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I’ve been reading a lot more fiction since my Covid-19 lockdown began on 13th March. My interests are quite varied but I often return to my first love, science fiction – and I’m pleased to say that this 2013 tale from Kristine Kathryn Rusch did not disappoint! I’ve had a soft spot for stories likeContinue reading “Book review: “Diving into the Wreck” by Kristine Kathryn Rusch”

Every author has to decide on how to present their name when publishing work… Do you go for the straight first name followed by last name format? Or first initial followed by last name? How do you present any middle names? Should you reverse your names for impact as a pen name, or even discardContinue reading “Choosing how to format your author name…”

Here are some pictures of HMC Vigilant – a UK Border Force cutter that was tied up in Ramsgate on 3rd Jan. Vigilant has a top speed of 26 knots and is ‘armed’ with a water hose on her bow.

From my earlier blog on 24/12/19: … and I really enoyed it! I have a huge soft spot for early, post-WW2 SF, and this collection, chosen by Asimov, did not disappoint. The book collects 12 stories from 1939 to 1972 that he considered to be good stories spanning three decades of writing: “… two earlyContinue reading “I was determined to finish reading “The Best of Isaac Asimov” before Christmas…”

from my original blog on 12/12/19: I first encountered this story as the TV serial that is advertised on the front cover. To my childhood eyes it seemed quite possible for Britain in the late ’70s and early ’80s to collapse into the anarchic state being shown. Five years of Labour Party governance (Harold WilsonContinue reading “I enjoyed re-reading Nigel Kneale’s 1979 novel “Quatermass”.”

from my original blog on 1/12/19:  I first became aware of Michael Crichton’s story “The Andromeda Strain” through the 1971 film starring Arthur Hill, David Wayne, James Olsen and Kate Reid. Having seen the film, I wanted to read the book, and was not disappopinted with it! I’ve just read it again about thirty yearsContinue reading “I have just re-read Michael Crichton’s “The Andromeda Strain” (1969) and totally enjoyed it…”

From my earlier blog on 23/11/19: I thought I had missed getting a first edition copy of this but found one by chance in a local bookstore today – fantastic! I like the filmed version of Alien 3 – it felt rather British, which appealed to me. I also enjoyed reading Gibson’s script and nowContinue reading “Alien 3 – The Unproduced Screenplay…”

from my original blog on 23/11/19 (originally posted 1/11/14): I saw two of my favourite sci-fi genre films back-to-back at Vue on 31st October 2014: Ridley Scott’s “ALIEN” followed by James Cameron’s “ALIENS”… WOW, what an experience!! I first saw ALIEN on VHS video in about 1985, some six years after the original cinema releaseContinue reading ““Halloween Horror!!”

from my original blog on 8/10/19:  However, it’s a miracle that I ever picked this wonderful book up. What were Harper thinking when they published it in this cover? That image speaks to no genre, certainly not sci fi (in my opinion). Even today HarperCollins still seem to be misplacing this book. Amazon lists itContinue reading “I have just finished reading “Gravity” (1999) by Tess Gerritsen – I’m so pleased that I did, it is one of the very best science fiction novels I have ever read!”

from my original blog on 14/9/19:  The RAF Museum near Watford, London, is an understated gem. Entrance is free (parking cost £5) but the range of aircraft on display is extraordinary! I found out about the museum when looking up places to visit to learn more about the UK’s Cold War history. This site isContinue reading “I recently visited the RAF Museum near Watford, London…”