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Bladderfuls — the beautiful game shouldn't have a price tag
One man. Twelve kids. And a corporate giant willing to steal the soul of the game for a profit. Bladderfuls is the story of why we play the beautiful game —and why some things are worth more than a multi-million dollar exit strategy...

Neil Mach
22 hours ago2 min read


Why is writing so difficult? Isn’t there an easier way to get writing done?
Why is writing so difficult? Why does writing present such a challenge? Isn’t there an easier way to get this writing done? Here are 12 reasons why writing is difficult...

Neil Mach
7 days ago5 min read


How to write like a human? Write about dissociation, confusion, and melancholy!
What makes human writing distinct from A.I.-generated text? Here's how to write like a human: write about dissociation, confusion, and melancholy in your fiction to stand out from the a.i. intruders >>>

Neil Mach
Apr 203 min read


Four ways to move your book project forward. How to push your book beyond the opening chapters
Writers often reach a stage in their writing projects where they feel bogged down, stuck, or simply unmotivated. What steps can you take to reawaken your interest in your project and revitalize your creative juices? Here four ways to move your book project forward >>>

Neil Mach
Apr 194 min read


Five easy methods for self-connection
The clutter of thoughts and the hustle-bustle of a busy life can sometimes lead creative people astray... here are five easy methods for self-connection >>>

Neil Mach
Apr 173 min read


How to create a monster. An easy-to-follow guide for bringing imaginary monsters to life.
How to create a monster. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide for bringing imaginary monsters to life...

Neil Mach
Mar 264 min read


COMMUNITY HISTORY YEARS OF CONSEQUENCE TALKS
I've started a collection of illustrated talks that I call my 'Years of Consequence' presentations. Below is a list of my currently available Years of Consequence talks and details about how you can book a talk for your association, group, or community event...

Neil Mach
Feb 274 min read


Harry Potter and the Large Language Model. How can I stop AI copying my manuscript?
How can I stop AI copying my manuscript? Here are some tips to help make your book more difficult for generative A.I. to Potterize!

Neil Mach
Feb 253 min read


Exploring Point of View (POV) with Goldilocks and the Three Bears
First-person perspective (POV) is a great way to get close to a character and feel what they feel and see what they see, but first-person POV can be restrictive... what point of view should you choose for your story?

Neil Mach
Feb 166 min read


Interview with B. Marcus Walker
In my interview with B. Marcus Walker, we discuss how a writer can allow his characters some degree of free-will, and we talk about developing a convincing system of magic...

Neil Mach
Feb 101 min read


Is the human race losing creative drive?
Is the human race losing creative drive? Are people less creative than they once were? Are humans becoming incapable of creative thought?

Neil Mach
Feb 95 min read


What is an eccentric? Why are imaginative people frequently seen as eccentric?
People often describe me as an eccentric, and truthfully, I’m pleased to wear the label. I don’t consider the word to be any term of ridicule, though I realise some folks poke fun at me behind my back; but I don’t care! What is an eccentric, anyway?

Neil Mach
Feb 63 min read


What is theme? What makes a theme essential for driving a narrative forward?
A writer's theme is the central idea that binds all narrative elements into one unified body... here are some more details >>

Neil Mach
Feb 54 min read


Why is magic off-putting for some readers? What's wrong with magic?
Some level-headed readers turn away from fantasy writing and magical systems yet they enjoy Sci-Fi literature. So, what's wrong with magic?

Neil Mach
Jan 305 min read


What is your reason to write?
Just wanting to write won’t carry you through. Desire won’t cut-the-mustard! A plan will fail. Even the best meant resolutions can't be kept... to complete a book, an author must have a reason to write!

Neil Mach
Jan 225 min read


Interview with Christopher Kaufman
Author Christopher Kaufman has created not just a series of fantasy books but an entire multi-media experience with his Tales of the Ocean City. In my Myth & Magic interview with Christopher Kaufman I discuss his contribution to fantasy creation...

Neil Mach
Jan 161 min read


What is Dream Narrative?
What is dream narrative? It's a plot-driven framework of jumbled ideas that arrives 'presented' as a series of events that have identifiable characters and believable themes, yet these events appeared in a dream. ..

Neil Mach
Jan 133 min read


Christian Hurst and the Definition of Courage
I interviewed the busy Sci-Fi author Christian Hurst, who is the creator of the best-selling space opera series 'Lily Starling' and we discussed the definition of courage...

Neil Mach
Jan 81 min read


What is Autoscopic Projection?
Autoscopic Projection is a technique that could enable coexistent sensory bilocation (that's the ability for a person to be 'in two places at once.') Here, Neil explains how the technique works...

Neil Mach
Sep 12, 20251 min read


Castlehood : Knightly Historical Fiction
Castlehood by English author Neil Mach has a fascinating premise. The Marches setting for his knightly historical fiction (a contested region that lays between England and Wales) feels vivid and turbulent.
Ysldora’s role as the only female castellan in this region instantly captures the reader's attention.

Neil Mach
Sep 12, 20251 min read
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