Rummaging For Reality at the Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick

Here I am, a psychological suspense writer,  at a conference for psychotherapists, healers, counsellors and creative people – and together with them  I am rummaging for reality. This is  very brief post in a spare hour before I go off to a workshop this afternoon. But already I feel I am working my way towardsContinue reading “Rummaging For Reality at the Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick”

Thoughts on Three Dimensional Characters in Films and Novels – Inspired by Hugh Grant

On the Graham Norton Show which was broadcast on BBC One on Friday 16th April 2016, actor Hugh Grant said he took on the role of St Clair Bayfield in the newly-released film Florence Foster Jenkins against his previous intentions, because a) the script was so good and b) because he was attracted by the three dimensionalContinue reading “Thoughts on Three Dimensional Characters in Films and Novels – Inspired by Hugh Grant”

Reflections on Crime, Wickedness, and Redemption from the Crime Museum Uncovered, Museum of London

On Thursday 31st March 2016 I read many stories at the Crime Museum Uncovered, an enthralling exhibition currently showing at the Museum of London, London Wall.  Crime cases from Victorian times to 1975, solved by the Metropolitan Police. Most of the criminals were hanged; some were miscarriages of justice; vulnerable people, who today would haveContinue reading “Reflections on Crime, Wickedness, and Redemption from the Crime Museum Uncovered, Museum of London”

A Passionate Spirit 99p on Kindle from 1 April for 1 week only

My publisher Matador have just dropped the price of my kindle ebook for one week. Take the chance to snap up my new paranormal thriller “A Passionate Spirit” on Kindle at the special price of 99p. The deal ends on Friday 8th April when the price will revert to its usual level of £3.99. So this is a greatContinue reading “A Passionate Spirit 99p on Kindle from 1 April for 1 week only”

The Power of Light to Uplift the Spirit and Transform a Dark World

Add light to any situation, and it changes dramatically.   I have often thought the Shard in London looks like a mystical tower. Here in this view it certainly lives up to this image! Highlight one element of a picture and immediately it starts communicating its message  – as you will see from these picturesContinue reading “The Power of Light to Uplift the Spirit and Transform a Dark World”

Signed Copies of Mystical Circles and A Passionate Spirit for Sale at the Stratford-upon-Avon Craft Fair on 1st May 2016

On Sunday 1st May 2016 I’ll be selling signed copies of Mystical Circles and A Passionate Spirit at the Stratford-upon-Avon Craft and Gift Fair. The Fair starts at 10am and finishes at 4pm. I’d love to see you there if you’re free on that day, and in Warwickshire! In addition to my book stall, thereContinue reading “Signed Copies of Mystical Circles and A Passionate Spirit for Sale at the Stratford-upon-Avon Craft Fair on 1st May 2016”

Book Marketing Inspiration and Fresh Ideas for Writers

Led by Adrianne Fitzpatrick (publisher  and owner of Books To Treasure) and Wendy H. Jones (successful crime writer), the ACW Writer Day on Saturday 12th March at Widcombe Baptist Church, Bath, provided me – and a church full of my fellow-writers  – with a wealth of fresh information about book publishing and marketing. The picturesContinue reading “Book Marketing Inspiration and Fresh Ideas for Writers”

Writing, Reading and Reviewing Books For Love

Compassion, respect and kindness are human qualities common to all regardless of any faith position. In this post, I’m making a plea for these three things in the online world of books.   Recently I learned from my fellow authors of  something very sad which is happening on Goodreads – which I had previously been totally unawareContinue reading “Writing, Reading and Reviewing Books For Love”

Echoes of “A Passionate Spirit” in Mystical Tales from British Folklore

Book Review:  “Faeries, Elves and Goblins: The Old Stories” by Rosalind Kerven, published by the National Trust I bought this book recently in a National Trust gift shop, and found it captivating. Rosalind Kerven explores the raw material from which many of our great fantasy novelists have derived their archetypes. She includes “mystical tales ofContinue reading “Echoes of “A Passionate Spirit” in Mystical Tales from British Folklore”

For Love of the Sea and the East Sussex Coastline

Living in the Midlands, one of the things I most miss is being near the sea. Brought up in Kent, as a child I often went on family trips to Rye and Camber Sands in east Sussex. To experience the beauty and vastness of the sea is  a magical thing in childhood. I have continued toContinue reading “For Love of the Sea and the East Sussex Coastline”