Alistair Potter's Blog: AUTHOR Alistair Potter
March 9, 2019
The Box of Tricks - review by The Reading Bud
4 star review - The Box Of Tricks by Alistair Potter is an explosive sci-fi novel that has something to offer to all of its readers. It has a great storyline that is executed well and a brilliantly created world that made reading this book a complete delight. The characterisation was excellent and I was able to feel a connection with the main characters, Tom, Caroline and Fanshawe and felt that the secondary characters were also very believable.
The writing was good and easy to read. The tightness of exposition made it a really pleasant read for me as I always appreciate brief yet informative exposition over unnecessarily lengthy one, so this book made for a really smooth and quick read. Author’s humour really shone through the prose and went a long way in making this book both entertaining as well as light as it had some emotional and moral themes that could have, otherwise, made the plot very weighty.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and waiting eagerly to get started with the next book by Mr Potter. I’d recommend this book to all sci-fi readers.
The writing was good and easy to read. The tightness of exposition made it a really pleasant read for me as I always appreciate brief yet informative exposition over unnecessarily lengthy one, so this book made for a really smooth and quick read. Author’s humour really shone through the prose and went a long way in making this book both entertaining as well as light as it had some emotional and moral themes that could have, otherwise, made the plot very weighty.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and waiting eagerly to get started with the next book by Mr Potter. I’d recommend this book to all sci-fi readers.
November 24, 2018
New book!
Probability's Edge is now available on Amazon. (Purchase link from Book page).
Science Fiction action and adventure with a military edge - what's not to like? (If you like Science Fiction action and adventure with a military edge!)
Blurb: After crash landing on a technologically backward planet the crew of the Eagle face a tough decision: save themselves, or save the planet.
Other stuff - I was recently invited to read at 'Fife Writes: http://www.fifewrites.co.uk/ which was great fun. For several years I performed poetry at venues in Edinburgh, but stopped when I began to focus more on novel writing. A gap of about 8 years. I was a little nervous to start with but fell back into 'performance mode' quite quickly. Partisan and supportive audience, but the applause was genuine and much appreciated.
Cheers, Alistair.
Science Fiction action and adventure with a military edge - what's not to like? (If you like Science Fiction action and adventure with a military edge!)
Blurb: After crash landing on a technologically backward planet the crew of the Eagle face a tough decision: save themselves, or save the planet.
Other stuff - I was recently invited to read at 'Fife Writes: http://www.fifewrites.co.uk/ which was great fun. For several years I performed poetry at venues in Edinburgh, but stopped when I began to focus more on novel writing. A gap of about 8 years. I was a little nervous to start with but fell back into 'performance mode' quite quickly. Partisan and supportive audience, but the applause was genuine and much appreciated.
Cheers, Alistair.
July 22, 2018
Probability's Edge - final edits!
Probability's Edge
This is my very first novel. OK I've published another five since I started writing this one, but this is my first novel, the first one that I got to the end and said finished.
But it wasn't as easy as that - there were problems! The main one being that I swapped 'lead character' horses halfway through the novel. Which might be a brilliant new approach to novel writing, but it wasn't. Simply put - I lost the plot.
When that dawned on me, I started the mammoth task of fixing the problem. All that lovely internalisation from the Johnny-come-lately 'lead character' at the end had to be dumped, and the new perspective imposed on virtually every scene in the second half of the novel, or the other way to go was to change the beginning? It was a tough decision.
At that point there was the lure of a new work, The Box of Tricks and after that the first in my Sunset of Magic fantasy series, The Last Trollid. But every now and again I came back to Probability's Edge (though it wasn't called that yet). A seemingly relentless and uphill struggle - dumping 'perfectly good' scenes, dialogue and internalisation wasn't easy. But eventually I did it.
Was I finished? Of course not. Now I needed to edit the book to the 'new standard' of writing I'd achieved through completing another three novels: Books 2 & 3 in the Sunset of Magic series, The Counsel of Wizards & Bort's People and a new SF book Perax Frontier.
So, coming soon(ish) 'Probability's Edge' -
"After crash landing on a technologically backward planet, the crew of the Eagle face a tough decision, save themselves, or save the planet."
And there's still the cover to sort...
But who said writing novels was easy?
This is my very first novel. OK I've published another five since I started writing this one, but this is my first novel, the first one that I got to the end and said finished.
But it wasn't as easy as that - there were problems! The main one being that I swapped 'lead character' horses halfway through the novel. Which might be a brilliant new approach to novel writing, but it wasn't. Simply put - I lost the plot.
When that dawned on me, I started the mammoth task of fixing the problem. All that lovely internalisation from the Johnny-come-lately 'lead character' at the end had to be dumped, and the new perspective imposed on virtually every scene in the second half of the novel, or the other way to go was to change the beginning? It was a tough decision.
At that point there was the lure of a new work, The Box of Tricks and after that the first in my Sunset of Magic fantasy series, The Last Trollid. But every now and again I came back to Probability's Edge (though it wasn't called that yet). A seemingly relentless and uphill struggle - dumping 'perfectly good' scenes, dialogue and internalisation wasn't easy. But eventually I did it.
Was I finished? Of course not. Now I needed to edit the book to the 'new standard' of writing I'd achieved through completing another three novels: Books 2 & 3 in the Sunset of Magic series, The Counsel of Wizards & Bort's People and a new SF book Perax Frontier.
So, coming soon(ish) 'Probability's Edge' -
"After crash landing on a technologically backward planet, the crew of the Eagle face a tough decision, save themselves, or save the planet."
And there's still the cover to sort...
But who said writing novels was easy?
December 4, 2017
Perax Frontier rewrite.
Following some review comments, I decided to take the advice I've often offered other writers. Get rid of the info-dumps! As Perax Frontier is such an unusual setting this wasn't as easy to achieve were it a familiar setting. My solution was to extract the detail from the narrative and include it as excerpts from a VISITOR'S GUIDE, which I stuck at the chapter heads, and at convenient narrative breaks. I'll be interested to hear how readers respond to this approach.
Another addition to the text is advertising cards from the various businesses dotted through the novel. Just a bit of fun, but they help to reinforce the theme of the book.
Another task I 'rebelled' against was the use of present tense for descriptive narrative by the First Person POV character. Though this has been used by many writers, including Heinlein and Vonnegut, it seemed to annoy a few readers. So on the grounds of keeping as many people happy as possible that's all gone now!
One last comment was the cover art. I've changed it completely, and I'll be interested to hear how readers respond to it.
Finally a little background on the story's origins: "Perax Frontier" started as an idea about eight years ago, when I was on a family holiday on Lismore Island off the coast of Scotland. Our hosts 'Davie and Gill' let us set up tent in their garden, along with some others. During a long coastal walk, I discussed the idea of the Interface with Davie. Because of his interests, he saw it as the gate to Valhalla, but I saw it as just how it is in the novel. Regardless of our differing opinions, it was great to bounce around some ideas about surviving in a world without electricity. In many ways Lismore and much of the West Coast of Scotland was an example of how societies manage without electricity. Power cuts were not too frequent, but they did happen often enough for folks to be 'ready' to cope. From cooking to lighting, entertainment to transport, and the sense of community that existed on the island, it was a loose 'blueprint' of how a community gets by in these circumstances.
Another addition to the text is advertising cards from the various businesses dotted through the novel. Just a bit of fun, but they help to reinforce the theme of the book.
Another task I 'rebelled' against was the use of present tense for descriptive narrative by the First Person POV character. Though this has been used by many writers, including Heinlein and Vonnegut, it seemed to annoy a few readers. So on the grounds of keeping as many people happy as possible that's all gone now!
One last comment was the cover art. I've changed it completely, and I'll be interested to hear how readers respond to it.
Finally a little background on the story's origins: "Perax Frontier" started as an idea about eight years ago, when I was on a family holiday on Lismore Island off the coast of Scotland. Our hosts 'Davie and Gill' let us set up tent in their garden, along with some others. During a long coastal walk, I discussed the idea of the Interface with Davie. Because of his interests, he saw it as the gate to Valhalla, but I saw it as just how it is in the novel. Regardless of our differing opinions, it was great to bounce around some ideas about surviving in a world without electricity. In many ways Lismore and much of the West Coast of Scotland was an example of how societies manage without electricity. Power cuts were not too frequent, but they did happen often enough for folks to be 'ready' to cope. From cooking to lighting, entertainment to transport, and the sense of community that existed on the island, it was a loose 'blueprint' of how a community gets by in these circumstances.
May 14, 2017
Hyphenation alert!
I'm going to hang my head in shame and publicly admit that I've been a hyphenation addict!
Please, stop laughing!
It all stems from a form of dyslexia that makes me lose confidence in the spelling of words. I look at the word and KNOW it's spelt right, another glance, and I'm not sure, third glance and I'm already exploring possible alternative spellings. Word processing usually keeps me right, but hyphenation is a whole different ball game.
For a start UK and US hyphenation rules are different. In the UK often there's no hyphenation and in the US the opposite applies. In the UK we 'smush' words together to make new bigger words, in the US you allow them to stay separate with a hyphen. Very confusing!
Anyway, a big apology to those that have 'puzzled' their way through my 'strangely formatted' text - if only they'd been brave enough to mention it - you know who you are :) but with the confusion in systems, maybe they thought I was right!
Anyway, from now on every hyphen gets checked in the final edit! And I am going systematically through my already published work to sort the problem and make sure it complies with UK convention. Sorry US folks, you'll just need to be tolerant.
Ahhhh, I feel better already!
Alistair.
Please, stop laughing!
It all stems from a form of dyslexia that makes me lose confidence in the spelling of words. I look at the word and KNOW it's spelt right, another glance, and I'm not sure, third glance and I'm already exploring possible alternative spellings. Word processing usually keeps me right, but hyphenation is a whole different ball game.
For a start UK and US hyphenation rules are different. In the UK often there's no hyphenation and in the US the opposite applies. In the UK we 'smush' words together to make new bigger words, in the US you allow them to stay separate with a hyphen. Very confusing!
Anyway, a big apology to those that have 'puzzled' their way through my 'strangely formatted' text - if only they'd been brave enough to mention it - you know who you are :) but with the confusion in systems, maybe they thought I was right!
Anyway, from now on every hyphen gets checked in the final edit! And I am going systematically through my already published work to sort the problem and make sure it complies with UK convention. Sorry US folks, you'll just need to be tolerant.
Ahhhh, I feel better already!
Alistair.
April 29, 2017
Print versions rolling out!
I've recently knuckled-down and produced the print versions of two of my novels
using Createspace - the books are now available through the Createspace eStore, Amazon and the Createspace expanded distribution network. Steady now! :)
The others;
are 'in the pipeline'.
Onwards and upwards! Alistair.
using Createspace - the books are now available through the Createspace eStore, Amazon and the Createspace expanded distribution network. Steady now! :)The others;
are 'in the pipeline'. Onwards and upwards! Alistair.
March 23, 2017
If I grin any wider, my teeth will fall out!
Another 5 STAR review for Perax Frontier;
"Reviewed By Tracy Slowiak for Readers’ Favorite
Wow! Just, wow! That's exactly what I thought when I finished reading Perax Frontier, the new read by author Alistair Potter. An unusual and fascinating work of science fiction, this book is one that kept me engrossed right from the very start. The Perax Frontier is an unusual place, even for space. It's a doughnut shaped asteroid that houses, at its center, the Interface, an extremely important gateway to another galaxy. The Interface is so important, in fact, that the Perax Frontier has its own Imperial Ambassador, an honor that would be highly unusual for any other asteroid. But when the frontier's Imperial Ambassador is murdered, and Sheriff Artur Perax investigates, he begins to realize that there is much, much more to the Perax Frontier than any would have suspected. What does he find? Only time, and this excellent read, will tell!
I loved Perax Frontier. Loved. It. How's that for a review? Well, it's absolutely how I felt about this excellent story by author Alistair Potter. It's unusual to find a book of science fiction that doesn't follow the same formulaic themes that many do nowadays, but Potter has done it in this book. This story line is fresh and unique, which is truly a treasure to find in this genre. His characterizations are vivid and strong, his descriptions of surrounds are so realistic that readers will feel as if they have simply slipped through the pages into the world of the Perax Frontier, and his writing is exciting and full of adventure. Readers who like science fiction or adventurous story lines would love this book, and I highly recommend they read it. My biggest piece of advice to any reader, besides reading this book, is to be sure that you set aside enough time to read it all at once. You simply won't want to put it down!"
"Reviewed By Tracy Slowiak for Readers’ Favorite
Wow! Just, wow! That's exactly what I thought when I finished reading Perax Frontier, the new read by author Alistair Potter. An unusual and fascinating work of science fiction, this book is one that kept me engrossed right from the very start. The Perax Frontier is an unusual place, even for space. It's a doughnut shaped asteroid that houses, at its center, the Interface, an extremely important gateway to another galaxy. The Interface is so important, in fact, that the Perax Frontier has its own Imperial Ambassador, an honor that would be highly unusual for any other asteroid. But when the frontier's Imperial Ambassador is murdered, and Sheriff Artur Perax investigates, he begins to realize that there is much, much more to the Perax Frontier than any would have suspected. What does he find? Only time, and this excellent read, will tell!
I loved Perax Frontier. Loved. It. How's that for a review? Well, it's absolutely how I felt about this excellent story by author Alistair Potter. It's unusual to find a book of science fiction that doesn't follow the same formulaic themes that many do nowadays, but Potter has done it in this book. This story line is fresh and unique, which is truly a treasure to find in this genre. His characterizations are vivid and strong, his descriptions of surrounds are so realistic that readers will feel as if they have simply slipped through the pages into the world of the Perax Frontier, and his writing is exciting and full of adventure. Readers who like science fiction or adventurous story lines would love this book, and I highly recommend they read it. My biggest piece of advice to any reader, besides reading this book, is to be sure that you set aside enough time to read it all at once. You simply won't want to put it down!"
Perax Frontier- early reviews.
Pre-release reviews of Perax Frontier are coming in, and they're looking good!
5 STARS - Reviewed By Chris Fischer for Readers’ Favorite
In an interesting and highly unique new read by author Alistair Potter, Perax Frontier is a story that will hook readers from the very start and keep them obsessively reading all the way through to the very end. Follow the story of the Perax Frontier, a place different from any other in the universe. A small, doughnut shaped asteroid seemingly floating on its own in interstellar space, the place nonetheless merits the presence of an Imperial Ambassador. Why, you might ask? Well, it’s because the Perax Frontier also houses the Interface, a portal to another galaxy. When Imperial Ambassador Madam Lintsa Kroft is murdered, much is thrown into disarray, and Sheriff Artur Perax is charged with investigating. Will he solve the puzzle of just what is happening in this unique place? You’ll need to read this great book to find out!
I very much enjoyed Perax Frontier. Author Alistair Potter has done a great job in creating characters that his readers will relate to, connect with and truly come to care about. If that isn’t a hallmark of a great author, I’m not sure what is. His writing style is crisp and astute, and his abilities in world creation are simply second to none. Any reader who enjoys a creative work of science fiction should absolutely read this book. I am so pleased to be able to highly recommend Perax Frontier and I look forward to reading more from author Alistair Potter as soon as I possibly can!
5 STARS - Reviewed By Chris Fischer for Readers’ Favorite
In an interesting and highly unique new read by author Alistair Potter, Perax Frontier is a story that will hook readers from the very start and keep them obsessively reading all the way through to the very end. Follow the story of the Perax Frontier, a place different from any other in the universe. A small, doughnut shaped asteroid seemingly floating on its own in interstellar space, the place nonetheless merits the presence of an Imperial Ambassador. Why, you might ask? Well, it’s because the Perax Frontier also houses the Interface, a portal to another galaxy. When Imperial Ambassador Madam Lintsa Kroft is murdered, much is thrown into disarray, and Sheriff Artur Perax is charged with investigating. Will he solve the puzzle of just what is happening in this unique place? You’ll need to read this great book to find out!
I very much enjoyed Perax Frontier. Author Alistair Potter has done a great job in creating characters that his readers will relate to, connect with and truly come to care about. If that isn’t a hallmark of a great author, I’m not sure what is. His writing style is crisp and astute, and his abilities in world creation are simply second to none. Any reader who enjoys a creative work of science fiction should absolutely read this book. I am so pleased to be able to highly recommend Perax Frontier and I look forward to reading more from author Alistair Potter as soon as I possibly can!
March 10, 2017
Almost there!
I'm about to publish Perax Frontier as an EBook on Amazon - catch a first chapter preview on its goodreads page, and if you like it, get in touch for a pre-release .mobi download. Comments and reviews appreciated :)
Cheers, Alistair.
Perax Frontier
Cheers, Alistair.
Perax Frontier
December 11, 2016
Another great 5 STAR review!
This time for Book 3 in the Sunset of Magic Series - Bort's People
"I have been lucky enough to review the two previous books in this series, and although your enjoyment of this last may be enhanced by reading them, it is not necessary to have done so to appreciate this latest chronicle. Alistair Potter is an accomplished author able to create credible authentic characters who remain long in one’s memory. Lofti the Dunnit Sprite is a marvelous example, a great character who I sincerely hope we will meet again in future stories. Mr Potter’s inventive plots are a joy and occasionally we get a glimpse of his humanity and concern for the planet and its environment peeking through his immaculate prose. Bort’s People is highly recommended and, if you can, try to read the whole series; you will not regret it." - Charles Remington for Readers’ Favorite
Link for US purchasers; https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Link for UK purchasers.
Bort's People
"I have been lucky enough to review the two previous books in this series, and although your enjoyment of this last may be enhanced by reading them, it is not necessary to have done so to appreciate this latest chronicle. Alistair Potter is an accomplished author able to create credible authentic characters who remain long in one’s memory. Lofti the Dunnit Sprite is a marvelous example, a great character who I sincerely hope we will meet again in future stories. Mr Potter’s inventive plots are a joy and occasionally we get a glimpse of his humanity and concern for the planet and its environment peeking through his immaculate prose. Bort’s People is highly recommended and, if you can, try to read the whole series; you will not regret it." - Charles Remington for Readers’ Favorite
Link for US purchasers; https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Link for UK purchasers.
Bort's People
AUTHOR Alistair Potter
Musings on the process of writing, and I'll answer questions on my process and offer tips and help for other authors. Hey - I'm new to this so be gentle. :)
...more
- Alistair Potter's profile
- 13 followers
