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As I start to write this blog post its 23:56 on a Sunday night. Part of the reason for doing this update was the sad  realisation  that I have not added anything to this blog in over 3 months. (sort of defeats the purpose of a blog when you don't add anything to it).  As far as writing goes I may give the impression of inactivity, but that is not really the case. I have been creating things but at a substantially slow pace. However, the exciting world of "jafwords" is not just about creative writing. Its about creativity in all forms. Over the last few months I have done some pretty cool things - one of which was overcoming my fear of public speaking. As a teacher I think people think its something that would come quite naturally to us, perhaps that is true for some of us. However, its something that I have always been very nervous about. However, the  opportunity  arose for me to talk to some important people about a science project I was involved wit...

Another year has gone.  The 31st of Dec, marked the full year since I lost my dad. 2015 felt like a bit of a downer to be honest. I am kind of glad to see the back of 2015. But its a new year and I promise more writing is on the way. There are so many wonderful things to look forward to in this new year.  Happy New Year my friends, Jafwords Sent from my Samsung device www.johnaferguson.co.uk 

Sent from my Samsung device. http://www.johnaferguson.co.uk  

Yet another film competition year has passed for the 48 Hour Film Project and once again our film group managed to make another wee gem of a film. The Genre we pulled this year was Romance - a bit of a challenge we made nice we film and I am delighted to present it to you here. Well done to all the film-makers who took part this year. The competition was tough! Happy Watching my friends! Jafwords.

Andy Weir did what I could only dream of at this point. He wrote a book, published bits for free, then adapted it for Kindle and then with a loyal fan base along comes a publishing house and picks it up. Then Hollywood knocks on the door and we get “THE MARTIAN” starring Matt Damon. I have got to admit I haven’t had time to read the Martian yet, although I know a man who has and part of his description - “it’s just one of those books you could miss your train stop for as you just don’t want to put it down.”  But it’s the film I want to talk about. Ridley Scott, the creative mind that brought us films such as Alien, Blade Runner & Gladiator brings this novel to life on the silver screen. With such an impressive catalogue films under his belt it must be hard to make a film better than your last, but with “The Martian” I think Mr Scott has achieved something special here. I won’t say it is his best, but it is certainly up there as a great. So what is the film about? Well the ...

I really do have to be honest with myself, I lack focus and direction when it comes to my writing. However, the question should then be asked "is this a good or a bad thing?" Let me tell you where I am just now. My second novel is still currently sitting with a status of "Currently Editting", which I need to admit is dreadful as its been like that for ages (I promise I will do more today). I am also now into creating my second issue of a comic which has the working title "Gates of Hell". The title works for the moment as it describes what's going on but I suspect I will change (simply becuase I don't like it). I see this comic stretching into 4 issues with around 25 pages in each. Keeping with the comic theme I created the first issue of a comic I called "Elysium Rising". I haven't  returned to this comic yet but I do intend to as I love the idea I created. The plan for this will be a simple three part but we shall see. Keeping up?...

Writing is not my only creative outlet. For many years I have also been an amateur film maker. Around May of this year I was asked if I would help to make a video for the Foundation of Hearts and Heart of Midlothian Football Club. Okay automatic confession, I am not a Hearts Supporter - but I was  delighted to be asked to help make this film. Most of the Camera work is me with some bits lifted (with kind permission) from STV. The film was edited by Nick Walker and he has managed to create a very emotional advert for the Jambos! So even if your not a Hearts fan, sit back and enjoy this wee film about the club recovering from the brink of destruction.