The Official Blog of A. E. Costello

The Writing Journey: Zippy Mae and the Seven Kingdoms “Written So Far”

Welcome! A. E. here. Today is another “Written So Far” post about where I’m coming along in my Writing Journey with my upcoming novel Zippy Mae and the Seven Kingdoms. Said book is the first of a new series I’m kicking off about the titular character Zipporah Mae Freedman. Call her Zippy please. So today’s…

Excuses Will Kill You and Your Dreams

This post is a long one so get ready. If you don’t feel like getting a sharp kick on the butt, don’t read this. If you know you NEED a kick in the butt, read on! Any of the below sound familiar? I’m busy. I’m tired. I don’t have any time. I need to relax…

A. E. Reads: Patternmaster [Book Review]

Today is my final review in Ocativa Butler’s The Patternist series. Patternmaster, published in 1976 by Octavia Butler, was the first book to be published in the series but is actually the last book chronologically and therefore is the last book I read. I read the series chronologically, so I read Wild Seed first, then…

The Writing Journey: Zippy Mae and the Seven Kingdoms “Written So Far”

Welcome! A. E. here. I’m here to say… Vacation is over everybody! The last time I posted on this blog was July 26th, so two weeks ago. These past two weeks I’ve been doing anything but writing on Zippy Mae and the Seven Kingdoms. My brain felt sore and worn out, I couldn’t think of…

On Words: Powerful or Powerless

A. E. here. I have a series on this blog I call “A. E. C. On Writing,” and its basically when I tackle a subject that deals with writing and writing life, and talk about it, maybe give advice or go on a rant, whichever it may be. Today I wanted to talk On Words….

A. E. Reads: Clay’s Ark [Book Review]

The novel by Octavia Butler, Clay’s Ark, originally published in 1984, was written last in the 4-book Patternist series, however it comes third in chronology. The story takes place after Wild Seed (1980) and Mind of My Mind (1977.) However, as much as I’ve enjoyed Octavia Butler’s other works, Clay’s Ark was honestly such a disappointment…