This is the thirteenth in a series of glimpses into my new book Paranormal Warwickshire which will be published by Amberley Publishing on 15th November 2020. My visits to Nuneaton have uncovered some truly astonishing stories. Nuneaton is strongly associated with the great novelist George Eliot, who lived there during the first part of herContinue reading “Glimpses of Paranormal Warwickshire Part 13: Nuneaton”
Category Archives: Writing
Glimpses of Paranormal Warwickshire Part 10: Stoneleigh Abbey
This is the tenth in a series of glimpses into my new book Paranormal Warwickshire which will be published by Amberley Publishing on 15th November 2020. Stoneleigh Abbey occupies land granted to a group of Cistercian monks by Henry II in 1154 , but twenty five years after the dissolution of the monasteries, now aContinue reading “Glimpses of Paranormal Warwickshire Part 10: Stoneleigh Abbey”
Glimpses of Paranormal Warwickshire Part 1: Shakespeare’s Ghosts and Spirits
This is the first of a series giving you a few tasters from my book Paranormal Warwickshire which will be released by Amberley Publishing on 15th November 2020. Warwickshire is a county steeped in the supernatural, as befits the county of Shakespeare and the many ghosts and spirits that he conjured up in his works.Continue reading “Glimpses of Paranormal Warwickshire Part 1: Shakespeare’s Ghosts and Spirits”
Cover Reveal: ‘Paranormal Warwickshire’ by SC Skillman
I’m delighted to be able to bring you the cover reveal for my new book, Paranormal Warwickshire, which is due to be released by Amberley Publishing on 15th November 2020. I’ve been looking forward to this for several months, as I wondered which of the photos (taken either by myself, by my son Jamie orContinue reading “Cover Reveal: ‘Paranormal Warwickshire’ by SC Skillman”
The Art of Writing Backwards: a Novelist’s Sleight of Hand?
When you saw that title what did you imagine? A scene from Alice through the Looking Glass? One of those high speed reverse sequences in a magical fantasy film, when everything rewinds? Or perhaps a time-slip scenario? Or simply an image of mirror writing? Would it be wonderful if we could indeed start at theContinue reading “The Art of Writing Backwards: a Novelist’s Sleight of Hand?”
Inspiration for Creative Writers From Grayson Perry in Grayson’s Art Club
Honesty and truthfulness – these are the outstanding virtues of a great artist. And as a creative writer I am currently finding inspiration from artist Grayson Perry as he showcases “Covid-19 lockdown art” in his TV show “Grayson’s Art Club” on Channel 4. Grayson makes use of our contemporary culture which he transforms into artContinue reading “Inspiration for Creative Writers From Grayson Perry in Grayson’s Art Club”
Inspiration from Fantasy Novelist Philip Pullman, President of the Society of Authors
During the Covid19 lockdown, the Society of Authors are presenting a number of webinars with notable authors, and the other day I attended “Afternoon Tea with Philip Pullman”. I was keen to hear from the author of a fantasy trilogy that captivated me, “His Dark Materials“. 500 of us attended, all waiting with drinks andContinue reading “Inspiration from Fantasy Novelist Philip Pullman, President of the Society of Authors”
Paranormal Warwickshire Cover Reveal Coming Soon
I hope you are all well, and staying home, except for your one-daily-piece-of-exercise here in the middle of the COVID-19 crisis. I must admit I’m finding plenty to do as a writer. ‘Paranormal Warwickshire’ has a new publication date: 15 Nov 2020. I’ve just returned the corrected proofs to my publisher, Amberley. Meanwhile I’m workingContinue reading “Paranormal Warwickshire Cover Reveal Coming Soon”
Australia and New Zealand Mini Series Part 19: North Island, New Zealand: Enchantment and Delight for ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Fans: Matamata and Hobbiton
This is the nineteenth in my series of short reflections on different places in Australia and New Zealand, as experienced during my November 2019 visit. Today is the third of my posts on New Zealand’s North Island. In my last post I wrote about Paihia and the Bay of Islands. We set off from PaihiaContinue reading “Australia and New Zealand Mini Series Part 19: North Island, New Zealand: Enchantment and Delight for ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Fans: Matamata and Hobbiton”
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
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”
scskillman.com 