Crawling Back into the Fold

I'll see if I can make this short since I'm writing this on a crappy Samsung laptop after incapacitating my Macbook Pro (keyboards and coffee don't mix very well apparently.) In any case, I thought I should update on my writing progress. I've started work on the novel once more and have also started to read more fiction works since I'm on Easter break from uni. I just started reading the space opera 'Use of Weapons' by Iain M. Banks which is proving a good read, especially if you enjoy novels that implore you to imagine a great deal (since description is quite basic regarding the mundane,) non-linear narratives and fairly unlikable characters where good and evil aren't so easily distinguished. In short it's interesting, humorous at times, thrilling and well-written; definately a reccomended purchase.

The novel that I am writing by contrast would fit into Soft SF but also features slight fantasy elements as well as adventure overtones. Throughout the first part time flows almost in real time with certain non-linearities to show different viewpoints e.g. between the protagonists and the main antagonist. However towards the end time is less prominent, whole days moving by in a few sentences.
This is my main fear when wanting to -hopefully- get the work published traditionally since the first part of the novel focuses upon Earth in the future, where technology plays the largest role whereas when the party travels to another planet, (hanging between two separate universes,) fantasy elements come into the plot such as enigmatic beings and a system of what can only be described as magic, often infused with technology. Although there are works already in existence that blend numerous genres (including SF&F, such as The Dark Tower,) I fear that this may render the book unpublishable, regardless of how well-written it may be. I don't know if this concern is genuine or just me being paranoid, but I thought I'd share nevertheless. Thanks for reading and any advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,
Jake

A Kinder Surprise!

Below is a video we made in teams for a university task. An 'unboxing' of the renown egg-shaped treat known as the Kinder Egg. We decided to do something a little different than the others in the group who largely decided to focus on stop-motion animation or similar tactics, which yielded some rather humorous results.

An Update. . .

Hi all,

I've been pretty busy lately with extra work, study etc. and I guess I should probably update you. I didn't really have much to post but since I haven't really done something to do with creative writing as such recently, I thought I should probably redress the balance. Below is a poem that I wrote about a month ago, it's my latest work that's been subject to some finishing touches. See what you think about it and as always, let me know!

RITE OF SPRING

Those birds, I can hear their caws.

My eyes focus up towards a cyan sky.

The sun so warm, the ice of winter it thaws.

Insects return buzzing, from the season in which they died.

A brand-new year under the same prior laws.

A glade, unto my body it provides the shade.

This locus, from blossoms so simple it was made.

My hand brushes the grass, with a twitch of the tongue.

My feet carry me dreamily on, down a walkway so tranquil and long.

I find myself so distant and alone.

Perfection of peace; an inspiring epitome.

This eye of a storm in which I reside,

The centre of what you should feel inside.

Look upon the earth, let your eyesight dwell;

Listen to the rivers and birds, I urge you listen well.

Tell me now: can you taste the solitude inside of this citadel?

It can be silent sometimes, no birds or natural rhymes:

I’m silent all the time, by this season I’m defined.