Okay, here's the first peek at the prospective cover design for Nanobite
Thursday 19 September 2013
Monday 16 September 2013
Book Review: I Am Eternal Cowboys and Vampires by Athanasios
First off, let me say that I enjoyed this story. It's such a refreshing change to read a vampire story that isn't in the vein (sorry, couldn't resist that) of Twilight and all the other books in the current crop of teen angst-ridden vampire literature.
However, for me it was too short. Frustratingly so; I came away wanting to know more. It reads like a prologue to a much longer novel.
But that is my only real complaint. Due to the brevity, the characters are sketched in rather than fully realized; however, I found myself empathising with the protagonist. Yes, he is a killer, and all romantic notions of vampirism are stripped away; but the richness of the backdrop and historical authenticity adds a depth that makes you wonder what it would be like to exist (not live; the protagonist is very clear about this) for millennia. It also makes you wonder what effect the ennui of so many centuries would have on the mind.
There is also the beginnings of a sub-plot cleverly interwoven. The author manages to switch from dialogue-driven action in the first part of the story to a narrative voice for most of the remainder in a way that is seamless to the reader.
So, if you fancy a quick read and like vampire fiction, check this out. I really hope the author follows this with a longer novel that gives us more detail about Simon's life (or should that be unlife?).
I Am Eternal: Cowboys and Vampires
However, for me it was too short. Frustratingly so; I came away wanting to know more. It reads like a prologue to a much longer novel.
But that is my only real complaint. Due to the brevity, the characters are sketched in rather than fully realized; however, I found myself empathising with the protagonist. Yes, he is a killer, and all romantic notions of vampirism are stripped away; but the richness of the backdrop and historical authenticity adds a depth that makes you wonder what it would be like to exist (not live; the protagonist is very clear about this) for millennia. It also makes you wonder what effect the ennui of so many centuries would have on the mind.
There is also the beginnings of a sub-plot cleverly interwoven. The author manages to switch from dialogue-driven action in the first part of the story to a narrative voice for most of the remainder in a way that is seamless to the reader.
So, if you fancy a quick read and like vampire fiction, check this out. I really hope the author follows this with a longer novel that gives us more detail about Simon's life (or should that be unlife?).
I Am Eternal: Cowboys and Vampires
Wednesday 4 September 2013
Surface RT, technology, and writing
Last week, I finally took the plunge and acquired Microsoft Surface RT with the type cover.
I know, lots of people will say, 'Why didn't you buy an iPad?'
The truth is, whilst the iPad is very nice, it's not for me. I see it as a device to consume content rather than create it. Typing on an onscreen keyboard is unpleasant to say the least, for any significant length of time. I know you can buy add-on keyboards but that just adds to the price, and without Microsoft Word, I'm forced to go looking for alternate apps to work with.
Whilst the Surface doesn't come with a keyboard as standard, even buying one only takes the price into iPad-only territory, and the type keyboard is, quite simply, very good. It also feels like it was meant to be with the Surface - no clunky work-rounds or docks to connect it; it just snaps into place and away you go
Another benefit for me is not being forced to tie it to a computer and - my most hated piece of software - iTunes. Whilst it's okay on Macs, on Windows it is an abomination - slow, bulky and resource-hogging. So, no iTunes on the Surface.
It's true that Windows RT is not full-blown Windows 8. Is this a bad thing? No, in my opinion. the clue is in the previous sentence - not full-blown Windows, i.e. it's not bloated, having to support all manner of legacy software. No, I can't just install any old software from the internet - this means I can't use FocusWriter, my usual method of writing. I've not really looked for an alternative in the Windows store yet, although there appear to be quite a few. I'll post more on this when I find one I like. I'm currently writing straight into Microsoft Word 2013, the version that comes pre-loaded on the Surface RT and it is fine - quick, responsive and easy to use.
Another plus point for me was the ability to add storage. Want to add another 64GB of storage? Just slot a card in (currently around £45 for a 64GB card). Make use of Microsoft's SkyDrive cloud offering (I do)? No problem - it's there, built in to the OS. The new Windows 8.1 refresh coming soon should make this even better.
And the hardware is simply gorgeous - it feels like a substantial piece of hardware. Yes, it doesn't look as sexy as an iPad, but - for me, at least - it is far more useable.
So, in the space of a week, it has become my sole machine for writing, in fact pretty much everything, replacing the old Acer and HP notebooks I was using. I've even used it in tablet form, unsnapping the keyboard and using it for casual browsing and email. I could've probably got a new laptop for the same price but I would've been looking at non-touchscreen models. Not the best option with Windows 8.
Is it perfect? No. In my opinion, the desktop mode is unnecessary and should be stripped out. I know a lot of Windows users think the desktop and start menu are sacred, but for me, being unable to load legacy software makes it superfluous. The Microsoft Office programmes do dump you onto the desktop but other than that, I don't use it. The Windows Store could be better. Not necessarily just more apps, but useful, productive apps.
So there we have it - my thoughts on the much-maligned Surface RT. They are a fantastic device if you know what they can and can't do. For those who want full Windows 8, there are other, better options. Usually more pricey, but hey, that's how it goes. I like my Surface RT, and I'll be sticking with it. Might even persuade me to move to Windows Phone when I next upgrade, who knows.
I know, lots of people will say, 'Why didn't you buy an iPad?'
The truth is, whilst the iPad is very nice, it's not for me. I see it as a device to consume content rather than create it. Typing on an onscreen keyboard is unpleasant to say the least, for any significant length of time. I know you can buy add-on keyboards but that just adds to the price, and without Microsoft Word, I'm forced to go looking for alternate apps to work with.
Whilst the Surface doesn't come with a keyboard as standard, even buying one only takes the price into iPad-only territory, and the type keyboard is, quite simply, very good. It also feels like it was meant to be with the Surface - no clunky work-rounds or docks to connect it; it just snaps into place and away you go
Another benefit for me is not being forced to tie it to a computer and - my most hated piece of software - iTunes. Whilst it's okay on Macs, on Windows it is an abomination - slow, bulky and resource-hogging. So, no iTunes on the Surface.
It's true that Windows RT is not full-blown Windows 8. Is this a bad thing? No, in my opinion. the clue is in the previous sentence - not full-blown Windows, i.e. it's not bloated, having to support all manner of legacy software. No, I can't just install any old software from the internet - this means I can't use FocusWriter, my usual method of writing. I've not really looked for an alternative in the Windows store yet, although there appear to be quite a few. I'll post more on this when I find one I like. I'm currently writing straight into Microsoft Word 2013, the version that comes pre-loaded on the Surface RT and it is fine - quick, responsive and easy to use.
Another plus point for me was the ability to add storage. Want to add another 64GB of storage? Just slot a card in (currently around £45 for a 64GB card). Make use of Microsoft's SkyDrive cloud offering (I do)? No problem - it's there, built in to the OS. The new Windows 8.1 refresh coming soon should make this even better.
And the hardware is simply gorgeous - it feels like a substantial piece of hardware. Yes, it doesn't look as sexy as an iPad, but - for me, at least - it is far more useable.
So, in the space of a week, it has become my sole machine for writing, in fact pretty much everything, replacing the old Acer and HP notebooks I was using. I've even used it in tablet form, unsnapping the keyboard and using it for casual browsing and email. I could've probably got a new laptop for the same price but I would've been looking at non-touchscreen models. Not the best option with Windows 8.
Is it perfect? No. In my opinion, the desktop mode is unnecessary and should be stripped out. I know a lot of Windows users think the desktop and start menu are sacred, but for me, being unable to load legacy software makes it superfluous. The Microsoft Office programmes do dump you onto the desktop but other than that, I don't use it. The Windows Store could be better. Not necessarily just more apps, but useful, productive apps.
So there we have it - my thoughts on the much-maligned Surface RT. They are a fantastic device if you know what they can and can't do. For those who want full Windows 8, there are other, better options. Usually more pricey, but hey, that's how it goes. I like my Surface RT, and I'll be sticking with it. Might even persuade me to move to Windows Phone when I next upgrade, who knows.
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