Jephson Gardens, Leamington Spa, offer the early signs of spring, and hope that we will move out of lockdown before too long and can perhaps look forward to a return to new life.
Category Archives: SC Skillman
Book Reviews: Hilary Mantel’s Thomas Cromwell Trilogy
Having just finished reading the third in Hilary Mantel’s Thomas Cromwell trilogy, The Mirror and the Light, rather than posting one review here, I thought I would bring together my three reviews, each originally posted online soon after I read the book. Book 1 – Wolf Hall Now I’ve finished Wolf Hall, I feel asContinue reading “Book Reviews: Hilary Mantel’s Thomas Cromwell Trilogy”
Snow in Warwickshire
Many of us love the arrival of snow – as long as it doesn’t last too long or lie too heavy or cause too much disruption… When snow falls it creates an immediate transformation. We see the familar scenes in a different light. And many also associate it with fun – snowmen, toboggans, slides andContinue reading “Snow in Warwickshire”
Warwickshire Lockdown Walks
Curious how when we are instructed by the government to stay at home and only venture out for a very few clearly defined purposes, those of us who didn’t do enough walking prior to the pandemic suddenly find ourselves seizing the opportunity to get out every day. And I am one of those. Living inContinue reading “Warwickshire Lockdown Walks”
Favourite Feel Good Action Heroes in Books and Cinema: TinTin and his Universal Appeal
During the Covid-19 Pandemic and throughout the three lockdowns in the UK, many have sought the consolation of escape – into books or films. Every so often I return to one of my top favourites – The Adventures of TinTin: the Secret of the Unicorn. To my mind this film exemplifies classic story structure; butContinue reading “Favourite Feel Good Action Heroes in Books and Cinema: TinTin and his Universal Appeal”
Magical light trail at Warwick Castle
On Wednesday 30th December at the end of the Covid year 2020, we visited the Light Trail at Warwick Castle. As a local resident I have long been a frequent visitor to Warwick Castle, and of course it features in my latest book Paranormal Warwickshire. Tonight the castle was especially magical. Merlin Entertainments really hadContinue reading “Magical light trail at Warwick Castle”
Abbey Fields, Kenilworth – haunted by English history, natural beauty and happy memories
Here’s another of my haunted locations for Paranormal Warwickshire. Abbey Fields in Kenilworth is much loved by the local people and I have continuously visited this atmospheric place ever since my children were young. The ancient abbey ruins, the beautiful old church of St Nicholas and its enchanting churchyard, the view of Kenilworth Castle, theContinue reading “Abbey Fields, Kenilworth – haunted by English history, natural beauty and happy memories”
Our Relentless Drive for Pursuit of Happiness Through Products – and the One Saving Grace
Happiness. An endless sandy beach, blissful sunshine, a turquoise sea spangled with silver, cocktails, a balmy breeze and… happiness? contentment? inner peace? I was inspired to write this post by Andy Mort who runs Haven. Andy occasionally sends out thought-provoking and discerning emails to his subscribers and I particularly agreed with him about the slipperyContinue reading “Our Relentless Drive for Pursuit of Happiness Through Products – and the One Saving Grace”
Revisiting the Christmas List
We’ve reached the time of year for the Christmas List. I’m revisiting my subject of the Christmas List for several reasons. Amongst these are the sheer poignancy of the subject, and the fact that since then I have published a revised version of the piece in a Christmas Anthology – available here to buy onContinue reading “Revisiting the Christmas List”
The Nature of Creative Inspiration and Practice – Inspiration from Hilary Mantel
Recently I watched and listened to Hilary Mantel speaking at an online event from the Stratford-upon-Avon Literary festival, following the publication this year of her two newest books The Mirror and the Light and Mantel Pieces. I loved what Hilary said about the process of writing. It seems that she does not subscribe to theContinue reading “The Nature of Creative Inspiration and Practice – Inspiration from Hilary Mantel”
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