As summer draws to a close, the anticipation of returning to university stirs a familiar sense of anxiety. But this year feels different—it’s the final year. For many, including myself as a mature student, this year holds even more significance. The journey has been longer, the stakes feel higher, and the hope of transitioning into … Continue reading Navigating the Anxiety of Returning to University for Final Year as a Mature Student
Author: Gareth Ellis
Writer and player of things.
Retrogaming: Why Classic Games Still Matter
In today’s gaming landscape, where we have hyper-realistic graphics, immersive VR experiences, and sprawling open worlds, the continued love for retro games might seem a bit puzzling. Why, in an era of ever-advancing technology, do so many gamers still find themselves drawn to the pixelated charm of classic titles? The answer lies in the timeless … Continue reading Retrogaming: Why Classic Games Still Matter
The Journey from Manuscript to Published Book: My Self-Publishing Experience
As I near the end of editing my current book, a short story collection, the familiar feelings of excitement and anxiety have started to creep in. After months of working through drafts and revisions, the finish line is finally in sight, but that also means it’s time to think about the next step: publishing. Every … Continue reading The Journey from Manuscript to Published Book: My Self-Publishing Experience
Schim: A Relaxing Journey in Shadows, but with a Few Repetitive Hiccups (Review)
Release Date: July 2024 Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S A Calm and Captivating Aesthetic Schim is one of those indie games that sneak up on you with its charm and simplicity. Developed by Ewoud van der Werf, this game introduces players to a world where shadows are … Continue reading Schim: A Relaxing Journey in Shadows, but with a Few Repetitive Hiccups (Review)
The Challenges of Writing a Sequel: Navigating the Path to the Next Stage
Writing a book is a journey, one that is often fraught with its own set of challenges, from conceptualising the initial idea to seeing it through to the final draft. However, when that book is successful and resonates with readers, the task of writing a sequel can feel even more daunting. I’ve recently found myself … Continue reading The Challenges of Writing a Sequel: Navigating the Path to the Next Stage
How to Write Realistic Villains: Techniques for Crafting Complex Antagonists
When I embarked on writing my novel *The Next Stage*, I was determined to create villains that were more than just obstacles for my protagonists to overcome. I wanted them to be realistic, nuanced, and truly threatening. Crafting such antagonists requires a careful balance of traits and motivations that make them compelling and memorable. If … Continue reading How to Write Realistic Villains: Techniques for Crafting Complex Antagonists
Writing Flash Fiction: Tips and Techniques for Crafting Powerful, Concise Stories
Flash fiction is a unique literary form that offers a captivating blend of challenge and creativity. With word limits typically ranging from 100 to 1,000 words, flash fiction requires writers to distill a story down to its most essential elements, crafting a complete narrative in a space where every word matters. This brevity, while challenging, … Continue reading Writing Flash Fiction: Tips and Techniques for Crafting Powerful, Concise Stories
Dave the Diver – A Deep Dive into an Unforgettable Adventure (Review)
Dave the Diver is an absolute gem that masterfully blends exploration, management, and combat into one captivating experience. Released on June 28, 2023, this indie title is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation, where it’s also featured on PSPlus, making it easily accessible to a wide audience. Gameplay: A Dual Experience In Dave the … Continue reading Dave the Diver – A Deep Dive into an Unforgettable Adventure (Review)
A New Adventure Begins: My TikTok Horror Story Experiment
Today I just wanted to share something fun (and a little spooky) that I’m diving into—I'm posting a choose-your-own-adventure horror story on TikTok!Growing up, I was obsessed with text-based adventures and those classic choose-your-own-adventure books. You know, the ones where you’d flip to page 54 to fight the dragon or to page 102 to sneak … Continue reading A New Adventure Begins: My TikTok Horror Story Experiment
Forspoken Review: Stunning Visuals Meet Mixed Execution (Review)
Forspoken is an action RPG that was released on January 24, 2023, for PlayStation 5 and PC.Forspoken follows the story of Frey Holland, a young woman from New York City who is mysteriously transported to the magical land of Athia. With a sentient bracelet named "Cuff" on her arm, Frey must navigate this fantastical world, … Continue reading Forspoken Review: Stunning Visuals Meet Mixed Execution (Review)
Gareth Ellis - Author 