Loving the Place you Live

In the run up to Christmas, ‘Shop Local’ is the mantra. It’s a noble sentiment. After a year of lockdowns closing high streets and causing businesses to suffer, support local is a welcome gesture. Personally, I include writers and artists in that, local or not; after all, books, art and crafts make wonderful gifts, and go a long way in bringing a smile to the face of the creator.

It seems to have been a year of mantras. I do hope some of them stick around when the pandemic eventually recedes. Like appreciating your local surrounds. A couple of months back, I took a wander around Exeter’s city centre, reminding myself of all my favourite places nestled in this hillside town, edged by the river Exe.

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Fantastical Horizons

I hadn’t expected to be attending World Fantasy Convention 2020, set to take place in Salt Lake City, Utah. But with Covid-19 stamping out social gatherings, the organisers created a virtual event, that I was pleased to attend from the comfort of home.

I had the opportunity to give readings from Blood Gift Chronicles. In Return of the Mantra, we heard from Suni, a young woman who has to come to terms with the fact that the fate of her homeland depends on her. This was followed by a sneak preview of the sequel, The Warder, where we face the question: are they gifts, are they curses, are they both? It was heartening for the readings to receive such a warm reception, and for the themes to evoke discussion and questions that kept me on my toes.

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For the Love of Books #3

It is Monday morning of what promises to be a busy week, not least because World Fantasy Convention 2020 is due to start in just a few days. I’m thrilled to have been given a reading slot to read from Return of the Mantra.

(News Update: Free delivery worldwide on Return of the Mantra from Book Depository.)

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News Update

Just over two years ago, Return of the Mantra was released into the world: the first in the series, Blood Gift Chronicles. Now, with the edits complete and book cover plans underway, it’s exciting to see Book 2, The Warder, reaching its final milestone.

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For the Love of Books #2

A favourite shelf on the bookcase comes under the category, International. There are many reasons why I love books, one of which is to gain understanding of different cultures and perspectives. Whether it’s fiction, autobiographical, historical, or all three, they are like portals that allow for travel from the comfort of home.

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Art in the Devon Landscape

I’m back on the edits of Book 2, The Warder, and the end is in sight. But before I get to work, I thought I’d share some highlights of summer day trips, and there’s a theme in the air.

Since coronavirus hit, many have looked to nature and the outdoors to help ride the storm, and I am no exception. But I especially like to marry it with art in the landscape, a way of feeling connected to people despite the need to distance.

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