Becks
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To the Stars and Back: An anthology tribute to Eric Brown
In May 2023, our friend Eric Brown passed away after a battle with cancer. Eric was a wonderfully talented author whose body of work – in science fiction, children’s fiction, and crime – was filled with humour and humanity, as Eric himself was. I first met him at an Eastercon many years ago, and as… Continue reading
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Geeky Sewing Bee: The Prisoner inspired cushion covers
A couple of years ago I made a Village resident-style cape as part of a Prisoner-themed cosplay outfit. I chose a red/blue/yellow/brown colour scheme to match those seen during the chess match in the classic episode Checkmate. The remnants of the brightly coloured fabric have been knocking around in a drawer for a long time,… Continue reading
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Magic and Enchantment in Literature at the British Library
The British Library runs many courses in connection with their exhibitions. To accompany the current smash hit ‘Harry Potter: A History of Magic’ exhibit, several fantasy fiction-related events have been run and in January I was lucky enough to attend the study day on Magic and Enchantment in Literature. There were some very informative talks… Continue reading
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Cinematic Time Capsule
In our study is a tartan cardboard box containing hundreds of ticket stubs I’ve kept over the years, mementoes of movies, concerts and plays, dating all the way back to the summer of 1999. For the longest time I’d thought that must have been around the time that I decided to start keeping them, and… Continue reading
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Survival Tips for NaNoWriMo
It’s almost here! Evening comes early, and the green summer shades of my village are overthrown by waves of red and gold. Children in dressed as ghosts and ghouls go trick-or-treating around the houses and fireworks light up the night skies. It must be time to write a novel. I first tackled NaNoWriMo in 2005.… Continue reading
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Keeping the Mystery Alive: what Doctor Who can learn from Twin Peaks
In an era when marketing a TV show relies heavily on revealing content in press screenings, trailers and interviews, the secrecy surrounding Twin Peaks: The Return has been central to its success with fans. Why has Doctor Who lost the element of surprise – and how can it learn from the refreshing spoiler-free approach of… Continue reading
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Geeky Crochet – Twin Peaks style
Last year I took up crochet. I’d never done it before, and the last time I knitted anything Twin Peaks didn’t even exist. But when I optimistically bought some wool and hooks and a beginner’s guide to the basics, I had one particular project in mind – a slice of damn fine cherry pie. Did… Continue reading