And just like that, May comes to a close. The weather has been a bit less enjoyable than we had here in April, so I’ve spent a lot less time out on the deck. I’ve still found time for reading, writing, viewing and gaming, though.
So with that in mind, let’s look back at what May had in store for me.
This last month, I’ve put pen to paper on Hush. It’s been fun and challenging to tell a story without world-building or exposition. There’s no internal monologue or anything – if it doesn’t get said in a text message, it isn’t in the story. As a fan of authors such as Stephen King, I love worldbuilding, so this is interesting, dispensing with it to make this work. It’s currently sat at a little bit over 4,000 words so far.
Stocking Stuffers is progressing as well. Nothing screams summer more than writing Christmas stories. I’ve started work on a new festive short to add to the collection. I’m still aiming to release this book towards the end of the year – somewhere in the range of October or November. With that in mind, I might need to shift my focus for a little while off of Hush and onto this.
My daily drabbles collection progresses. It’s going to be an interesting combination! There’s such a mix of genres and styles, but I’m here for it!
Alice in Wonderland by C.S. Lewis
Alice in Wonderland was part of my 2025 Reading Challenge as a children’s book. I know the story pretty well from various other media, but this was a nice chance to read the original material. It was even weirder than I imagined, filled with craziness and a certain amount of whimsy and wonder. It might be a bit tough going for younger readers given the older language used, but it still makes for an entertaining and fun read.
The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer
I went into this hoping for an entertaining, laugh-out-loud read from a top comedian. Sadly, I found it a bit of a slog. None of the characters were overly interesting or engaging. Even less so likeable. It was a bit of a slog and sadly put me off continuing the series.
I enjoy Mortimer’s comedy, his deadpan one-liners. But in book form, the humour just doesn’t translate nearly so well.
Carrie by Stephen King
The first novel from Stephen King has somehow evaded my grasp as such a long-time fan. It may have taken me far too long to get around to reading, but I’m glad I did. It follows 16-year-old Carrie White, an outcast with telekinetic abilities. She’s bullied by her peers, leading to minor manifestations of her powers. Until the worst incident of bullying occurs at prom night, with fatal consequences. This is a dark and twisted tale that sets the stage for a stellar career for Stephen King.
Good American Family
I’d distantly heard of the story of Natalia Grace and her adoptive family, of the to and fro arguments that she was in fact an adult, or that she was a child neglected and alienated by those who should have cared for her. But I’d never really looked into this too much.
This series starring Grey’s Anatomy’s Ellen Pompeo really shed light on a complex case. It very cleverly avoids actually drawing a conclusion, but rather tells the story from both sides in a balanced way. It would be entirely plausible for either narrative to end up being true and it’s what really made this an interesting series!
Andor (Season 2)
I loved the character of Cassian Andor from Rogue One. He’s got a touch of the Han Solo about him. Initially he is only interested in what benefits him. As time goes on he shows some morals, that he does care about others around him. So I was thrilled when he got his own series.
And season 2 has not disappointed. It’s had plenty of drama to keep the story moving. This season feels darker and grittier than the first. It really emphasises the rise of the rebellion and ties into Rogue One beautifully.
Conclave
What a timely and fitting film this was, having watched it between the passing of Pope Benedict and the conclave that elected Pope Leo. With a star-studded cast including screen legends such as Ralph Fiennes, John Lithgow and Stanley Tucci.
Despite its controversial ending, it shone a light on one of the most secretive processes in the world. A fantastic film, with a fantastic cast.
The Righteous Gemstones (Final Season)
I’ve loved this series from the very start. It’s got a fantastic cast in it with John Goodman in a supporting role, Danny McBride at the helm and supporting him other talents including Edi Patterson, Adam Devine and the fantastic Walton Goggins.
The series has always been over the top and outrageous, and that doesn’t let up in the final series. Casting Megan Mullaley as the love interest of patriarch Eli Gemstone and Michael Rooker as the villain, this season finished the series with a bang. For all of the family dysfunction, they come together when needed and tie up a series before it goes downhill. Sad to see the end of it, but it has been an incredible ride.
The Stolen Girl
I love a good thriller, so I was up for giving this one a go. That said, I was wary it might play out like so many other similar stories. Thankfully, it didn’t disappoint. The casting was perfect, and the mystery that unfolds is expertly crafted. I binge-watched this over a night or two. The victims in the narrative are less than innocent. Everyone has secrets of their own that play out throughout the series. A wonderfully dark series that I’d be happy to see more in a similar vein.
The White Lotus (Season 1)
I’m a bit of a latecomer to this series, having only recently gotten Sky Atlantic. This was pretty high on my list of things to watch, and I’m glad I did. Tracking a selection of guests at a high-end Hawaiian resort, each with their own issues and dysfunctions. It made for a fantastic dark comedy filled with warped humour and plenty of unpleasant, unlikeable characters. Few, if any, have any redemption, yet this is a rare instance that it didn’t really bother me too much at all.
Sea of Thieves
Another game on the list that isn’t strictly speaking brand new, but one I’ve sunk a surprising amount of time into this month. There’s something satisfying about setting sail on the open sea with a crew of miscreants in search of adventure and – more importantly – treasure. It’s a fun multiplayer game with an art style I love. Cartoonish and stylised, and yet visually beautiful at the same time, it makes it great fun to be a pirate without the scurvy.
RoadCraft
I enjoy a good, cosy game where the pace is a lot slower. I’ve been a big fan of things like Disney Dreamlight Valley, Powerwash Simulator and the like for many years now. Nothing too taxing, just a game I can play in the background at the end of a long day. Then I discovered SnowRunner – a game where you drive big rigs with even bigger trailers around challenging maps all over the world, picking stuff up and delivering cargo. It was addictive.
So when I saw the developer was releasing RoadCraft, I was sold. The premise is pretty simple. You use a fleet of many different vehicles to help rebuild the infrastructure of various locations following natural disasters. It’s simple on paper, but you need to work out all of the logistics, plan the routes, build the roads and clear the blockages. All that before gathering the materials required to complete your job. It’s hard to explain what about it is so fun, but it really is!
Wet Leg – Live @ O2 Brixton Academy (23rd May 2025)
First gig of the year was this little band I’ve been wanting to see for some time now. With a new album coming out in July, unsurprisingly the show featured a number of the new tracks including the absolute belter that is Catch These Fists. I’m really looking forward to the new album.
But they also played a great selection of the tracks that brought them to prominence off their debut self-titled album, including the epic Chaise Longue. A fantastic set from a band filled with energy.
That’s everything for May! Next month I’ll bring you more updates from what I’ve been writing, reading, watching, playing, seeing live and even where I’ve been travelling! Hope you enjoy!
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Steven Smith 