In the past I have bemoaned the erosion of fact from historical fiction and period dramas, as seen in books, television, and cinema. This has led to me being accused of being pedantic. I have always enjoyed history. It was one of my favourite subjects at school. I am well aware that today we do … Continue reading An attention to fact can improve fiction
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I had a thought about my books
I had a thought about my books that concerned discussing them in detail, something that I have not been able to do with any regularity. My idea is simple, I will post a chapter from one of my novels and then invite comments and, hopefully, get a discussion going. This will be followed by each … Continue reading I had a thought about my books
Risdun Hak and Eiji Tunshi
This is another one of those writing moments where characters seem to either introduce themselves or simply intrude into the creative process. Eiji Tunshi is too much of a gentleman to intrude, I feel that he just charmed his way into existence. I already had an idea for a character that became Risdun Hak. He … Continue reading Risdun Hak and Eiji Tunshi
Writing My Seventh Novel – Part Fourteen
This has been fun! I have really enjoyed the experience of both writing a book and posting updates here about the progress. I think that splitting my time between the two activities has been really helpful. At the start of the lockdown I was a designated key worker, but later I was identified as at … Continue reading Writing My Seventh Novel – Part Fourteen
Writing My Seventh Novel – Part Twelve
So how did that happen? When I began writing this book I had a clear idea of who the protagonist was; Doc Hunter. He is the ‘ubermensch’. The superman of eugenics. A fitting hero for any novel. Well, he would not agree with being either an ubermensch or a eugenic superman, but he is no … Continue reading Writing My Seventh Novel – Part Twelve
Writing My Seventh Novel – Part Eleven
In the past I have never had a problem with deciding on a title for the book that I am writing. I usually have a working title first. I do not know why but it seems to help me with my vision of the book. The Sorrow Song Trilogy books were very easy, as was … Continue reading Writing My Seventh Novel – Part Eleven
Writing My Seventh Novel – Part Nine
It has been almost ten days since my last post, which is not a measure of how lazy I have been but rather how busy. Writing has been taking up quite a bit of my time, thanks to a wife who is both understanding and encouraging. Maybe she just wants me out of the way? … Continue reading Writing My Seventh Novel – Part Nine
Writing My Seventh Novel – Part Eight
One of the most interesting things about writing is when a story appears to take control of itself and starts making decisions for you, the writer. When I started Mephistopheles, still only a working title but I have got an idea that I like for a better one, I had only one protagonist in mind, … Continue reading Writing My Seventh Novel – Part Eight
Writing My Seventh Novel – Part Seven
Plotting. When it comes to writing there is no question of whether to plot or not to plot, it is an integral part of the story building process. Events have to happen for the story to move forward. This is true even where the tale is character driven. How successful a writer is at spinning … Continue reading Writing My Seventh Novel – Part Seven
Writing My Seventh Novel – Part Six
Torture. Not the writing, the act of extracting information from an unwilling person. It is not a pleasant thought. I suppose, unless you have prior experience of being a torturer, then that is exactly how it should be. However, the act of torturing someone does appear to be something of a staple in thrillers. The … Continue reading Writing My Seventh Novel – Part Six
Peter C Whitaker 