We shall not cease from exploration wrote TS Eliot in his poem “Little Gidding”. And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time. These words seem very appropriate for author and explorer Sir Laurens Van Der Post (1906-1996), whom I first cameContinue reading ““Mystical Experiences and Glimpses of Eternity” Mini Series Part 3 – Sir Laurens Van Der Post, Explorer of the Spirit”
Tag Archives: mystical circles
Romantic Moments
What are the most romantic moments of your life? As a mystery romance novelist I have my own ideas! The setting for my novel Mystical Circles is a gracious farmhouse in the Cotswolds; surrounded by garden, orchard, and its own land rising up the steep side of the valley to a ridge overlooking the panorama of the SevernContinue reading “Romantic Moments”
Do Fiction Writers Use Real Life Characters in Their Novels?
Surely if you put a real person in your novel they might recognise themselves? Is it all right to use real people to create characters in your novel? Suppose they recognise themselves? In my experience this is extremely unlikely. JK Rowling based the character of Gilderoy Lockhart on someone she knew. In “Harry Potter and theContinue reading “Do Fiction Writers Use Real Life Characters in Their Novels?”
Unconscious Research and Dream Yoga
What might walking backwards through the Australian rainforest have to do with a mystery romance novel set in the Cotswolds? It was all part of my “unconscious research”. And it was a long research journey too, I admit. If you’re intrigued, go to Martin Willoughby’s blog to read my guest post on how “Dream Yoga” played a roleContinue reading “Unconscious Research and Dream Yoga”
Mystical Circles, Emotional Charge on the Spiritual Journey – How Life Itself Inspires an Author
Over the last few months, some readers have been asking me, “What inspired you to write ‘Mystical Circles’? And, as I have just issued a revised edition of the novel on Kindle with a new cover design, I thought now would be a good moment to answer some of those questions. The story evolved outContinue reading “Mystical Circles, Emotional Charge on the Spiritual Journey – How Life Itself Inspires an Author”
Currents, Backwaters and Muddy Tributaries in Fiction: and the Fascination of the One Star Review
Reading a novel is like going on a voyage down a river. Sometimes the water’s smooth and calm, sometimes rough; occasionally you may find yourself in whitewater rapids; and ultimately it flows into the sea. If your boat gets ambushed by a rogue current and becomes snarled up among tree roots and rushes in aContinue reading “Currents, Backwaters and Muddy Tributaries in Fiction: and the Fascination of the One Star Review”
Seeking Personal Growth; and Sitting at the Feet of a Charismatic Guru
We find ourselves in a culture where many seek answers to the deep issues of life in spirituality, beyond the boundaries of organized religion. Different needs within people draw them to seek spiritual relief – and for some, esoteric New Age spiritual groups hold a strong appeal. You’ll meet some of those who are attractedContinue reading “Seeking Personal Growth; and Sitting at the Feet of a Charismatic Guru”
Welcome To My Blog – About Me
Thank you for visiting my blog! I write psychological, paranormal and mystery fiction and non fiction. I’m a member of the Society of Authors and the Association of Christian Writers. My new book Paranormal Warwickshire is out now from Amberley Publishing. It’s available everywhere good books are sold. If you’d like a signed copy sentContinue reading “Welcome To My Blog – About Me”
How Can Carl Jung’s Theory of Synchronicity Help You in Your Creative Writing?
Among his many theories, Carl Jung includes “synchronicity”. This may be defined as “the meaningful patterning of two or more psycho-physical events not otherwise causally connected”. I’ve known of this theory for several years, and have seen it operating not only in my life but in the lives of others. Now I realise how it canContinue reading “How Can Carl Jung’s Theory of Synchronicity Help You in Your Creative Writing?”
Novelists and Screenwriters – Where To Find All You Need To Know About Story Structure
Several years ago, I nearly signed on for Robert McKee’s “Story Structure” workshop in London – tempted by the testimonial from John Cleese, who attributed his success in creating the Fawlty Towers scripts to what he learned from this workshop. But I saw it was essentially for screenwriters, and chose to pass on it. I have sinceContinue reading “Novelists and Screenwriters – Where To Find All You Need To Know About Story Structure”