a passionate spirit

A Fresh Sense of Perspective From the Sea

Here are a few views from our recent visit to Eastbourne. Living as I do in the Midlands, I cannot help missing the seaside! There’s nothing like water – be it river, lake or sea – to make us feel open and free and to give us a fresh sense of perspective. Now I’m back inContinue reading “A Fresh Sense of Perspective From the Sea”

Progress on Marketing of A Passionate Spirit

I’ve just heard from Matador that my front cover for my new novel A Passionate Spirit is now approved, and I’ve just seen the final drafts of my marketing material for the novel. My “Advance Information” sheet will shortly be mailed out to retailers, library suppliers and local bookshops. My Press Release marketing will begin once copies ofContinue reading “Progress on Marketing of A Passionate Spirit”

Supernatural Power versus Rationalism: Sorcerers and Sceptics at Warwick Words Summer Festival 2014

Last night I went to a fascinating discussion between two authors at the final event of the Warwick Words summer festival. The talk was held in the beautiful 15th century Great Hall of the Lord Leycester Hospital, Warwick. Ian Mathie, author of Sorcerers and Orange Peel, spoke about his travels in remote African communities over many years andContinue reading “Supernatural Power versus Rationalism: Sorcerers and Sceptics at Warwick Words Summer Festival 2014”

Do Novelists Have an Agenda or a Moral Purpose?

This morning on BBC Radio 4’s Start the Week programme I listened to a fascinating panel discussion from the Charleston Festival. Tom Sutcliffe questioned four novelists: Tim Winton, Nicola Barker, Michael Schmidt and Karl Knausgaard. Two of the questions Tom Sutcliffe asked were: Do novelists have an agenda or a moral purpose? Do you as a novelistContinue reading “Do Novelists Have an Agenda or a Moral Purpose?”