Claire Waller

I’m way behind – my family invasion came early and is continuing. On a more positive note, it has made me get going on a completely new novel that I’m reasonably happy with so far. I’m trying something I’ve seen recommended elsewhere and not bothering with chapters (yet). Seems OK for now.

I’m doing a weekend away in mid-January (Dunford…[Read more]

Yes. Great title. Hope the creative/productive jag lasts.

Good to know! Coffman starters are great. Basically using a shotgun cartridge to start an engine, minus the lead shot of course. I don’t just do naval aviation btw, my last nonfic was a biography of a RAF bomber pilot, flying instructor and test pilot before and during WW2. Any technical queries, feel free to ask

Very interesting blog, Elle. Place is very important to me when I write and when I read. It’s often the element of a novel that stays with me longest after I’ve finished it. I try to think in terms of how the people in my story react with the space within the scene and what part the place has played in their lives but your list is very helpful.

Thanks Libby, that’s really nice of you. Glad you found it interesting and informative. I thought they struck the balance pretty well, and as you and Jane felt, did not overdo it with reconstructions. The little bits they did have (a snippet at the start of the Eugene Ely segment and some sailors running through corridors on a warship in the…[Read more]

Thanks Jane, am blushing now! You’re very kind

Just finished watching this. Daeds – you’re a star. The depth of your knowledge and your passion shine through. Plus I thought the programme was a quality production. It told the story in an interesting and engaging fashion, simply enough for someone with no knowledge like me to follow but without talking down and without the endless repetitions…[Read more]

My inclination would be for you to leave as-is Jonathan. I’m sure you’ll get plenty of entries as and when. NaNo month is always a bit difficult for things like this, but I for one am keen to make sure I enter every Den comp

That works. Nice and simple!

Yes, it was a bit of a million candlepower searchlight moment. In a sense, it’s not that the MC doesn’t try to change, he just completely misinterprets the kind of change he needs. He (and I) had been thinking it was one thing, and it was actually almost the opposite.

Spot on, Kaz. That’s exactly what he is.

I must remember to watch it next trip to the UK.

Thanks all! This is my second TV credit, but the first was only for archive materials and this is definitely my first proper TV appearance. I don’t think I did too badly, though no doubt a lot of editing was required!

Wooooah! I’ve just had a massive revelation about my MC. I thought that he accepted the necessary change, but it just turned out badly. I actually think he got completely the wrong idea about what change was needed, spectacularly FAILED to change…and that’s what ends badly.

Well done indeed, Daeds. Authoritative, erudite and lucid. Once again you display that knack you have of making technical things clear to the layman.