Tag: Stories

Stories Stories Everywhere

Comic Con, the perfect excuse for dipping into Somerset in February. As expected, it was a perfectly eclectic and colourful day. The fun at these events is infectious, and it’s inspiring to see stories embraced so whole-heartedly. And it was wonderful to be there with my fantasy series, Blood Gift Chronicles. As I meet new readers, it’s always a thrill to wonder what people will make of the stories, what parts might reach them and linger, which scenes will prove memorable. I’m also always happy to have my own character art with me on the journey, emboldening answers to what the stories are about – it is their story after all.

And of course, while in Somerset, why not take a trip to Wells Cathedral, which soared beyond expectation with its voluminous chambers and endless passageways. The outer walls encased in a stone labyrinth, are alive with flocks of roosting pigeons among other birds. Inside, stories upon stories unfold, of history, and of imagined possibility in this magical place. It is home to the second oldest clock in the world, which has the oldest working clock face in the world, which is a beautiful piece of art in its own right. To add further interest, we stumbled on an art exhibit, where old meets new in reconstructed wedding dresses raising money for local charities. Spying a rainbow flag in amongst the gowns was a bonus. And to top off a glorious visit, meet Basil the cat, who happily takes up residence in the gift shop, whenever he chooses.

To end the day, storybook scenes continue at nearby Bishop’s Palace, with a flagstone drawbridge and surrounding moat, where for centuries, swans have been trained to ring the bell at dinnertime…

And I’ll leave you with a story of a different kind, told in a memorable sculpture found at The Box, in Plymouth. The sculpture is entitled, ‘End of Empire’, depicting two figures with globe heads on a steam-punk seesaw in a symbol of Victorian industrialism. It’s fascinating to watch the slow-swinging seesaw, in a movement symbolising a rebalancing and move towards end of empire.

Ah, the power of stories… xx

 

R&R

Heading into the weekend and it’s a day for organising, before Monday comes and it’s back to the novel. I’m looking forward to returning to my characters and the colours of their world, after a break and a trip away to lovely Cornwall. Outside, it’s a drizzly grey day, windy and cool, and perfect for looking back on those sandy beaches, blooming gardens, colour, stories, and art – the perfect recipe for R&R and a big dose of inspiration.

Ah, Cornwall, and heady sea air is the best place for a gulp of fresh air, among the chatter of gulls, sprawling sands, and dreamy boats. And what better way to see the coastline than out at sea. I love St Ives for many reasons, and it was lovely to discover more, with a boat ride out to Godrevy Island to see the latest colony of seals. Not so much tranquil waters, more like the ups and downs of 2 metre waves felt with startling impact from the back of the boat!

The well-informed crew shared amazing facts about these wonderful and enormous creatures, like the fact they have polar bear-sized claws, and can weigh as much as 70 stones!! The crew were also wildlife rescuers and only the night before had untangled a frisbee from around the neck of a seal. No mean feat considering seals are apparently more challenging to handle than great white sharks!

And no trip to St Ives would be complete without a visit to the Barbara Hepworth Museum.

Sigh – as I remember the peace and tranquilite of those gorgeous gardens.

Onto the Eden Project: an unsurprisingly blooming extravaganza, and a wonderful example of creative initiative, inspirational in leading the way transforming a once sterile clay pit into a natural haven. Stories are everywhere, and I’ve only recently discovered the fun fact that the original clay pit was used as the planet surface in the series, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy – unrecognisable now as a garden paradise with impressive biomes. And the initiative is expanding, with plans for projects from Dundee to Qingdao, China, I believe. Nature finds a way.

The biomes are a sight to see, with dizzy heights inside…

And gorgeous art, colour, and vibrancy… Like I said, inspiring.

Then back to the coast to the bustling maritime port of Falmouth, taking the ferry on a magical route to the old fishing harbour of St Mawes, where an ancient castle awaits…

Talking of magic, ah for the sights of St Michael’s Mount, a tidal island in Mount’s Bay, with an ancient castle still inhabited, impressive gardens carved into the cliff, and the iconic granite causeway. The tide rules, and it was a boat there, and a walk back, with a dreamy day in-between, soaking up the sights of a place used in the location of the House of Dragons in Game of Thrones – an interesting connection, not that it was needed for such a unique and fascinating place.

And last but by no means least, to the ancient woodlands of The Lost Gardens of Heligan, where stories merge. It was wonderful to finally meet The Mud Maid… and the giant, and the grey lady, and all the other stories just waiting to be told, in a place of magic…

Now I look forward to returning to the magic of Blood Gift Chronicles.

Have a great weekend!

Stories to Inspire

Looking back over two years since the release of The Warder, Book 2 of Blood Gift Chronicles, and it’s been a busy time, visiting near and far with a story close to my heart. Continuing Suni’s journey from Return of the Mantra, and it was a joy to write a young woman finding her way and coming into her own, from a girl searching for justice and her own identity, achieving self-determination, and flourishing into a visionary thinker. In this sequel she is joined by Wanda and Luna, two protagonists who delve deep into the human condition. The world comes alive with wildlife, magic, and a new land with an intriguing and dangerous history…oh, and did I mention, dragons…
Like I said, a story close to my heart.
Huge thanks to all of my readers for your continued support, for every review and kind word said, and for every story out there that continues to inspire. Lots to come, and we’re looking forward to tripping to Birmingham very soon with Blood Gift Chronicles.
In the meantime, I’ll leave you with memories of a recent Comic Con here in Devon, brimming with stories to inspire…
 
 
Have a great week everyone!

Spontaneous

Following my last blog, The Human Condition, I was left thinking more about the ingredients that make life, and stories, interesting. The unexpected plot twist, the random event, stepping outside the familiar to embrace something new, to learn, to experience something fresh. It’s one of the reasons I like cities, or at least ones which ooze the diverse nature of humanity.

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