BBC Radio 4 recently broadcast an adaptation of Good Omens, a fantasy book written by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett in 1990. Despite being a massive fan of both authors, I've never read the book. That sounds crazy because it is. So I recently borrowed a battered copy from an avid fan who shares my love... Continue Reading →
The Ballad of Annie Jeffries
They called me the Changeling babe, Not quite a girl, not quite right. Through needle eyes I saw other realms and went wild dancing round finger trees. I jumped the Naiad, on a green bowing branch, and sang to the fair behind the fronds. Nay boy could beat me at their games, I would lick... Continue Reading →
Poetry – Elder Cry
I am tired My eyelids heavy My lips are raw My fingers crack. I have gills Not lungs inside me Breath far stretched Held for sea salt. I feel my bones Under this cotton Layers weighted In baby pink. I had tall wings Now cut and taped down Itch paper skin Feathers... Continue Reading →
A Froud and a Henson? A Match Made in Puppet Heaven
Eighties fantasy films hold a special place in my heart. There were a lot of classics made at that time with stunning effects, immense sets, sumptuous costumes and extra crowded crowd scenes. In my opinion, it was a golden age. Some may disagree but then they probably weren't raised on Krull, Labyrinth, Willow, The Dark... Continue Reading →
Poetry – The Torch is not the Only Guide
If the darkness has found you, fear not. If it caresses your ears with cold, velvet words, you may listen without tremor. If it clasps and twists your body, you can move with it unbound. If it blackens your vision, close your eyes and make it blacker still. The darkness knows one path, so pull... Continue Reading →
Hedwig & Pigwidgeon
I found these two lovely bookends at a local shop today for the princely sum of £15. I'm thinking of calling them Hedwig & Pigwidgeon even though they aren't the right types of owls - but with books and owls it just seems appropriate.
Literary presents
It was my birthday a few weeks ago and I got some lovely things, including these two fab literary gifts. I've had to get them framed and hung on the wall of my little study (which has altered a bit since my last post about it - I'll do another post about that at some... Continue Reading →
An Open Fan Letter to Sir Terry Pratchett
I recently started reading Terry Pratchett's latest book 'Raising Steam', with a slightly heavy heart. Not because I didn't think I'd enjoy it, I knew I would, but because each new book brings us a bit closer to the time where there will be no more new books. He has a very rare form of... Continue Reading →
Prose – Mistress of the Sea – part 2
He stepped back. Niamh was left with her boat in the middle of a ring of ghostly faces. ‘Finally you are here.’ The voice was cold and bottomless, hissing and crashing from everywhere at once. 'Who are you?’ said Niamh. ‘I have too many names to count but I am the greatest of all forces... Continue Reading →
Prose – Mistress of the Sea – part 1
The last thing Niamh remembered was drowning, so it came as a surprise when she woke up. At first she thought she was dreaming. The air had that strange grey sense of a dream. Or being underwater. She held up her hand in front of her and moved it from side to side. Her skin... Continue Reading →
