My Writing....

 

Yes, it's true. I am also an author.

  Don't get too excited though! This is more of a light hobby than a vocation. I love to write, but I find it a very frustrating process - which is why I don't do it very often. My preference is for horror, but I have tried fantasy and thriller too.   Over the years I've somehow managed to write enough short stories to compile a small volume.   But, venturing into the world of publishing was terrifying. So, I started small - with a short story. And digital only. None of my stories are in print - but if you own a Kindle then maybe you might like to try them out. My first published short story is The Infant Kiss a nasty little tale about a young boy enacting his revenge on his neglectful dad. (You can buy The Infant Kiss as a standalone short story, or in my compilation collection Mindworks)   Once I had a couple of positive reviews I then decided to release a compilation volume. Mindworks is that compilation.    
Some time later someone requested that I write a follow up to The Infant Kiss, which became The Infant Choice.  
The short story collection has an eclectic mix of styles and subjects. The River in My Mind is a story about the dangers of psychic ability. The Infant Kiss I mention above. Ethics covers an act of revenge by a young boys pets. Amy and The Face in the Window are both ghost stories.  House of Shadows is about a childhood dare gone wrong (it's also one of my favourites) A Pocket Full of Posies focuses on a bizarre train journey. The Manipulation of Johnny Tucker is about anger, betrayal and revenge. A Christmas Visitor is about a visit from a very special Santa. The Secret Heart is about the last werewolf. Beauty's Beast is also a werewolf story - but of a totally different kind (another of my favourites).   I'm currently working on Mindworks II. I've already written Eligible which is about a highly desire bachelor with a dark secret. And, I'm in the process of writing another story called C.H.A.V. - although that's taking longer than I'd hoped...probably because I spend too much time cross stitching.   I've also written a pretty bad novel and have nearly finished a second. None of which will ever see the light of day without a serious re-write!   But, if you like short stories then please feel free to support a fledgling writer and check out my stories. Told you my blog would cover lots of different interests! :-)

....And so it begins....

Ok. Here goes.

Totally new to blogging. Thought I'd give it a go. Why? Because, sometimes I think I might actually have something to say that people will find interesting.

I called my blog 'The Eclectic Bloke's Blog' because I've got a lot of interests and there was no way I could define my blog with one word and still make it sound interesting. Besides, I've always loved the word eclectic.

So, what do you need (or want) to know about me?

I'm male and in my forties - or my mid-life crisis some would say; and I have a lot of interests.

What you won't see on my blog is the any of the following (so if these interest you leave now!): football or pretty much any other sport (except some tennis). Details of pubs, clubs or restaurants (I might be lying about that last one occasionally).

What you WILL find is my thoughts on:
Books - I read a lot and all the time so I may post my thoughts and feelings on what I'm reading.
Films/TV - I collect DVD and Blu-ray so I may post reviews on what I watch.
Places I've Been - I like to post about new places I go. Not in boring detail though!
Cross Stitch - Counted CS is one of my main hobbies; and, according to some, something of a rarity among men. Although, if facebook is anything to go by, that is changing. I will probably be posting pictures of my current progress and photos of my finished projects.
Writing - I'm a budding writer (aren't we all at one point or another) so I may post short stories or poems. All will be copyrighted so hands off!

So, now you know what my blog is all about. Hopefully you'll find something you like! Happy reading!