Before I start my series on New Zealand, which I visited in November 2019, I am delighted to review a book set in the very place I visited – New Zealand’s North Island. But the times are very different in ‘Waireka’ by Sheila Donald. The genre is historical fiction. We are in the nineteenth century,Continue reading “Book Review: ‘Waireka’ by Sheila Donald, set in nineteenth century New Zealand – a story which makes you see your own life in a new perspective”
Category Archives: Writing
Book Review: ‘Lifelines’ by Andy Croft and Mike Pilavachi
I stood in a queue of those waiting to have this book signed by Andy Croft, at the CRT (Christian Resources Together retreat) several months ago. I remember Andy asked me about my interest in being at the conference and I told him I too was a writer. He asked me about what I writeContinue reading “Book Review: ‘Lifelines’ by Andy Croft and Mike Pilavachi”
Book Review: “A Vision of Locusts” by SL Russell
Today I share with you one of my latest book reviews: in fact the last book to which I awarded 5 stars! A Vision of Locusts by SL Russell is an unusual contemporary novel which introduces a number of themes including religious intolerance in the world today, the nature of evil, and the mysterious sourceContinue reading “Book Review: “A Vision of Locusts” by SL Russell”
I’m pleased to announce that I have signed a contract
I’m pleased to announced that I have signed a contract with history publishers Amberley Publishing for a book about Warwickshire to be published in June 2020. This will be a highly illustrated book full of stories arranged under themes from Shakespeare’s ghosts and spirits. The book will explore some of the supernatural and spiritual storiesContinue reading “I’m pleased to announce that I have signed a contract”
Come and Have Fun in the Birmingham NEC 31st May to 2nd June 2019 and Find the Authors on the Author Stand at the UK Games Expo 2019
Once again the Birmingham NEC will be taken over by the UK Games Expo this year at the end of May. And between Friday 31st May and Sunday 2nd June 2019 there will be a fabulous atmosphere and loads of fun for all those who love games, fantasy, roleplay, cosplay and… books about adventure, fantasy,Continue reading “Come and Have Fun in the Birmingham NEC 31st May to 2nd June 2019 and Find the Authors on the Author Stand at the UK Games Expo 2019”
Film Review: ‘Tolkien’ 2019 Film Starring Nicholas Hoult and Lily Collins: A True Picture of Tolkien’s Inspirations?
I’ve recently been to see the film Tolkien about the early life of the great author who created The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. As one who has loved the creations of Tolkien, both his writings and his art, since I was at university, I looked forward greatly to seeing this film. IContinue reading “Film Review: ‘Tolkien’ 2019 Film Starring Nicholas Hoult and Lily Collins: A True Picture of Tolkien’s Inspirations?”
Film Reviews: ‘Tolkien’ 2019 Starring Nicholas Hoult
I’ve recently been to see the film Tolkien about the early life of the great author who created The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. As one who has loved the creations of Tolkien, both his writings and his art, since I was at university, I looked forward greatly to seeing this film. IContinue reading “Film Reviews: ‘Tolkien’ 2019 Starring Nicholas Hoult”
Book Review: ‘The Magical History of Britain’ by Martin Wall
The period of British history which we call the Dark Ages was not dark at all – according to the author of this book, Martin Wall. But we do know the period this term covers, between about 500 and 1000 BC, was marked by frequent warfare. Many of us choose to imagine it best probablyContinue reading “Book Review: ‘The Magical History of Britain’ by Martin Wall”
Film and Book Review: ‘Silence’ by Shusaku Endo: and The Film Starring Andrew Garfield
Silence by Shusaku Endo is one of the most compelling and powerful books I’ve ever read. I wrote about it in this way on my website as part of a blog post about an exhibition at the British Museum, Living With the Gods. When I first read the book, several years ago, I think oneContinue reading “Film and Book Review: ‘Silence’ by Shusaku Endo: and The Film Starring Andrew Garfield”
Book Review: “Paul: a Biography” by Tom Wright
This is a thorough, vivid and enlightening book about Paul the Apostle, otherwise known as St Paul. Tom Wright opens up for us the amazing personality of Paul: formidable, intellectual, resilient, passionate, determined, lyrical, energetic and utterly committed – a former Pharisee and a zealous Jew. At the age of 23, Paul had his revelationContinue reading “Book Review: “Paul: a Biography” by Tom Wright”