10,000 word, three chapter mark. I know it irritates some people when writers post word counts. I, however, make no apologies. It’s the first hurdle for me, and the first hurdle in a much longer steeplechase. My previous books have weighed in at 90-120k…cont..

What is this brightness that blinds me so. ‘‘Tis magic after all that grey.

This was my first go at doing a cover for myself. The picture is the same image David Collins used on the original book. I took this pic and it’s a photo of Stowe Pool Lichfield the city I live in and where the book is set.

Proof of concept alert. I will be rereleasing Impossible Fruit later this year to tie in with the release of Impossible Fruit Too. To that end I wanted to revise the cover. This is probably near to the final image I’d like to use.

And so it begins. My first full fantasy novel. It’s a working title, no doubt it will change. I’ve been reading Eddings, Hobb, Feist, Brooks and Jordan on the lead up to this. So hopefully some of the fantasy magic of my boyhood authors will rub off.

This…

It’s been so long since I’ve got a review for this, my first novel. The review numbers are so low, considering the copies I have sold in the last three years, that when I do get one it’s marvellous. Thanks Georgia.

First read of the new year. @sirbenfro.bsky.social Rest Is Death. Police Procedure with underlying supernatural terror. Marvellous. James is an inspiration for me and he also wrote the Sir Benfro fantasy series as #jdoswald.

Merry Christmas to all my writing, reading, Whovian, and Blake 7 friends. Here’s to a marvellous 2026.

Another trilogy reread from the books I originally had as a teenager. This time the Sword of Shannara. It’s the omnibus version, another big book with lots of little writing as my wife would say.

Scorchio!

Happy Doctor Who day friends. 62 years and counting. And happy birthday Nanny Mack who would be 112 if she wasn’t off elsewhere in the universe.

I’ve gone straight to Silverthorn by Feist, the sequel to Magician. Again the first 100 pages are incredible as the threat of evil comes to the surface. Loved Jimmy the Hand in the 80s. He still stands tall as an excellent character. ❤️

Finished this wonderful book, Magician by Feist. My first reread in many years. Such a grand tale, and an easy read. World building is magnificent and the character development sublime. Probably my favourite book after the Belgariad by Eddings and Eye of the World by Jordan. ❤️

When you are in you fifties but your pre- orders suggest you are still 14. @ultravoxofficial.bsky.social @simplemindsmusic.bsky.social @marillion.com

A writing update on the Magpie Legacy. I’ve been contemplating the release of book 2 The Raven’s Message after half a dozen re-writes, but have realised there needs to be a subtle shift in the ending to book 1, The Secret Magpie.

Check out my eBay site ebay.us/m/ARaKjV Doctor Who Hardbacks Doctor Who Big Finish CDs Fantasy book sets Pet Shop Boys rare 12” records.

I still wanted to look like Midge Ure into the 1990s. Couldn’t grow the Vienna moustache though.

Another wonderful @l.e.modesitt Saga of Recluce book finished. My third in the reread so far. Some great ideas in the Magic Engineer, again an Order Mage in Dorrin trying to fight against Chaos. Dorrin realises it’s not just about the plies of good and evil. There must be a balance

Thanks @frasierarmitage.bsky.social for my book prize. Can’t wait to read it.

I’m putting some of my spare fantasy books on eBay - happy to do a deal for a follower. ebay.us/m/ARaKjV #eBay via @eBay_UK

Stop reading, Stop reading, Stop reading, wanna go out, now, now - not been out for minutes. The Bean is impatient.

Enjoyed my re-read of the second Saga of Recluce book by #l.e.modesitt. A further examination of the magic system and its technicalities, and the impact wielding has upon the welder. The book is about Creslin the Weather Mage, Megaera his consort. Marvellous world building.

Took Bean to the park. She’s knackered now. I’ll have time to read. #spaniels #dogs

At last, my set of The Bound and Broken books have been delivered. I haven’t read anything by @ryancahill.bsky.social but many have convinced me it was the right move to get these via @thebrokenbinding.bsky.social I may have to reinforce my shelves with magic. ✨

Oh happy day. Book post #2 Now my @illumicrate.bsky.social versions of @robinhobb.bsky.social Farseer Trilogy have arrived. They are beautifully presented. Posties going to hate me.

Swapping out my set of Blood and Bone by @johngwynneauthor.bsky.social with the new @thebrokenbinding.bsky.social This series was one of my favourite reads of last year. 😍#bookstagrammer #bookstagram #fantasy #fantasybooks

Back to the land of Recluce after quite some years. I stopped about book 13, Natural Ordermage. #l.e.modesittjr has just released book 26, I think, Sub-Majer’s Challenge. So time for a steady reread. My first read of Modesitt’s books since COVID when I read all 12 Imager Portfolio books in a row.

My quest to replace some of my dog eared paperbacks with decent hardback copies continues with this eBay haul. In readiness for re-reads. @jvjones.bsky.social #canavantrudi #karenmiller

I have just finished Gatebound by #danieltjackson - such a very good book. 5 🌟- reminded me so much of the Wheel of Time in places, very much in the style of Feist and Eddings, with the dark tones of Fiona McIntosh. Can’t wait for the finale. Get cracking please, Daniel - 🙏🏻

Out with Agnetha Bean our bonkers Spaniel. She never stops.

Current read folks. Loved Aiduel’s Sin - by friend in writing #danieltjackson - so much that I’ve gone quickly onto Gatebound, the third Illborn volume. Just about a third of the way through.

Did you know you can preorder my first ever YA fantasy novel?? Amazing but true! Release dates: UK 22/5/25, US 30/9/25 🐉 A serpent queen ⚡ A whole roster of weird gods 🦊 A cute little guy ☠️ Forbidden touch 🩸 Costly magic www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-sleepl...

Antidepressants by @suede is excellent on first listen. Always a good sign. Well done chaps!

Book post! The Copper Cat Trilogy has arrived. From @headlinebooks.bsky.social and @thebrokenbinding.bsky.social and written by @sennydreadful.bsky.social

Thoroughly interesting lecture by @drsturg.bsky.social tonight at Birmingham Symphony Hall. Thought provoking themes mapping the development of Christianity in Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire. Exploring the organised nature of religion as opposed to faith. Promoting the book Domination.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. #5 in The Old Man’s War series. Cleverly composed set of short fiction pieces, bringing the story together. Marvellous @jscalzi.bsky.social

Book post #1 from @thebrokenbinding.bsky.social Katabasis by RF Kuang and Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell - both beautiful books. Looking forward to an eventual read of both. I can hear my bookshelves groaning as I choose a shelf.

It’s always good to have new #lethbridgestewart books to read. Two short story collections, celebrating 15 years of @candyjarbooks.bsky.social

Just watching this fabulous episode of Star Trek for the first time. Series 2 Ep 9. This is how you do a musical episode. #startrek

I’m half way through my second pass of A Quantum Translation and I’ve got to say it’s feeling good. I took the time to write this one. I do have a few interludes chapters to add, but that won’t be onerous. I think it will then go off to my editor.

After a few detective novels. I’m back to fantasy with Aiduel’s Sin by a friend in writing @danieltjackson_illborn - the first 100 pages are excellent. #fantasy

I’m on my second pass of A Quantum Translation. Getting it ready for my editor. Things have slowed as I have one eye on finding a job, but I’m happy how it is on the second read. I didn’t change anything in Chapter Two. That’s unknown for me. Anyway, onwards and upwards. #iamwriting #iamediting

Treated myself to this wonderful book. I’ve had a dog eared paperback for years. Thought I needed an upgrade. #iamwriting

Agnetha Bean is 3 today. How many humans and biscuits does it take to get a pose?

Thanks Rod. You are a gentleman sharing this. 🙏

Thanks for the mention Tim.

Got a few bargains off tinternet. 3 pounds sterling ish each. I do like reclaiming ex libris books. Love #tadwilliams . Remember how excellent Otherland is, don’t remember much about Shadowmarch. Back in the day I’d read a 800 pager in 1-2 days. A lot of it didn’t stick.

Last few sunset shots on our last night in Hayle Cornwall.