A thousand times the worse, to want thy light. Love goes toward love, as schoolboys from their books, But love from love, toward school with heavy looks. Romeo and Juliet Whether or not this is a true reflection of how Shakespeare felt about his own schooldays, it’s difficult not to feel a sense ofContinue reading “Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall, King Edward VI School, Stratford-upon-Avon: Strong Discipline, Repetition and Learning by Rote That Nurtured a Great Poet”
Category Archives: SC Skillman
Warwick Castle: a Powerhouse of Influence on the Tides of English History, Through the Lords of Warwick
Rising up before you as you approach Warwick from the south, along the Banbury road, you will see a spectacular sight: that of Warwick Castle, perfectly preserved ancient fortress, later transformed into a stately residence. The south-east side of the castle commands a cliff on the opposite bank of the River Avon, as you enterContinue reading “Warwick Castle: a Powerhouse of Influence on the Tides of English History, Through the Lords of Warwick”
The Throckmortons of Coughton Court, Warwickshire: A Family Forever Linked to those Who Conspired to Murder their King
Approaching Coughton Court, the ancestral seat of the Throckmortons, near Alcester in Warwickshire, we may admire the mellow sandstone sixteenth century house with its dramatic battlemented gatehouse tower and lovely timbered north and south wings. In front is the most exquisitely laid-out garden packed with abundant lavenders. Everything about this house and its surrounding groundsContinue reading “The Throckmortons of Coughton Court, Warwickshire: A Family Forever Linked to those Who Conspired to Murder their King”
Felix Dennis, Eccentric Millionaire Poet – a Man with a Vision for the Future, and Founder of a Great Forest in the Heart of England
In an age of information where we are bombarded with news and facts and false facts and opinions, both genuine and prejudiced, I find we tend to select our own blind spots, to filter out the onslaught. Which is why, sometimes, although something and somebody can be publicised hugely in innumerable ways, it’s still possibleContinue reading “Felix Dennis, Eccentric Millionaire Poet – a Man with a Vision for the Future, and Founder of a Great Forest in the Heart of England”
Reflections on Life and the Writer’s Journey from a Mamma Mia Perspective
Yes I do indeed find some lessons from Mamma Mia on the dynamics of life – and the writing journey. Having recently seen the film Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again, twice, and loved it even more the second time I saw it, I felt compelled to draw out some dynamic equivalents for all of us. Mamma Mia,Continue reading “Reflections on Life and the Writer’s Journey from a Mamma Mia Perspective”
Inspiration from JRR Tolkien in Oxford
My recent visit to Oxford to see the exhibition of Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth was a revelation to me and full of inspiration. You may find the exhibition in the ST Lee Gallery, Weston Library, next to Blackwell’s Bookshop on Broad Street. It’s packed with fascinating objects and letters, and drawings: Tolkien’s own exquisite illustrations forContinue reading “Inspiration from JRR Tolkien in Oxford”
Insights From the Silence
Have you ever seen the episode of the TV comedy drama series Rev when our main character, Rev. Adam Smallbone, goes on retreat? Adam, played by Tom Hollander, is in the austere setting of a convent, and returns to his room when suddenly Roland, the media vicar, played by Hugh Bonneville, appears at the window, cryingContinue reading “Insights From the Silence”
The Power of a Picture: the Burton Dasset Hills Country Park, Warwickshire
It’s said that an image is much more powerful than words; which is rather a shame for authors who write books that don’t have any pictures! And so an author’s alternative is to paint a picture with words. Because, as author Isamu Noguchi says, We are a landscape of all we have seen. In myContinue reading “The Power of a Picture: the Burton Dasset Hills Country Park, Warwickshire”
The Nature of Creative Inspiration
Often I find that when a piece of creative work is begun, it’s impossible to say from which source the best inspiration will come – and how far back in the past that inspiration had its source. My new novel Director’s Cut, a YA Crossover, is about a musically gifted boy who finds himself trappedContinue reading “The Nature of Creative Inspiration”
Inspiration from Brittany
By the time you read this I’ll be in the tiny fishing village of Port Manec’h in the south of Finistère, near France’s equivalent of Lands’ End, Pointe du Raz. We are here at the invitation of my French friend Dominique who with her husband Philippe owns a lovely holiday cottage in Port Manec’h. WhatContinue reading “Inspiration from Brittany”
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