Tag: books

From The Martian to Project Hail Mary

~ GraydonJonesWriter ~ 1 Comment

Back in September 2022, I wrote about Andy Weir after hearing him speak during ProWritingAid’s Writer’s Week. His interview stood out to me not just because The Martian is one of my all-time favourite stories, but because of how down-to-earth he came across. Despite his book ‘rocketing’ to success, Andy spoke with humour and humility, sharing how social media helped propel his work before a major publisher picked it up.
I was struck by his approach to research, which mirrors my own: keep the story internally consistent, even if the science bends a little. As he explained, the ferocious Martian storm that stranded Mark Watney couldn’t happen in reality, but it made for a brilliant opening. As Slartibartfast would say, “I’d rather be happy than be right any day.”
At the time, Andy admitted his follow-up novel Artemis hadn’t resonated with readers in the same way, partly because the protagonist wasn’t wholly likeable. I hadn’t read it myself, but I understood his point—sometimes a character can push us away before the story has a chance to pull us in.

Fast forward to now, and I’ve finally read Project Hail Mary. It was brilliant. The format and feel reminded me of The Martian—that same mix of humour, tension, and science-driven storytelling—but with its own fresh spark. I couldn’t help imagining Tom Hanks in the lead role, a cross between his Cast Away survivor and Matt Damon’s stranded botanist in The Martian. No offence to Ryan Gosling, who’s set to star in the film adaptation, but Hanks feels like such a natural fit for the lone astronaut.
What makes Project Hail Mary so good is exactly what Andy talked about back in 2022: believable science wrapped in compelling storytelling, with a protagonist readers can root for. It feels like a return to the hit writing that made The Martian such a success.
Looking back, I’m glad I put this book on my reading list. Andy Weir has proven once again that when you combine technical curiosity with a spark of imagination, you can create a story that captures readers and keeps them turning the pages.

Where No Girl Has Gone Before.

~ GraydonJonesWriter

While on holiday in the beautiful Welsh hills last week, I found myself thinking back to when I first imagined the Seven Systems. It began as a playground for soft sci-fi. Distant worlds, speculative wonder, and the thrill of invention. I didn’t know then that Annika Dash would come along. But I’m so glad she did.

Annika Dash and the Unicorn from Space introduced us to the little girl who was not afraid to do what she believed was right—even if that meant putting herself in danger. The story planted a seed of an idea in me: why not take her curiosity and determination on a journey that any little girl or boy could take?

Annika Dash: The Dark Side of the Moon does just that, nudging our young heroine into navigating territory often reserved for boys: engineering, problem-solving, and the occasional heroic leap of faith. In this story, she’s older, and when she’s not navigating alien tech, diplomatic tangles or a kitchen filled with her great-uncle’s inventions, she’s easing herself—and her middle-grade readers—into the world of STEM.

STEM—science, technology, engineering, and maths—it’s part of the story’s heartbeat. I believe girls should see themselves as equal participants in these fields. Curious minds deserve space to explore, invent, and lead—regardless of gender. If Annika’s journey sparks even a flicker of that ambition, then I’ll count that as a win.

The second book in the series arrives in a few days, and I can’t wait to hear what readers think. I’m excited—and a little nervous—to share it with you.

Book Three? Still under wraps. But let’s just say… Annika won’t be staying grounded for long.

If you’ve followed my work on the Seven Systems, thank you. If you do pick up Book Two, I’d love to know what you think here. Annika’s journey is one we’re all part of now—and I hope it continues to surprise you.

Well, that went well…

~ GraydonJonesWriter ~ 1 Comment

On the 10th of September 2024, I completed the first draft of Annika Dash – The Dark Side of the Moon. Immediately, I sighed and thought, “Well that went well.” It’s that feeling you get when you reach the end of something you may have doubted you’d complete. Of course, I’ve lots more to do, but I think it’s important to stop and celebrate one’s success, right?

Now Draft 1 is complete, I am resting; stepping away. I’m doing other things. I found, that the longer I leave it before going back to edit, the more likely I will spot errors or ways to improve the plot, characters or settings. That’s what I’m doing now. I’ve started redesigning my creative working space at home, working on processing photos I took in the summer, and preparing to write some new music. My next writing session is planned for November to coincide with this year’s NaNoWriMo.

This is an American initiative, but it’s been widely adopted in other countries to encourage anyone to write a novel in November. The definition of a novel, for NaNoWriMo, is 50,000 words. That’s roughly 1666 words a day. These targets are important because they give the writer focus. One of the main reasons we don’t complete our work is that no one holds us accountable, encourages us forward, or picks us up when we fall. This is because writers normally work in isolation, choosing when to write. NaNoWriMo provides a robust framework to help with this. Some writers meet daily in cafes and libraries to participate in writing ‘sprints’. A sprint is a specific time, during which everyone writes together. Each sprint can be set to last between 20 to 30 minutes. Far more common are virtual meet-ups, with Zoom and FaceBook being popular platforms.

How will I work? The target I will set myself will be different. I will aim to edit and complete a second draft of Annika Dash – The Dark Side of the Moon. Accountability? I hope I have the discipline to complete my draft, but I will look for others who may need help, and join them if I can.

Entertainment recommendations this month…

Ludwig 2024

I have to mention another BBC comedy drama, Ludwig. If you like David Mitchell, then this programme is for you. It’s the ideal vehicle for his character to shine through. Like Upstart Crow it centres around a character blessed with talent, yet struggling with the world around him. It also stars the brilliant Anna Maxwell-Martin who has been in countless other stage and screen productions. Anna portrays the wife of ‘Ludwig’s’ much more successful brother who is missing. She comes up with a hair-brain scheme enlisting her brother-in-law; the identical twin brother of her husband. Brilliant Series 10 unicorns out of 10

Oblivion 2013

I caught a video on YouTube about the making of Oblivion. This 2013 Sci-Fi, based on a graphic novel, is probably one of my all-time favourite films, and the video reignited my enthusiasm for it. The video goes behind the scenes into inception, concept, set creation, locations, and stunts. Maybe I should be reviewing/recommending the YouTube video? Okay, here’s the link – Oblivion (2013) – Behind the Scenes Compilation (CinemaScope). I won’t say anymore other than it’s a… Brilliant film, 10 unicorns out of 10

Next month

I will concentrate on Draft 2 of Annika Dash and The Dark Side of The Moon from now until the end of November. After that, I will let you know how I did. In the meantime, I will keep posting on my FaceBook page.

Unveiling the Unicorn from Space .

~ GraydonJonesWriter

The book written for my niece finally comes home.

Well, what can I say? I’d told my brother and his lovely wife, our sister-in-law, Emma, how I’d been unable to write my normal Space Fantasy until I’d finished this story for my niece. And, after several long months, it was ready.

I wanted my niece to be surprised by it, and enjoy reading it. This led to long periods of anxiety, wondering how she’d receive, not only the first book I have published, but my first attempt at writing a children’s chapter book. I needn’t have worried because the reaction from Freya was priceless.

Her eyes lit up when she realised it was a unicorn story and that I’d written it for her. I loved the moment when Emma pointed out that Freya’s name was in the acknowledgements. This prompted my niece to read the front matter, and my day couldn’t have got much better. Even the table of contents sounded so good being read by my niece. Forget the Amazon sales and all the lovely reviews. This was… well, I have no words to describe it. No, I have too many words to choose from so I’ll just say it was brilliant.

After this, we had a kick-around with Alfie’s new football – an official Euro 24 football. Alfie is Freya’s older brother, and is football crazy, just like his dad and uncle.

I amazed the little ones with my Messi-like ball control despite my young niece and nephew bombarding me with questions about the book, Annika Dash and the Unicorn from Space. Questions like, who was the baddie? What was the unicorn called?

I was proud of how little I gave away, though I suspect gasping for air while trying to keep up with Alfie and Freya played a part in this. Puffing and panting, I gave up only a few details – teasers, really – cleverly designed to encourage them to read the book. Freya promised to do this straight away and sat down to examine the map of the City Space Museum, inside the book’s front cover.

Nonchalantly, Alfie performed keepy-uppies while looking me straight in the eye.

“Will there be another book?” he asked. “A sequel?”

The park fell silent.

I stared back at Alfie. Alfie glanced at Freya. Freya narrowed her eyes at me.

Someone gulped. I think it may have been me…

Never let the truth…

~ GraydonJonesWriter

I posted this Facebook pole (which may or may not have anything to do with my follow-up to Annika Dash and the Unicorn from Space) in a group of old school friends. I asked if they remembered which school House they were in. The choices were: Burghley, Sargent, Newton and Tennyson. Being a little cheeky, I added Gryffindor and Slytherin.

It didn’t surprise me that someone would mess about and choose Gryffindor. What did surprise me was looking up who wanted to swap their Muggle life for a pointy hat and broom and discovering Gryffindor received no votes! Is it spooky or Magic (See what I did there?) that it shows 1%?

My programming background tells me it’s more likely to be a Facebook glitch, bug, or coding anomaly; something to make the percentages add up. Whereas the writer in me wants to believe it is some power-crazed alien AI bent on taking over the world, starting with our old school’s Facebook page.

Which do you want to believe? Coding or Magic?

What do I believe? Well, I retreat to that old maxim at times like this:

“Never let the truth get in the way of a good story“.

Of course, Annika Dash is just a story…. isn’t it?

Top ten success… Order my yacht!

~ GraydonJonesWriter

Spotify is playing James Brown, “I Got It (I Feel Good)“

I’ve been suffering from a nasty chest infection since just before I released “Annika Dash and the Unicorn from Space”. This has restricted the amount of dancing around the kitchen with my t-shirt over my head that I can do. Still, it couldn’t dampen my spirits as I watched my first book dip in and out of the top 10 of Amazon’s “Best Sellers in Children’s Science Fiction Comics & Graphic Novels”, achieving #6 on the 1st of April 2024.

[Top Ten 1st of April 2024]

I didn’t expect that feeling to be surpassed, but this has been… twice. First, when I received pictures of a young reader, from the other side of the world in Australia, opening my book. Second, last night I discovered my book received its first review on Amazon. No idea who left this, but I couldn’t sleep last night — I was so excited.

[Independent review 6th of April 2024]

The one sad thing is that, with being poorly, I haven’t been able to present copies to my niece and her big brother. I certainly didn’t want to give them my germs! Hopefully, this is something I will do over the next few weeks. In the meantime… mums the word. It’s still a surprise I want to share.

So, what’s next?

I didn’t do a book trailer for TUFS. But I’m working on one now. It’s really to determine what is possible and what I can do myself. I could release it retrospectively, or save it for Annika Dash’s second adventure. Whatever I do, working on this trailer is an interesting project. I composed the soundtrack, wrote the script and compiled the art and images. I have also had the script performed by a professional voiceover artist. I’d say I have a draft or concept finished, but I’m still considering what to do with it.

What else? Oh yes! I’ve started working on a follow-up story, which I’ll refer to as Annika Dash 2, or AD2, and have a concept for a third story.

The bare bones for AD2 I’ve shared with my posse (Sorry Tim/Tracy, this is way cooler than calling you my trusted beta readers… Note to self – Graydon to change the title of Beta reader messenger group to GJ’s Posse). These are just ideas at the moment, such as, what Annika will do when [insert baddy’s name here] will try to [insert something really awful here], because [insert baddy’s motivation here], and therefore [insert the consequences here]. As you can see, pretty detailed thinking going on 😉

Incidentally, I’m not ordering a yacht, but I have to go to the shops for eggs, milk, and butter. And melon