Here are a few photos from our visit to Tulleys Tulip Garden at Hatton Country World, Warwickshire, a few days ago.
Complete with a Dutch windmill and delicious Dutch mini pancakes (poffertjes) we enjoyed our experience without travelling to Holland!
I can also attest to the fact that the 10 tulip stems I bought from the tulip boutique at the end of our visit are strong and upstanding and still look beautiful!
Writers write, yes? So what about all the other stuff – publicity, marketing etc? Once upon a time – when I was first published – the author’s job was simply to deliver the manuscript on time, to the agreed length and basically close enough to what was written on the contract. Then you sat back […]
And after the writing?
Today I share my review of ‘Ghosts of the British Museum’ by Noah Angell, which I read over Christmas and New Year.
This author seems to have two agendas: 1) to share a vast array of ghosts and spirit experiences at the British Museum and 2) to decry those cultural thieves and looters at this august institution, and shame them into giving all their artefacts back to their original owners and dismantling the entire museum. A rather bizarre dual motive, but it still makes for a fascinating and highly readable nonfiction book.
I often found the author’s stance political and highly partisan, and some may consider him to have an ‘over-developed sense of the dramatic’, but it comes across as a crushing attack on the whole ethos of the British Museum. However, many would not consider his claims – the presence of numerous aggrieved, unquiet ancient spirits – as a reason to empty the place and close it down. At one point he correlates the macabre enjoyment of tourists today viewing the mummified human remains in the Upper Egypt Galleries, to the mindset of those who used to go for a fun day out to watch the public hanging.
I found the book a mixture of annoying, shocking, fascinating, and always captivating. I have to give it five stars for gripping me throughout and also inspiring me with new ideas on how to research a nonfiction book. He interviews museum workers past and present in person and on the phone, corresponding with some by email and chatting with others in the local pubs and cafes. He cites seminars, websites, books, news reports, unpublished MA theses, journals, YouTube videos, museum talks, TV programmes, archival documents, online articles, Ghost Club Minutes, museum catalogues, traditional songs, sermons, the quarterly statement of the Palestine Exploration Fund, and the British Medical Journal.
Packed with his own strong opinions and backed up by numerous detailed first person testimonies gathered from museum workers, curators, warders, cleaners, and night security staff, this book is thought-provoking, engaging and controversial and cannot but provoke an emotional response on the subject from readers, one way or another.
I feel sure the readership must be divided between those who are now fired up anew to visit the British Museum again as soon as possible, and those who resolve never to go near the place again… or just stick to the occasional special exhibition in or off The Great Court (as in my case).
Noah Angell knows the collections, galleries and rooms of the British Museum extremely well and I was very impressed by that. He also succeeded in chilling me with his information about a vast number of uncatalogued items lying in mournful Storage on the levels well below the museum’s public halls. His style is highly colourful and imaginative, and very readable.
From the paranormal point of view, depending on your own worldview, you could find the contents of the book disturbing, creepy, deeply unsettling and sad, and feel angry about injustice and the misuse of power. Others may just find it amusing and intriguing.
Such comments are included as ‘The Director of the British Museum plays prison keeper to the house of spirits’ and ‘The colonial museum must be dismantled; it is a colonial-era relic, a cursed object, unfit for sacred presences… It is the ghost of a bygone age, a ghost that deserves to be put to rest.’
Unfortunately for his avowed intentions, his book may well serve to greatly increase the numbers visiting the museum, thus supporting and validating their ethos and continued success and prosperity even further, regardless of the feelings of the aggrieved ancient spirits.
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I found this book review fascinating, as I discovered it the morning after I viewed the 1st episode of the BBC mini series of ‘Miss Austen’.
In this book review by the creator of the blog site, The Home Place Web, I learned more about the original novel ‘Miss Austen’ by Gill Hornby, and how she fills in the gaps left in what we know of Jane and Cassandra Austen, their lives and relationships.
How moving it is to consider Cassandra Austen’s motivation for burning her sister Jane’s letters. I found myself torn between 1) regretting Cassandra’s action, and 2) understanding why she chose to do it, and believing that she did the right thing.
I also cannot help hoping a secret, hitherto-unknown hoard of letters from Jane still remains, somewhere, waiting to be discovered…
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Also. for those regular readers who enjoy my blog posts and would like to support me on my writing journey, you can buy me a coffee and I’d be very appreciative.
Just before Christmas 2024, we visited Berlin and explored that fascinating city.
There are so many diverse aspects to Berlin in December: the fun & excitement of the Christmas markets, crazy light displays, exquisite craftwork in festive shops, the amazing Humboldt Forum art museum, the iconic Brandenburg Gate, the opportunity to reflect upon the worst of human history in the Holocaust Memorial and at the monument to brave Aryan women defending their Jewish husbands and sons in Rosenstrasse; from the sheer folly & farce of life in east Germany from the 1960s to 1989, shown at the DDR Museum; to the openness, transparency, and inspiration of the present day Reichstag where the Bundestag meet.
But the most impactful experience for me was wandering down past the East Side Gallery of the remaining Berlin Wall, seeing all the hopes and visions of the artists whose work is represented there, and then going behind it to see the Death Strip, and to imagine just how it must have felt to live in the German Democratic Republic and gaze across that dangerous area, past the armed guards, and long for life in a free society.
Here are a few pictures to give a sense of that experience.
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Today I’m pleased to be reviewing the final novel in The Newland Trilogy by E.M. Carter, a thrilling YA Dystopian Trilogy published by Resolute Books.
An awakening nation. A deadly appointment. A race against time.
As rumblings increase throughout Newland, Carys, Amy and Jacob find themselves prisoners of the regime in different ways. Midwinter Festival is fast approaching, and with it a deadline nobody wants to think about. From the darkness of a prison cell to forgotten underground tunnels to unexpected visits to places they thought they’d left behind forever, the fugitives must fight to survive where they are and find a way out of impossible situations that threaten to break them.
Meanwhile, scattered Resistance and Outsider groups are coming together to seek justice after decades of oppression. In a frenzied countdown, the Resistance and the young people are caught up in an increasingly dangerous series of events. Can they really challenge the all-powerful New Day Party to bring justice and healing to a broken nation? And can they keep their own integrity in the process?
In the fast-paced final part of the Newland Trilogy, dive back into a world where equality and justice have been laid aside for power and greed, and journey with tenacious characters who are not afraid to stand up and fight — even in their darkest days..
A very tense and thrilling conclusion to the Newland Trilogy in which the three main protagonists, Amy, Jacob and Carys are challenged by multiple dangers as they resist the tyrannical New Day Party members and the horrific regime they have created. E.M. Carter certainly hits her characters hard with the worst things that can happen to them, on every level.
I enjoyed reading about the way these three draw on their own inner resources to combat their adversaries, as they fight the multiple threats of a cunning and ruthless dictatorship in the nightmare state of Newland. There are so many twists and turns of the plot in this story that the reader has to maintain full concentration and sharpness to keep up with them, especially in the reappearance of various characters referred to in the previous two books. The emotional stakes are high throughout this narrative, along with the constant physical threats, and E.M. Carter keeps the pace at a high level.
Of the three heroes, Jacob is my favourite, and I was behind him every step of the way, admiring his strategies and skill, and identifying with his feelings and his ways of overcoming the adversity thrown at him. A particularly intriguing and moving part of the narrative was in the portrayal of characters who ultimately reveal themselves to be very different to how they first appear; this ultimately gave rise to one of the most profound and emotionally stirring scenes in the novel: as well as the most perilous.
In the outcome of this trilogy, I feel the author handles the theme of resistance against tyranny with great wisdom and awareness of human psychology and history.
I highly recommend the Newland Trilogy to every fan of YA dystopian fiction.
Links to buy THE NEWLAND TRILOGY:
Links to find out more about E.M. Carter:
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I’m delighted today to be a stop on the blog tour for this new anthology of stories ‘A Right Cozy Christmas Crime‘ edited by Wendy H Jones and published by Scott & Lawson in time for Christmas 2024.
I’ve been reading much more of the cozy crime genre lately, as a fan of Fiona Feitch Smith’s two cozy crime series set in the 1920s and 1930s, the Poppy Denby series and the Miss Clara Vale series. Along with several other books in the genre I’ve also just finished Dorothy L Sayers’ first novel introducing Lord Peter Wimsey.
So, what of ‘A Right Cozy Christmas Crime’?
ABOUT SCOTT & LAWSON PUBLISHING
Scott and Lawson Publishing, situated in the heart of Dundee, Scotland, is a beacon for literary enthusiasts. The company publishes captivating cosy mystery anthologies, transporting readers to quaint locales filled with intrigue and charm. In addition they specialise in non-fiction books tailored for writers seeking to hone their craft, the company offers invaluable insights and guidance fiction aficionados are also catered to with thrilling narratives that keep them on the edge of their seats. With a commitment to quality and a passion for storytelling, Scott and Lawson Publishing is a cornerstone of the Scottish literary landscape.
A Right Cozy Christmas Crime Features 13 Short Stories written by Wendy H. Jones, who compiled the anthology, and the following authors:
BLURB
Step into a world where twinkling lights and holiday cheer are accompanied by Christmas puddings and a dash of intrigue. A Right Cozy Christmas Crime brings together thirteen festive mysteries where annual traditions are intertwined with shadowy secrets. From a historic Scottish Castle hiding a chilling truth, to the bustling streets of Lagos filled with more than just Christmas shoppers, each tale sparkles with holiday warmth while unravelling a deliciously puzzling mystery. It’s time to put your feet up, sip hot cocoa and join our detectives as they ensure justice is served. Perfect for lovers of cozy mysteries with a holiday twist.
MY REVIEW
This is a delightful collection of short stories presented in a volume which makes an ideal Christmas present for a book lover; I can imagine that keen crime fiction reader receiving it in the morning and having it read by the evening regardless of the whirl of activity around them.
The stories are written by highly accomplished authors, masters of skulduggery in familiar settings: Sheena MacLeod imagines the subterfuge that might surround a signed first edition of Dickens’ Christmas Carol spirited away from the local second-hand bookshop; Pauline Tait’s tale rollocks along at a good pace with an ingenious solution; Sue Cook relates her story with a sparkling, perky tone; Wendy H Jones entertains us with her clever, snappy, and witty account of village rivalries. Sophie Smythe’s sleek narrative is a smart black comedy of manners; Marti M. McClair lays a puzzle trail for us while Alex Greyson explores the demise of an unpopular actress, Julia Fancelli Clifford sets her tale in Italy and spices it with romance; Stella Oni takes us to Lagos; Dianne Ascroft transports us to Canada; Linda Mathers’s dark tale centres upon a nut allergy, Gillian Duff’s story is neat and elegant and I loved Melicity Pope’s campy Victorian melodrama.
Finally what could be better than to find a recipe at the end of the book for the Snowball Christmas Cheesecake! (with no poisonous ingredients).
All in all, this is a delicious Christmas offering for all cozy crime lovers, and also those yet to be converted to the genre.
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ABOUT ME
Hello! My name’s Sheila and I write under the pen name of SC Skillman. I live in Warwick with my husband and son, and my daughter currently lives and works in Australia.
I was born and brought up in Orpington, Kent, and have loved writing most of my life. I studied English Literature at Lancaster University, and my first permanent job was as a production secretary with the BBC. Later I lived for nearly five years in Australia before returning to live and work in the UK.
My output includes mystery fiction, and historical and paranormal nonfiction. My two novels so far published are Mystical Circles and A Passionate Spirit. Each of my nonfiction books is illustrated with 100 original full colour photos, mostly taken by myself, and others by my son and daughter (both talented photographers!)
In March 2023 I was the Nonfiction Adjudicator at the Scottish Association of Writers Annual Conference in Glasgow. I’m a member of the Society of Authors and the Association of Christian Writers.
My nonfiction books on Warwickshire are published by Amberley and include Paranormal Warwickshire, Illustrated Tales of Warwickshire and A-Z of Warwick. My next book for Amberley will be Paranormal Gloucestershire. I have also completed a contemporary gothic fantasy novel called Director’s Cut.
In addition to my published books, I blog weekly on scskillman.com about books and films I love, people and places of inspiration, life, spirituality, history and travel.
I’m also a public speaker and have spoken to many groups and organisations about Paranormal Warwickshire, Illustrated Tales of Warwickshire, the quirky tales of Warwick, the art of writing nonfiction, and the power of story. Do get in touch with me if you’d like a speaker for your group!
Why not sign up to join me on my writing journey? You’ll receive a monthly newsletter from me direct to your inbox, in which I share gems and snippets from my research discoveries, news and insights from the worlds of writing and publishing, plus you’ll be the first to know when I have a new book coming out.
Today I’m pleased to bring you my review of the latest novel from contemporary fiction author SL Russell, The Art of Life. Published by Resolute Books in August 2024 this is a compelling and deeply moving story I can recommend to all readers, and not only artists and art lovers.
I’ve only just finished reading The Art of Life and I felt I had to keep reading to the last page, and could not leave it alone, I was so caught up by the creative passion, the relationships and the personal dilemmas of Fen, the main protagonist.
Fen Bailey has a comfortable life – but it’s stifling her. She has her husband and family and everything she needs, except a sense of who she is. When she discovers an unconventional art school deep within the Yorkshire Dales, she hopes it may be the key to freeing the artist she used to be and longs to revive. But as she seeks to live and create, disastrous news from home threatens all she has achieved. Torn between her old life and the new, can she fulfil her obligations and still be true to herself? Or will the price of freedom be too high?
The Art of Life
By SL Russell
As an artist myself I found this story of restless artist Fen totally absorbing. Frustrated with her unsympathetic, rather conventional, workaholic husband John, who shows no interest whatsoever in the art about which she feels so passionate, Fen escapes on what first seems to be a short exploratory retreat, to an enticing arts centre deep in rural Yorkshire.
The arts centre turns out to be in a very down-at-heel fragile state, in desperate need of major refurbishment, and the owner is facing financial ruin; yet Fen sees the huge potential of this place and loves the area, where she spent childhood holidays. She believes in the centre and in Martha who struggles valiantly on with a place offering so much to creative people. Fen longs to paint a giant triptych based on The Book of Revelations; she begins work in the cold, cavernous space of the barn at the arts centre and meets Liam, a fellow artist who lives a rootless life.
Fen lives in a small cottage belonging to her old friends Mary and Peter and becomes more and more deeply involved in the life here, and the life of the local sheep farm and its brilliant working sheepdog Sadie. At home in the city her increasingly resentful and dissatisfied husband keeps striving for advancement at work and finding excuses not to visit her. Meanwhile her two grown up children are making lives of their own, and though supportive of their mother’s creative passion, they are anxious about her increasing separateness from their father.
Crises in Yorkshire, violence and jealousy at the arts centre, and family tragedy at home break into what started for Fen as a creative idyll and turn her life upside down, as well as the lives of those around her, and the life of the arts centre. I found this a deeply engaging story by a highly accomplished author, several of whose novels I’ve previously read and enjoyed.
Highly recommended.
Why not sign up to join me on my writing and publishing journey. You’ll receive a monthly newsletter straight to your inbox in which I share gems and snippets from my research discoveries, news and insights from the writing and publishing worlds, and also you’ll be the first to know when I have a new book coming out.
If you’d like to support me in my writing, please do buy me a coffee and I’d be very grateful.
Hello! My name’s Sheila and I write under the pen name of SC Skillman. I live in Warwick with my husband and son, and my daughter currently lives and works in Australia.
I was born and brought up in Orpington, Kent, and have loved writing most of my life. I studied English Literature at Lancaster University, and my first permanent job was as a production secretary with the BBC. Later I lived for nearly five years in Australia before returning to live and work in the UK.
My output includes mystery fiction, and historical and paranormal nonfiction. Each of my nonfiction books is illustrated by 100 original full colour photos, mostly taken by myself, and others by my son and daughter (both talented photographers!)
In March 2023 I was the Nonfiction Adjudicator at the Scottish Association of Writers Annual Conference in Glasgow. I’m a member of the Society of Authors and the Association of Christian Writers.
My nonfiction books on Warwickshire are published by Amberley and include Paranormal Warwickshire, Illustrated Tales of Warwickshire and A-Z of Warwick. My next book for Amberley will be: Paranormal Gloucestershire. I also have a new contemporary gothic fantasy novel in progress, called Director’s Cut.
In addition to my published books, I blog weekly on scskillman.com about books and films I love, people and places of inspiration, life, spirituality, history and travel.
I’m also a public speaker and have spoken to many groups and organisations about Paranormal Warwickshire, Illustrated Tales of Warwickshire, the quirky tales of Warwick, the art of writing nonfiction, and the power of story. Do get in touch with me if you’d like a speaker for your group!
scskillman.com