Creative Content Guy
Iâve been a fan of the BBCâs radio drama for a long time, but my enthusiasm has grown hugely in recent years. The output is diverse, and its quality outstanding. At the time of writing Radio 4 is broadcasting Dangerous Visions â a series of adaptations of classic science fiction works, including Ray Bradburyâs The Illustrated Man from Brian … Continue reading FX: a blog in which I enthuse about BBC radio drama
The internet can be cruel. You open your laptop or iPad and log into Facebook and itâs the usual slew of game requests, dog photos and paragraphs of poignant observation posted because, well, itâs just so true, ainât it? and I never wouldâve thought if you hadnât said. And then thereâs a picture of this … Continue reading A Death in the Family – Joel Lane, 1963-2013
A blog about the music of Brian Eno, Harold Budd & others During the day I often have BBC Radio 3 playing at a very low volume: unlike recordings with vocal content the classical music doesnât interfere with my train of thought in any way, but does provide a level of stimulus. (Radio 3 does … Continue reading THE PUREST FORM
Riders on the Storm was never really one of my favourite tracks by The Doors. It was a bit too sophisticated, and that thunderstorm stuff was a bit corny, wasnât it? I always preferred more rock ânâ roll/blues tracks such as Back Door Man and Soul Kitchen. But I was younger then, and while I … Continue reading Gotta love your man â a blog about Riders on the Storm
It was with great sadness that I learned this week of the death from cancer of fantasy author Debbie Miller (AKA Deborah J Miller and Miller Lau). I’m not exactly sure when Deb and I first met, but I think we were both with Earthlight back when my Structure novels were approaching publication. I know … Continue reading Deborah Miller
While performing a mundane household task the other day I thought Iâd put on some music. I had a look through our CDs and settled on some Bowie â a âbest ofâ collection. Just out of interest I thought Iâd try to decide which was my favourite of these vintage tracks. (Well, I guess all … Continue reading I Think Thatâs the One â a blog about my favourite vintage Bowie
I was shocked and saddened to read of Iain Banksâ ill health when the news was made public recently. It was Banksâ Culture novels that set me writing SF as an adult. Although Iâd had an interest in SF throughout my life, in the early nineties I was writing and reading lightweight mainstream stuff. This … Continue reading Iain (M) Banks â A Gift to the Culture
The scrap men circle. Hungry, dark-eyed lads. Always polite, always grateful for a broken toaster or telly. More filler than metal, their battered chariot speeds through the streets like some hellish ice cream van. Hesitate and theyâre gone, cruising over the horizon with their comedy bugle warbling, a nasal plea on loop. But there are … Continue reading Auld Hoyrn
Martin Sketchley 