Write down the rabbit hole…
If you've stuck with me through parts 1, 2, 3 and 4, then thank you! As I said at the start, I've always suspicious of anything that claims to definitively tell you how to write. But hopefully, my advice is useful to you and will help you on your writing journey. So we've reached the… Continue reading Writing a Book part 5 – Editing
I wanted to share a few photos of this exhibition, currently on in the Weston Library, but photography isn't allowed. That's understandable so instead please enjoy these photos of the notebook and badges I bought at the library shop. The exhibition itself isn't big but it's free and packed with artifacts from Tolkiens life and… Continue reading Notebook collection: Tolkien – Maker of Middle Earth
There's no shortage of history in Shakespeare's hometown of Stratford-Upon-Avon. Many of the places you can visit were once home to Shakespeare's relations, including the homestead of his wife, Anne Hathway. Part of the building dates from the 1400s, and it provides an intriguing window into the past. There's not a great deal known about… Continue reading Anne Hathaway’s House, Stratford-Upon-Avon
There are a few things you need for the perfect library... First, of course, books- -then a chair to sit in when you're reading your books- -more books- -stairs so you can reach all your books- -a desk to sit at if you're inspired to write when reading your books- -even more books- -and finally… Continue reading Upton House Library
My New Year's Resolution was to write and publish a second book - and I did. I'll allow myself a little bit of pride in that (but not too much because I'm a writer and I'm British). I've now published two books in two years - so what did I learn? 1. Decide why you want… Continue reading 4 Things I Learned Self-Publishing Two E-books in Two Years
I love a good cave. Not in a hard-hat-gee-that's-a-tight-squeeze-caving kind of way, but anywhere with a decent cave tour gets my attention. Kents Cavern in Devon have a very good tour and literally layers of history to uncover. The caves have provided shelter to animals and humans for thousands of years. A human jawbone fragment… Continue reading Notebook Collection: Exploring Kents Cavern, Devon
Terry Pratchett moved to a village outside of Salisbury in 1993 and lived there until his death. The Terry Pratchett: HisWorld exhibition is all about his life and full of personal items. Given his worldwide fame, it's not surprising that people have come from around the globe to visit this exhibition about Sir Terry Pratchett's… Continue reading Terry Pratchett: His World, Salisbury Museum, UK
Wells is the smallest city in the UK. Its status as a city dates from medieval times, and depends on its stunning cathedral complex. It's been a filming location for a number of productions including 'Poldark', 'Dunkirk' and 'Hot Fuzz' - the high street and market place are immediately recognisable from the climactic shoot-out scene.… Continue reading Around Wells Cathedral and The Chained Library
People often say that words aren't dangerous. But writers know better than that. We understand the power that words have. When we wield them we are all aware of how we're casting lightening stolen from the Gods. Events in the world prove just how fickle words are. Assaulted by 'fake news', 'alternative facts' and 'post-truth'… Continue reading Why your writing is important
The Glasgow Necropolis on a cold, bright morn; grand and Gothic and unsurprisingly, Victorian. Ever a society in love with death, elevating it into an art form fit for the ancients. It's easy to see why writers are fascinated by cities of the dead. Cemeteries tell a thousand tales. Inspiration and intrigue around every corner.… Continue reading A Visit to Glasgow Necropolis
