Tag: Happy

Book Review: “A Prayer for the Crown-Shy” by Becky Chambers

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Becky Chambers’s A Prayer for the Crown-Shy was my fifth read of the year.

The first Monk and Robot book—A Psalm for the Wild-Built—was excellent. But A Prayer for the Crown-Shy is perfect. The post–semi-apocalypse and post–robot uprising story follows two loveable characters. Sibling Dex, a tea monk, and Mosscap, a robot who wishes to know what people need, go on a road trip.

This book has it all. A hilarious moment between two post-coital humans and a curious but innocent robot. A heartwrenching funeral for a fish from a robot that avoids violence. A magical moment where the robot first meets a human child, and said human child first meets a robot.

Reading this book felt like a cuddle from my wife for the mind.

Book Review: “A Psalm for the Wild-Built” by Becky Chambers

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Becky Chambers’s A Psalm for the Wild-Built has the honour of being my first read of 2023.

And what it read it was.

It had all the beauty and warmth I’ve come to expect of Chambers, with so many quotable moments. I’m sure I drove my wife nuts with the number of times I interrupted her to read something cute aloud. But she knew what she was letting herself in for when she gifted me this for Christmas.

A Psalm for the Wild-Built differs from the type of book where a lot happens. Instead, it’s the type of book that fills your heart with the warmth of a good cup of tea. It’s also the type of book that makes you ponder deep, philosophical questions.

As with everything I’ve read from Chambers, I cannot recommend it enough.

I look forward to checking out A Prayer for the Crown-Shy soon.

‘Under Blankets, Under Stars’ is out this Valentine’s Day!

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I am pleased to announce that my second collection of short stories will be available this Valentine’s Day! ‘Under Blankets, Under Stars’ is the light to the darkness of ‘A Chance of Rain’.


Over 20 upbeat sci-fi and fantasy stories, ‘Under Blankets, Under Stars’ will be available as an e-book on the 14th. A paperback version will be in print once printers are back up and running following lockdown. 🙂


Available for pre-order soon!

‘Eye to Eye’: A story of reconnection

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How is it September next week? Where has the time gone!? This next one was written for the Reedsy contest, Second Chances. I chose the prompt, “Write a story about childhood sweethearts coming across one another after many, many years apart.” As you can probably guess, I took it in a rather weird direction… The title of my story is Eye to Eye, and you can read it here on WordPress or over on my Reedsy profile!

A glimpse was all I needed to recognise my childhood sweetheart; I’d never forget those killer’s eyes.

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Well, that’s all for today! Until next time, guys. 🙂

Read ‘The Lonely Earth’: Another meditative short story

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…and we’re almost there! It’s been fun and furious! This next one was written for the contest Worth the Wait. I chose the prompt, “Write a story about a person waiting for an answer to a question.” It feels like a spiritual sequel, of sorts, to my other short stories Sea the Moon and snoitseuQ and srewsnA. The title of my story is The Lonely Earth, and — as always — you can read it here on WordPress or over on my Reedsy profile!

She stepped barefoot onto the grass, feeling the dampness of the night against her skin.

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I’m really enjoying these dreamy, floaty pieces — I’m sure there’ll be plenty more to come!

‘A Little Bit Off’: My sci-fi comedy was shortlisted!

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Hey everyone! How we all doing? Good? Grand! I’ve been shortlisted for the Reedsy contest again! Always lovely. This was for the contest Superpower! I chose the prompt, “Write about a person who collects superhero comics.” The comedic, alien sci-fi slant came very quickly — and the mental image I found to be quite endearing! The title of my story is A Little Bit Off, and you can read it here on WordPress or over on my Reedsy profile.

We all knew there was something a little bit off about Hugh.

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I’ve now lost count how many times I’ve been shortlisted for the Reedsy contest, which to date I’ve won twice… Still hoping for that third win, at some point. 😉 If you’re interested in reading the others, check out my Short Stories section! The ones that have asterisks have either won or been shortlisted. Well, until next time, have a great day, and look after each other. 🙂

A Curveball Double Feature: Two Children’s Stories!

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So, these next two really break the mould for me — they’re both children’s stories. (I know, right?!) They were each written for different prompts, but they both have similar themes and protagonists, so I thought I’d bundle ’em together in this double feature!

Part One

The first one was written for the contest Fuzzy Friends (Or Foes?) — I chose the prompt, “Write a story featuring an animal who subverts expectations.” The title is Deep Space Canine (yes, that is a pun on Deep Space Nine…) and you can read it here on WordPress, or over on my Reedsy profile.

“Grrround Control, mission has successfully been completed, repeat, mission has been successfully completed, Grrround Control.”

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Part Two

All right! The next one was written for the contest Kidding Around — I chose the prompt, “Write a story about someone who discovers a mysterious object in their home.” The title is Winston and the Legend of Va-Khum, and you can read it here on WordPress, or over on my Reedsy profile!

Listen closely, Little One, and I shall tell you a tale of a day long since passed.

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Well, I hope you liked these! I actually had a lot of fun writing ’em — even if they are completely different to my usual fare. This doesn’t mean I’m leaving my horror roots, I just like to branch out and explore a bit, y’know?