Ah, procrastination! The siren song that beckons writers away from their keyboards and into the warm embrace of distraction. If you’ve ever found yourself rearranging your bookshelf instead of working on your novel or suddenly deciding that your sock drawer desperately needs organizing, you’re not alone. Procrastination is an art form, and writers, in particular, have honed it to a fine craft. Join us on as we explore the delightful world of procrastination and offer you a tongue-in-cheek guide on how to perfect this essential skill. 1. The Prewriting Ritual: Before you even begin writing, it’s crucial to indulge in a prewriting ritual. This can involve anything from brewing the…
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Apicius Recipes For The Modern Kitchen 1: Roman Roast Pork with Honey and Garum Sauce
Imagine being transported back in time to ancient Rome, where lavish feasts and culinary delights were as integral to daily life as politics and philosophy. At the heart of this gastronomic journey stands Apicius, a legendary gourmet and author of one of the world’s oldest cookbooks, “Apicius.” This collection of Roman recipes, dating back to the 4th or 5th century, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the culinary world of antiquity. Meet Apicius: Apicius, whose full name is believed to be Marcus Gavius Apicius, was a renowned Roman epicure. He lived during the reign of the emperors Augustus and Tiberius, a time when culinary innovation and indulgence were highly celebrated. Apicius’s…
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The Everlasting Story of the Pleiades Constellation: Myth and Astronomy
For my daughter’s 5th birthday, we got her a telescope as she has been very interested in space and planets. I wont lie, the telescope was a bit of a present for me too. I remember evenings with my dad, out in the garden, getting lessons in astronomy and the myths behind the constellations. So when I am teaching my own daughter the same things, I feel like my dad is just a little closer, maybe hovering at our shoulders, prompting long forgotten knowledge to the surface. One of my favourite constellations is the Pleiades, the seven sisters. I liked the name, the story and perhaps because I am an…
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Cabbage: The Humble Jewel of Ancient Rome
In the bustling markets of ancient Rome, amidst the grandeur of marble statues and the aroma of exotic spices, a humble vegetable reigned supreme: cabbage. Far from being a mere filler, it was a prized gem in the culinary tapestry of the Empire. Its versatility transcended class. Wealthy patricians might savor it tossed with garum, a pungent fermented fish sauce, while plebeians would enjoy a hearty stew simmered with cabbage and legumes. Beyond its delicious simplicity, cabbage held a revered status. Believed to possess potent medicinal properties by Roman physicians like Cato the Elder, it was lauded for aiding digestion and even warding off illness. But the true marvel of…
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Today’s random question- what could I do more of?
What could you do more of? More exercise and more decluttering. I could also practice being more present with my family, by segmenting my work and family life more effectively. Typical mum mentality perhaps?
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Mrs. Hancock and the Mermaid” – Dive into Themes and Characters
Dive into the enchanting world of “Mrs. Hancock and the Mermaid” by Imogen Hermes Gowar, a novel that combines historical fiction with elements of magical realism. In this immersive tale, readers are transported to 18th-century London, where the lives of captivating characters interweave with themes of love, desire, wonder, and the boundaries between reality and fantasy. Characters: The novel introduces us to an array of compelling characters, each with their own desires, secrets, and vulnerabilities. At the heart of the story is Mr. Jonah Hancock, a merchant whose life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes the owner of a mysterious and captivating mermaid. Themes that Ebb and Flow: “Mrs.…
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A Review of ‘Tabula Rasa’ by Ruth Downie – An Ancient Roman Britian Mystery
I have been devouring the Ruso mysteries this summer. I am sharing a review of book 6 in the series. It is probably my favourite so far and I will share why, further on. “Tabula Rasa” by Ruth Downie is a captivating historical mystery novel that takes readers on a journey to ancient Roman Britain. Set in the Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, this book follows the adventures of Gaius Petreius Ruso, a Roman army doctor who finds himself entangled, once again, in a complex web of secrets and danger. One of the standout aspects of this novel is the author’s meticulous attention to historical detail. Downie…
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10 Easy Tips for Self-Editing Your Fictional Writing
Congratulations! You’ve poured your heart and soul into your manuscript, weaving a tapestry of characters, plot twists, and emotions. Yet, before your literary creation can dazzle readers, it requires a crucial step: editing. This for me, is the hard part, cutting fluff, sentences I spent hours finely tuning, only to then dump them in the bin. I am in the middle of fine tuning Even Gods Are Blind and it is getting there but all these blog posts are a perfect example of productive procrastination… Effective self-editing encompasses various stages, from developmental editing to copy editing (also known as line editing) and finally, proofreading. This comprehensive approach is the chisel…
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They Are Alive! 10 Lightning Tips for Crafting Compelling Characters
In the vast tapestry of literature, characters are the beating heart of the narrative. They are the souls that readers connect with, the voices that resonate, and the vessels through which stories come alive. Crafting memorable characters is an art form, one that requires a balance of creativity, empathy, and keen observation. Whether you’re a seasoned novelist or an aspiring writer, the journey of character creation is a path well worth exploring. In this exploration, we’ll delve into the depths of character development, unveiling ten tips to breathe life into your fictional creations and etch them into the hearts of your readers. 1. Know Thy Character Intimately Before you introduce…
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Plotter Or Pantser? Do You Need A Narrative Road Map?
It is almost that time again. November. That means two things. My birthday and NaNoWriMo. Every year, I give it a go, yet I never seem to get those 50,000 words down in 30 days and registered! Perhaps this year will be different (I say that every December). One very divisive argument surfaces in late October and that is whether you are a Plotter or a Pantser. If you have never heard of these words before, please continue reading and discover which you might be… Writing a novel is an adventure into the unknown, a journey where the destination is often as mysterious to the writer as it is to…
