⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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
⭐⭐⭐ Heads Will Roll by Josh Winning is a fun, blood-splattered romp through familiar slasher territory, and for fans of the genre, there’s definitely something to enjoy here. It’s a modern take on the summer camp killer setup, complete with eerie woods, a group of people with dark secrets, and a masked murderer picking them … Continue reading All Slash, Not Much Substance
Today’s the day! My short horror story collection, Short Sharp Shock, is officially out in the wild. After months of writing, editing, and nervously waiting, it feels surreal to finally say it: my book is available to read right now!This collection has been a labour of love—and terror. Each story was crafted to deliver a … Continue reading Release Day: Short Sharp Shock is Here!
It feels surreal, but we're just one week away from the release of my latest book, Short Sharp Shock. This collection of short stories has been a long time in the making, and now, as the final countdown begins, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey that brought me here. From the initial spark … Continue reading One Week Until Short Sharp Shock Launches!
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
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
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
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
You would think that the hardest thing about being an author is the writing of books, but it's far from it. Writing books is easy because it only involves you, your brain, and your characters. The hardest thing about being an author is marketing the damn book once it's written and released.Marketing as a self-published … Continue reading The Never-Ending Journey of Marketing Self-Published Books
In last Monday's blog post, I shared an exciting new development in my storytelling journey: I have found a fresh and engaging outlet on TikTok. It's been an exhilarating experience to see my stories come to life in short, creative videos. However, I'm aware that not everyone is on TikTok, and I don't want anyone … Continue reading Writing Short Stories and Putting Them Together
Gareth Ellis - Author 