Writing about an actual historical event in a piece of fiction is challenging, especially if, as the writer, you are keen on being authentic and accurate. I most certainly was. I undertook a lot of research into both the actual battle, how it was fought, the weapons and armour, why it happened, and what the … Continue reading The Battle of Fulford Gate
writing
Back to the Beginning
I was inspired to write my first novel, The War Wolf, after a visit to York. I live locally to the city and this was one of many such journeys. It occurred to me on this occasion that there was something amiss with the city’s obsession with all things Viking. The Vikings ruled York for … Continue reading Back to the Beginning
Is it all for nothing?
A comment from an acquaintance has stayed with me for some time. It came in response to a question they asked me about my writing. I told them to have a look on Amazon. The next time I saw the person they told me that they had looked at my books but decided not to … Continue reading Is it all for nothing?
Getting Ready for the Big Launch
I am in the process of trying to market The Queen of the Mountain Kingdom. To be honest, and as I have previously mentioned, I am not a fan of this particular aspect of being an independent author. As I am still waiting to make it big, however, then there seems to be no real … Continue reading Getting Ready for the Big Launch
When Your Book is more than One Book
The Queen of the Mountain Kingdom should be finished by now, but I am still struggling to complete it. I think that I have realised the problem; it is not just one book. I do not know exactly how many books it is, to be honest, possibly three. Maybe four. I do not know. I … Continue reading When Your Book is more than One Book
Considering Putting Down the Pen
I was wondering lately if it was all worth it? The writing I mean. It takes up a lot of my time. When I am not writing I am thinking about writing. I meditate on plots, characters, themes, stories. What I do not seem to spend a lot of time on is the one thing … Continue reading Considering Putting Down the Pen
The Magic of Magick
In my last blog post I suggested that I would consider the subject of magick in my up and coming fantasy book ‘The Queen of the Mountain Kingdom’. For those who might not be aware of it Magick is ‘the science and art of causing change to occur in conformity with will’. Magic, on the … Continue reading The Magic of Magick
Writing the Big Battle Scenes
One of the things that really annoys me as both a writer and a reader is poorly executed battle scenes. So often I find them to be disappointing. Many authors seem to adopt a vague approach to writing these scenes, as if vagueness on their part some how conveys the confusion of battle to the … Continue reading Writing the Big Battle Scenes
So Close Now
I am not sure whether I like this stage of writing or not? When I have an idea that I think has some life in it I get excited and full of energy. I really want to get the first draft done. Perhaps because I do not restrict myself on that phase I enjoy the … Continue reading So Close Now
Music, Writing, and What to Listen To
I love music. I doubt that making such a declaration would surprise anyone. All the people I know love music too. I might not like their particular taste, but that is not important. Music is and has been for as long as I can remember, a part of my life. I was no good at … Continue reading Music, Writing, and What to Listen To
Peter C Whitaker 