Mona Higgins lived on Willow Crescent, in one of those neat little post-war houses where the hedges were clipped straight and the curtains were drawn at half-past six sharp. It was 1963, and her world moved to a clockwork rhythm: Her husband, George, left for work at the insurance office each morning at seven; she … Continue reading The Dial Tone
I’m not quite sure how to begin this post, because in all honesty, I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that it’s done. Four years. Dozens of essays. Hundreds of books. Early mornings. Long days. Countless cups of coffee. More than a few existential crises. And now, it’s over. I’ve officially finished … Continue reading Time For….
Yesterday, I submitted my final university assignment. Four years of hard work, long days, stress, and occasional caffeine-fuelled breakdowns, and just like that click and it was done.It was the final piece for my Biography module, which came just one day after sitting my Postmodernism exam (a mind-bending experience in itself). I’d been living and … Continue reading The End of an Era (Sort Of)
I can’t quite believe I’m writing this, but here I am: in the final few weeks of my Creative Writing and English Literature BA. It’s a strange mixture of emotions—excitement, dread, exhaustion, pride. The kind of cocktail you only really get at this time of year when the finish line is in sight, but there’s … Continue reading Final Stretch: Reflections on My Creative Writing and English Literature Degree
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!
The moment I've been waiting for (and nervously anticipating) has finally arrived – sign-ups are officially open for ARC copies of Short Sharp Shock! It’s surreal to be this close to sharing my collection of horror stories with the world, and I’m excited to offer a sneak peek to readers who crave chilling tales and … Continue reading Get Ready for a Shock: ARC Sign-Ups for Short Sharp Shock Are Now Live!
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
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 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
Gareth Ellis - Author 