sci-fi | Penstricken

I’ve Just Started Draft 2.2 of ‘Project E’ and Feel Very Positive About It

Posted on May 24, 2022 Leave a Comment

I’m pleased to say the first draft 2 is actually a lot better than I thought it was when I was writing it.

First Draft of Project E is DONE!

Posted on October 16, 2021 2 Comments

Well I am stunned and delighted to announce that the first draft of my current WIP, known to all but the chosen few as ‘Project E,’ is done.

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.

Book Review: Steelheart

Posted on May 25, 2021 Leave a Comment

There are two things I really like: Brandon Sanderson and superhero stories, so when I heard that Sanderson had written a series of superhero stories, I knew I had found my next book.

How to Help Your Audience Suspend Disbelief

Posted on May 21, 2021 Leave a Comment

You as the writer have a responsibility to write a story which makes it easy for the audience to suspend their disbelief…. The issue is not one of what is possible. The issue is of what is likely.

Jodie Whittaker’s first series as the titular character in the BBC’s Doctor Who is finally over. Actually it was over almost two weeks ago but I had to do 6 Six Word Stories for the 6th last Sunday so you’re getting the review this Sunday instead. Lap it up.

Sci-Fi Clichés and How to Avoid Them

Posted on May 6, 2021 Leave a Comment

For those of you who haven’t read the previous post, get over there and read it for even more sci-fi cliché goodness. But first, and without further ado, I give you today’s top three sci-fi clichés…

5 Basic Star Trek Plots

Posted on April 21, 2021 Leave a Comment

I have compiled this list of five basic Star Trek plots to help you on your way to writing a traditional, cheesy Star Trek story.

Pants, Plants and Plans: A Beginner’s Guide

Posted on April 17, 2021 Leave a Comment

If you’re struggling with whatever method comes naturally to you, it may be time to try a different approach. And so, what follows is my own concise analysis of each approach, comparing pros and cons as evenly as I can.