Author: johnrsermon

I’m a writer from Stockport, Manchester, England, who mainly enjoys writing short stories in the soft sci-fi genre. I do like writing in other genres, fantasy in particular, but I’ve settled on soft sci-fi because I enjoy adding fantastic things that could exist right now or in the near future. I’ve been writing in my spare time since around 2001 with varying degrees of discipline. I’m always looking for ways to improve myself and my writing, and I use my blog to showcase my writing and discuss things on my mind. Every so often I’ll talk about other things in my personal life (Football – I support Manchester United, Holidays, Food, amongst others). I enjoy writing short stories, but I have also finished a few novels and completed NaNoWriMo a couple of times. Writing makes me happy, and thankfully, I can’t see that changing any time soon. My interest in writing began when I took a Film Studies Course at College in 2001. One of the assignments was to create a character and give him or her a back story. I did this and got some good feedback from my tutor, and I loved the feeling of creating a character from scratch. My other interests include running and listening to rock and metal music whenever I’m running. I enjoy watching a wide range of films and TV to relax. The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly is my favourite film, and Arcane is my favourite TV show. My favourite authors are Giles Kristian, J.R.R Tolkien, JK Rowling, Bret Easton Ellis, Gareth L Powell, and Robert Lewis Stevenson. Thanks for reading. If you like the sound of the above, I’d be more than happy to discuss all manner of writing-related stuff. See my contact page for details.

A story almost done…but my 2nd 10k run completed!

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Hello

 

So, following on from last time, the next short story that will help to shape my ‘Town of the Mountain’ follow up is shaping up nicely. It’s entitled ‘The Worry’ and centres on Eriden Grainger, the chief heroine of the Town of the Mountain. I wondered how I would go about this story and, like the first story ‘The Hunt’, I just wrote what I felt like writing.

Eriden is worried that she isn’t as good a hunter as she used to be. The Town of the Mountain ended with an almighty battle featuring all the bugbears of the forest, of which there were chuffin loads, attacking the hunters. Our hero hunters won but now that the town is peaceful, and has been for a while when we drop back into Eriden’s life. It is very quiet and very boring. You see, there aren’t any bugbears to fight. Or any monsters of any kind for that matter. So, with this in mind she decides to join up with Markus in Manchester to fight off the City’s demon infestation. However, she feels out of shape and worries that she may not be able to do what she did for her town for a big city. She also worries about her new boyfriend and not being around for him. And she worries about her mother, who has finally started talking to her again after years of neglecting her, will become as distant as she used to be. My, oh my have I given her a lot of worries. It does mean that the story is flowing quite well and I’m able to try my hand at writing emotional stuff and that. Which is something I actually quite like to write. I will hopefully have finished the story by this time next week so I’ll let you know how it went.

And…I ran the Bupa Manchester 10K for the second year running! I had been worrying about how I would do in the weeks running up to the run. I put myself down for the second wave which is one up from last year. Immediately in my head I thought that everyone else was going to be faster than me and leave me in their collective dust thus allowing me to finish last out of a hell of a lot of people. But, as the race drew nearer and I inched my way forward towards the starting line my confidence grew. And…I was off! I was tempted to just go for it at the beginning but I settled into a comfortable pace. The amazing heat didn’t help matters but the support of strangers on the side lines was brilliant. I finished it in 54 mins exactly in 6533rd place. That was 50 seconds quicker than last time and 2094 places higher. I’m happy to say the least. Got a medal as well.

Right then. I’m off. Thanks for reading and have a good week.

Good bye

Another story done with. And a load more to write.

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Hello

 

As I mentioned last time around, I sat down and wrote something off the top of my head. Whatever came into my head, I was going to write and hopefully it would make sense. Or could make sense after a few edits. It turned into the first short story regarding the exploits of my main character after my bugbear story, Town of the Mountain. And…

I finished it!

I have always enjoyed writing action scenes and seem to type quicker when I do. A majority of the story was to do with a hunter, our hero Markus, fighting a huge, winged demon. I ended up making the demon a teenager which I didn’t expect. It also allowed me to add in a bit of humour, hopefully, into the story. It broke it up quite well. I may add a bit more into it in the edit. Whenever that is. I talked myself into writing a short story to carry on each of the main and secondary characters tales after Town of the Mountain. This equates to about 12 stories at least. It’ll keep me out of trouble and busy which is always good.

So, the story, called ‘The Hunt’, which is a working title by the way, came up to just over 2000 words. I’ve decided to make this my short story word count for each of these ditties that will help to start to map out the sequel to Town of the Mountain. The sequel, at this point anyway, centre around our hero’s helping out the rest of Britain which, like the hero’s little town, is overrun by some kind of monster. For example, Manchester will be infested with winged demons. London will be infested with vampires. Birmingham will be infested with Dragons. And so on in that fashion. I’m not sure how I’ll incorporate all of this into one story but I do like a challenge.

I remember a time I would have balked at that last sentence. Any challenge I used to like, say five years ago and most of the time before that, would have been from a computer game. Now I actually like challenges which could shape my future. This new found drive has also spilled into my day job. I set myself a goal of getting a new job that could open up possible opportunities later in life and I have. It’s only a secondment but I have to start somewhere. Here’s to a new challenge!

Right, I’m off to relax as I’m feeling tired. All this challenge talk is wearing me out.

Good pie!

One off, One on, and a pleasant surprise?

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Hello

 

In case you noticed, I didn’t update my little corner of the internet last week. That was because I had done exactly bugger all in the way of writing. I’m not sure how it happened but that week just flew by. I do remember thinking about what I was going to write next though. When I had chance. Which was never during that week. But I did keep on reading Dorian Gray. I think it was once on the tram to work. So that was One week off writing. But then…

One week on it! As I wrote a couple of weeks ago, I was considering writing a short story based around the idea of the two greatest warriors of a fictional planet. But, I’m thinking that will make a good, full length story or a novella. As I was writing the synopsis and background to it I realised a short story would end up long or novella anyway. Having put that on the back burner, I decided to sit down and write off the top of my head. The last time I did this, wanting to write a short story only, just so I can get a story written as the time before that, a few years back, I did the same thing and it ended up getting really, really long. I’ll get back to that little ditty at some point.

Anyway, I sat down to write a few years ago, off the top of my head, and that turned into my bugbear odyssey, The Town of the Mountain. And as I sat down to write a few days ago I began to tell the tale of a hunt. A bloke hunting and fighting a demon. Which has turned into part of the second book to follow on from Town of the Mountain. It has been running around my head for about a year now so I thought, why not put some of it down on paper. I’m planning on several short stories focusing on all the main characters that will feature in the second book. I have to say, taking a week off can be pretty good sometimes. I took a week off from running as well, which led to…

A pleasant surprise? I ran my quickest run for ages after a week off. Although what I got next took the goodness of that away. I received my running number for the Manchester Bupa 10k Run 18/05/2014. Last year I was in the third group to run, now I’ve gone and put myself in the second group. The white one. The group I remarked on, as they ran passed in the opposite direction looking all professional and that as I ran passed trying not to laugh at the guy dressed as a Rubik Cube, how professional and that they all looked. I was a little worried after I opened the letter but now, I’m looking forward to it. A challenge for me to beat last years’ time. And push myself further as well. I’ll go for a beer afterwards anyway so there is that.

Right, I’m off to do some chores. Hope you have a good week.

Bye

It’s finished! And now onto the next one.

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Hello

 

My second short story of the year entitled ‘A night like any other’, is finally finished. I continued with the third person view point and it seemed to work. When I go back over it and then look for feedback I’m sure I’ll find out it doesn’t. Or maybe it does. In my head it seemed to work as a way of connecting to two half’s of the story.

Both parts have been written from the first person view point so going to the third person, in my head anyway, allowed their stories to link up and conclude. I did consider going from the second person view point but I’ve only recently tried it. I didn’t want to use it until I was completely at ease with the second person view and, I just didn’t think it would work. I also ended up putting a twist in at the end which ties up any loose ends. I did consider leaving it to the reader to decide what happened next but I didn’t think it would work. Anyway, that story is complete.

 

So, I then found myself with nothing to do on a Tuesday night. I would usually update this little blog of mine but another run left me feeling tired and unable to concentrate or want to look at a computer screen. Having done that all day I’m sure you can understand. Instead, I wrote out an idea for my next story. The idea is about a world which is split equally into two half’s. Each being led by a leader that led their army to victory over a now completely dead third party. Once the dust settled, it was agreed by both leaders second in command, because the two leaders could not function after almost dying in the war, that the world be split equally. But the leaders, now living peacefully, long to fight each other to see who is the better warrior. However, with no fighting of any kind between the two sides, how would this ever happen?

Not sure yet. I have a rough idea but will go over it again soon. Iron out the creases. I could’ve done that last night but I ended up watching some football (soccer) and then a few episodes of The Walking Dead season 3. I’ll do it at some point.

Right, I’m off to do something else.

Good Pie.

It doesn’t look too bad after all.

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Hello

 

Following on from last time, I’ve started to write the beginning of the end of my short story ‘A night like any other’. It’s a story of two complete strangers and how they eventually meet and fall for each other over the course of one night out written from the first person perspective of each of the characters alternately.

I like writing using the first person point of view as it makes me think more and more about the emotions people go through day to day. In just writing about something as simple as getting ready and going on a night out I’ve enjoyed how much detail I need to go into to make it even slightly realistic. And this hasn’t meant me going on and on, this has just meant being more concise and to the point to get the reader into the minds of my characters as smoothly and efficiently as possible. I have previously written and almost completed a long story from the first person view point so I might go back to it to keep it fresh in my mind. I’ll make that decision when I’m done with this story I think because it is hard work. But the good kind of hard work.

So, I’ve written 500 words which I’ve written from the third person view point. So much for liking first person and all that. I said last time that I wasn’t sure it would work but I think it has. Bit biased but there you go. As I was writing it, the impression it gave me was of two different paths meeting at the end of each of their respective journeys. Both meeting in a kind of inevitable conclusion. Or is it inevitable and is it the conclusion they both want? Who smeggin knows. I’ll come to that part when I’m right RIGHT at the end. Which should be soon and as always I’ll let you know.

Ok. As I’m quite tired I’ll leave it at that and go back to bed. I’ve already napped this afternoon which may or may not have been a good idea. Right then…

BYE

 

 

 

 

A couple more words and a fair few distractions.

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Hello

 

Since last time I’ve managed to get another 500 words written for my short story. I’ve laid out the story using 500 words for the two main characters. First is from the man’s point of view, second from woman’s point of view and so on. The last 500 I have broken up into 250 word chunks for each character as they are about to meet. I’m thinking of changing the view point from first person to third for the final part of it. Though I’m not entirely sure it will work but I’m going to try it. In my head it will works wonders but usually that thought jumps right out of my brain once it’s been written. Fingers crossed and all that.

As for the distractions, having moved out of the flat I shared with my friend all we now have to do is get the deposit back. But will it be, again like it is in my head, all plain sailing? Of course not! This is life! How can something so simple be that way? The estate agents have contacted us and have played a very strange game in order to get as much of OUR deposit into THEIR pockets. My friend has unfortunately had plenty of experience with this kind of thing. He knows what to do but it is all a bit distracting. I was hoping to get the deposit back so I could book my yearly holiday. Hopefully it will all be sorted soon.

And then to my day job. I’m currently loaned over to a team whose department is expanding and will be offering permanent positions doing what I’m doing now. I should be able to apply on Monday so I’ve been getting my CV in order. Which has taken time as I keep going over and over it. More distractions but if all goes the way I’d like it to, I’ll have a new job and lots to look forward to.

All this has stopped me from writing as much as I’d like to so I’m going to use the next week to make up for it. I’ll let you know how it goes.

To sign off, The Picture of Dorian Gray is still going strong. I’d recommend it already without even being half way through it.

Right, I’m going. Bye Bye

Some words written. Some feedback read. And a huge YES to getting back on it!

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Hello

 

I did say last time that I would post again on Sunday but, after doing some chores and going for a knee damaging run, I thought I’d leave it until I was feeling better. And now, after a non-knee damaging run and no chores, I’m feeling just fine.

I managed to get my first 500 words written in over a week. It felt good. I was also able to drive my short story along so the next time I add more prose to it, I’ll be close to the end. An end I have pictured in my head. It’s been there ever since I started writing it. The anticipation is something that I used to hate but now, it has become something I actually look forward to. If that makes sense. Anyway, after those 500 words…

Came the feedback I was looking forward to. It’s been a while since I posted anything on a website I knew I would get feedback from. And I’m delighted to say it turned out to be very helpful. One thing I always want from feedback, but am afraid to ask for strangely, is the critic correcting my punctuation and grammar. No matter how much I want to improve, I reckon it’ll just sort of happen one day. It will all sink in. I just want that day to come pretty smeggin quickly. The feedback was very helpful and has been dually noted. I do have another bit of feedback to go over as well which is exciting. Though after a quick glance I don’t think this guy is a fan. But, I want that as well. Maybe I am going wrong somewhere.

Both good and bad, all feedback can be used as long as it has some kind of constructive element to it.

And…YES to getting to back on it. It being writing and reading. I’ve picked back up The Picture of Dorian Gray. And it’s as good as I remembered it was and keeps getting better. Though, Oscar does like to go a bit with his descriptions. Which can be annoying.

Right, that’ll do. Till next time, have a good one.

Cheers

Not a word written. Hang on…did I just recharge my writing batteries by mistake?

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Hello

 

Since my last post I’ve accomplished a lot of things.

I’ve been to Leeds for a night out with a few of my mates which was pretty good. So good that it left we four all wiped out for Friday night. That ended up consisting of two large domino’s pizzas between three of us, the forth of us having fallen asleep and was thus unable to attend, and few more beers. We also, with what little energy we had #gettingold, ripped into how poor some of the ‘comedy’ from Sport Relief was. Though I think it is a good cause, I prefer to something of a higher quality from very rich celebrities trying to get me to donate. Surely they could all chip in and pay for all the things they were talking about easily? Anyway…

After recovering we got back on the beers for another good day/night out on Saturday. Sunday was spent being very hung-over and having to start cleaning the flat and helping my flat mate move some of his stuff out before our tenancy ended the following Thursday. This turned out to be a good way to get through a hangover. This could be a new trend for me. We shall see.

Monday had me back in work, still hung-over, and packing up as much of my stuff as possible. This all led to Tuesday when another night out beckoned. It involved going to watch Man Utd at Old Trafford. Utd were soundly beaten but the drinks afterwards helped us get over it. Then, more cleaning and packing on the Wednesday.

I moved out on Thursday, my flat mate had moved out on the Wednesday night, but had to clean for two hours after the estate agent, some picky bloke who couldn’t even get into the building and had to wait until someone else let him in, told me I had to do some more things or get charged for a cleaner. Wonderful.

After all this, I finally moved in with my girlfriend. I’m settling in now and I’m glad I’ve done it. It feels good and right.

With all this, no writing. None. So, now I feel like I wasted my writing week. Or have I? I feel recharged and raring to go. I’m looking forward to catching up and getting my latest short story finished. I’ll also be able to read some feedback from the first chapter of my story, The Searcher’s Want. It’s finally up for review via http://www.critquecircle.com! Oh feedback how I’ve missed you so. I’ll look forward to reading you very soon.

All this will be done within the next week, beginning on Sunday I think, and I’ll let you know how it goes.

I hope you’ve had a good week or so and will have another one. Or so.

Good Pie

Short stories for the win?

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Hello

Last time I said I was starting to write my second short story of 2014. So far it is going really well and I’m thinking I might just have cracked my own particular preparation and execution methods for short stories. Or maybe I spoke to soon. I’ll let time sort that one out.

So, this story concerns two random people, a woman and a man, who are getting ready for a night out at the same time across manchester. I’m enjoying writing the two different stories next to each other and making sure they are going down the same time line. I’m using TV and alcohol consumption to help me do this and it looks to be working well enough so far.

I’ve done this kind of thing once before for another story and it does keep you on your toes. That story had a battle scene, and so far one of the most important happenings of that novel up to now, which I decided to tell from the four different view points of the main characters. It didn’t get that confusing thankfully but it was a close run thing. With such questions constantly running through my head as….

What did he say?
What did she say?
Where was he or she standing when he or she said or did that?
What could they see?
How would they react?
How did the react and what impact did it have on those around them?

And so on. ALL THE TIME!

For any of you who are going to try this, I’d suggest having a blank piece of paper ready just for making extra notes. And a notepad open on your laptop or PC (if you are using one) to copy and paste what people have said or done in a previous chapter or paragraph. It helped me to make sure I got each view point right and in sync. If you have already done this before, well done. It is taxing isn’t it?

I have also found time to join a new writing website, http://www.scribophile.com. It is primarily focused around allowing writers to get feedback. I have decided to concentrate on websites that offer this service. As in, critque a story so you can get one back. I posted an extract of one of my stories last week to no response. It isn’t always a guarantee I’ll get feedback so I’m not fussed. It was worth a try. I have since posted it on critiquecircle.com and look forward to a response.

Right, I’m going to write some more of my short story. I hope you all have a good writing week or just a good week in general.

Cheers