Tag: Fantasy Author

News from Eastercon 2026

At the end of a fabulously inspiring, thought-provoking, story-telling, bookish weekend in Birmingham for Iridesence 2026, Eastercon’s 77th exploration of all things SFF. Conversations were varied, and some were particularly impactful, including the idea of story-telling as a form of activism. In a world where imagination and hope are not separate, stories have the potential to inspire the work to create change, after all, if stories can reflect the world, in turn the world can reflect stories. These thought provoking conversations were well-demonstrated by examples such as We Will Rise Again, a new anthology by Karen Lord, which is now high on my to read list. As part of this conversation, it’s also relevant to consider the role of stories in helping to endure challenging times, to offer sanctuary and aid resilience in a changing world.

While imaginative tales take flight, they can also be grounding. Folklore was born from a desire to explain the unexplainable, bringing gods and tricksters to narratives to rationalise a complex world: folktales, myths and legends that bind people together to make sense of outside dangers, as well as to stay connected and rooted in cultural heritage, a form of resistance to powers that might seek to do harm to culture. Folklore as resistance preserves cultural identity, a form of activism in and of itself. For those of us who invent myth and legend in created worlds, we recognise the essential nature of its presence in fully realising the complexities of a new world. In writing Blood Gift Chronicles, creating folklore was a highlight for me, feeding into the rich tapestry of colour to create organically grown tales. Back to the conversation and folklore discussions inspired a purchase of two more editions to The Green Man series by Juliet McKenna.

A topic I particulary enjoyed as a panelist was on the subject of libraries, an expansive topic which ventured into the library greats of SFF, as well as the plight of real-world libraries, the challenges being faced, how those challenges are being met, and mostly just how fabulous and entirely necessary libraries are. For any questioning the significance of libraries, we might consider a world without them. It’s a concept explored in Ursula Le Guin’s novel, Voices, the second part in the Annuls of the Western Shore series. The story is set in a city once known for beautiful libraries, universities, canals and bridges, before the city was invaded and the occupation began. Now the place is desolate, driven by hunger and fear, with the colours of cultural fabric lost, or so we assume. But a mysterious library was kept hidden and safe, a place watched over by the WayLord. The library is discovered by the main character, a girl called Memer. The Waylord teaches Memer how to read, and as she devours whispering books that line tall towering shelves, unravelling the truth of her cultural identity from the safe sanctuary of the library, we see the importance of these spaces, and the power of the written word.

The power of the written word, and the importance of historical documenting, is a theme in The Warder, Blood Gift Chronicles Book 2. A number of historical volumes are missing in the Chamber of Scrolls, which begs the question, why, what history is being erased. It’s a relevant theme of the times today, the reclamations of history from marginalised people, as well as the current conversations about censorship. These themes were the inspiration behind the storyline in my novel, with the disappearing of historical records, what that means, and how it impacts the cultural fabric as well as individual lives.

And so I come full circle, with story-telling as a form of activism, folklore and storytelling the fabric of cultural heritage, and the magic of libraries housing the magic of stories, all this and more celebrated in a fabulously inspiring story-filled space.

And the last word goes to the Canada Geese currently resident on the lake nestled central to the built up space of the NEC and surrounds. I was grateful for this blooming burst of wildlife in amongst the built up business, delighted by the company of waddling geese as I caught a breath of fresh air alongside the water’s edge. It’s why I layer wildlife into my stories, because it matters, because this home is their home, and because it makes us all feel better.

 

Wishing everyone a great week ahead.

The Magic of Writing

I am caught in the magic of creating, and the wheels are turning. Among the day-to-day, and the necessary considerations of balance, projects are moving forward, points of fruition are on the horizon, and I am enraptured by the process. One such project is the third instalment of my fantasy project Blood Gift Chronicles, COMING SOON. I took the necessary time, allowed the ideas to percolate, the characters to mature, and now the end is in sight. I am excited. And I am excited to reveal more surprises that I’ve been working on for the series. Soon.

Working in fantasy, magic is a running theme. Where some consider magic to be associated with powers that do not occur in the natural world, in my work I look for the magic to feel like extensions of the natural world. It maintains an organic feel, drawing on ethereal spaces, dreams and the spirit world, and the power of words. It is also a world I created, and so the rules of what I consider to be natural are something I can play with: the magic can be big, and explosive, shape-shifting and extraordinary, while not losing touch with the quiet natural order that the characters are steadfastly working to return to. Because nature itself is magic, a place from which to be inspired, and a place to return to.

There is magic that is passed down in bloodlines, magic that is performed as ritual, both in groups and individually, magic used to change form, to communicate, to forge connection through the ages. There is magic that is enabled through powerful amulets, and magic that is driven through belief and emotion. I think fondly of the character Suni in Return of the Mantra, facing tragedy, being cast out alone into a dangerous world, feeling the weight of responsibility as she must feel her way against the odds, to survive, and to realise and accept that she is gifted. She is a dreamwalker, a gift that remains and establishes itself through the series, fostering connection with those she loves and in particular with a young friend who she watches over.

To better explain, I’ll hand you over to Suni. The following is an extract from The Warder, when we first meet Suni again, ten years later from when we left her at the end of Return of the Mantra. Enjoy…

THE WARDER

Chapter Ten – EXTRACT

MY MOTHER HAD BEEN A dreamwalker, a gift passed from mother to daughter. We were separated for years before she died, but she had always been able to reach me in my dreams. It was only after she died, ten years ago, that I realised the gift had found its way to me.

I see the mists of Serafay at the edge of my dreams, mists only the dead or a dreamwalker can know. How to navigate the mists is still a mystery even to me; it just is. Sometimes I think the destination lies rooted in desire. My mother had missed me, worried for me, a longing that had led her to me. My own nightly ventures took me to the dreams of my young friend, Wanda; a gifted boy I had known since he was an infant. Ours was a bond formed during an extraordinary journey we had once shared.

Much had changed since then, and the distance between us meant I couldn’t visit often. A boy gifted to speak the tongues of animals, he lived among wildlife in the valley beyond the mountains, while I had returned to my coastal hometown. I thought of him often, worried about him. I was aware that his relationship with Ntombi, my old friend, was not as it should be. I was thankful for my gift, reassured by my visits into his dreams.

ONE NIGHT I CLOSED MY eyes and drifted from the waking world, descending into sleep. Random colours and images of everyday life came and went, but I drifted on through until the colours drained to grey, and I was standing before the wall of mist. I stepped in, abandoning caution, and surrendered to my gift.

In the thick grey haze, the air was still and cool. I walked blind, deeper into the mist where ghosts crossed my path. They appeared oblivious to me, sometimes walking straight through me, leaving the cold of their presence lingering on my skin. Whilst my mother was at peace, ghosts aimlessly wandering Serafay had mournful, despairing eyes.

I felt a change in the air; a slight breeze brushed against my hand. I held out my hands, finding the direction, and turned to walk into the breeze. It was always the same, the mist showing me the way. The breeze grew stronger the further I went into the tunnel of moving air that was hidden from the dead. Among the swirling tones of grey, a window of colour appeared up ahead. I walked towards it, unsure of where it would lead. The only certainty was the dreamer; it was always Wanda I came to when I walked out of Serafay.

I stepped out of Serafay to find myself in Juna’s cave. Wanda was there, his back to me, sitting with legs dangling over the overhanging shelf, head cocked as he looked out over the grasslands. I stepped around the burnt-out fire and went to him. The sun was shining down as I stood next to him on the ledge, but the cold of Serafay lingered.

I crouched down and looked at his face. He never saw or heard me in the dream world. Sometimes I’d see him appear unresponsive to anything as he gazed intensely into space. This time was different; only the whites of his eyes were showing. I put a hand on his arm, reassured by the warmth of his body that felt like a shock against the cold of mine, and looked out across the landscape. Where are you? Startled by a shrill call overhead, I glimpsed a circling hawk, before Serafay came to claim me.

Happy New Year 2026!

As 2025 draws to a close, cold winter months provide the perfect setting for those moments of reflection. It’s crisp and cold out there, but look closer and you will find nature’s treasures, offering a sturdy base for sure footing.

And so I’m listening to the Japanese paper bush with its bare branches and snow white winter blooms; and the climbing jasmine, flowering its yellow stars; to the growing hebes, sporting purples and silvers all year round; and the star magnolia tipped with soft furry buds; to the sleeping hydrangeas and cherry blossom, restful and brown; and the honeysuckle giant, splaying and pluming with bulging red berries, welcoming birds far and wide; to the hellebores, tipped with white bells that might just faintly chime; and the visiting birds, filling their bellies and gathering for nests; while the hedgehog sleeps sound.

And by the water, time to reflect, at riversides and seasides where flocking geese arrive for warmer climes.

As a writer, I journey alongside a number of creative pathways, including the unfolding world of Blood Gift Chronicles. It has been a year of creative output, of journeying, of sharing, and there are some wonderful highlights. I’m hugely grateful for all those I’ve met along the way; fellow writers, readers, and those who create space and platforms to share and be inspired.

From Belfast to Brighton, conventions continue to be busy, bustling, happily tiring, inspiring places to network, discuss, meet and share. Every time someone new is inspired to pick up my books is a gift, and in the pages I hope they discover the gift there for the taking. We write to reflect, to find words for the pathways, to shine a light on the injustices, to problem solve the solutions, to have fun, to create worlds, to entertain, to inspire, to support, to empower, to bring colour, so much colour.

And as writers, in turn we are inspired by the stories of others. Visiting Belfast and the wider surrounds of Northern Ireland is storybook country in itself, with Game of Thrones now embedded into the fabric, a hugely inspiring ground from which to navigate the SFF worlds on offer at this year’s convention. Not forgetting the real life history of a complex place, as well as the story of the Titanic, a bold statement on Belfast’s waterfront.

Brighton too was a special trip, not least for the storms battering the sea front, which added atmosphere to a swelling community of SFF lovers, including wise words from Joanne Harris: ‘Fantasy is the secret language of the sub-conscious.’

Locally, South Hams Lit Festival was wonderful to be a part of, as well as Return of the Mantra featured on Plymouth’s Ferndale Radio show as book club read of the month. Huge thanks to Mimi, the radio host, for welcoming me into the studio to discuss the breadth of inspiration behind the novel, and for sharing readers’ reviews as well as her own thoughts. Of course I have what inspired the writing, the places, the worlds, the characters, but it’s always fascinating to hear what the stories mean to readers, what visions it conjures up in their minds. For Mimi the visions were reminiscent of places she has known from her mixed cultural heritage, which she shared in generous depth. I aim to be a visual writer, and hearing her enthusiasm for all the story had conjured for her, felt to be an honour and a privilege. Now I’m looking forward to returning to the studio in the New Year, when The Warder will feature as book club of the month.

Throughout the year I have shared many titles I have enjoyed reading. Meanwhile my to-read pile grows. Here are just a few titles waiting patiently on the shelf.

And Book 3 of Blood Gift Chronicles draws near, with an extra special surprise in store too, so stay tuned.

This is my journey as one year closes and another year opens, and I’m filled with gentle optimism, inspiration, and colour.

Wishing you a gift-filled, peaceful and joyous New Year.

Happy New Year 2026!

World Fantasy Convention 2025

It’s the morning after a wonderfully busy weekend in Brighton, at World Fantasy Convention 2025. Big skies topped a windy and rainy sea shore coloured with a wintry Brighton Palace Pier, alongside the remains of a burnt-out west pier: history slicing the present. Tucked away from 70mph winds that battered the Sussex coast, in a seafront hotel overlooking a dramatic sea, story worlds unfolded with colour and magic, exploring the weird, the horror, and venturing into the furthest reaches.

It was an honour to be on the programme, to share readings, and to join in with panel discussions talking representation, personal influences, as well as how we approach writing outside of our personal experience. With my series incorporating several characters with disabilities, it was great to share in the reminder of the need for positive representation and how we go about that.

The fantasy ecology panel was also a highlight for me. Wildlife and the environment are backdrop themes through my series, Blood Gift Chronicles, the flora and fauna layered into the worldbuilding, and into main themes around exploitation of the natural world and its people. Backdrop wildlife is largely familiar, created with a recognisable science logic, until it ventures into magic and the fantastical, further illuming the colour. It’s interesting to consider the larger than life aspects that highlight the themes, revealing the shadows, providing platforms to inspect and reflect, creating possibility, venturing to the furthest reaches of imagination. There are inventive creatures inspired by the story, and there are those venturing into familiar territory, perhaps. Various kinds of dragons come with a unique flavour, some rooted in the magic system, some created through the lens of science, all following the lore of Blood Gift Chronicles.

And following inspiring, thought-provoking panels, a chance to read from The Warder, Blood Gift Chronicles Book 2, to share in my love for these characters, and the gifts and curses that connect them to each other, and to the multi-faceted world. As work progresses on the third instalment, it was great to spend time with my publishers as we look ahead for what’s next in the series. With plans for next year in progress, there’s lots to look forward to.

And so I start a new week inspired, as I sit at my desk and get back to work. For now I will leave you with a quote from author, Joanne Harris, best known for her novel, Chocolat, who opened the convention: ‘Fantasy is the secret language of the sub-conscious.’

Wishing everyone a wonderful week ahead.

Wintry Reflections

As winter draws to a close, February has been living up to its old English name this year, as ‘Mud Month’, with wind and rain abound here in the UK. The month has also flown by, soon to march into March, and work has been a flurry. My work in progress novel, Book 3 of Blood Gift Chronicles, is a constantly inspiring feature of my days. We venture to new realms, uncover the mystery of dragons, explore the source of power, and discover the truth at the core of the protagonists. Faced with catastrophe, will they survive, or will they thrive? Plus, I’m reminded of the sweetness of a true homecoming, as well as time to pause and reflect on the true nature of dragons, the diversity of dragons, what they reflect, and how far our inventions can take us. I’m enjoying focusing in on all that dragons can reveal, about our personal landscapes, and the wider world, as well as wider themes of nature, our connection to the environment, and self-exploration as characters seek pathways to peace, and dare to live true to themselves.The genres repeatedly show us the world as we know it, reflected with added colour and dimension.

As well as my novel, there’s short fiction on the horizon too. And my reading list continues to expand faster than I can read. Fortunately, the sight of crammed bookshelves is a joy. As we move out of February’s LGBTQ+ history month, and into International Women’s week in March, here are just a few titles that have joined my recent reads.

The Magic Fish, by Trung Le Nguyen; Birthday of the World, by Ursula Le Guin; Fire Logic, by Laurie Marks; The Jasmine Throne, by Tasha Suri; In The Vanisher’s Palace, by Aliette de Bodard; Different For Boys, by Patrick Ness; The Left Hand of Darkness, by Ursula Le Guin; The Four Profound Weaves, by R.B. Lemberg; The Unbroken, by C.L.Clarke; Empress of Salt and Fortune, by Nghi Vo. And my own, Blood Gift Chronicles.

A trip coming soon approaches with great anticipation. This year’s Eastercon will be celebrated Belfast style, and so I look forward to venturing to Northern Ireland in April, immersed in convention life with all the latest in the world of SFF. Of course it would be remiss not to take the time to venture into Game of Thrones territory, as well as visit some renowned sights of a beautiful country. And so an extended trip awaits.

In the meantime, time for a spot of R&R closer to home, and sheltering from the stormy weather at Saltram house, where ornate faces watch from labyrinth walls, and blooming snowdrops and hellebores hold their own despite the battering wind and rain.

For now the sun is peeking out, and so time for a breath of fresh air, before returning to the next writing instalment. Wishing everyone a great day.

Lights of Winter Solstice

Winter solstice, and while around the world, festivals celebrate the wonder of light, the long night invites us to rest and restore. As each moment brings us closer to the sun again, the promise of spring lies in wait, and we quietly await our own transformations as, through rest, our fires re-ignite.

The process of writing is a reminder of the power of rebirth, creating, recreating, and spawning miracles when it seems as though the light is dim. Fantasy fiction breathes tales of light and dark, percolating energies to exude them anew.

‘Only in silence the word, only in dark the light, only in dying life: bright the hawk’s flight on the empty sky.’

Ursula K. Le Guin, The Creation of Ea.

In my current work in progress, Book 3 of Blood Gift Chronicles, elemental magic explores processes of transformation, magic that is littered with different forms of light: from the fires of a dragon’s breath, to mysterious lights ocean deep, to Suni’s crystal that sees her through. And, behind the light lie themes of dormancy and hibernation, in the creatures, the weather, and the personal journeys of courage and hope.

‘To light a candle, is to cast a shadow.’ Ursula K. Le Guin.

Stories light the spark of inspiration, in writing as in life. My current read offers the perfect tonic for a cold, dark winter’s night. And for anyone yet to be introduced to Sarah Ash, I would highly recommend her worlds of epic fantasy. Sarah’s books fuse a perfect blend of everything we love of traditional fantasy tales spanning the continent and beyond, with prose that binds us to the page, leading us into colourful worlds and characters that frighten, amaze, appal, and inspire. I love the plethora of shades that Sarah brings to her work, and the characters that steal our hearts. Kiukiu is currently stealing mine, her and the Snow Lord snow owl she saves, that just might return the favour…

And while writing and reading continue, every once in a while it’s time to step outside for a big breath of fresh air. Winter lights are always a delight…

… as is seeing the sights of nature. A visit to Seaton’s sprawling wetlands was a tonic, a place of natural lines of reed beds and waterways, preserved and conserved by local wildlife agencies. From redshanks to curlews to shelducks, increasing numbers of birds are flying in from distant shores to overwinter, feeding on ample crustaceans that provide fertile feeding ground on the stretching sandbanks, watched over by the resident peregrine roosting up high, and a passing flock of clacking and chatting Canada Geese, slowing fading as they fly on by, restoring the ambience of rushing reeds swaying in the breeze. A tonic.

And as the sun fades over glassy water, more light shifts and forms, glows and fades into slumber, before rising to start a new day.

And on this new day, I return to the edits, a perfect process of transformation, renewing, layering, finding the spark to brings words to life. I know what’s coming, it’s an edit after all, but anticipation still brews for the big awakening.

Wishing everyone a light filled winter, and blessings for a very Happy Festive Season, and above all, peace.

‘May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out.’ JRR Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring.

xxx

For the Love of Dragons

Writing is well under way for Book 3 of Blood Gift Chronicles. While living alongside characters who inspire me daily, I am also immersed in wildlife and dragons as I forge journeys through land, sea and sky. It’s everything I love about fantasy fiction, grounded in relatable experiences, whilst offering inspiration, colour and magic; against a backdrop of danger. There is everything to lose and everything to gain, when we embrace the truth of our identity, and look to freedom. Flight offers the ultimate in freedom, in the skies, or swimming in oceans deep. And so I look to dragons, of different kinds.

I recently received a gift through the post, a gorgeous postcard featuring the Maeshowe dragon, an intriguing and playful image, ancient graffiti left behind in the Neolithic tomb of Orkney, etched by visiting Norsemen. I love the idea of mythical creatures just waiting to be re-awakened. And I love a new book just waiting to be opened, like my recent purchase, Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan, a title I’ve had my eye on for some time now – sirens, sea witches, kelpies, and a deep dive into Japanese folklore with kappas and eastern dragons, what’s not to love.

And so what is the draw to the ever popular dragon?

‘Beyond this place, there be dragons,’ the old map makers used to say…

Fantasy requires us to take a leap of faith and step into the unknown, to render our desire for control and open ourself up to a different possibility. The fact we enjoy the genre suggests we’re looking for that kind of adventure. What better way than with creatures that can take flight or disappear into the deepest oceans, that can shape-shift, have intelligence and speak many tongues, that teach us humility, less we choose the path of destruction, or create opportunity to unite behind a common enemy – if a dragon can wipe out an entire army, it will take more than an army to defeat one. Whatever purpose they serve, they tip us well beyond the threshold of the familiar, transcend to a point of no return.

‘I do not care what comes after; I have seen dragons dancing on the morning winds,’ Ursula Le Guin.

They are also weirdly relatable, since we grow up learning about the giants of history, aka dinosaurs. And of course we know lizards, and there are those that can fly. Flying lizards appear in my WIP novel, and this photograph has been my screensaver for some time, as pointed out by my paper-mache version, companion of the book table.

The feelings that dragons can invoke are also relatable to contemporary issues of climate change, habitat loss and depletion of the species. Ann McCaffery’s dragons are literally allies in the fight against climate change. More subtle, the mysticism in Ursula Le Guin’s dragons in Tales of Earthsea explore the possibility of extinction from the world we know, melancholy at the thought of dragons flying the other wind, leaving behind a world without dragons, a world without the majestic mystery of this awe-inspiring other-worldly magic.

In my series, Blood Gift Chronicles, the theme of power is explored through the hard magic of traditional fire breathers, and the soft magic of water dragons. One power will out, which one, you’ll have to find out, but the aim was never to rid the world of dragons, but rather lean into creation. Exploring these internal and external worlds, opening ourselves up to perspectives of air and sea, considering the power of the otherworldly, gives a vast overview of the world that only dragons can bring. It’s a fly high, and a deep dive, battling internal struggles, fighting powers in a bid for freedom, with the question, if you have fought a dragon, is there any turning back?

Landscape credit to the coastline of Hartlands, where lies a partly submerged, rocky dragon.

Worldcon 2024

At last, time to sit back and reflect on a very special trip in August, all the way to Glasgow 2024, A Worldcon for Our Futures. This was the 82nd World Science Fiction Convention brought to Scotland, and what an inspiring few days it was.

Worlds within worlds took shape in imaginative architecture nestled alongside the river Clyde, a wonderful place to take a break and reflect, with time enough for a stroll downstream and castaway on the Tall Ship, Glenlee, delving into the truly extraordinary stories of life on board sea voyages not for the faint-hearted. Research comes in many forms for writers, and immersed in the ship’s atmosphere, I let my imagination wander to an incredible journey one character of mine is forced to make. But my work-in-progress novel is another story.

 

 

Back to the convention and it was great to catch up with familiar faces, meet new people, and take part in panel discussions examining the length and breadth of these fascinating genres.

It was a pleasure exploring the connection between being an artist and a storyteller, discussing the process of being a visual writer and storytelling artist, and how the visual, and narrative, blend into a similar space, all through interwoven creative mediums. Surrounded by so much colour, there was a lot to inspire.

More on visual writing another time, but one very special guest of honour, a current favourite author of mine, Nnedi Okorafor, is a writer whose work I find particularly visual – colourful, striking and memorable. It was a wonderful opportunity to see her interviewed in person, to put a face to words I have poured over. A pioneer in many ways, her personal story is inspiring, as is all she continues to achieve through her work, a woman who stayed true to herself and her convictions, who defied genre (or at least white-centric, first world genre norms), and in doing so, we are treated with Africanfuturism and Africanjujuism. I find her work to be unapologetic, strong, colourful and pushing boundaries in exploring a vibrant world.

Another panel I had the pleasure of joining explored diversity of a different kind, from queer triumphs to utopias and everything in-between. It’s a wonderfully explorative theme to consider, stories where marginalised people are being framed as the hero, getting to the heart of identity through looking closely at a character’s intersections, glancing back at history to support understanding, as well as imagining anew. Considering the interplay between stories and the real world, how one influences the other and vice versa, we need those new imaginings, and as a writer I work alongside my characters to see their hopes realised. Themes of identity, self-determination and empowerment feature in my work, since I find that conceptualising hope stems from steps taken towards our own authentic standing in the world. From awareness of our identity, we invest in contributing to others being able to flourish, including the natural world since our futures are entwined; we are a part of nature. It’s a familiar journey for me, one that my characters walk, as they explore collaboration, connectivity and shared values.

The dealers room was a joy. It was great to see piles of the British Science Fiction Association’s Magazine, Focus, where a recent article of mine is published, entitled Breaking Binaries of Good versus Bad in SFF.

 

And of course it was a wonderful chance to catch up with my publishers, the lovely folks of Stairwell Books, as well as pick up a few titles to come home with for my ever-expanding to-read pile.

And so to end with a question: what are you reading?

Shades of Inspiration

It’s been a busy start to the year. Approaching the end of January and I wonder where the month has gone. Manuscript edits are under way, and I’m enjoying time spent with my characters in a world that grows more colourful, and more daring with each scene. And my collection of shorts and poetry is also growing; it’s wonderful to get out and about sharing words.

As always, January is the time for making plans, signing up, and getting dates in the diary. The excitement of the year is WorldCon coming to the UK. Plans are underway for the trip to Glasgow, with the added bonus of the guest of honour who just happens to be one of my favourite authors… guess who…

‘People get inspired to write, paint, draw, sing, sculpt, dance in many different ways. And there are many types of art. But the one thing that they all have in common is that they are all a sort of magic. Sometimes the magic flows from one’s fingers, other times it is transferred to the person who experiences the result. Magic has always worked in mysterious ways.’ – Nnedi Okorafor.

And a recent book-haul is just waiting to be devoured.

Inspiration comes in many forms, and I’m lucky to have so much around to inspire. A recent trip to the Pulp Exhibit in Bovey Tracey was a glorious injection of colour on a cold afternoon, and an interesting look at the interface between art, the environment and how we question the world. The sculptures are made from recycled cardboard and it’s the second time for me viewing this artist’s work. James Lake, it won’t be the last.

My own art project is underway, inspired by local Devon and Cornwall surrounds – more at a later date. And I continue to venture out and about, soaking up scenery that one way or another finds its way into writing.

From big skies over the Teign valley, watched over by Castle Drogo…

To waterwheels, ancient bridges, giant oaks and winter snowdrops, lining the River Bovey.

Close encounters with the outdoors, spying the layers of nature and colour making up the scenic tapestry, is the best inspiration for building worlds. And that’s where I’ll leave you for today, while I travel through the pages of my latest instalment of Blood Gift Chronicles. There may not be snowdrops, but there is yellow gorse and purple heather, and natural extracts to ward off the curse of the evil eye…

Have a great week!

A Change of Nature

Following on from my last post, the theme of nature is still in mind. In the garden, the lavender is growing, the hedgehog is visiting, and stray newts are making random appearances in the grass, despite there being no pond…

With a backdrop of bird’s singing, and the gentle hush of nearby bamboo brushing in a summer breeze, it’s a textured backdrop. Add to this, trips to the beach for some sea air, edged by sienna cliffs of the Jurassic coast, home to nesting birds and basking seals, and more layers of fabric add to the scene.

Sights, sounds, colours, scents and the all-important feels, develop a tangible world. Worldbuilding has been the focus of my novel writing in recent months, that and the courage to attack a re-write with renewed vigour, and a capacity to allow for organic change. The changes were greater than I had first imagined, and the efforts are paying off. The key – layering the world, being true to the world, true to the characters, embodying perspectives and when those perspectives necessarily alter, breathing into the flow and, quite literally, taking flight. There’s a clue there somewhere, though dragons are no secret. Then comes the interesting question of perception, and as I’ve said before, I’m going with my own inventive model of dragon, with explanations rife in a world where magic is its own science.

Subverting expectation is a common theme in my work, often times associated with gender. it’s an interesting concept to combine this with dragons, considering the concept of power, the expectation of power, contrasted with the truth of identity. The answers are coming and I’m excited to see them revealed… after more rewrites. A story is written once, and it is worth taking the time.

For now, a breath of fresh air and some sun… Have a great weekend, everyone…