“District 9” — Prawns Rule

I've read several reviews of District 9 that praise its edgy first half and complain that it all goes a bit Hollywood towards the end. I think they're missing the point. I saw District 9 last night and didn't once take my eyes off the screen, or my attention off the tale. It's precisely because … Continue reading “District 9” — Prawns Rule

“The Blade Itself” by Joe Abercrombie

There's lots to like about Joe Abercrombie's The Blade Itself. Pithy, witty prose for one. The characters are superbly drawn – smart new takes on the traditional high fantasy archetypes. I loved Logen's contemplative barbarian, world-weary and rather depressed by the fact he keeps winning all these down-and-dirty battles. Inquisitor Glokta is a joy, with … Continue reading “The Blade Itself” by Joe Abercrombie

“Matt Line Tidies Up the Universe” — Opening Shot

I made my first SF movie spectacular as a teenager – along with my good friends Phil Tuppin, Andy Wicks and Phil Guest. Called Matt Line Tidies Up The Universe, it was filmed using the miracle of plasticene animation in glorious Super-8mm. The film's opening shot shows our hero's spaceship (constructed by yours truly out … Continue reading “Matt Line Tidies Up the Universe” — Opening Shot

“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” Stage Show

Years ago, I saw a stage production of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. What a fun topic to write a nostalgic blog about, thought I yesterday. But, as I tried to pull a few memories together, I realised something shocking: my own interior version of Eddie the Shipboard Computer seems to have had its … Continue reading “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” Stage Show

“Hurricane” — A Six Word Story

More Edwards microfiction hits the web at Six Word Stories. I could stop if I wanted. Really I could. (Note to self: get on with the damn novel!) Everyone exhales simultaneously. Hurricane breaks records.

From Manuscript to Print

I occasionally visit local primary schools to talk about creative writing and my experiences in the publishing industry. Halfway through telling the children about my first novel Dragoncharm, I bring out the original typescript and drop it on the table. At 798 pages it makes quite a bang (and raises plenty of surprised giggles). It's … Continue reading From Manuscript to Print

The Science Fiction of Bob Shaw

Just discovered a heap of Bob Shaw books buried in a forgotten corner. Ah, the joyful anticipation of rereading some old favourites! Bob's concept of slow glass is one of those science fiction ideas from heaven. It's a dream of a concept that gets right under your skin and just wriggles there. In case you … Continue reading The Science Fiction of Bob Shaw

“Bride” — A Six Word Story

I'm on a roll over at Six Word Stories! Another of my recent microfiction efforts made it through the net and on to the site here. This one's the best, in my humble and arguably skewed opinion: Bridal veil lifts. It isn’t her.

“Assassin” — A Six Word Story

Hurray! I just had another piece of ultra-short fiction published at Six Word Stories: Assassin takes aim. Target shoots back.

Listen to your Characters

I'm ghostwriting book two of a fantasy trilogy to a tight outline and an equally tight deadline. The upside of a punishing schedule is there's no time to mess about, and certainly no time for self-indulgence. It also means I'm free to enjoy telling the story and crafting the prose, without worrying about plotting, because … Continue reading Listen to your Characters