Who doesn't like a crypt? Oh, all right so they're not for everyone. But I find them fascinating. The one in Winchester Cathedral isn't usually open to the public. It has a habit of flooding, so there are no tombs, no alters and certainly no coffee shop. Although there is "Sound II", a solitary sculpture... Continue Reading →
Let me start by saying, I'm not suggesting you have to read these books to be a writer This is just a group of books that had an impact on my development as a writer, so I want to share them in case they help anyone else out too. And I'm keen to know what... Continue Reading →
In a quiet corner of a typical English churchyard, lies a man who was definitely not typical. In fact, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, would probably have a few things to say about being buried here at all. All Saints Church in Minstead is a quirky building, added to over the years... Continue Reading →
Some people love to listen to music when they write, others prefer silence. But whichever camp you fall in, a book playlist or soundtrack could really help you get into your writing zone. Here are four ways you can use music for inspiration: 1 - Set the mood This is the simplest way to get... Continue Reading →
I write a lot of blog posts about places I've visited in Oxford but there are two good reasons for this - 1, it's not too far from where I live, and 2, it's overflowing with literary history so there's always something to write about! This time we're at Christ Church College, home of many... Continue Reading →
The internet has shaken up our world in many ways. Not least in how it's given everyone who can get online the opportunity to put themselves out there. One of the earliest ways to do this was by via a blog. Before the high-speed internet the web ran on words and you, me and Uncle... Continue Reading →
If you're a regular reader you'll know I've visited a lot of places in the UK, and occasionally abroad, with links to famous writers. But I've also got some literary connections much closer to home that I thought I'd share with you. Reading is a local town for me, and although it might not be... Continue Reading →
she calls hey-up to the sky rides the same pattern swirls to the horizon sees a cacophony flutter green feathers silver shines she spies for the smallest unconcerned about this one walking below A yawn for the morning air. She follows the same pattern, breakfast, coffee, kids. This morning she stops, hears the cry of... Continue Reading →
Even on a dark, rainy day, Glastonbury Abbey is impressive. This vast building was once one of the richest monasteries in England. Now it's mostly ruined. Glastonbury is a place synonymous with myth and legend, so it's perhaps not surprising that the abbey has a few stories in its past. The first story lies in... Continue Reading →
To say Tyntesfield is Gothic is an understatement. This place is Goth-ick. It's so Gothic it'd make Goths go green with envy - under their pale makeup obviously. Fans of the BBCs' "Sherlock" should recognise Tyntesfield from the episode "The Abominable Bride" a (sort of) homage to the original Victorian setting of Arthur Conan-Doyles' detective... Continue Reading →
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