It's been a long time since I've updated my blog on here. Not because things haven't been happening, but because I needed a break. In short, I've been quite ill. In April last year I was diagnosed with clinical depression which has made every day since a battle. I won't go into this in too… Continue reading A Break
A Stunning Return!
Okay, so that was a long time away. It was completely unintentional, but I've been so busy with other kinds of writing that I've barely had a moment to even consider writing a blog post. Still, I promised myself I was going to do one a week (good start...) so it's time to start catching… Continue reading A Stunning Return!
An Encounter
My walk to work is dull. I walk along a main road surrounded by 70's architecture with all the character of a muddy puddle. The only interesting building, a gothic church, has been surrounded by scaffolding for the last two years (half the roof's missing, but never mind) and in that time I've never seen… Continue reading An Encounter
Reflections
Christmas is almost upon us. The tree is up, the lights are bright and the jingle jangle of Christmas music is doing everyone's head in. Don't misunderstand, I love Christmas, I just don't think we need to listen to themed music FOR AN ENTIRE MONTH, but hey, celebrate in your own way. Personally I… Continue reading Reflections
Radio Silence
When I first started this blog, I had the honest intention of updating it at least once a week. Those of you with a firm grasp of time (or somebody who dabbles in maths) will probably have realised that's an intention I've failed to act on. I've been writing, I swear. Oh, how I've been… Continue reading Radio Silence
Another World
Arguably the most popular fantasy series around at the moment is George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire or, for fans of the TV show, Game of Thrones. I can see the appeal. The series is taut and complex; Martin should be commended for juggling so many different characters and plot points. That… Continue reading Another World
Burn Out
I do this every few months or so, but I never learn. In the juggling act of writing, working at a 'real job' and trying to have some semblance of a social life, I forget to look after myself. The result is, invariably, some kind of virus that stifles my productivity for a few days… Continue reading Burn Out
Editing
As a writer I do many things I'm sure people would consider strange. Staying up until 2am working out the motivations of fictional characters (often performing monologues in character) isn't exactly regular behaviour – in fact, it's downright suspicious. If I'm not in a government watch list at the behest of my neighbours, it'll… Continue reading Editing
More Than I Can Chew
For the past few years, I've been living a double life. I've been working (mostly) full-time jobs while writing, often multiple projects at once. Take last week. I had my usual hours at the cafe, while covering two cultural events for Alt:Mag, editing the play, writing two short stories and planning future projects. The problem… Continue reading More Than I Can Chew
Writer’s Block?
As writers I think we all have something that tries to stop us writing. For some it's a second job. For others it's doubt. For some it's burn out from too much writing. For me, however, it's Hogarth the Pale Demon. HELLO SAM, I SEE YOU ARE TRYING TO WRITE. Yes, Hogarth. That's exactly what's… Continue reading Writer’s Block?
Sam Leeves 