “This World Mental Health Day, Give Yourself Permission to be Creative”
How You Can Support Independent Sellers This Pandemic Christmas
Article originally published in 2018 updated in 2020 with pandemic information. Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Over the last few years, there has been a movement in retail trends imploring consumers to have an #IndieChristmas – buying Christmas presents from places other than big business and to prioritise independent sellers.
Phobetor’s Children Chapter 1 (Free to Read!)
Here it is! Just over a week away from release of a science fiction psychological horror I’ve been working on for over 7 years. Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to introduce to you the first chapter of Phobetor’s Children to read for free.
Frank Herbert’s Dune: “Thou shalt not make a machine in the likeness of a human mind.”
This was actually one of the first articles I wrote on this blog way back in 2011. It had an overhaul in 2016 or thereabouts and now, with the new film due, a second revamp. Science fiction is often about technology, yet there are some fictional universes where some technologies we take for granted areContinue reading “Frank Herbert’s Dune: “Thou shalt not make a machine in the likeness of a human mind.””
The Pandemic Has Given Me Time to Write Fiction, and Think. How About You?
It’s been a weird year. I don’t know any other year like it. Even 2016 with its celebrity deaths, Brexit vote, and Trump’s shock election doesn’t even come close to the worst Australian wildfires ever, the biggest social justice marches ever, and a pandemic that led to many countries shutting right down.
Do You Believe Book Buying is a Choice of Monolithic Amazon vs Plucky Indie Bookshops? Think Again
Since the lockdown started in the UK, there has been a move to help small businesses. When non-essential retailers were permitted to reopen across the UK this week, it began a wave of “Don’t buy from Amazon! support your local indie bookshop instead!” Ultimately well-meaning and driven by a desire to help the smallest businessesContinue reading “Do You Believe Book Buying is a Choice of Monolithic Amazon vs Plucky Indie Bookshops? Think Again”
Microsoft Word Tricks and Hacks for All Writers
Hey writers (professional and hobbyists)! Are you making the most of your Microsoft 365 subscription and using these Word tools?
YouTube Vloggers All Readers and Writers Should Follow
It’s been a quiet start to 2020 for Freelancer Matt. Rather than crying into my cornflakes each morning I’ve used that time to brush up on some book marketing skills. You may have noticed most efforts channelled towards social media marketing. This marketing has led me inevitably to spending more time on “The Tube”.
My New Look Social Media Sites
February is always a quiet month and this one has been quiet. Late last year I came across a term “working on your business” from other freelance writers. After much soul searching I realised I hadn’t done enough of this.
