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February 2024

My 5th Book

By Amazon, Books & Authors, Creativity, Health, ThinkingNo Comments

Hello All,

If you know anything about me, you’ll know that I’m an Author of four books:

There’s lots of metaphors about writing a book. They are in the main negative, describing it in ways such as it’s like pulling teeth. But that isn’t my experience. I love the whole process of writing a book, from the initial concept, to developing and fleshing out the idea, to the process of writing and editing it. Then finally sharing it with the world when I publish it internationally on Amazon, in as many formats as possible.

I am proud of each and every book that I’ve published, four in total so far. Each time I feel that it is the best work I have done to date and have no idea how I’m going to top it in the next book. But I always do.

Each of my books is unique and takes me on a wonderful journey of learning and growth. I liken it to being like what I imagine bringing a new born baby into the world is like. This sometimes makes them harder to sell, as they are all so different.

But sales is never the aim of producing these creative works. Maybe it should be? Maybe it shouldn’t? Whose to say? Right now, as long as I’m happy with the finished product, that’s good enough for me.

It will come as no surprise to you that I’m already working on my next book. Hopefully due out later this year (2024). Here’s a very early draft (subject to change in the editing process) of a small section I’ve just finished writing today:

It’s the first time I’ve ever shared some of my work this early in the creative process.

So what can I tell you about this mysterious 5th book I’m working on?

  • Well it has a title and a finalised book cover.
  • As you’ve probably guessed from the sample section above, it’s a book about the human body.
  • It’s going to be aimed at Healthcare Professionals and anyone who wants to know more about the body.
  • In this book I’m experimenting with using humour to bring the topic to life. Humorous writing is much more difficult than it sounds.
  • I’ve also bought some Illustrations and a Commercial Licence for these from a rather brilliant Illustrator.

I don’t want to share any more than that right now. But I hope that’s peaked your interest in learning more about book number 5. More updates and information to follow soon.

Write soon,

Antony

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Wednesday 28 February 2024

Themes From Doctor Who’s 60th Anniversary & Christmas Specials

By TV, Online Streaming & FilmsNo Comments

The end of 2023 brought with it the highly anticipated Dr Who 60th Anniversary Specials and the Christmas Special. This blog post is about the themes from these specials, looking at each episode individually. I’ve done a themes type post for Series 11, Series 12 & Series 13 of Doctor Who.

At the end of Series 13, the Doctor regenerated back into an old face (played by the fantastic David Tennant). Prior to the ending of Series 13, the superb news came that Russell T Davies would be returning to Doctor Who as the lead Writer.

David Tennant returns to Doctor Who:

Image From & Copyright © BBC.

David Tennant is accompanied by the return of Donna Noble (played by the hilarious Catherine Tate):

Image From & Copyright © BBC.

A new cast member is Rose Noble (played exquisitely by Yasmin Finney). Yasmin’s character is particularly important to the Trans community, as both Rose and Yasmin identify as Trans. Rose Noble:

Image From & Copyright © BBC.

Episode 1 – The Star Beast

  • Cute & fluffy, doesn’t necessarily mean that a creature has good intentions.
  • Representation and visibility remain as important as ever for the LGBT+ community, but especially for Trans people who still suffer stigma, discrimination and sometimes hate crimes because of who they are. Some people think it’s okay to dead name Trans people, which is just cruel.
  • People with disabilities don’t want you to make them the problem.
  • Sometimes the best thing to do for your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health is to let go.
  • The TARDIS redesign is beautiful. There is no other word for it, just: beautiful.

Episode 2 – Wild Blue Yonder

  • Mavity replaces Gravity due to a misunderstanding by Sir Isaac Newton.
  • The Doctor finds Sir Isaac Newton as “hot” and notes “Oh, it’s like that now.” Suggesting he might be gay or bisexual.
  • The TARDIS can literally disappear if it senses danger. It has an Hostile Action Displacement System (HADS).
  • There are probably weird life forms out there that would cause us to redefine our definition of life. Some are likely to be good, but others, like the ones in this episode could be quite sinister.
  • The universe has an edge.
  • Wilfred Mott (Donna’s Grandfather, played by the brilliant Bernard Cribbins) waits in the alley for Donna & the Doctor to return.

Episode 3 – The Giggle

  • Old adverseries can return.
  • Bi-generation is a thing.
  • Even the Doctor needs a break from travelling and a family for a sense of belonging.
  • Ncuti Gatwa is the 15th Doctor.

Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor:

Image From & Copyright © BBC.

Christmas Special – The Church on Ruby Road

  • The character Ruby is introduced and her back story is given.
  • Goblins are real and have a knot language.
  • Who is the old woman that seems to know all about the Doctor and the TARDIS?

Write soon,

Antony

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Wednesday 28 February 2024

Themes from Dr Who (Series 13)

By TV, Online Streaming & FilmsNo Comments
Image From & Copyright © BBC.

This Themes from Dr Who post is really late. I basically forgot a promise I made to myself, which was: Review each Dr Who episode, identify themes and write them up here. I did Series 11 here and Series 12 here.

Series 13 was always going to be special as both Jodie Whittaker (photo left as The Doctor) and Chris Chibnall (one of the lead Writers) had both announced that this would be their last series.

I was excited for the new series, but also a little sad, as Whittaker’s version of The Doctor had really grown on me. At first, I was a bit unsure about having a female Doctor. But Whittaker’s performance was exceptional, even at times when I felt the writing had let her down.

So here are the themes from each episode of Series 13:

Episode 1 – The Halloween Apocalypse

  • The Doctor is very good at escaping seemingly impossible situations.
  • The ‘Bad Guy’ (or in this case Karvanista) isn’t necessarily bad.
  • That Food Banks exist in one of the richest countries of the world.
  • You should notice and pay attention when the TARDIS gives you signs that something is wrong.
  • That this episode was really a set up for the rest of the series and generated a lot of questions to the watcher. But did not provide many answers.

Episode 2 – War of the Sontarans

  • The inspirational Nurse, Mary Seacole is introduced. Her story is partly told over the course of the episode.
  • Joseph Williamson is also introduced. However his characterisation is less than kind.
  • When leaders don’t listen, sometimes it can cost lives.
  • It is sometimes wise to ask yourself: What Would The Doctor Do?

Episode 3 – Once, Upon Time

  • The Doctor is good at weighing up situations and people fast.
  • In the future/forgotten past Doctor was marvellously a black woman.
  • Don’t overthink things, just move forward.
  • Weeping Angels are back and about to cause problems. Remember: Don’t Blink.
  • Love is a good life goal or life mission.

Episode 4 – Village of the Angels

  • A Weeping Angel gains access to and control of the TARDIS.
  • Weeping Angels are quantum beings that send people back into the past and feed off the energy of the people’s unlived future.
  • Any image of a Weeping Angel, becomes itself an Angel.
  • Weeping Angels have an odd sense of humour.

Episode 5 – Survivors of the Flux

  • The Doctor has fears, including the Weeping Angels.
  • No matter what happens, stay on task.
  • Don’t trust people who conveniently turn up and are all to happy to help you with a problem. Ask yourself: What are their motivations and intentions?
  • There is a theory of multiverses. Multiple universes, with ours just being one of a number of universes. I’m not sure on the proposed number of universes, potentially it could be infinite.
  • Morality is a strength.
  • The Doctor inspires and brings hope.
  • The Doctor was found near a wormhole as a child. Apparently lost and abandoned.

Episode 6 – The Vanquishers

  • Sontarans have a weakness for chocolate, sweets and fizzy drinks.
  • The Doctor fears the destruction of life. The Doctor feels that: Life should win.
  • That there is something to psychic skills.
  • “Ego Klaxon” – The Doctor, she calls out people with excessive egos.
  • There always seems to be a human who has to die in Doctor Who. It’s like the Doctor isn’t quite clever enough.

Eve of the Daleks

  • Sometimes people let us down, but other times they do not.
  • Never stay in a resetting TARDIS, as you would die.
  • Daleks are mean (like we didn’t know) and their favourite past time is to: exterminate! Described by the Doctor as “the most evil thing in the universe.”
  • Good hearted weirdos are the keepers.

Legend of the Sea Devils

  • Madam Ching, the most famous Chinese Sea Pirate is introduced.
  • Polar shifts would not be a good thing for us humans, fish and Sea Devils might like it though.
  • Nothing is forever.

The Power of the Doctor

  • The Doctor doesn’t like Goodbyes.
  • The Master is a Hypnotist.
  • The Doctor is thousands of years old.
  • Forced Regeneration can be done and undone.

Blog soon,

Antony

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Tuesday 27 February 2024

Community

By Gay, Happiness & Joy, Love & Relationships, Paganism, The Web, ThinkingNo Comments

Human beings are social animals and since even before the beginning of language, we developed and engaged in communities.

I, like you all are part of many communities. Including (but by no means limited to): my immediate family, my locality, nursing, gay, authors/writers and pagan/spirituality.

I love being part of every community that I am part of, but like any community I don’t always agree with or like all members.

On exceptionally rare occasions, I get into conflict with a community member. Sometimes it’s like we can’t see what brings us together as community members. Like we are too focused by difference, rather than the similarities.

It is always sad when this happens and even sadder when we can’t agree to disagree. What is difficult for me to accept, is that sometimes there is no resolution to these disagreements.

I have apologised for any offense caused. I have empathised, trying to understand another’s point of view.

I have explained my perspective and thinking. I have explained my feelings. I have sought resolution.

But unfortunately there was no resolution wanted on the other side. Perhaps with time, there may be resolution. Perhaps there may not be. But at least I’ve tried.

Best wishes & Write soon,

Antony

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Sunday 25 February 2024
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