writing

‘Gravenham’ by Christopher Walker – Review

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British Horror with psychological and atmospheric tones that twist into surreal revelations…

Christopher Walker presents a British horror story with plenty of the usual genre hallmarks but it is executed in a unique atmospheric style that very much sits in the head of main character ‘Edward Drummond’. The strength of this story is the tones that carry atmosphere and the concept of everything not being what it first seems with an internal monologue that adds a certain surrealism to the affairs of three city dwellers who find themselves on a mystery solving mission to the remote village of ‘Gravenham’.

After meeting reporter ‘Melanie’ at a dinner party and even when readers learn early on that ‘Edward’ doesn’t think too much of himself, he strikes up an unexpected romance which takes them both on the path, along with his photographer brother ‘Thomas’ to Grantham where a dead body is missing. This accidental romantic ‘Edward’ sets the theme of things to come as his confidence grows while the story unfolds or is that just his delusion? Something I flagged early is the concept of something doesn’t quite fit and every so often the reader is reminded of that keeping me guessing. Is this all an elaborate dream or nightmare?

The trio’s arrival and quick discovery of the situation in Grantham quickly unfolds along with a sense of danger but who can they trust? The locals are typically frosty towards them and the story leans into the likes of the ‘Wickerman’ and even popular video game film adaptation ‘Resident Evil’ in which the author mentions at the start of the book. An unexpected twist then sets the story on a weird and even obscure path that leads all the way to a finish that explains most things but lets readers fill in some of the gaps.

For those who like mystery horror with plenty of atmosphere, this one is for you.

5 Stars

Weekly Ramble #169

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Serious results in any creative endeavour is fostered by taking it seriously. There are so many factors as to why one can find success with their creativity but above all, attitude is everything.

To be able to constantly learn from something while participating in it has been the driving factor for me in so many different corners of my online activities and for social media. From showing up daily to reflecting how that has benefitted my growth over time to the all important recording of what works in my mind. We take the good we can learn from and continue forth, much like when it comes to writing and then editing a book – just one more edit is the mindset and at the forefront of a writer constantly improving – to me this a good sign.

Patience is a solid joint first place when it comes to pursuing creative endeavours successfully because you could do everything you can to feel like you should be getting good results but instead you face zeros – patience will serve anyone in that situation well and in the meantime keep building, keep learning and keep going – that’s all I have ever done. Evolution really is a change that cannot be seen instantly but over time and with patience and the right attitude, you’ll get there.

A Talk About Book Reviews

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I think the majority of us published folk can agree that finding book reviews or any type of constructive feedback for our works is incredibly difficult. As a proud indie author of several books and having spent many years in the social media author arena I’ve got some experience in all things book reviews. From how to get more, to the good, the bad and of course the ugly. There are a stack of inputs when it comes to book reviews and so this talk is dedicated to that subject.

You can listen to the full talk here.

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Weekly Ramble #167

Lee Hall 2 Comments

Sometimes an extended rest is all the mind needs. Although I love being busy, it can be nice to take ten days away and spend it with my significant other. Escape equals recharge sometimes and now I am back with batteries that are full.

My intentions this year are fewfold – from querying my forever dream book to outside writing day job aspirations to even directing another show. I’ve got my work cut out and I’m so ready. 2022 was a long and labouring year which took a lot from me. A huge priority has been to get my mental health back up to scratch and now after some time away and reflection my anxiety has seemingly drained and now I must strive to keep myself in better shape both physically and mentally. These ramble posts serve as a diary and a also to-do list. Hopefully by 2023’s final one, I will be reflecting on some successes.

As I pick up where I left of just some weeks ago, I cannot help but look back on my short break away with fond memories. A huge shout-out the wonderful Island of Saint Lucia. What a fantastic place!

Weekly Ramble #165

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Pursuing dreams matters to me. Pursuing things that make me happy also matters. Writing and telling stories has been something I’ve dreamt of doing longer than pretty much anything else so when I do write, it makes me happy. Above everything, doing things in life that make you happy matters the most.

As I am just about to finish drafting my latest writing project, I cannot help but feel pride for enduring and finding everything I can to nearly complete the journey. To me, every project is different but everything required to finish it always feels the same – there are struggles in some capacity every time and it is up to the story teller to overcome them. My inspirations come from many different corners of life and I do my best to express them in the words I lay out. Of course the editing process takes us away from the original intentions sometimes but that process is nearly always necessary to create a polished finished product.

This project in particular is a stage play that will be performed within a year – a very special outlet I am lucky to have. Guess I better get to finishing it…

‘Fire at Her Fingertips’ by Rebecca Crunden – Review

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‘You know it’s better to lie. To keep the fire for yourself.’

Rebecca Crunden delivers a powerful tale with deep meaning that immerses readers from the start.

For a shorter read it doesn’t hold back with a writing style that uses every word to create the sense of an enduring journey to finding belonging and home. There is a lot of symbolism and metaphor here paired with poetic writing that displays Crunden’s strengths as an immersive story teller while also carrying an important message. Fire is a force that carries a mystique and power which is embraced here. Its also okay to be different because eventually you’ll find others to accept you for who you are.

Shorter reads like this deserve praise because they may only whisk the reader away for a short time but that important message within will stick around for much longer.

5 Stars

Weekly Ramble #164

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To see my writing performed live on stage is an incredible feeling. This past weekend was a pinnacle moment for my play writing endeavours and I’m still coming down from it all.

Two of my plays were performed by two different groups this past weekend and I had the pleasure to be able to see them both in action. One of which was for charity to raise money for a wonderful school and the other was the premiere of my latest work and a pantomime adaptation which I also directed.

Seeing my words come life is something that will stay with me forever and they may be my words, but the stories told on those stages belong to everyone else. From performers to crew all the way to kind audience members of all ages. To see it all unfold and hear the applause, gasps and so much more truly is special. Many many writers spent their time in obscurity with their works and never get the chance I got this past weekend. To watch how others interpret my stories and to also see them succeed on stage with different groups really does give me a sense that what I have written, does work.

Weekly Ramble #159

Lee Hall Leave a comment

Consistency. No matter the trends or events happening, Consistency will always rule. And the results might not always be instant or even obvious but those who do keep going will find them.

I don’t consider my writing or work to have any level of finesse but I work hard and I keep going to make that writing my very best. It isn’t really up to me to say whether or not it is any good and perhaps that’s the real beauty and thrill of being a creative in the social media arena. Readers decide and interpret things in their own ways.

For all the things my journey has represented this year, enduring is the word I’ll use to describe it. Through the strange but mostly wonderful social media interactions to the huge numbers of reviews, sales, follows and even royalties. Things have endured, I have endured and I am still standing after whatever forces, good or bad were thrown my way.

The future is a concept I look to with excitement and possibility but I also know the time is actually now. Every day is an opportunity to shape our future and make it a good one.

I am one with the journey and the journey is one with me.

‘Love’s Ragged Claws’ by Gary Gautier – Review

Lee Hall 4 Comments

A short read with plenty of literary depth…

It has been fifty years since ‘Gabriel’ last confessed and so when he does there comes a story of confession through literary depth. For a short read, Gary Gautier packs in so much to construct a tale of reflection, feeling and memories.

I’ll admit, I’m not sure if I did grasp everything within the layers of this book as there is plenty of metaphoric or even symbolic moments interwoven with stylistic description, sentences and the overall flow. For only fifty or so pages, I’m definitely urged to maybe go back a few times a read it just to capture everything which is just one of the unique values this book has.

Like many great reading experiences, our individual interpretation and the relationship it has with what the author has laid out makes it and here they work very well together. The reader’s imagination is given room to breathe while also being taken along the path by the author .With some heavier themes and emotion mixed with lighter funnier moments, the journey this book took me on was interesting from the get go. The existential and moral dilemma ‘Gabriel’ explores through his relationships gives this shorter read a great amount of depth with some great writing.

‘Moral knowledge is easy. Moral action is hard.’

4 Stars

‘Of Swans and Stars; Finding my own North Star, one poem at a time’ by E.M. McConnell – Review

Lee Hall

A uniquely emotive and descriptive collection of poetry…

E.M. McConnell delivers a fantastic array of poetry that touches on so many subjects and across the four parts there is something that will resonate with anyone who takes on these words.

From the subject of being hopeful to even myth and magic which made for a great way to finish the collection, McConnel’s brand of poetry is strong, brave and consistent throughout. In particular ‘O, My Muse’ spoke to me along with ‘Music’ where the description really shines from the very start.

‘The beat skips and slithers down the cord Dodging errant quavers with amusing grace…’

This collection took me on a unique journey of language, rhyme and magic encapsulated by a British charm. There’s modern references and a power in these words along with the occasional mention of dragons all framed by an excellent looking cover and brilliant formatting.

For anyone looking to take on immersive poetry, I’d highly recommend this one!

5 Stars