And suddenly, just like that, we’re at the end of April, and another monthly round up of my thoughts, writing and other such things is out into the world.
A Shift of focus
Blogging for me has always been a side item in my writing life. Something to switch to from writing my novels or short stories. However, over the last two years of occasional blogs I’ve found myself enjoying writing more article type posts, especially when I’m busy. They’re easier and quicker to write when I’m busy, and act as a nice project piece to my ongoing novel work.
So, I’ve decided to write more of them!
I’m hoping for an additional two blogs every month, although that will depend on how much time each takes. I’m positive though, it will be good fun to put more thoughts into the world!
This month’s posts
Missed any of my posts this month? You can check them all out below!
Smoking Remnants (From the Archives)
Ia looked down on the smoking remains of their village. Even from up here, in the safety of the mountains, she could taste the ash on the air. The anger inside her was deep, she had warned the council that the humans were advancing across their borders and yet they did nothing. And still did … More Smoking Remnants (From the Archives)
My Thoughts on An Echo of Things to Come
When I started An Echo of Things to Come by James Islington, I was certain of two things. Firstly, reading a huge fantasy story that I hadn’t read before on an e-book was considerably harder because I couldn’t have easy access to the map or the glossary, and secondly I knew for certain that this … More My Thoughts on An Echo of Things to Come
Writing On Caffeine – Worldbuilding and Plants
Don’t forget that this month in my newsletter, Writing on Caffeine, I’m talking all about how to build the natural world into your novel. The natural world is a huge topic, so I’m going to focus on one aspect – plants. The lifeblood of anything that is alive, the crazy evolutions and tips on how … More Writing On Caffeine – Worldbuilding and Plants
Why you need to go outside
If you are active on any kind of social media, you are likely to see photos of beautiful writing setups, cosy desks, achievements of those who have written ten thousand words in a single day. Don’t get me wrong, that version of a “writing life” is quite valid, but I’m here to talk about why … More Why you need to go outside
Reborn (From the Archives)
Gerald purred against Lily as she stroked him gently. For once the normally crazy cat was subdued, exhausted from staying up all night because of the fireworks. It was a new year. Lily didn’t put too much stock in the whole event, the parties or the dramatic resolutions. That was for those who believed they … More Reborn (From the Archives)
Top Tips for creating power structures in your fantasy books
Identifying how power works in your world is important because, let’s be honest, power is what drives society. Who has it, who doesn’t have it, and what those in power do with that power impact swathes of society and the people within it. It constrains some actions and allows others, creating a complex web of … More Top Tips for creating power structures in your fantasy books
You can’t re-write history
“Stop this!” Vashna screamed, pulling at the ropes around his wrists, “for the sake of yourself, Maynie, you need to stop!” Maynie looked up from the alter, hair askew and magic wild in her eyes. Blue energy surrounded her hands as she continued to move them in the ritual movements. “Stop?” Even though her word … More You can’t re-write history
Edits, Edits, Edits
In April 2020, I wrote 40,000 in one month on my novel. In April 2022, I’ve written…about 2,000. But you know what? I’ve still written more valuable words, because they make sense. And this, my friends, is the conundrum called editing. I’ve been a religious users of wordcount trackers since about 2018, but recently I’ve … More Edits, Edits, Edits
Souls of Smoke (From the Archives)
“Today, we remember our leader,” Hectaius said, standing at the head of the small mound of pebbles which marked all that remained of Right-Leader Ingnat. The rest of the group, only four of them now, raised their tin mugs of whiskey to the sky. Geegi looked haggared, her face laced with cut marks from the … More Souls of Smoke (From the Archives)
Writing on Caffeine
This month’s edition of Writing on Caffeine was looking at the antagonist, why they’re important and how to write a good one!
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Other things
I’ve been watching a lot of TV recently, and a fair bit of music. Here are my favourites from April!
Line of duty
Line of Duty is back for a new Series and as always I could write a small essay about how wonderful the screenwriting and cinematography elements are on this show (I probably will one day!). It is just that good. If you haven’t watched it before, I highly recommend it.
Drive to Survive
I am not one for Formula 1, but husband is interested and when we saw this pop up on Netflix we picked it as one of our dinner TV shows. Even though I’m not a Huge Sports Fan, it was an interesting watch!
Wandavision & The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
We’ve also dived into (and then binge watched) the whole of Wandervision and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. As a MCU fan, having even more TV shows in this universe was always going to be a hit, but I genuinly enjoyed these shows as excellent shows in their own right.
Fearless (Taylor’s Version)
As anyone whose followed me for a while knows, I do love a good Taylor Swift album. I love the imagery she uses in her songwriting, and she has a number of happy bops which are great mood pickups. Her newest “re-recording” album Fearless (Taylor’s Version) is another excellent set of songs which I have had on (almost) constant repeat during April.
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Paul Skorupskas on Unsplash
Alex.J.Cobalt is a fantasy writer from the UK. When she’s not working away at her fantasy novel series, she posts free flash fictions on her website, along with regular blogs about writing.
Alex.J.Cobalt 