Sci-Fi

We've just been having an office debate. Anyway the whole crux of the 'arguement' was what is justice? That's what I was arguing anyway, everyone else just seemed to be into gruesome punishments. Anyway it made me think about Science Ficiton. And how it's often an examination of a 'what if' scenario. This allows various authors/creators to answer philosophical questions by letting the alternatives play out. Two examples that imediately spring to my mind are: The Red Dwarf episode Justice, which exemplifies my arugement about 'what is justice?' wonderfully (you do it, it happens right back)and The Hitch-Hikers Guide with it's take on the meaning of life. Basically; What if the meaning of life is to answer the question, what is the meaning of life? As usual this post isn't really going anywhere but it's just a note of my thoughts. So what do you think of justice? Is there such thing? I don't think there is. Especailly not this 'life for a life' thing my coworker keeps going on about. For starters what happens if you've killed two people? Do they only get half of this so-called justice?
Anyway, enough ranting. Writing has been going well. There has been progress. BRae yourselfs.

Royal Wedding

Okay, so don't get me wrong. I think the Royal Wedding is an event that can help unite the country in celebrating our heritage, our shared identity and is a fantastic excuse for a party. However I saw this photo (from the BBC.co.uk)labelled 'Royal Wedding rehearsal' Now is it just me or do they look like they're rehearsing for the Charge of the Light Brigade?
Plus all these holidays means I'm struggling to get any work done. Sigh. Hope you're enjoying the whole Easter/Wedding celebrations (if you're in this country) and have a superb street party!
Ian xxx

More great ideas?

Yes, I'm up to my neck in ideas. Writing is going really slwoly. Rewriting and summaries are going even more slowly than that...and I've just started a new project. I suppose it's at least a change from writing (although there was writing involved). Anyway, as a cheeky snippet, here's the design for a cigarette packet. Due to it being such a bad habit I've named the brand Sodom and Gomorrah's. Feel your interest prickling? I hate announcing things until they're in some sort of finished state so it's getting there. I just hope the finished product is okay. (and won't need vast amouts of rewriting like some of my other stuff).

Ian xxx

Trawling for Dreams

Right, so in December I uploaded the sequel to The Whispering Sand to a writers' website to see what people thought. I got some very interesting and positive feedback so thank you to all those people. Those who read it enjoyed it and praised my writing style. Which I'm glad about. I have now removed the book as I'm trying to find an agent and believe this is the best way forward. And having my work up there whilst none of you people who follow me know about it is a little upsetting. But that's the experiment over. I've now 99% ready with another book so again I'm searching for publishers. So it's a case of fingers crossed as always. Thank you so much for your patience with all this. I am working as hard as I can. Sometimes hard work doesn't produce the results you want but there you go. Cove fans rejoice as I'm drafting book 6 amongst other projects. One day it'll work out...one day soon. And if not I'll put it in my will to upload the lot so all you need is a little patience. Sorry for the ramblyness of this. Like normal :A lot of thoughts and not a lot of editing :-)
Thank you for believing, even when I can't.
Ian xxx

Court of the Air

I've just started reading a book called The Court of the Air by Stephen Hunt. And so far I'm really enjoying it. It's a fantasy tale set in a steampunk world. What I like about it is, firstly the characters are very interesting and secondly it introduces new ideas and concepts quite subtly. I've not read anything for a while where the author doesn't feel the need to explain what every new word means. I know I do. But that doesn't stop you from understanding or working out what's going on. It's very nicely written and I can't wait to see how it all pans out. There are lots of characters, especially in the sections set in a court, but I've had no trouble following it. The two main characters, orphans no less, have fun interesting sections to keep the reader entertained. Oh and when the King is crowned they cut his arms off, which is a grusome enough concept to make me want to read on! I'm not good at book reviews (as you can tell) but I just had to tell you about it.

Ian xxx