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Showing posts from August, 2026

Artisan-Sorcerer Video Trailer

 Here is a very short video to introduce the Artisan-Sorcerer novels and short stories. The image was generated following a detailed description from me, and under my direct guidance.  The scene is of the lounge in the Artisan-Sorcerer's home. On the walls you can see one of Fabian's masks, and paintings by Bethany Rose and Jim. The bookshelves are crammed with books, CDs and DVDs, as described in the novels, and some of Bethany Rose's patchwork cushions are on the chairs. The chess board references the frequent games mentioned in passing in the stories. And you can also see Morgan with his two dogs.

How to Write a Novel

 My latest tiny video about how to write a novel.

It's Done!

The first draft of the 5th Artisan-Sorcerer novel is now finished.  Phew! What a protracted task that turned out to be. 50,000 words into the first manuscript, I decided that I disliked it - a lot. So I set it aside for a while - a long while. Having picked up the project again, I then threw away around 25,000 words, and then re-wrote much of what was left. And then, of course, I needed to write the rest of the story. I can't say much about the whys and wherefores of my decisions without giving away spoilers. Let's just say I'm happy with this version. When I've given it a month or so break without even peeping at it, I'll most likely find plenty to find fault with, but this is typical of any editing stage. There's a lot of work yet, editing, re-writing, editing again, polishing, etc. But it's on its way!  

Our Lives in Books - Hear Me Read Aloud my Contribution

 

New Artisan-Sorcerer Banner

  Click on the image to view it larger Here it is, the new banner for my Artisan-Sorcerer novels, designed partly with AI, (please read my recent post about this issue before spouting off!), but with a huge amount of guidance on concept design and imagery from me.The text is 100% my work, and this description has already been in use for a few years. From left to right are: Bethany Rose, Rowan, Tamsin, and Fabian. Bethany has one of her sketchbooks, Rowan has his camera, Tamsin's wearing her beloved ankh cross, and Fabian's... well, being Fabian. One of his masks is amongst the symbols tucked away in the border. In the background are the Palm House in Sefton Park, the Liver Buildings (Three Graces), and the Liverpool waterfront -- not without a bit of poetic/artistic license, as anyone with even a smattering of knowledge of the city will know that Sefton Park is definitely not on the waterfront. The park is just over the road from the Artisan-Sorcerer's shared home, though...