As Christmas Day draws near we have been out to see the lavish and imaginative decorations currently transforming the rooms of our nearest National Trust properties, Charlecote House and Baddesley Clinton Manor, Warwickshire. Of all National Trust houses Baddesley Clinton is my favourite: it’s the one I can imagine living in – or the placeContinue reading “Christmas 2025 – Festive Decorations at Our Local Warwickshire National Trust Properties”
Category Archives: UK
Sea, Beach, and Sky on the North Cornish Coast
Today I return to the subject of the sea. I was there a few weeks ago, and how one can long for the sea, especially living in the middle of the UK as I now do! This area of Warwickshire has many joys – close to major historic sites such as Kenilworth Castle, and areasContinue reading “Sea, Beach, and Sky on the North Cornish Coast”
Christmas Ghost Stories – MR James
Christmas is, by tradition, a time for ghost stories. And MR James is my favourite writer in this genre. James was himself a devotee of mystery fiction and particularly a fan of Sherlock Holmes. But he is, of course, best known to us as the greatest writer of traditional English ghost stories. Ruth Rendell famouslyContinue reading “Christmas Ghost Stories – MR James”
Great Review of Paranormal Gloucestershire by Shelley Wilson Author
Discover ‘Paranormal Gloucestershire’ by SC Skillman
Announcing my latest book, ‘Paranormal Gloucestershire’ which is out on Monday 15 September 2025! ‘Paranormal Gloucestershire‘ is my fourth book for Amberley Publishing and is now available through all online retail stores and also through your local high street bookstore. You’ll find it in Waterstones branches and it can be ordered through indie bookshops tooContinue reading “Discover ‘Paranormal Gloucestershire’ by SC Skillman”
Remembering a Visit to Dennis Severs’ House, Spitalfields, London
New Book Out Soon! Paranormal Gloucestershire by SC Skillman
Today, I’m delighted to share news that my next nonfiction book will be released by Amberley on 15th September 2025. ‘Paranormal Gloucestershire’ explores a county rich in beauty, history, and a high level of spiritual, mysterious, and paranormal activity. With a profusion of haunted inns, castles, houses and landscape features, the presence of the pastContinue reading “New Book Out Soon! Paranormal Gloucestershire by SC Skillman”
The ‘Salt Path’ Controversy – my original review from 2020
Currently the UK news and social media are focussing on Raynor Winn and the truthfulness or otherwise of certain accounts in her highly successful nonfiction book ‘The Salt Path’ (first published by Penguin 2019). Out of this has come a fascinating discussion about our expectations of truth and factual accuracy in memoirs and nonfiction books.Continue reading “The ‘Salt Path’ Controversy – my original review from 2020”
Feast of Colour and Sensory Delight at Tulleys Tulip Garden
Here are a few photos from our visit to Tulleys Tulip Garden at Hatton Country World, Warwickshire, a few days ago. Complete with a Dutch windmill and delicious Dutch mini pancakes (poffertjes) we enjoyed our experience without travelling to Holland! I can also attest to the fact that the 10 tulip stems I bought from theContinue reading “Feast of Colour and Sensory Delight at Tulleys Tulip Garden”
And after the writing?
Writers write, yes? So what about all the other stuff – publicity, marketing etc? Once upon a time – when I was first published – the author’s job was simply to deliver the manuscript on time, to the agreed length and basically close enough to what was written on the contract. Then you sat backContinue reading “And after the writing?”
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