There’s a great deal of cruelty in the news right now. It’s one of the reasons behind my Lenten retreat from social media. Still I can’t escape it altogether. A dear friend has been deeply affected by a child murder close to where she lives. Reality insists on being seen – so why on earth do I chose to write fantasy, to make impossible things up? Continue reading
Geek Sphinx by Mage Cat
Last week I considered metamorphosis – prompted by listening to Dame Marina Warner at The Sussex Centre for Folklore, Fairytale and Fantasy. Whilst I was pondering unnerving transformations, images of many strange mythical hybrid creatures came to mind (some prompted by this month’s Mslexia.) What is their attraction – and what does it matter to modern storytelling? Continue reading
Can I tempt you?
Lent is traditionally a time for giving up things – say, chocolate, wine or meat. This year, I felt the need for something else to abstain from. Something to which I have a rather ambiguous relationship. Continue reading
Tiger in a Tropical Storm (Surprised) by Henri Rousseau
You’re welcome in the Beautiful Jungle – but do expect a few surprises along your way… Continue reading
Oliver Cromwell by Samuel Cooper
Apparently, an interregnum is the period between two reigns. In English History, it can refer to the time between Charles I ‘s execution and the arrival of Charles II, whilst we had a Republic (30 January 1649 – 29 May 1660)
Metaphorically, it can mean any suspension of government from the end of one regime to the beginning of another. I rather feel I am in one… Continue reading
Most people would agree that Frank Sinatra had a wonderful voice. Think of ‘Strangers in the Night ‘ with its lush romance or ‘New York, New York!’ – so full of life. He was stylish and popular for at least five decades. But would you want him as a friend? Or could you see him as a hero? Continue reading
Five hows from the 8th Annual Conference of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Winchester, November 2015 Continue reading
Not one, not two but three authors for the price of one!
I was wrong – my interviewee comes in three parts like Gaul or a Celtic goddess:
Happily, they worked together as one to answer my questions.
Two for the price of one!
Here’s a clue
I have someone rather special coming on Saturday 10th June …
