Revisiting the Christmas List

We’ve reached the time of year for the Christmas List. I’m revisiting my subject of the Christmas List for several reasons. Amongst these are the sheer poignancy of the subject, and the fact that since then I have published a revised version of the piece in a Christmas Anthology – available here to buy onContinue reading “Revisiting the Christmas List”

The Nature of Creative Inspiration and Practice – Inspiration from Hilary Mantel

Recently I watched and listened to Hilary Mantel speaking at an online event from the Stratford-upon-Avon Literary festival, following the publication this year of her two newest books The Mirror and the Light and Mantel Pieces. I loved what Hilary said about the process of writing.  It seems that she does not subscribe to theContinue reading “The Nature of Creative Inspiration and Practice – Inspiration from Hilary Mantel”

Extract from the Introduction to Paranormal Warwickshire

I have heard, but not believed, The spirits of the dead May walk again William Shakespeare So says William Shakespeare, through the lips of Antigonus in Act 3 Scene 3 of The Winter’s Tale. Did Shakespeare believe in ghosts and spirits? Opinions are divided; Herbert,  Shakespearean actor, who led us around Stratford-upon-Avon one evening onContinue reading “Extract from the Introduction to Paranormal Warwickshire”

Virginia Woolf on the art of reading a book

Listening to an interview by Andrew Marr on BBC Radio 4 the other day, I was delighted to learn that Virginia Woolf‘s classic essay How Should One Read a Book? has been republished in a new edition (12 October 2020). I studied this text in school as part of my GCE ‘O’ level English LiteratureContinue reading “Virginia Woolf on the art of reading a book”

More early Reviews for Paranormal Warwickshire

I‘m delighted to share with you some more early reviews of my new book Paranormal Warwickshire. This one is from Kerrie, on her blog iloved readingthis.com. I am fascinated by ghosts and the paranormal and have a couple of books detailing the haunted places local to me as well as going on a very creepyContinue reading “More early Reviews for Paranormal Warwickshire”

Paranormal Warwickshire is Now Live!

I’m delighted to announce that Paranormal Warwickshire has now been released by Amberley Publishing. It was a very exciting moment when I received my box of books. Here’s an early review from fellow author and blogger Ritu Bhathal, who received an advance review copy: A fantastic book filled with tales of ghostly sightings across theContinue reading “Paranormal Warwickshire is Now Live!”

Paranormal Warwickshire Extracts Part 10: Leamington Spa

This is the tenth and final post in a series of ten posts which will take us up to the date of publication of my new book Paranormal Warwickshire, out from Amberley Publishing on 15th November. This richly illustrated compilation of strange tales from Shakespeare’s county can be pre-ordered now from all online bookstores, andContinue reading “Paranormal Warwickshire Extracts Part 10: Leamington Spa”

Paranormal Warwickshire Extracts Part 9: Nuneaton

This is the ninth in a series of ten posts which will take us up to the date of publication of my new book Paranormal Warwickshire, out from Amberley Publishing on 15th November. This richly illustrated compilation of strange tales from Shakespeare’s county can be pre-ordered now from all online bookstores, and from Warwick BooksContinue reading “Paranormal Warwickshire Extracts Part 9: Nuneaton”

Paranormal Warwickshire Extracts Part 8: Rugby

This is the eighth in a series of ten posts which will take us up to the date of publication of my new book Paranormal Warwickshire, out from Amberley Publishing on 15th November. This richly illustrated compilation of strange tales from Shakespeare’s county can be pre-ordered now from all online bookstores, and from Warwick BooksContinue reading “Paranormal Warwickshire Extracts Part 8: Rugby”

Paranormal Warwickshire Extracts Part 7: Warwick Castle

This is the seventh in a series of ten posts which will take us up to the date of publication of my new book Paranormal Warwickshire, out from Amberley Publishing on 15th November. This richly illustrated compilation of strange tales from Shakespeare’s county can be pre-ordered now from all online bookstores, and from Warwick BooksContinue reading “Paranormal Warwickshire Extracts Part 7: Warwick Castle”