When you saw that title what did you imagine? A scene from Alice through the Looking Glass? One of those high speed reverse sequences in a magical fantasy film, when everything rewinds? Or perhaps a time-slip scenario? Or simply an image of mirror writing? Would it be wonderful if we could indeed start at theContinue reading “The Art of Writing Backwards: a Novelist’s Sleight of Hand?”
Author Archives: SC Skillman
The Extraordinary Animal That Is Grief
Originally posted on Zen and the Art of Tightrope Walking:
The Extraordinary Animal That Is Grief I thought I knew about grief. I’ve written enough about it, after all’s said and done. I thought I understood it. But I realise that like a child who paddles on the shores of a vast ocean, sometimes venturing…
Please Welcome Ritu Bhathal and her Debut Novel “Marriage Unarranged!”
#SocialDistancing #Walks in Enchanted Woodlands
I admit I rather like taking nature walks where everyone we meet is social distancing… with a polite smile, other walkers withdraw into the shrubbery or the bracken and we pass each other by at a safe distance, or with jokes about whether we are on the right route and whether we’re going round inContinue reading “#SocialDistancing #Walks in Enchanted Woodlands”
Inspiration for Creative Writers From Grayson Perry in Grayson’s Art Club
Honesty and truthfulness – these are the outstanding virtues of a great artist. And as a creative writer I am currently finding inspiration from artist Grayson Perry as he showcases “Covid-19 lockdown art” in his TV show “Grayson’s Art Club” on Channel 4. Grayson makes use of our contemporary culture which he transforms into artContinue reading “Inspiration for Creative Writers From Grayson Perry in Grayson’s Art Club”
Inspiration from Fantasy Novelist Philip Pullman, President of the Society of Authors
During the Covid19 lockdown, the Society of Authors are presenting a number of webinars with notable authors, and the other day I attended “Afternoon Tea with Philip Pullman”. I was keen to hear from the author of a fantasy trilogy that captivated me, “His Dark Materials“. 500 of us attended, all waiting with drinks andContinue reading “Inspiration from Fantasy Novelist Philip Pullman, President of the Society of Authors”
Enchantment in the Natural World in this Time of Lockdown
As the days of the lockdown pass, I’m becoming more aware of a new and powerful sense of renewal in the natural world. Not only have I noticed this on my daily walks but I am hearing it from other people too. “It’s like going back 50 years. Everyone is so much more ‘together’ andContinue reading “Enchantment in the Natural World in this Time of Lockdown”
#covid19walks #socialdistancing – A Strange New Name for Local Walks in the Springtime
A strange new title for local walks in the springtime has emerged. Steering clear of other walkers, whilst wandering along in the balmy spring afternoon, seems dreamlike…
Green and Blue Walks in a Time of Waiting
Just a few images from nature to lift our spirits at this time of anxiety and fear for many during the UK Lockdown. The streets and lanes are quiet and dreamlike with just a few people taking their one piece of exercise a day during this Covid 19 crisis. These photos were taken in theContinue reading “Green and Blue Walks in a Time of Waiting”
Paranormal Warwickshire Cover Reveal Coming Soon
I hope you are all well, and staying home, except for your one-daily-piece-of-exercise here in the middle of the COVID-19 crisis. I must admit I’m finding plenty to do as a writer. ‘Paranormal Warwickshire’ has a new publication date: 15 Nov 2020. I’ve just returned the corrected proofs to my publisher, Amberley. Meanwhile I’m workingContinue reading “Paranormal Warwickshire Cover Reveal Coming Soon”
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