Harlan Ellison's Watching 11

Got to love old Uncle Harlan (RIP). He was/is a divisive figure, but that is all part and parcel of the human condition. Not everyone will like you no matter how good you are/were, or hate you no matter how bad you were/are.

As a writer of little means Harlan stands as a giant. Someone I can learn from both good and bad.

Anyway, those of you who are eagle-eyed will have spotted some minor changes on the blog. Mostly down to labels and how I tag my posts.

I'm making an attempt to get back into the saddle. Regular weekly posts, but these posts may just be a record of the number of words written. Namely a writing log. Not much to see for the casual reader, just my diary, which was the original purpose of starting the blog.

Some of the pieces I post will include stuff I've found interesting. Just like I've done in the past, but I'm taking the pressure off having to do this every week. It's too distracting from my core concern to write more.

That is all. I will tag the diary posts with Writing Log, so readers can skip them. And I will only share blog posts that have something more to offer than my writing log.

Carpe diem. That's all for now.

A review of Bad Dog

I caught this on Zepp Jamieson's 's blog. Found through David Brin's blog that hosts very lively discussions on everything SF. Both are worth checking out if you're into science fiction. Anyways, here's a snip of the review. Click on the link for the full review.

I’ve mentioned Groundhog Day, Russian Doll and Haldeman in this review, but in the end, Bad Dog wound up reminding me of something far grander and more ambitious: The Expanse. The blurb on the cover promises that Bad Dog is only the first novel in a Gate Walkers series, and if Pollard’s first novel is the metric to go by, she’ll give The Expanse a run for its money.

I look forward to the next installment.

Focused on Writing Rules

A blast from the Mummerset campaign: 3rd Battle of South Boring from Operation Sand Box.

Over the last week my mind has been focused on writing a set of wargame rules.

For far too long I've been trapped, procrastinating over the mechanics of play, and the game setting. I'm still undecided about the setting details, but yesterday I was managed to spend the day working on them.

I really got into my writing groove, and produced just over 1800 words.

Colour me amazed. I haven't written that many words in a day for far too long.

While yesterday's writing was amazing, I didn't sleep much last night, because my mind was racing with ideas. So, I got up and wrote notes instead of tossing turning in bed. All things considered, this has left me feeling a little bit fragile today.

Still, I've managed to do some more writing today.

Mostly down in the weeds. Working through the rule mechanics , and checking my assumptions arising thereof. It is a thing.

That's it for now. Catch you all on the bounce!

Fusion Plants

Six years ago, General Fusion announced that they're working on  a fusion reactor.

The general consensus from Susan's colleagues at Imperial College was that this General Fusion doing some hand-waving to stimulate their stock prices. Colour us cynical.

Then there was Los Alamos National Lab 2016 announcement. With a promise of a first working model in five years or so (2021ish), and not only that but it would fit in a shipping container too! Again, we discussed how they might have found a trick that would allow them to deliver on their announcement.

Either way, the reaction in the Parker-Pollard household was wouldn't that be nice, if it comes true. Wishing for a better future for all mankind.