Author Archives: Lee J. Russell

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…”

“Extinction Game” – Gary Gibson

There are more sci-fi books published every year than any reader could comfortably read in their lifetime. It is impossible to keep up with them all and I find myself discovering gems like Gary Gibson’s “Extinction Game” long after they were first released. ‘Extinction Game’ was first published in 2014 by Tor, but being onlyContinue reading ““Extinction Game” – Gary Gibson”

New look author website for 2019…

After a couple of weeks of “fiddling” I’ve just finished updating my website onto a modern HTML5 template. It is now using the open-source, 12-column “Reponsee” css grid from Vision Design graphic studio with an alternative menu bar. – I’m really pleased with the new look, and it will be a lot easier to maintainContinue reading “New look author website for 2019…”