Over Christmas a biography came to me which is one of the most compelling and moving accounts I have ever read. Out of the Forest (published by Penguin Australia) is the memoir of a man who spent ten years living as an alcoholic drug-crazed recluse high in the New South Wales forest, (with occasional forays downContinue reading “Book Review: Out of the Forest by Gregory P. Smith”
Category Archives: Books
Christmas Market at Shakespeare’s School on Saturday 8th December 2018
I’m looking forward to being part of the Christmas Market at King Edward VI School in Stratford-upon-Avon on Saturday 8th December 2018 from 12.30-3.30pm. This was the school where Shakespeare studied in the famous Schoolroom between the years 1571 and 1578. So he won’t be at there in person but he may well be inContinue reading “Christmas Market at Shakespeare’s School on Saturday 8th December 2018”
Inspiration and Encouragement for Those Currently Trying To Beat the Target of 50,000 words in a Month with Nanowrimo 2018
The first time I ever heard of Nanowrimo (National Novel Writing Month) I was incredulous; I thought it a crazy idea. How on earth do you write a novel in a month? Then, as I investigated further, I realised that it’s actually a handy motivational tool to get that first draft of your novel written.Continue reading “Inspiration and Encouragement for Those Currently Trying To Beat the Target of 50,000 words in a Month with Nanowrimo 2018”
Heaven on Earth: The Joy of A Capella Harmony Singing with The B Naturals
What is the greatest musical instrument of all? I believe it is the human voice. Nothing compares to the joy of a capella harmony singing – in perfect pitch, of course, and under the tuition of an inspirational musical director… or how about four musical directors, one for each voice part? Recently I took partContinue reading “Heaven on Earth: The Joy of A Capella Harmony Singing with The B Naturals”
The Season of Christmas Craft Fairs and Giving Books for Christmas
I always love getting out to meet readers and potential new readers – either by giving Author Talks, or by leading Creative Writing Workshops or by appearing at Craft Fairs to sell signed copies of my books. Remember – books are a great choice when it comes to choosing a gift for a keen readerContinue reading “The Season of Christmas Craft Fairs and Giving Books for Christmas”
New Christmas Anthology: Merry Christmas Everyone
I’m delighted to announce that I’ve just received 2 boxes full of copies of a new Christmas Anthology, for which I am one of the contributing authors. This is “a festive feast of stories, poems and reflections” and entitled Merry Christmas Everyone. The anthology is published by the Association of Christian Writers. It covers theContinue reading “New Christmas Anthology: Merry Christmas Everyone”
A Creative Way To Grow, to Journey Through Our Lives and to Be Replanted in Eden
Dandelions. They are strong and beautiful. They grow even in thin, dry, tough places. They have a deep root system. And when they die they give their seeds so other dandelions can grow. Recently I was at a Creative Arts day at Christ Church, Orpington in Kent, which centred around the theme of GrowthContinue reading “A Creative Way To Grow, to Journey Through Our Lives and to Be Replanted in Eden”
Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall, King Edward VI School, Stratford-upon-Avon: Strong Discipline, Repetition and Learning by Rote That Nurtured a Great Poet
A thousand times the worse, to want thy light. Love goes toward love, as schoolboys from their books, But love from love, toward school with heavy looks. Romeo and Juliet Whether or not this is a true reflection of how Shakespeare felt about his own schooldays, it’s difficult not to feel a sense ofContinue reading “Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall, King Edward VI School, Stratford-upon-Avon: Strong Discipline, Repetition and Learning by Rote That Nurtured a Great Poet”
Felix Dennis, Eccentric Millionaire Poet – a Man with a Vision for the Future, and Founder of a Great Forest in the Heart of England
In an age of information where we are bombarded with news and facts and false facts and opinions, both genuine and prejudiced, I find we tend to select our own blind spots, to filter out the onslaught. Which is why, sometimes, although something and somebody can be publicised hugely in innumerable ways, it’s still possibleContinue reading “Felix Dennis, Eccentric Millionaire Poet – a Man with a Vision for the Future, and Founder of a Great Forest in the Heart of England”
Inspiration from JRR Tolkien in Oxford
My recent visit to Oxford to see the exhibition of Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth was a revelation to me and full of inspiration. You may find the exhibition in the ST Lee Gallery, Weston Library, next to Blackwell’s Bookshop on Broad Street. It’s packed with fascinating objects and letters, and drawings: Tolkien’s own exquisite illustrations forContinue reading “Inspiration from JRR Tolkien in Oxford”
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