a little fantasy * a little sci fi * a little love
This is a collection of short stories which reads like a novella. In the first tale, Kent meets Spencer when they are both kids in 1966. Spencer is the new boy in school and Kent is drawn to him. But Kent’s domineering sister, Suey, doesn’t like Spence because he stands up to her bullying. Each …
Continue reading "Book Review – Mercedes General by Jerry L. Wheeler"
None of us are perfect. I was part of an interstate literary festival once just after I had a major operation on my arm. A day or so in, it was clear my sling needed a wash. It smelled. But I had to be on panels and run a workshop at this two day event, …
Not long ago I had a conversation with a man in his seventies. He was one of the members of my writing group who asked if I'd mind getting a lift from him each week as he had a long drive to get to our meetings and would enjoy the company. During my first chat …
Continue reading "Book Review – Tilda Is Visible by Jane Tara"
This is not an easy task. Some of these guys are good so there's added pressure to pick the right one. And I have a bias for theatrical reads. Partly because many moons ago I studied acting, and partly because my last audiobook was presented by a trained British actor. All of this is being …
I don't generally read erotic novellas. The few I have read I put down after a few chapters because the scenes were similar. But I caught up for coffee with author, Levi Huxton, to share marketing tips, and as a gift he gave me a copy of his popular debut. His success is something many …
Continue reading "Book Review – The Lodger, That Summer by Levi Huxton"
This blog is inspired by a recent conversation with a writer friend. He told me of an editor who believes all works should be third person and past tense. She says first person is an unreliable subjective narrative, while past tense gives the advantage of reflection. Yet Invisible Boys by Holden Sheppard is a critically …
I read this straight after reading his previous novel, 7 1/2. These are the first Tsiolkas' books I've read (yes, I've waited that long) even though I'm familiar with his stories from various TV and film adaptations. 7 1/2 fascinated me with its stream of consciousness style, its raw sex scenes and fascinating prose, which …
Continue reading "Book Review – The In-Between by Christos Tsiolkas"
This blog is a reflection on books I've read and events I've attended. And while I know I've made similar mistakes on my writing journey, when I see new writers go down the same path, I hold my tongue as critique can go one of two ways. It can be welcomed by someone keen to …
There are important themes in this book. And everyone who recommended it to me focussed on the main message rather than the serial killer aspect of the plot. Reagan lives offline, even using an old phone with no smart features to avoid having an online presence. In her teen years she had a dangerous stalker, …
Continue reading "Book Review – Dark Mode by Ashley Kalagian Blunt"
I recently bought a Blu-ray of a film I love. After I watched the movie, I explored the deleted scenes. All were good, but as the director said, all would have slowed the pace of the film because what they had to reveal to the audience was already evident in other scenes. There's a lovely …
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