2025 - My worst Reading and Writing Year!

 

Hi Geeks!

I thought 2024 was a bad year in terms of reading and writing. 2025 has probably surpassed that.

In 2024 out of the 24 books to read in 2024, I only read 4 books.

In 2025 I'm only on book 2 of the 25 books to read in 2025.  The worst part is, Tim Lebbon's Out of the Shadows is fast paced, fun and short. I hope to finish it by the end of November as I've been reading it for over 2 months!

2025 didn't start well for me but I was hoping I'd have caught up on some hobbies.

Next year in 2026 I'm just going to read the books on this year's list and just add mood reads so there is less stress on what I'm reading and how much.

Writing wise, in 2024 I almost finished my short story - The Cubby Hole. I was hoping to complete it this year but have only written one chapter this year and made notes on other stories I want to write.

In 2026 I'm cutting down my social screen time and watching less YouTube so I can get back into writing.  Otherwise there's no point and I'll never write anything!

I also want to post more on this blog in 2026 as I've been inconsistent and there's too many gaps between posts!

Does anyone else have writing and reading slumps?

Neil x

Birthday Book Haul 25

 

Hi Nerds!

As it's my birthday tomorrow I thought I'd treat myself to some retail and book therapy!

Firstly I bought my monthly copy of Writing Magazine.  I then saw SFX Magazine which I used to buy monthly and thought I'd treat myself.

I then went to Halifax Piece Hall and to the independent book store - Book Corner.

Upon browsing I saw a novella written by a writer I used to go to Cleckheaton Writing Group with - Amanda Huggins.

With it being her new novella, plus I always try to support local, independent authors that I know, I snapped it up.

Afterwards I popped into the nearby comic and book shop Pages N Pixels.  This is great for me being a comic shop but it also has a wide selection of fantasy and Sci-fi books and Manga.

As I've been collecting the Alien/Aliens novels I saw the newest which has just come out this month!  Alien - Cult by Gavin G Smith. It's looks a fresh take on the franchise as it has a detective novel theme.

Neil x

November 2025 Update!

 

Hello Fellow Nerds!

Another quick update! Yes October went crazy fast. Now we've just under 2 months left of 2025!

October Review - 

With the Month flying by I still never got around to finish writing my ghost story! Fingers crossed I will in November!

I'm still reading Alien - Out of the Shadows by Tim Lebbon.

I took a few walks in October to enjoy the colours of Autumn and had a chilled out October.

I also felt old celebrating my daughter's 18th birthday and had a few drinks with her.

In November - 

Two weeks after my daughter's birthday it is my birthday - 49 already! Almost half a century.

In November, I want to get writing and reading and finish Tim Lebbon's Alien novel.

I'm also due to see a 2 Pints of Lager live tour in November and see Ralph Little and Will Mellor from the early 2000s sitcom.  So that should be a good laugh.

I'll probably start Christmas shopping in November too - eek.

What are you doing in November?

Neil x