Tag: book

Dark, unsettling, and beautifully written — and weirdly timed for me in the most fitting way possible

~ Gareth Ellis ~ Leave a comment

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker completely sank its claws into me from the first page. I’ve always loved horror with folklore at its core, but this took it to another level — eerie, brutal, and layered with real emotional weight. The story pulls no punches, exploring grief, … Continue reading Dark, unsettling, and beautifully written — and weirdly timed for me in the most fitting way possible

Holly’s Still Standing: “Never Flinch” Brings Her Back With Bite

~ Gareth Ellis ~ Leave a comment

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Never Flinch by Stephen King picks up where Holly left off, and it’s great to see Holly Gibney back in action—older, wearier, but still as sharp and stubborn as ever. This latest instalment doesn’t quite reach the emotional heights of her previous outing, but it’s a solid, chilling continuation of her story, and Stephen … Continue reading Holly’s Still Standing: “Never Flinch” Brings Her Back With Bite

The Journey from Manuscript to Published Book: My Self-Publishing Experience

~ Gareth Ellis ~ Leave a comment

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

~ Gareth Ellis ~ Leave a comment

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

Writing Dialogue that Feels Real: Techniques for Natural, Believable Conversations

~ Gareth Ellis ~ Leave a comment

Dialogue is the heartbeat of a story. It reveals character, advances the plot, and immerses the reader in the world you've created. Writing dialogue that feels real and believable is an art, one that can significantly enhance your storytelling. Here are some techniques to help you craft dialogue that resonates with authenticity.1. Know Your CharactersBefore … Continue reading Writing Dialogue that Feels Real: Techniques for Natural, Believable Conversations

The Art of Short Story Writing: A Casual Exploration

~ Gareth Ellis ~ Leave a comment

I'm discovering that there's something truly magical about short stories. These bite-sized tales pack a punch, capturing the essence of a moment, a character, or an emotion in just a few pages. If you're someone who loves storytelling but isn't quite ready to commit to a full-length novel, writing short stories can be a rewarding … Continue reading The Art of Short Story Writing: A Casual Exploration