I went to see Jeffrey Archer speak at Warwick School on Friday night. His subject was: How To Write a Bestseller. I last heard Jeffrey address an audience probably about 23 years ago, this time at Sevenoaks School; and he said several of the same things (one of which was “I’m not a writer. I’mContinue reading “Jeffrey Archer at Warwick School: Entertainer, Story-Teller and Raconteur”
Tag Archives: SC Skillman
A Gift to the Future – One Man’s Vision to Create Hidcote Manor Garden
I love Hidcote Manor Garden, near Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire. It’s one of the National Trust’s greatest gardens and was created by an American horticulturalist Lawrence Johnston, between 1907 and 1947. One very special element in the garden is the Beech Allee – an avenue of majestic beeches. Lawrence Johnston planted it knowing he’d neverContinue reading “A Gift to the Future – One Man’s Vision to Create Hidcote Manor Garden”
Red Poppies and the Power of Story at The Tower of London
A family trip to the Tower of London at the weekend reminded me once again of how much I love visiting English castles. at the Tower of London (photo credit SC Skillman) I was trying to account for this in one of my previous posts, but a fellow-writer put it beautifully; when you go roundContinue reading “Red Poppies and the Power of Story at The Tower of London”
A New Glimpse of a Dream Arising from the Ruins – Kenilworth Castle September 2014
Kenilworth Castle is my favourite English Heritage property and one I’ve visited many times as it’s so close to my home in Warwick. Now English Heritage have completed new staircases and viewing platforms allowing visitors to ascend to the different floors of Leicester’s Tower for the first time in 350 years. I’ve visited the BuildingContinue reading “A New Glimpse of a Dream Arising from the Ruins – Kenilworth Castle September 2014”
Find Mystical Circles on Goodkindles!
Mystical Circles is now featured on Goodkindles. Take a look at it here, and it you haven’t already, hurry on over to the Kindle store and download your copy now! Deep in the heart of the English countryside, in an idyllic farmhouse, Craig, an idealistic young man with a wealthy father, has gathered togetherContinue reading “Find Mystical Circles on Goodkindles!”
Review of “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green
I’ve just finished reading The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. This story of two young cancer “survivors” is a story that eats into your marrow. And if you haven’t seen the film or read the book, and would like to, don’t read on, for my review contains plot spoilers! Even though I hadContinue reading “Review of “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green”
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Quirky, Anarchic, and Fizzing with Life
During the last week we’ve been at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival – an overwhelming variety of acts and shows and comedians and performers, all jostling for your attention. Those who are trying to make a name for themselves are free: the already established are in big venues and do paid-for shows. I’ve never been handedContinue reading “The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Quirky, Anarchic, and Fizzing with Life”
A Night When Neil Gaiman – Quirky, Subversive, Whimsical – Held Us Entranced at the Barbican Hall, London
Last Friday evening I was at the Barbican, London, to hear author Neil Gaiman read some of his short stories plus a novelette called The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains, accompanied by the Australian string quartet Four Play. This production was originally commissioned by Sydney Opera House for its Graphic Festival andContinue reading “A Night When Neil Gaiman – Quirky, Subversive, Whimsical – Held Us Entranced at the Barbican Hall, London”
The Fault in Our Stars and Poignant Reminders of Short Lives on Milverton Hill
Recently I went to see the film The Fault in Our Stars with my two teenage children. Based upon the book of the same name by John Green it was about two teenagers both diagnosed with terminal cancer, who form a relationship at a cancer support group, try to avoid falling in love because ofContinue reading “The Fault in Our Stars and Poignant Reminders of Short Lives on Milverton Hill”
Sir Antony Sher in Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part II at Stratford-upon-Avon: the Powerful Impact of One Picaresque Character, Performed by a Great Actor
Sir Antony Sher shone out as Sir John Falstaff in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Henry IV Part II which I saw the other day in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. I was at the camera rehearsal for Henry IV Part II, the day before the production was to be broadcast live to cinemas.Continue reading “Sir Antony Sher in Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part II at Stratford-upon-Avon: the Powerful Impact of One Picaresque Character, Performed by a Great Actor”
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