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So what research am I doing anyway, you may ask? The book I am writing at the moment is Book 3 of The Forsaken Lands, and that is set in a world that equates with our 18th century Netherlands and … Continue reading
The photos below all show the mash-up of styles that occurs when a church is built over a long period of time — and then repaired and extended as the years go by. The end result is an extraordinary building. … Continue reading
The Hospital of St Cross (and remember it wasn’t a hospital in the modern sense) was founded in the 1130s by Henri de Blois, the Bishop of Winchester. He was a grandson of William the Conqueror and the brother of … Continue reading
Isn’t that a wonderful expression? At first I wondered if it was some sort of weird Medieval idea that poverty was enobling, but no, it actually means an almshouse for penniless nobles. In truth though, the Hospital of St Cross … Continue reading
The British Fantasy Convention this year is in York (Friday 5th-Sunday 7th September), and I will be there — my first time at this particular convention. I will be a panellist on two panels (see below) and also giving a … Continue reading
PENMON PRIORY, Anglesey Thanks to the kindness of Welsh friends from Porthmadog, my Welsh exploration continued — all background and research for another novel, I must admit. I can’t look at Medieval architecture and remains without knowing that one day … Continue reading
This dates back to later Neolithic, when farming first started. Perhaps appropriately, the site is now surrounded by farm fields. Beginning as a henge (14 upright stones surrounded by a bank and a ditch), it was later deliberately covered and … Continue reading
Here’s the cover! That’s Ardhi, by the way… Due out January 2015! THEY FOLLOW WHERE THE DAGGER LEADS When sailors came to Ardhi’s island home, they plundered not only its riches, but its magic too. Now Ardhi … Continue reading
If you have never been to the V & A, you have missed a treat. It’s hard to categorise this London museum because it seems to have such a random selection of fabulous stuff, rather like a pirate’s treasure trove … Continue reading
Caernarfon Castle, Wales As a writer of fantasy novels, I’m always looking for inspiration, background, ideas. And every so often, one comes across a place that speaks its history so loudly, it sends shivers down the spine. This castle — this … Continue reading