Waterstones’ current slogan is Give books for Christmas. And I must admit I could find no better message to give those passing by my stall at the Clapham Terrace School Christmas Fair on Friday – unless of course it be Roald Dahl’s observation in “Matilda”: If you are going to get anywhere in life youContinue reading “A Passionate Spirit and Mystical Circles: Give Books for Christmas”
Category Archives: creative writing
Out at the Christmas Fairs Meeting Prospective Readers
One of the joys of selling books at local Christmas Fairs is that you get a chance to introduce yourself to possible new readers and to chat to them about their reading tastes. I had some interesting chats at the Princethorpe College Christmas Fair on Sunday afternoon whilst promoting and selling signed copies of my two novelsContinue reading “Out at the Christmas Fairs Meeting Prospective Readers”
From the Launch of A Passionate Spirit to the Writing of the Next Novel
Only four days now until publication day for “A Passionate Spirit“. Instead of a bookshop party I shall be “launching” this novel with visits to three local Christmas fairs in Warwickshire this year, and then starting in February, I plan to do a series of signings, one in Kenilworth Books, one in Waterstone’s Leamington Spa, and aContinue reading “From the Launch of A Passionate Spirit to the Writing of the Next Novel”
A Passionate Spirit Hot Off the Press
I was excited today to receive a delivery of 50 copies of my new novel “A Passionate Spirit”. Although I’ve seen and approved the cover design and read through the typeset proofs several times, nevertheless, to hold the freshly-printed book is a thrilling moment, worthy of celebration. At last it’s a reality! Now I canContinue reading “A Passionate Spirit Hot Off the Press”
The Power of Personal Stories, for Remembrance, for Empathy and to Ignite a Passionate Spirit for Change
The love of story telling which I learned as a young child, through reading adventure stories, grew into a passion to write stories myself. Writing and reading stories is all about our ability to enter other hearts and minds and worlds, and to exercise and develop our powers of empathy. I hope that is what myContinue reading “The Power of Personal Stories, for Remembrance, for Empathy and to Ignite a Passionate Spirit for Change”
Exciting Plans as Publication Day Draws Closer for “A Passionate Spirit”
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””
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”
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