What might walking backwards through the Australian rainforest have to do with a mystery romance novel set in the Cotswolds? It was all part of my “unconscious research”. And it was a long research journey too, I admit. If you’re intrigued, go to Martin Willoughby’s blog to read my guest post on how “Dream Yoga” played a roleContinue reading “Unconscious Research and Dream Yoga”
Category Archives: mystery romance
Mystical Circles, Emotional Charge on the Spiritual Journey – How Life Itself Inspires an Author
Over the last few months, some readers have been asking me, “What inspired you to write ‘Mystical Circles’? And, as I have just issued a revised edition of the novel on Kindle with a new cover design, I thought now would be a good moment to answer some of those questions. The story evolved outContinue reading “Mystical Circles, Emotional Charge on the Spiritual Journey – How Life Itself Inspires an Author”
Interpersonal Relationships in the Hothouse Atmosphere of a New Age Commune
In my mystery romance novel “Mystical Circles” I explore the interpersonal relationships to be found in the hothouse atmosphere of a New Age commune. This is a place where relationships and liaisons flare and flourish or fizzle out quickly. The group I describe is based in an idyllic farmhouse in the Cotswolds. It is aContinue reading “Interpersonal Relationships in the Hothouse Atmosphere of a New Age Commune”
A US Reviewer’s Take on “Mystical Circles”
A US reviewer says: “What Juliet finds when she reaches the ranch is an oddly charismatic and dysfunctional group of people…. there are strange things happening in the commune, and when a priest shows up it further traumatizes the group… This loving and freedom-believing cult, while wonderful on the surface is a cauldron of deceitContinue reading “A US Reviewer’s Take on “Mystical Circles””
Family Relationships in Mystical Circles – Conflict Between Sisters
In “Mystical Circles” I explore the conflict between two sisters Juliet and Zoe. Juliet, the older sister, aged around 30, is worried that the impetuous Zoe, age 22 and fresh out of university, has fallen in love with charismatic New Age guru Craig McAllister, and rushed off to join his esoteric spiritual group in the Cotswolds,Continue reading “Family Relationships in Mystical Circles – Conflict Between Sisters”
Extracts from Mystical Circles – What is Dream Yoga, as Practised by the Members of Craig’s Esoteric Group The Wheel of Love?
What is dream yoga? Does it really exist? The answer is yes. It is one of the practices of Craig’s group The Wheel of Love, which I describe in my novel. I have investigated dream yoga myself in the past. It originates in Tibet, and through it one aims to achieve wholeness and self-knowledge by mastering theContinue reading “Extracts from Mystical Circles – What is Dream Yoga, as Practised by the Members of Craig’s Esoteric Group The Wheel of Love?”
Extracts from Mystical Circles – What is Dynamic Meditation, as Practised by Craig’s Esoteric Group The Wheel of Love?
What is “Dynamic Meditation”? I describe this in my novel, as Craig leads a session for the members of his group The Wheel of Love. I observed this supposed “emotional release therapy” myself in the past, whilst investigating the practices and beliefs of the sannyasins who followed the guru Bhagwan Sri Rajneesh. EXTRACT FROM “MYSTICALContinue reading “Extracts from Mystical Circles – What is Dynamic Meditation, as Practised by Craig’s Esoteric Group The Wheel of Love?”
Characters in Mystical Circles – Beth, a Member of Craig’s Esoteric Group The Wheel of Love who Feels Unloved – will she Find Healing in Craig’s Community?
Beth doesn’t really know why she’s here; she’s edgy, tense, anxious. Is she searching for the healing that Craig promises? And is she prepared to do the mysterious “work” on herself that Craig requires? She doesn’t want to tell Juliet about her past. She hero-worships Craig, but he’s inaccessible. There is one in the groupContinue reading “Characters in Mystical Circles – Beth, a Member of Craig’s Esoteric Group The Wheel of Love who Feels Unloved – will she Find Healing in Craig’s Community?”
Extracts from “Mystical Circles” – the Charismatic Craig has a Strange Gift for Sudden Changes of Appearance – is he a Shaman?
Craig has a strange and unsettling habit of changing his appearance in front of Juliet’s eyes. What is this all about? It is certainly a gift that he has, and a skill that does come from an arcane body of knowledge. You will have to read “Mystical Circles” to find out exactly how Craig does this,Continue reading “Extracts from “Mystical Circles” – the Charismatic Craig has a Strange Gift for Sudden Changes of Appearance – is he a Shaman?”
Characters in Mystical Circles – will the Advent of the Rev.Theo Save or Shatter Craig’s esoteric Wheel of Love Community?
Juliet has already heard quite a bit about Theo from various Wheel of Love group members before he first appears on the scene. And what she learns about him raises her curiosity. What exactly is this “wilderness experience” he has only recently emerged from? Why is James surprised he managed to get ordained? What canContinue reading “Characters in Mystical Circles – will the Advent of the Rev.Theo Save or Shatter Craig’s esoteric Wheel of Love Community?”
scskillman.com 