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 →
You may not expect the oldest bookstore in the world to be found in Portugal. But in the Chiado Livraria Bertrand in Lisbon has a Guinness World Records certificate to prove it. The original shop opened in 1732 and has stayed open ever since, albeit moving around the city. The current shop opened in 1773,... Continue Reading →
Whether you believe writers are born or made (and I think it's a little bit of both), there are certain traits I think all writers should cultivate. Some may come naturally, others may need a bit of work. But they'll help you be the best writer you can be. 1) Happy in your own company... Continue Reading →
A successful blog needs visitors, and a lot of advice will tell you that fresh, frequent posting is the only way to get them. But this year I had the most visits and visitors to my blog since I started in 2013 - and published half the number of posts I did back then. How?... Continue Reading →
These days most of us write using a digital device, be it a PC, laptop, or even phone. Before that, we had word processors, typewriters, and the printing press. Each of these inventions has given us the ability to get more words, to more people, in the quickest possible way. But some argue that writing... Continue Reading →
However much I may want to write, there are times it just isn't happening and this can make me feel like a failure. People often think writers write no matter what, bashing out their perfectly plotted story, full of well-rounded characters that always behave with no issues whatsoever. Aha aha aha. But really, writing is... Continue Reading →
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 →
The Ramsay family moved to Coulden Wells dreaming of a quiet country life. But the moment they passed the village boundary, they were doomed to be part of fate. Because Coulden Wells is not the pretty English hideaway it seems. For centuries it has been protected by a coven of witches. And they have misused... Continue Reading →
Oxford is jam-packed with history, beautiful buildings and of course, students. And a tour around the Bodleian Libraries is a great way to spend an hour or so. But if you don't have enough time to do the full tour, simply pay the princely sum of £2 and nosy around the Divinity School instead. And... Continue Reading →
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