Near Sevenoaks in Kent we find the house formerly owned and occupied by writer Vita Sackville West and her husband Harold Nicolson. Now handed over to the safekeeping and care of the National Trust (something Vita once swore she would never do!) this house and its much beloved White Garden is a place which has inspired many.Continue reading “Places of Inspiration Part 4: The White Garden at Sissinghurst and the Flambuoyant Spirit of Vita Sackville-West”
Category Archives: creative writing
Places of Inspiration Part 1: Exotic Marigolds, Mystical Mountains and Memories of India
I recently watched The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and found it a movie full of insight, humour and hope. I vividly recalled my own arrival at Delhi Airport several years ago for a visit to Northern India, and the noise, the brilliant jewel-like saris, the garlands of marigolds placed around our necks. The images flooded in on me: colour, chaos, beggingContinue reading “Places of Inspiration Part 1: Exotic Marigolds, Mystical Mountains and Memories of India”
The Psyche of a Cat and Emily Bronte’s School Essay
Cats both domestic and wild have been worshipped, adored, feared, coveted, persecuted, psychoanalysed, parodied, wondered over, painted, written about, sculpted, photographed… and there is no sign of this fascination ever abating. Some of us find cats enchanting; others greatly prefer dogs. Personally, I love both; but admit that I’ve probably spent longer pondering the psyche of aContinue reading “The Psyche of a Cat and Emily Bronte’s School Essay”
An Artist’s Feeling for Light and Relationship with the Creative Writer
“Show don’t tell” is one of the most common pieces of advice given to a writer; and this is the case with artists too. Yet sometimes we like to hear an artist explain their method of working. And so the other day I listened to Phyllis Davies, Painter and Textile Artist, as she discussed her art at aContinue reading “An Artist’s Feeling for Light and Relationship with the Creative Writer”
Welcome To My Blog – About Me
Thank you for visiting my blog! I write psychological, paranormal and mystery fiction and non fiction. I’m a member of the Society of Authors and the Association of Christian Writers. My new book Paranormal Warwickshire is out now from Amberley Publishing. It’s available everywhere good books are sold. If you’d like a signed copy sentContinue reading “Welcome To My Blog – About Me”
The Pessimistic Optimism of the Long-Distance Creative Writer
After being turned down by numerous publishers, he had decided to write for posterity – George Ade It is a truth certainly acknowledged by the author of the above quote that many creative writers struggle for years, enduring perhaps decades in the wilderness of submissions and rejections, before their persistence finally pays off. Most would-beContinue reading “The Pessimistic Optimism of the Long-Distance Creative Writer”
Highly-focused, intense, and brilliant: The First Hunger Games Film
The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins provides a very exciting, stirring read, engaging young adults – and now of course adults too – with major issues in today’s world. I saw The Hunger Games movie having read the trilogy a couple of years ago. I found the books compelling in their narrative of horrific events, in the endContinue reading “Highly-focused, intense, and brilliant: The First Hunger Games Film”
How Do You Write About a Character’s Thoughts?
This was the question my teenage daughter posed when I said: “Ask me any question about writing novels. What would you like to know?” So I replied, “Put it in italics.” But I hasten to add that I don’t think that was the answer she wanted. Nor do I believe it really does provide the solution.Continue reading “How Do You Write About a Character’s Thoughts?”
The Lost World of the Reclusive Bestseller Author
JK Rowling has said, I imagined being a famous writer would be like being Jane Austen, being able to sit at home in the parsonage and your books would be very famous… I didn’t think they’d rake through my bins. I didn’t expect to be photographed on the beach through long lenses. JD Salinger and Harper LeeContinue reading “The Lost World of the Reclusive Bestseller Author”
The Novels We Love and Carl Jung’s Theory of the Collective Unconscious
Among his many theories, Carl Jung includes “the Collective Unconscious”. This “collects and organises personal experiences in a similar way with each member of the species.” If we consider a book to which millions have responded in a similar positive way, for instance Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”, we may then see that the story touches uponContinue reading “The Novels We Love and Carl Jung’s Theory of the Collective Unconscious”
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