amwriting | Penstricken

‘Project E’ Update

Posted on September 9, 2021 Leave a Comment

Well I promised you occasional updates on how things are progressing with the old W.I.P., known to all but the chosen few who know it’s true title as ‘Project E,’ so I suppose I’d better try to keep my promise.

Book Review: Mark of the Raven

Posted on August 15, 2021 Leave a Comment

I love a good old fashioned high fantasy set in faintly medieval inspired magical worlds and Christian fantasy Mark of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse promised to be exactly that…. In general, an enjoyable book… It didn’t knock my socks off but it was okay.

TV Review: After Hours

Posted on July 19, 2021 Leave a Comment

Well then, what can I say about After Hours? In many respects, this six episode British sitcom defies a lot of the requirements for good telly and yet I really enjoyed it.

Writing a Novel? Make Sure You’ve Got a Story Bible

Posted on July 3, 2021 Leave a Comment

A story bible is basically a handbook for your fictional world, containing all the facts and details pertinent to your story.

8 Great Fiction and Writing Blogs

Posted on June 13, 2021 Leave a Comment

It’s that time again, when I take a few steps back from the fore to put the spotlight on some of my favourite posts from other fiction and writing blogs around the web.

App Review: Tomato Typewriter

Posted on June 12, 2021 Leave a Comment

If you’re the sort of writer who enjoys writing on your Android tablet or smartphone but need the threat of a deadline to get you going, Tomato Typewriter by Zest Works might just be the app for you.

What’s On Your Writer’s Utility Belt?

Posted on June 8, 2021 Leave a Comment

Just like Batman has a utility belt which is loaded with all deus ex machina gadgets he needs to help him save the day, so we writers all have our (figurative) utility belts loaded with all the tools we rely on to help us whenever we sit down to write…. Don’t we? 😶

Review: The Orville (season 1)

Posted on June 7, 2021 Leave a Comment

I’ve heard a lot of folk talking very positively about this show, even claiming it fills a Star Trek void in a way the most recent Star Treks fail to do. High praise indeed. My curiosity was piqued.

5 Elements of a Great Story

Posted on June 6, 2021 Leave a Comment

A good story will stimulate the audience emotionally and intellectually; it will thrill them as well as make them think; frighten them as well as make them laugh and it will take them on a journey which is both meaningful and enjoyable. To accomplish this, there’s a few key ingredients you just can’t do without.