literature – Page 19

The Creative Power of an Intense Group of People in the Hothouse Environment of a Writers Retreat

I’ve now finished my series of Cave posts as new inspiration has intervened! One of my fellow bloggers Lance Greenfield has just opened up thoughts of writers retreats by reblogging this post on the subject by Max Dunbar. Lance then went on to ask his own followers for their responses to Max’s thoughts, and whether itContinue reading “The Creative Power of an Intense Group of People in the Hothouse Environment of a Writers Retreat”

Words From a Cave – Part 3

Here I am about to step out of the cave nearly 3 weeks after my hip replacement operation – without crutches! Yesterday I took part in a beautiful performance of Mozart’s Requiem with the Coventry Spires Philharmonic Choir in Holy Trinity Church Coventry. I think that, together with a walk through the Coventry city streets, counts as aContinue reading “Words From a Cave – Part 3”

Ghostly Encounters, Earthbound Spirits and a Promise of Love

Recently my sister in Australia sent me a set of DVDs – ironically made in England, containing a documentary series on Great British Ghosts narrated by Michaela Strachan for the BBC. The set also included a third documentary, narrated by Paul McGann in a balanced, neutral tone, called Ghosts of the London Underground, and this was by far theContinue reading “Ghostly Encounters, Earthbound Spirits and a Promise of Love”

The Sublime Landscape of JRR Tolkien and His Creative Vision – in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

I saw the last Hobbit film two days ago: The Battle of the Five Armies. And as I watched it I had a strong feeling of Peter Jackson making the most of his final cinematic visit to Middle-earth. Everything was exploited to its fullest extent, the brutality of battle, the sublimity and peril of theContinue reading “The Sublime Landscape of JRR Tolkien and His Creative Vision – in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”

Find Me at the Autumn Fair at St Mark’s Leamington Spa on Saturday 25 October 2014

Watch out for me at the Autumn Fair at St Mark’s Leamington Spa on Saturday 25 October 2014 from 12.00-3.00pm. This is an event in aid of Myton Hospice. I’ll be showcasing my best blog posts, selling signed paperback copies of my psychological suspense novel Mystical Circles, both the first and the second edition with their differentContinue reading “Find Me at the Autumn Fair at St Mark’s Leamington Spa on Saturday 25 October 2014”

Find Mystical Circles on Goodkindles!

Mystical Circles is now featured on Goodkindles. Take a look at it here, and it you haven’t already, hurry on over to the Kindle store and download your copy now! Deep in the heart of the English countryside, in an idyllic farmhouse, Craig, an idealistic young man with a wealthy father, has gathered togetherContinue reading “Find Mystical Circles on Goodkindles!”

Review of “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green

I’ve just finished reading The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. This story of two young cancer “survivors” is a story that eats into your marrow. And if you haven’t seen the film or read the book, and would like to, don’t read on, for my review contains plot spoilers! Even though I hadContinue reading “Review of “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green”

The Writer’s Journey

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 Writer’s Journey”

Review of “The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared”: a Lesson in Opportunism?

I’ve just finished reading The One Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson. What an amazing book this is – one which makes you reflect on the nature of life, the irony of events and choices, the workings of chance, and the value of opportunism. As I read itContinue reading “Review of “The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared”: a Lesson in Opportunism?”

Add Mystical Circles To Your Holiday Reading!

Now summer is here and many will be relying on their trusty Kindle to provide hours of poolside or beach entertainment, why not download Mystical Circles now? It’s ideal holiday reading! Here are extracts from a few Amazon reviews to prove my point: a good undemanding but satisfying read for the holiday suitcase. (Eleanor Stoneham) IContinue reading “Add Mystical Circles To Your Holiday Reading!”