A short post today. Well, it’s official – the final edit of Short Sharp Shock is done! I’ve just finished going over the paperback proof, and I’m really happy with how it’s all turned out. But, and here’s the thing, the release date is now TBC.I had hoped to get the book out in time … Continue reading Final Edits Done, but Release Delayed: Here’s Why
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Navigating Critique
Receiving critique on your work can feel like stepping into a spotlight where everything about your writing is laid bare. As writers, we often develop a deep connection to our work, and sharing it can feel like revealing a piece of ourselves. I’ve felt this acutely during my final university modules, where my creative pieces … Continue reading Navigating Critique
Writing a Screenplay in My Final Year at University
As I enter the final year of my university course, everything feels like it’s been stepped up a notch. There’s a palpable shift in intensity compared to previous years—assignments feel more demanding, deadlines carry more weight, and the pressure to make the most of every opportunity is ever-present. One of the biggest challenges I’m currently … Continue reading Writing a Screenplay in My Final Year at University
Navigating the Anxiety of Returning to University for Final Year as a Mature Student
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
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
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
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
Gareth Ellis - Author 