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Movie Time!

Who doesn’t love discussing books that have been made into a good/bad/indifferent movie? My personal favorites include Peter Jackson’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy (particularly great viewing at Christmas – all that snow) and Joe Wright’s film of Ian McEwan’s ‘Atonement.’ Oh, and pretty much ANY version of Jane Eyre

The start of a great new adventure…

Well, it’s been an adventure for all of us lately, hasn’t it? Although ‘adventure’ is probably a polite word for the bewildering changes thrust upon us by the advent of Covid 19. For writers, it’s been a chance to focus (and I mean really focus, given the lockdowns that many

Middengard Inspirations

What makes you write a particular book? Does the story find you or do you find the story? I’ve been asked this question a few times (or versions thereof). In my case – like many other authors – I write what I love reading. I read a lot (all those

Shakespeare and Game of Thrones

Sorry for the radio silence. I’ve been busy editing “Stone Wielder” and attending to other parts of my life….but writing (and the next project) is never far away. I’ve started the first chapter of two new books…not part of the Middengard Sagas, different books entirely. I’ve been reading and working

More Books that Changed my Life

Jinx the cat (and the Author’s agent when in a good mood) writes: “The Old Kingdom” books by Garth Nix are my favourite, because they feature a VERY IMPORTANT CAT, called Mogget. Why you-know-who couldn’t take the hint and write me a key role in the Middengard Sagas is anybody’s

Hamlet and the Daily Grind

I was vacuuming today and thinking about Shakespeare (as you do). Thing is, I’m a bit nerdy about Shakespeare. Like I am about Doctor Who. (No link. Whatsover. Except I am a BIG FAN). Anyway….my thoughts were occasioned by a theatre outing the night before, to see Monash Shakespeare’s production

War and Peace – the book you’re possibly least likely to read but should

So, War and Peace. Everyone’s heard of it, right? How many times have you heard someone say: I don’t need War and Peace! a quick summary will do (or words to that effect). It may be the most well-known book that the average reader (even supposing there is such a person) hasn’t

More ‘Books that Changed my Life’

Some important contributions this month. This one is really special, from Emma, aged 10: Wise words from the young. In my case, it’s taken me 50 years to get a book out in the public arena (yes I really am quite ancient). Although I started early – reading “Adventure at

Middengard Landscape

So…Middengard, what does it look like? If you’ve read “Stone Keeper” you’ll have your own ideas. But I thought it might be a nice idea to share some of the places that inspired me. The thing is, I love walking. Comes of the fell walking my parents made me do

Norse Mythology and the Middengard Sagas

So….Middengard. What’s it based on? Did I make all that stuff up? No, I’m not clever enough for that, I’m afraid. We all need inspiration. Norse mythology was mine. (I’m in great company: Tolkien anyone?). Norse mythology is fascinating – and quite complex. I only wanted to use bits (hey,