Back in the last century, before the millennium turned, blogging lore said three things make a post.
I have started writing the new Green Man book. As usual, I came up with an overall concept, and I have been gathering related ideas and background material to add to that over the past few months. I could see various ways of fitting a good many of these elements together, but not a plot that encompassed them all. So in a first for me, I tried something I’ve seen other writers find useful. I wrote the plot points and other story elements I had on Post-Its, and then shifted them around on my desk until I could see the best underlying narrative for Dan Mackmain’s next adventure, bringing in everything that I wanted. This also showed me where there were gaps, and where ideas needed reshaping. It’s been a very interesting exercise as well as proof that it’s never too late to try something new creatively. I’m going to enjoy writing this one. Further details in due course…
My work as a member of the Society of Author’s board continues. Following the first meeting of the year last week, I am honoured to be elected to serve as the management committee’s Vice Chair. This post was created by a resolution approved by the members’ vote at the 2025 AGM. The demands on all volunteer-led organisations working for the benefit of their wider communities has grown inexorably through the past decade, as anyone involved will know. Having a Vice Chair role will increase the SoA’s resilience, as the board and the incredibly hard-working staff tackle the ongoing challenges for creators, most notably but by no means limited to the continuing threats to copyright, and the devaluation of our work by genAI slop.
Last but by no means least, I am delighted to see The Green Man’s Holiday on the BSFA Awards longlist. Inclusion in this preliminary stage of the awards process is a great compliment. Writing the Magic is also listed in the Non-Fiction category, rewarding all the contributors’ and editors’ work.
As always this is an excellent opportunity for everyone, whether you’re a writer, an artist, a BSFA member or not, to go and read the lists and see the breadth and depth of writing and art available for us to enjoy, created with passion and skill by real people! Click here
