Author Archives: Lee J. Russell

After nearly forty years of trying, I have just finished reading Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”

From my earlier blog on 11/5/19: Written in 1897, ‘Dracula’ is both a progressive piece of fiction as well as ‘a book of its time’. When I was around 10 years old I was given a copy as part of a set of classics as a Christmas present. I’m not surprised that I gave upContinue reading “After nearly forty years of trying, I have just finished reading Bram Stoker’s “Dracula””

More progress on my 2nd ‘Lissa Blackwood’ conspiracy-thriller…

From my earlier blog on 9/6/19: I’m now ready to start writing the 2nd novel in my ‘Lissa Blackwood’ Conspiracy-Thriller series. The overall plot has been fully defined and now works within the 7-Step Story Structure. Over the past month I have really enjoyed defining the 5 increasingly significant attacks that Lissa Blackwood will haveContinue reading “More progress on my 2nd ‘Lissa Blackwood’ conspiracy-thriller…”

Change of style for showing inner thoughts in my writing…

‘PAIN’ – noun: that terrible feeling you get when you decide to abandon the method you were taught about 40 years ago for formatting inner voice in fiction! I’ve just made the choice to adopt one of the modern styles: no quote marks, italicised text with a tag. Heck – this means I’ve now gotContinue reading “Change of style for showing inner thoughts in my writing…”

“Jem” – Frederik Pohl

I’ve just enjoyed reading Frederik Pohl’s 1979 novel “Jem”. Pohl was a prolific author- first published in 1937, with a final novel (‘All the Lives He Led’, 2011), and a collection of essays in 2012 – he died in 2013. I’ve been reading SF for about forty years and was aware of Pohl but neverContinue reading ““Jem” – Frederik Pohl”

Approaches to writing Effectively and Efficiently…

In my latest vlog I talk about how to write Efficiently and Effectively using a combination of: – Plotting (not “pantsing’) – Mind-mapping in “FreeMind” – The 7-Point Story Structure – A writing tool like yWriter5 – Dictating a first draft using the “Dictanote” Chrome app – Editing with SmartEdit, Hemingway and editMinion Take aContinue reading “Approaches to writing Effectively and Efficiently…”

‘As You Like It’ – RSC production 17/4/19…

I totally loved the RSC production of ‘As You Like It’ tonight – it was funny, entertaining and thoughtful. Excellent emotional acting and a great experience! Surprised I wasn’t hit by Sandra for laughing at this line: “Do you not know I am a woman? When I think, I must speak.” – Rosalind, Act 3Continue reading “‘As You Like It’ – RSC production 17/4/19…”

‘All About Eve’ – NT Live, 11/4/19

I enjoyed watching “All About Eve” livestreamed to Vue from the National Theatre last night. Based on the 1950 film and Mary Orr’s play ‘The Wisdom of Eve’, this was a gripping experience! Gillian Anderson (of ‘X-files’ fame, remember that one?) plays Margo Channing, an actress feeling the years tugging at her heels. Lily JamesContinue reading “‘All About Eve’ – NT Live, 11/4/19”

“Hellstrom’s Hive” – Frank Herbert

I’ve just enjoyed reading Frank Herbert’s 1973 novel “Hellstrom’s Hive”. Originally published (in 4 parts, I think) in Galaxy Magazine, the book is a written version of the 1971 film ‘The Hellstrom Chronicle’ directed by Walon Green (easily found on YouTube). Film-Book crossovers, and visa versa, are often unsatisfying experiences, but this novelisation by HerbertContinue reading ““Hellstrom’s Hive” – Frank Herbert”

Sci-FI author Ray Bradbury talking about love…

I just stumbled upon this wonderful quote about love from legendary sc-fi author Ray Bradbury… “The only thing you’re ever going to own in your life is your work… we belong only by doing, and we owned [things] only by doing, and we loved only by doing… if you want an interpretation of life andContinue reading “Sci-FI author Ray Bradbury talking about love…”