Publication date draws ever closer – 28th November! My new novel “A Passionate Spirit” has now been sent to print and will be ready in the next couple of weeks. Meanwhile Matador’s ebook department are converting the manuscript to an ebook. When the ebook has been uploaded to online retailers, it will also be onContinue reading “Exciting Plans as Publication Day Draws Closer for “A Passionate Spirit””
Author Archives: SC Skillman
Is it an Author’s Responsibility to Write a Satisfying Conclusion?
How important is it for the ending of a novel to satisfy? To what extent can an author be held responsible for this, or is it down to the heart and mind of the reader? In 2012 I published an online article about novel endings in which I quoted Robert McKee in his excellent book Story. Continue reading “Is it an Author’s Responsibility to Write a Satisfying Conclusion?”
A Passionate Spirit About to Go to Print!
My new novel A Passionate Spirit is about to go to print, after several rounds of revision to the typeset proofs. I’ve recently been contacted by a journalist who sought my permission to quote me in a book he’s writing – and coincidentally I’ve also quoted him in an appendix to my novel! He wantedContinue reading “A Passionate Spirit About to Go to Print!”
Signs and Omens at Gloucester for A Passionate Spirit
Many have through the centuries seen signs or omens from the natural world. In my article on Carl Jung’s theory of archetypes “How Can Carl Jung’s Theory of Archetypes Help You In Your Creative Writing?” which I wrote for ezine articles in January 2012, I mention the archetype of the animal spirit guide/messenger. This runs as a themeContinue reading “Signs and Omens at Gloucester for A Passionate Spirit”
A Passionate Spirit Full Cover
I was delighted to receive the full cover for my new novel this week: I’ve just sent back my third set of corrected typeset proofs to Matador and await the new proofs. When I’ve approved them, the book can go to print. Don’t forget you can pre-order the book now, either from Matador or fromContinue reading “A Passionate Spirit Full Cover”
Cotswolds Locations to Give Spice and Colour to the World of A Passionate Spirit
Recently I’ve been visiting a number of Cotswolds locations in which key scenes of my novel A Passionate Spirit are set, and locations which are referred to in the story. A Passionate Spirit is a paranormal thriller, and some of the events of the story cross the borderline between the real world and the unexplained. IContinue reading “Cotswolds Locations to Give Spice and Colour to the World of A Passionate Spirit”
New Life, New Season, Fresh Start at University
Autumn is often a time of new beginnings and a few days ago we moved our daughter Abigail into her new student room in her hall of residence at Gloucestershire University, Cheltenham. There she will be completing her studies in Media Production and we hope she will emerge as a great film-maker. Saying goodbye toContinue reading “New Life, New Season, Fresh Start at University”
Fellow Author’s Book Launch in “The Greatest Bookshop in the World”…
This weekend I attended the book launch of a fellow author: Philip Davies who has published the first in a series of young adult fantasy books called “Destiny’s Rebel.” Philip is a member of a writers group I attend, and we were all delighted when he was at last able to announce he’d signed aContinue reading “Fellow Author’s Book Launch in “The Greatest Bookshop in the World”…”
A Trail of Discovery Through Small Independent Bookshops in the Cotswolds
Over the past couple of months, at the suggestion of my publisher Matador, I’ve visited a number of small independent bookshops throughout the Cotswolds (where my new novel A Passionate Spirit is set). I’ve introduced myself and my novel, offered each bookshop manager a copy of my advance information sheet and asked if they wouldContinue reading “A Trail of Discovery Through Small Independent Bookshops in the Cotswolds”
Antithesis to HRH’s Quirky Garden Rooms Full of Curiosities: Compton Verney Capability Brown Landscape
Isn’t it lovely how many different moods and themes can be captured by garden designers and landscape architects? A week ago I was speaking to the guide who led our tour around Highgrove Gardens about how HRH The Prince of Wales viewed Capability Brown. And the answer was that he realises in some contexts theContinue reading “Antithesis to HRH’s Quirky Garden Rooms Full of Curiosities: Compton Verney Capability Brown Landscape”