ONCE UPON A DREAM; New Year's Eve

It has been a super busy year, especially the past two or three months, so I am enjoying a quiet New Year's Eve at home this year.  I always feel quite reflective as the old year passes and the new one is about to begin. This liminal space is a gentle nudge into new hopes and dreams, new plans and prospects. For me, December 31st has always felt like an exciting time.  

I have had a lovely Yuletide, with lots of festive outings - so many in fact, that by the time Boxing Day rolled around, I was exhausted! Mum and I had booked a table at a nice restaurant for our Christmas dinner this year, as neither of us wanted to cook, so we let the professionals handle all the culinary preparation, cooking and washing up! We just sat down and enjoyed a lovely festive roast dinner, with all the trimmings and a couple of glasses of bubbly. It was very enjoyable and took all the stress out of it, so I think it might become an annual tradition to just go out for our Christmas lunch from now on. Its so much easier. 

I was lucky enough to receive lots of lovely gifts, from books and films, to music, clothing, and perfume. I'm really looking forward to reading my new books. I try to put my feet up and read whenever I can throughout the festive season, but I also have books of my own to write and deliver in the first week of January, so I've been working all Christmas.  The dark season is always my busiest time, as I have a bunch of commissions and new books to write. It's a fun way to spend the season, working at my dream job, but I've worked every Christmas and New Year for the past seven years now, so I've decided I'm going to take next year off! My publishers close down their offices for the full two weeks anyway, so I might as well take the time off next year.

I am learning to pace myself more and requesting extra time when I need it. My New Year goal is to stop working weekends and bank holidays. Normally, I just keep working until a book is finished, without any breaks at all, but then I crash out at the end of it and I'm exhausted. So I'm going to make sure I have days off at the weekends, if I can. It isn't always possible however, as the deadlines are so very tight. We'll see how it goes. It is always nice to have lots of writing work on, and I am loving working on the current project as it is so suited to winter writing. I specifically requested that we swap the deadline for this project, with that of another book, so that I could write it in the depths of winter, as I think that seasonal writing will add to the magic and enchantment of the book.  So far, it seems to be a good plan that is working out well. I'm very happy with how the book is shaping up.  I have to finish and deliver this book by the start of January and I have another one to write by mid-February, then I can take a little break while my editor sorts out the next lot of contracts and commissions.

I've worked hard again this year, producing well over 200,000 commissioned words for publication, excluding blog posts and book reviews. As the year winds down, I begin to see the finish line of that final deadline in February, just before my rest period. Its a good thing I'm naturally more productive during the dark season, as I work flat out during autumn and winter when the world hibernates, and then I have a little rest in spring. Then when the world starts to wake up again and the first breath of spring is in the air, that's when I curl up and catch up on the winter rest I've missed out on! I love it though and I wouldn't want any other career. By late spring, the new contracts should start to come in, with projects to write for 2024. 

It's partly my own fault that I'm so tired as 2023 draws to a close, because I've had so many outings and events booked in since October. It was my mothers 70th and my 50th birthdays this year, so we did a lot of celebrating. I mean, a lot! We seemed to roll from one event to another, and the time in between, I was writing my mythology books, so its unsurprising that I'm coming to the end of my energy reserves. We only have one more event booked and that's not until later in January, so for now, all I have to do is settle down in my cosy home and write.  This will be the quiet, productive time that I'm more used to, as I'm really not a party girl. I kind of have been this year though! 

I've promised myself that next autumn and winter will be much more about hibernating, than going out to the theatre, ballet and pop concerts etc.  In winter 2024, I plan to stay cosy at home where its warm and just work on writing my books. That's a much gentler approach to the cold season and one that I intend to implement for the remainder of this winter too. It will be nice to hibernate for the rest of the dark season. It will allow me the soft, creative time that I need to finish writing the last two projects of 2023. 

I need to conserve some energy because I'm going back to university next year too! This is something I have been planning for a while. I do tend to start planning the next year during late summer, rather than leaving it until mid-December, or worse, New Year's Eve!  So I applied back in August and was accepted in September for 2024. It's a different university than the one I went to for my Masters Degree, and its a shorter course too, as I need to work it around writing for my publisher, but I'm still very excited about it.   I wanted to do something shorter to keep up with my academic training, as I am still not sure if I want to do the PhD yet, which would be a minimum five year commitment.  Doing a PhD is a big decision and I am not going to rush myself to make up my mind about five years of my life.  Even applying for a PhD is a job in itself, as you have to have research proposals, personal statements and written work in place, plus professional letters of recommendation, before they will even consider you, so I'm still working on those tasks to get a good application package put together and give myself the best possible chance of a place, should I decide to go for it at some stage. 

In the meantime, I will be starting a shorter university course in 2024. I'll do another blog post about that soon, but suffice to say, I am incredibly excited about it and a little bit nervous too. It will be a great test of my abilities and intelligence, and if I pass the course, it should stand me in good stead in the future, whatever I decide to do next. 

So this New Year's Eve, I'm feeling rather tired but very grateful for all that 2023 has brought my way, including the chance to help a friend's partner by giving him some free bereavement counselling when the waiting lists were so long.  I've enjoyed lovely events and celebrations with my mother, fantastic holidays to Scotland, horse riding, and piano lessons which means I can now play some Christmas carols on my piano-harpsichord. There have been afternoon teas, including one with my publishers, lots of new book contracts and the assurance that my place with the House is valued and will continue. 

My editor even wrote in my Christmas card that it is "a privilege to publish you" and as I have always said how privileged I feel to be published, I think this shows why we get on so well. We are both so appreciative of the opportunity to work together again and we are definitely on the same wavelength!  We first worked together over twenty ago, when she was editor of the magazines I wrote for, so I was thrilled to learn that she was the commissioning editor of the publishing house I'd just submitted to back in 2020. At the time of making my submission, I didn't even know she worked there!  Now that's serendipity for you! 

And to top it all off, I'm heading back into higher education at university next year too! It all feels a little surreal, which is a sure sign that good magic is at work in your life. I feel very blessed and I'm looking forward to 2024 and seeing what wonderful things she brings.  I'm going to write out my goals, update my planner for next year and then curl up with a glass of buck's fizz and enjoy another festive writing session, working on the new mythology book. It has been another successful and productive year, and I am proud of what I have achieved in the past twelve months and of the books I have written and released. 

So while most people will be raising a glass at midnight to toast the unknown of 2024, I'm already moving into the future I put in place in 2023! Because to get ahead, you need to plan ahead. Whatever you are doing later this evening as midnight rolls round, however you tend to celebrate, know that you are in my thoughts and I wish you all that you deserve in the coming year.

Serene Blessings

Marie x

 

MUSICAL DOLL; Wish You Were Here

 

"Every minute's like a day when you're far away..."

Love the Winter Carols album by Blackmore's Night. I've been listening to it all December. 

xxx

MUSICAL DOLL; Christmas Eve

 Wherever you may be tonight, whatever you are doing, have a safe and blessed festive season...

xxx

WRITER'S DREAM; London Lunch With My Editors!

I've just recently returned from a fabulous festive trip to London to see my editors! It was our third trip to London in fifteen months and the best one so far. My mother and I really enjoyed it.  Whenever I have such a meeting to go to, my mother becomes my PA for the day! She keeps me calm. The weather was damp but not too cold, the transport was reliable and even the London taxi drivers were nice to us this time round, so it must have been the stress surrounding London due to the Queen's death that made them so rude and unfriendly last year. This time they were lovely and welcoming. 

My editor had booked us into the Great Court restaurant, inside the British Museum for a traditional afternoon tea and I have been looking forward to it for some time now. Its always nice to meet my editors in person. Much of the business of writing books is conducted via email, so to actually meet them face to face is a lot of fun.  This time, both of the main editors were able to come to the meeting, so we were a merry foursome, nibbling cakes and scones and dainty sandwiches. We even shared a bottle of Champagne, to celebrate Yuletide and all the work we have done together this year. It was simply delightful! I felt very spoilt indeed. 

It is a great opportunity to find out how things are moving along at their end, how the books etc are performing in the market place and what new projects might be on the cards for next year. My editor made a point of telling me not to get another job, so I'm taking that as a sign that lots more commissions and writing work are heading my way in 2024 and beyond! Fingers crossed.  Eighteen months after I handed in my notice at the vet practice, this is a great sign that they are happy with my work and wish to continue commissioning me to write lots more books. So I feel quite optimistic about my future with them.  They are the best publisher I have ever had. I know that my ideas and synopses are safe with them and they know that I am reliable with regard to the quality of my work and meeting deadlines, so its a good partnership. 

Its also nice to be able to talk about books and the publishing industry at large. It has been a tough year for magazines and some smaller Houses, so to know that our House is secure and in a good position gives me great peace of mind. I can't wait to see which of my synopses they will commission next and what new projects I will be working on in the new year. Its all very exciting!

One of the Elgin Marbles

This year has been geared towards writing on various world mythologies, so I took my editor's advice and ensured that Mum and I arrived in London early enough to have a look around the Museum before our afternoon tea. I knew that there were three things I really wanted to see - the Elgin Marbles, the Ancient Egyptian exhibition and anything Viking and Celtic. We managed to see them all!  Our first port of call was the Elgin Marbles, which were just beautiful. Temples, gods, goddesses, nymphs, satyrs and equestrian statues filled three large galleries, with another room full of wall carvings. The marble was so pure and gleaming in the lights. I have never seen anything like these magnificent pieces before, and I can understand why the Greeks want them back! They are truly stunning and I'm so happy we got to see them. It felt like such a privilege to be so close to that much ancient history. It made me feel proud to know that I have just delivered a project based on this Classical mythology, which will be published next year. 

Ancient Egyptian Exhibition

From the grace and beauty of Greece and Rome, we travelled straight to Ancient Egypt and into the Egyptian exhibition. This had a completely different atmosphere.  While it still had the grandeur and the beauty of the Elgin Marbles, it was much darker and had a more sombre atmosphere. It felt a bit spooky at times, due to the Egyptian's reverence for death and mummification (not to mention the dead bodies lying around!) but it was magical and very educational. Again, they had things that I never would have imagined, like the stone altar where Queen Cleopatra worshipped the goddess Isis! It was amazing and I felt quite wonderstruck by it all. There were beautifully decorated sarcophagi, stone tomes carved with hieroglyphics, shabti and canopic jars which held the organs of the dead. Basically, everything that I had been writing about this summertime, was right there before my eyes!  

One of many sarcophagi

There were also actual mummies, laid out in glass cases to preserve them. You could clearly see the bindings - some wrapped around the body as a whole, like a shroud; others wrapped around the individual limbs, so that you could see each and every finger of the mummy.  It was a rather strange experience to be so close to the ancient dead in this way. To be standing next to a body, with the death mask painted on the bindings to give the deceased a recognisable face - it was a little sad, as death always is, but it is also in keeping with the mentality of the ancient Egyptians, who feared being forgotten above all things. So to have a mummified body on display in a museum ensures that this never happens and the mummy will always be remembered, centuries after passing away!  For the Egyptian in question, this was the goal achieved! 

Viking stone carving

Making our way through the galleries, we came to the exhibits for ancient Britain, and here were the Vikings, Celts and Anglo Saxons. I love anything Viking or Celt, so this was extremely interesting to me and very inspiring for new books!  Of course, much of Britain has been influenced by Norse culture since the Vikings invaded, so I do feel as if Vikings are as British as they are Scandinavian. They are a part of our heritage and you can see echoes of their influence in place names to this day. They may have invaded centuries ago, but they have never really gone away.  It was fascinating to see their carvings, knotwork, weaponry and so on. This gallery wasn't quite as big as the Elgin or Egyptian ones, but I certainly feel like I got enough out of it to really get working on a new project over Christmas! Its very exciting to be writing about the ancient world. I love history and I hope that passion comes across in my new projects that will be dropping in 2024. 

Peggy Porschen!

After exchanging Christmas cards and gifts with my editors, we did a spot of souvenir shopping. I still had some birthday money left that I had been saving for London, so I bought a replica of one of the Isle of Lewis Chessmen. I got the Knight as he was my favourite. I also got a Queen Elizabeth II Beefeater teddy bear and a pretty tote bag from Harrods that has pastel pink images of London landmarks all over it! It's very pretty. Then I got a smaller pink bag from Laduree and a bar of their rose pink chocolate, which I can't wait to try. My mum also treated me to a pair of silver Bast earrings from the British Museum, so it was a good little shopping spree! London is so pretty at Christmastime. 

It was an amazing trip and I can plainly see why my editor suggested we meet at the Museum for tea and Champagne, so that I could see all the things that I have been writing about all year! It has cemented the research in my mind in a more tangible way. Experiential learning is a great boost to academic learning and research, so I felt that the long trip was worth it, being both educational and good for me professionally too. I can't wait to bring these experiences into my new books. I'm looking forward to spending the Christmas period writing about our visitors from the snowy North! 

All in all, it was the perfect editorial lunch meeting and I enjoyed it very much. What a fantastic way to round out a year of ancient world mythology writing! I feel incredibly lucky and very grateful to my publishers for the experience. Now all I have to do is curl up by the Christmas tree and write about Norsemen! Its not a bad job is it? 😃 

There are lots more photos from all the exhibits I've mentioned in this post up on my Twitter and Facebook. 

Blessed be

Marie x

BOOK NOOK; The Silver Witch by Paula Brackston

 

"And as for company...I do not crave the companionship of other women, for I have never found one who did not judge me against herself and find me either to be envied or pitied. As for the friendship of men...well, when the day comes when one is man enough to treat me as his equal, then, only then, will I allow desire to be my guide."

It is the time of year for snowy, wintry books and as we have already had our first sprinkling of snow in Yorkshire this winter, I decided to curl up with this seasonal novel.  The Silver Witch has been on my tbr list for over a year now. I knew it was a wintry read and so I wanted to wait until the days were colder and the nights dark and long, before I picked it up. I'm not sorry that I waited, because this is a book that begs to be read in the wintertime. 

It is set in the snowy Welsh mountains and the story takes place over the dark season of autumn and winter, encompassing a festive Christmas in a Welsh village. I do enjoy a good time-slip novel and this one is the perfect mix of past and present.  In this book we follow the main protagonist, Tilda, who moves into a remote cottage, by a lake in the Welsh mountains, following the death of her husband.  She is a potter and she has ambitions to turn part of the cottage into an art studio where she can work in peace, inspired by the landscape around her.  However, almost as soon as she moves in, Tilda begins to experience strange power cuts and bad dreams.  Terrified of deep water, she is uncharacteristically drawn to the lake and she often jogs around the shoreline in the early mornings.  Here she begins to have visions of a woman who lived there centuries ago...and so we meet Seren Arianaidd.

Seren is a shaman and a witch, the seer to a powerful prince who has many enemies, some within his own court. It is Seren's job to warn him of danger and keep the tribe safe. In doing so however, she makes powerful enemies. Those who do not understand her skills fear her and so she is always on the alert, looking out for any who would do her harm, so that she can exact her revenge in reprisal for their plots against her. As she says;

"I was taught to use my skills against anyone who would declare himself my enemy. Forgiveness is for mothers of small children, for wronged wives to give and petty thieves to receive. It is not for rulers or warriors. I do not love mankind. I cannot view the herd as any more than that. I keep my love for those deserving of it, and they are few enough."

Seren is a Celtic warrior witch. She uses her powers to protect her prince and those loyal to him, and to bring justice upon those who would betray him. She is a wonderful, strong female character, one who reminded me of Boudicca or Scathach. As Seren and Tilda's timelines become increasingly tangled together, Tilda becomes more courageous and proud of her true self, rather than hiding herself away in guilt and grief. 

This novel is full of ancient Celtic magic and romance, with guest star appearances by an ethereal water horse! Those were some of my favourite scenes. Here too, there are sudden snowfalls, a frozen lake and an archaeological dig that unearths more trouble for Tilda. 

Encompassing ghosts, visions and mysteries that need to be solved over a glass of wine, gathered round the fireplace with new friends, in the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree, the author has a similar writing style to that of Barbara Erskine, so if you like Erskine's time-slip novels you will probable like this one too. I had never read any of Paula Brackston's work before, but I shall certainly be picking up her other Witch novels, as I have enjoyed this one so much. 

The Silver Witch is an enchanting historical time-slip novel, with all the right wintry vibes for a gripping December read.  Definitely one to enjoy while curled up under a blanket, sipping hot mulled wine and nibbling on a festive mince pie. Happy reading!

Bright Blessings 

Marie x

AD: This book is available now in all formats. 

MUSICAL DOLL; Leona Lewis Christmas Concert!

 

"There's nothing I need under my tree, I just want Mr Right"

The festive season is in full swing and I have been enjoying all the Christmas events, from seasonal markets, to Christmas illuminations, to fabulous concerts.  Needless to say, it has been a very busy start to the month of December.  I've been having a great time!

On Wednesday evening I went to see Leona Lewis in concert. She is touring her Christmas album this year. I was a little nervous because she'd had to cancel a show a few days before I was due to see her, as she was sick.  Fortunately, she recovered in time and I got to see her perform all her biggest hits and Christmas tunes live, which was just amazing. I have loved her music for years. I remember the Christmas when she won X-Factor and I actually stopped watching the show after that because I knew it would never get any better than Leona. She's the real deal - a beautiful, shining star who just needed to be discovered. So it was a real treat to see her perform live in my home city.

I've had the tickets since back in spring and as December approached I was getting increasingly excited about the show. Leona wore some stunning gowns on stage, including a white sparkly one that reminded me of an angel, plus a very festive purple gown that made her look like the prettiest Quality Street in the tin! All her costumes were long and flowing, with bows and feathers and long evening gloves. She looked amazing and her vocals were out of this world!

The show had a very retro big band feel to it, reminiscent of the pre-war years, with trombones, saxophones and a grand piano. She was every inch the torch singer, belting out her debut hit Bleeding Love, as well as Run and lots of Christmas songs. The show opened up with Winter Wonderland and ended with One More Sleep. She also performed Mr Right, which is one of my favourites from her Christmas With Love album.  What I liked most was how down to earth she seemed to be.  She came down from the stage and walked among the crowds, meeting people and having photos taken. She also had fans up on stage with her. I don't know many singers who would invite people up on stage, then hand them the microphone and give them the chance to sing solo to the audience! It was just magical and I would certainly go and see her again. I got a signed copy of her Christmas album, on pure snow white iridescent vinyl, as a souvenir. It sparkles with rainbows as it plays in the light!

A few days before the Leona concert, I also went to see Andres Rieu's Winter Wonderland show at the cinema with my mother. She's a big fan of his and I must confess, I'd never heard of him until she told me he was coming to perform at the local arena back in spring and she wanted to go.  So we got the tickets and saw him live in May, which was an awesome show. I loved it. So when I saw that he was showing his Christmas concert at UK cinemas, I told my mum and we got tickets to see the Winter Wonderland show.  The thing I like most about Andres Rieu is that he always seems to have a few surprises up his sleeve. When I saw him live, he had a pipes and drums band walk down through the audience. They walked right by me and I was so thrilled, as I never expect to hear the bagpipes in my home town. Its up on my Twitter if you'd like to see eleven pipers piping.  This time he had a pair of ice rinks on either side of the stage and there were ice dancers skating around to the music. It was so festive! Mum and I had a great time and came out of the cinema feeling like we'd been swept away by the orchestra and the skaters. I dare say I'll be seeing him again at some point too, because my Mum just loves him! 

Then last night I went to see the light installation show at the cathedral. Sheffield Cathedral will always have a place in my heart because it is where my first graduation ceremony was held back in 2018. My second MA graduation took place elsewhere, but I still get emails from the cathedral updating me on their upcoming events.  Each Christmas they transform the church into a huge festive illumination, with a special light installation. It generally runs on a certain theme and we have seen The Angels Are Coming, The Manger and last night it was Starlight. The lights project onto the church, both outside and indoors, creating kaleidoscopes of colour and imagery.  The angels are always my favourite aspect of each show. Inside we had hot mulled wine and delicious mince pies, as the lights sparkled and glimmered all around us. 

Usually they put barriers around the church so that only ticket holders can see the lights, but this year, due to the cost of living crisis, the cathedral staff decided not to erect the barriers so that anyone and everyone could enjoy the external lights on the outside of the church, while ticket holders could go inside and see the rest.  It's not that expensive, but this was such a kind thing to do for families who might be struggling financially and are looking for free festive things to do with their children. It has become an annual tradition and something my mum and I look forward to each year. 

Christmas can be tough for a lot of people. It's a highly emotive time of year and no-one understands this more than I do. My grandmother actually died on December 21st 2002 and Christmas has never really been the same since then for mum and me. We get through it by getting out and about. It's impossible to hide away from Christmas - we've tried! It doesn't work. So now we throw ourselves into festive events instead so that we have lots to look forward to and that keeps us from being too sad and maudlin. My Nan would want us to enjoy the season, so we do our best and get through it this way. 

If Christmas is difficult for you, try to book a few festive treats so that you can distract yourself from whatever it is you are struggling through.  There is always much to be grateful for if you look deeply enough.  

I hope that December is treating you kindly this year.

Love to you all,

Marie x

ONCE UPON A DREAM; On Turning 50!

 

November has sped by in a blur of celebrations, trips, writing and deadlines. This is the month that I turned 50! Half a century old - how did that happen?! It seems like no time at all since I turned 40 in Oban.  People have been asking me if I'm bothered by this significant birthday, and I'm genuinely not at all. For the most part, I find it hilarious, which is lucky, as I recieved lots of cards and a huge balloon with my age printed on them! I love them and still have them proudly displayed around the house. Of course, I have my moments when I'm less jovial about it, but on the whole I think aging is something to be embraced and celebrated. I certainly wouldn't want to be in my twenties again, that's for sure. 

I felt very grateful to still have my Mum with me to celebrate, because I'm aware that a lot of people don't have their mothers around by the time they reach 50. My Mum certainly didn't, as my grandmother died the month before her 50th birthday, so I'm fully aware of how lucky I am in this respect.  Its also a bonus of having your kids young - my mum was just 20 when she had me. So we decided to make the very most of it, booking holidays to Scotland together for the very first time since I was a teenager.

You've probably seem my previous post about my holiday to Edinburgh, but we had other trips and things booked too. We also went to stay in a beautiful country house hotel in Aryshire. Again, I'd never been to Aryshire before so it was lovely to visit this part of Scotland. Being Burns country there were many references to the great Scottish Bard and the landscape is just stunning. The hotel was set in its own grounds, complete with tennis court and croquet lawn. It was a spooky looking building, as you can see, and it seemed as if it really ought to be haunted, but alas we didn't see any ghosts. Still, it was like living in a period drama for a while. My goodness it was cold though! Blue sky and winter sunshine, but freezing temperatures especially at night time. I was glad of my hot water bottle and bed socks, I can tell you! 

While in Scotland we went to Glasgow. This is a place that I have visited before, a couple of times, and although I don't like it as much as Edinburgh or Inverness, it is a very pretty city.  I love the architecture there. It's all very dark academia. Glasgow is an interesting place, with a unique mix of reverence and humour towards the great figures of the past. For instance, it is traditional for members of the public, usually drunken men, to place a traffic cone on the head of the Duke of Wellington statue.  This has been going on for some decades and is now so ingrained in Glasgow culture, that they sell miniature figures of the statue which they refer to as Coney in souvenir shops. I didn't buy one, but they made me smile. 

 

He was just one of many statues. George Square is full of them and these other statues seem to fair better with the locals than old Coney does as there is not a traffic cone in sight! Some of the statues were of people I've never heard of, but my favourites were the ones of Robert Burns and Queen Victoria. I also loved the white lions who guard the Glasgow cenotaph. The lion is one of the heraldic beasts of Scotland, and also of Clan Bruce, so it was nice to see such a majestic pair watching over the war memorial.  I've posted lots of photos of Glasgow and Aryshire on my Twitter, if you'd like to see more. 

On my birthday itself, we went to one of the stately homes because I wanted to feed the animals there. They have llamas, alpacas, ponies, goats, sheep and deer - and they were all greedy monsters! I love hand feeding them. They're so comical and sweet. We had a lovely time. The following day, we were booked in for a traditional afternoon tea at an old fashioned tea room on the other side of town.  Afternoon tea is my favourite! Some people like to go out for a curry, others like a fancy dinner, but for me it's afternoon tea.  I'm just an old fashioned girl at heart, so I like the traditionalism and elegance of china tea cups and a tiered cake-stand filled with dainty sandwiches, pretty cakes and cream scones.  As it was my birthday, we also had rose wine as well. Every morsel was scrumptious. I wore a long pink tea dress and my new birthday jewelry, so it was just delightful. We finished off the day with a wander around the Christmas market, mulled wine and a cherry bakewell cocktail at the Alpine bar, which was very festive. 

Of course I got lots of presents, cards, birthday cake and chocolates, plus a fabulous bouquet of roses and thistles, which sums me up as I am the rose and the thistle combined! So it was pretty much a month long birthday celebration! When I wasn't out on trips celebrating, I was busy writing my latest oracle deck - my fourth one to date!  The deadline was the end of November, so I've had to fit in writing sessions around all the birthday fuss and I've been writing furiously every spare moment I had.  It's been a very full on month of work and play. I could do with a nice rest, but December is exactly the same as I have another project to write for my publisher, plus lots of festive events booked. 

Its going to be a busy end to the year! I can't complain though, as I'm having so much fun with it all. I'm really looking forward to starting the next book, which is the perfect kind of writing project for the cold, winter season. I plan to spend my days snuggled by the fire and the twinkling Christmas tree, with my laptop, writing away. 

I have a publishing lunch meeting with my editors in London this month too, (another afternoon tea!) which will be very festive. Can't wait for that!

However you plan to spend this festive season, have a blessed and safe December.

Bright Blessings

Marie x

ONCE UPON A DREAM; Edinburgh Magic!

 

I have just returned from my pre-birthday autumnal trip to Scotland. This year I decided to go to Edinburgh, which is a place I have never been before. Usually, I prefer to go to more rural parts of Scotland and I was a bit apprehensive that a city break wouldn't be as enjoyable, but I need not have worried. Edinburgh has the same feeling as any Scottish village, despite it being a bustling city.

I had the most magical time here and I already know that I want to visit the city again, as there is so much to do, you simply cannot pack it all into one holiday! As soon as I arrived, I felt Scotland working its magic on me. There is something very enchanting about the city. Parts of it are so old that it feels like stepping back in time. It is a place of cobbled streets, tall spires, twisted towers, crooked buildings and narrow alleyways. It is very atmospheric, hinting at ghosts and spirits from the past, exuding magic, mystery and murder.  There are so many nooks and crannies located around the old city that it comes as no surprise to find there are lots of murder holes for would be assailants to hide in, ready to leap out at their victims. Its all so very Dickensian and Gothic and old fashioned. I loved it!

The weather was perfect and its the first time I've been to Scotland in ages and haven't got soaked in the rain! Instead, it was chilly but dry, with wide blue skies and glorious golden sunshine. It was so nice in fact, that we were able to enjoy some of the many street cafes that offer pavement dining areas.  I went with my mother and she said how nice it was to explore part of Scotland together that neither of us had ever visited before.  We had a great time, drinking fancy hot chocolate and coffee, sampling specialty whiskeys and eating lovely food.We even stopped by Deacon Brodie's Tavern, who is the man that inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. 

Edinburgh is full of history and Scottish culture, from the Scott Monument that commemorates the life and work of Sir Walter Scott, to the magnificent castle that dominates the horizon, glimmering in golden lights in the evenings.  Its a very busy city, but the people are all so friendly, it gives it that village feeling as you walk around.

I loved the Royal Mile. There were so many things going on there, from street entertainers and lone pipers on every corner, to a beautiful owl and his handler who had come down from the castle falconry to visit the crowds. He was wonderful! 

I managed to do everything on my list for this first visit to the city. Of course I had to go to the castle because I wanted to see the statues of my heroes, King Robert the Bruce and William Wallace, who stand guard at the entrance. I've seen pictures of them in books, but its not quite the same as seeing them in person. The castle is a keystone of Scottish history and it was lovely to just wander around and soak in the atmosphere there, as the sound of the piper swirled around us. It made my Bruce spirit soar. 

We spent a little time looking for the Witches' Well. As it is tucked away in a corner, we missed it the first time and walked right past, but then found it by accident!  This was quite a sobering place. It is a Victorian drinking fountain that was built to mark the place where the women accused of witchcraft were burnt at the stake on Castle Hill. This is the spot where Geillis Duncan and other women like her were burnt to death. Some would have been strangled first, but only if they admitted their crimes. Brave Geillis famously retracted her confession, claiming that it was made under duress of torture and therefore carried no weight, but her retraction was denied and she was burnt alive on Castle Hill, with the great fortress standing behind her. 

The Witches Well had lots of coins, pebbles, crystals and seashells placed upon it. Offerings left in honour of the poor souls who met their end in such a barbaric way. I have visited other witch-burning sites dotted around Scotland and England, such as the Witch Stone at Dornoch and the Brahan Seer Stone at Chanonry Point on the Black Isle, and of course Pendle Hill in Lancashire. It is always a somber experience.  It can be quite chilling, because it is only the passage of time that keeps me and women like me, from meeting a similar end. Had I lived in Geillis Duncan's time, I probably would have burnt beside her. Such was the fate of many an outspoken and independent woman; women who were often labeled as difficult by the men who couldn't tame, control or break them. 

It felt fitting to be at the Witches Well though, just a few days past Samhain and Bonfire Night, it was an appropriate time to visit and pay our respects to the witches and wise women who came before us and who paid the ultimate price for their skills. Interestingly, the well depicts the duality of magic and how it can be used for good or ill, with the sides of the well being carved into Healing Hands one one side, and the Evil Eye on the other. This suggests that the Victorians were not quite ready to admit that many of the women burnt here were actually completely innocent. They preferred to highlight that it was the individual's responsibility to choose whether to use their magic to heal or harm. Alas, many of the women who burned here were not witches at all, simply old women with no-one to speak up for them. 

The injustice can still be felt emanating from these stones and the Witches Well is a place that will make you shiver and thank your lucky stars that you live in a safer time.  I said a silent prayer for the victims of the most brutal witch hunts in the UK and left feeling immensely grateful that I can practice my Craft without fear, even writing books about it, which help to dispel the superstition and prejudice against witches and pagans.  History lives and breathes in each of us, and as a Bruce and as a witch, I come from a long line of rebellious hearts! No place brings this home to me more than Scotland. 

Another place I wanted to visit was the Writer's Museum. Again, it took a little time to find it as it is tucked away down an alley, off the Royal Mile.  It felt like walking through a portal as we went under a stone tunnel and along a narrow cobbled alleyway, emerging into a pretty Gothic courtyard, with the turreted home of the museum standing before us. 

The Writer's Museum is dedicated to three of Scotland's classic authors - Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson and Sir Walter Scott. Each floor is assigned to one of these authors and full of personal items and memorabilia of their accomplishments in publishing.  We spent quite a long time in here as it was so interesting, and being a writer myself, I just love being close to the belongings of famous authors from the past!  The ground floor was all about Robert Louis Stevenson and they had his equestrian gear in a glass case - his riding boots (he had quite large feet!), crop and spurs were in wonderful condition and it was lovely to see this day-to-day aspect of his life. There were locks of hair belonging to his romantic dalliances and his mother, plus early copies of his work.

The next two floors were devoted to Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott. They had two writing desks here - one that belonged to Burns and which was so fragile it was housed in a glass case, the other belonging to Scott, which was out in the open. It was a bureau with pigeon holes, and the open desk part was overlaid with glass, with all his writing things laid out within, as if he had just stepped from the room. It was amazing to be able to lay my hands on Sir Walter Scott's own writing desk! Truly a magical moment for any author to experience and I will never forget it!  

They also had Sir Walter Scott's childhood rocking horse, and his personal printing press on which he self-published his first Waverley Novels. Plus they had his writing quill and silver ink stand. However, my favourite aspect of the museum, (apart from touching Scott's desk!) was the handwritten manuscript of Scot's Wha Hae, which is my favourite of Robert Burn's poems. It was wonderful to see this as an early draft, written in his own hand! Truly a memorable experience and well worth a visit. 

I bought quite a few books in the Writer's Museum shop, including Neil Oliver's Hauntings, which is an anthology of ghost stories, a big book of Scottish folk and fairytales, a collection of Edinburgh ghost stories, an anthology of Scottish poems, a biography of Robert Burns and finally, the tale of Greyfriars Bobby. So I have plenty of books to read which will help to prolong my Edinburgh holiday and I'm looking forward to diving into the Neil Oliver one first. Or maybe Greyfriars Bobby. 

Then, as it was the start of my birthday celebrations, my mum treated me to a new Harris Tweed handbag! I've wanted one for a while, but they never had one in Bruce tartan, or a plaid that I loved, until now. In their new A/W 2023 collection they have just released a pretty pink and baby blue leather and tweed saddle-bag. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it, so my mum got it for me as an early birthday present. I love it - it's so pretty and Scottish!

All in all it was a wonderful, magical holiday and I know that it will not be my last visit to Edinburgh, as there is still so much I want to see there. I will definitely go back again another time.  But for now, it is back to the grindstone, with three more commissioned projects to write before the end of January. So let's hope that the magic of Sir Walter Scott's desk rubs off, as I have lots of work to be getting on with. 

Also, I got home to news from my editor that some of my work is being translated into French and published in France this November. I now have a French publisher - in Paris!! How mad and fab is that?! What a fabulous birthday surprise! 

All I can say is La Vie Est Belle! 

BB Marie x

BOOK NOOK; You Let Me In by Camilla Bruce

 "If you have a husband you cannot truly be that bad.

If your husband is handsome and capable too, more glitter falls on you. If you don't have it, you are deemed unworthy, different and possibly wrong. Without the love of a good man, any man, you are spoiled fruit, lacking an essential stamp of approval. Never mind if you are ill suited for it and would have been much better off alone. Never mind if your inclinations are such that living with another human being is difficult and even harmful. Live with another you must, or face eternal shame and disgrace. Forever be second-class. No stamp of approval for you."

You Let Me In is an extraordinary novel. Part fairy-tale, part psychological drama, it weaves together two very different strands of the same story. I have never read a novel like this one before. Its weird and wonderful and very, very strange.  Its a difficult one to review without giving anything away, but it has been such a great reading experience that I had to share it.

It tells the story of Cassandra, a young girl who has a magical friend called Pepper-Man. Lost in her own little world, she makes friends with this faerie being and he introduces her to other faeries. When she is excluded from her sister's birthday party for bad behaviour, Pepper-Man comes along and whisks her away to a fairy revel at midnight, where she feasts and dances with the fey. In this respect, it is a lovely fairy-tale, of a blossoming friendship between an unhappy human child and the magical, whimsical world of the fey. 

Yet the second strand of the tale tells a completely different story. In this version, Cassie is ill and her faerie friends are all imaginary. Her therapist says that these fairy-tales are her form of escape, a coping mechanism for her mental illness.

But which story is the truth? As the novel plays out, it is difficult to guess at what the author wants you to believe. I found myself swinging between the two narratives, being first sucked into the fairy-tale and reading the book as a fantasy novel, then changing my mind and thinking that yes, the therapist is quite right and its all imaginary. 

As the two strands weave closer and closer together, it becomes apparent that the fey characters are real, though not in the way that they appear to be. I remember feeling quite nauseous when I realized who Pepper-Man might actually be, and why he was so central to the storyline and why Cassie is so defensive of him, and at the same time so distrusting and resentful. 

This is a very dark tale, one which deals with difficult issues such as child abuse and parental cruelty. It illustrates how it might feel to be the black sheep of the family, or to be singled out for all the wrong reasons. Cassandra is the family scapegoat, while her sister is the golden child.  It makes for a very unsettling read.

As a psychotherapist, I was utterly beguiled by this Freudian novel. I have never read anything like it before, although I greatly enjoyed the author's second novel The Witch in the Well.  However, You Let Me In really is a unique story and one that makes you consider the immense power of the human mind, what it is capable of and how it works to protect us, with or without our consent. 

This is a fantastic book, though it is rather disturbing at times. Its not your standard fantasy novel, but if you like a psychological twist to your tales, then you will probably love this one. I have certainly enjoyed reading it. Give it a go and see what you think. 

BB Marie x

AD; this book is available now in all formats. 

BOOK NOOK; The Toll House by Carly Reagon

 

 

"But something held her in the dark, like someone was there, pinning her to the spot. The feeling grew stronger. Not just a feeling, a presence. There was someone here, she thought, the same someone who'd watched her in the bath. Someone who wanted her, who wouldn't let her go."

This novel was sent to me by the publisher some time ago for review, but I've been so busy writing my own books that I haven't really had a chance to get to it until now.  All I knew going into it, was that it's a spooky book, so as the weather has taken a turn for the worse and the rain is pattering against the windows, I though it would be the ideal book to curl up with by the fire.  As a result, I have spent a happy couple of days immersed in the ghost story of The Toll House. 

The book has a duel timeline narrative, the chapters alternating between past and present, telling the tale of Kelda and her son, Dylan, who go to live in the old toll house and soon find themselves haunted by shadowy figures on the stairs, after uncovering a rather gruesome death mask hidden within the plaster work.  The writing has an ominous tone throughout, though I have to say that it isn't the spookiest ghost story I've ever read.  I would have liked more descriptive passages about the toll house itself, as this is usual in most gothic novels of haunted houses. This one though, was more character driven.

I liked the characters for the most part, although Dylan did get on my nerves, largely because he is meant to be seven years old, but he reads as being much younger, I would say no more than five. I felt that he was portrayed as being overly young for his age. Then again, I don't have kids, so what do I know? He might be spot on! He just struck me as being a tad too infantile, which I found quite irritating.

Apart from that, this is a cracking read. It has a chilling build up to the denouement and a few surprises in the plot that I greatly appreciated, especially in reference to the death mask itself.  I didn't see that twist coming at all! The Toll House is one of those gothic novels where you think you know exactly what is going on, only to discover that everything you've been lead to believe is untrue.  It's as if you don't realize you're reading a mystery, until the mystery unravels and the truth is revealed, so it has an excellent use of red herrings. Hats off to the author for that. 

The story is nicely told, but I wasn't exactly scared by it. It had some eerie moments and the ending is satisfying. If you enjoy books such as The Haunting Season, The Whistling, or The Ghost Woods, then you might like The Toll House. It has certainly engaged my attention for the past two days and was the perfect read for such a dreich rainy day, so if you are looking for a new ghost story to dive into, I recommend this one.  Enjoy! 

Blessed Be

Marie x

AD; This novel was sent to me by the publisher Little, Brown Book Group UK, for the purposes of review. It is available now across all formats - digital, audio and hard copy. 

SLIPPERS AND SKATES; Theatre Season!

A night out with the phantom thespians.

It was a dark and stormy night in October - no, it really was, because Storm Babet was raging all across Yorkshire and Derbyshire last night and I had to venture out in the wild weather, as I had theatre tickets. Autumn is upon us and that can only mean one thing - theatre season is in full swing and like always, I intend to make the very most of it. Over the past couple of weeks I have been to some lovely shows and events, culminating in a wonderfully spooky show last night.

With Samhain just around the corner and the weather adding to the atmosphere, I spent last night enjoying an evening of macabre theatricals. The warmth of the theatre was a welcome relief from the wind and torrential rain I had come through to get there, and I was glad to settle down into my seat. I didn't know what to expect, as the play had just been billed as a spooky, seasonal event, but I had a great time.  

There is something very cosy about sitting in the dark, listening to a group of actors telling various ghost stories, all linked together with a theme of haunted theatres and paranormal investigation.  The tales were chilling stories of murder, accidents and revenge, drawn from haunted theatres across the UK. There was smoke, lights, screams and eerie voices coming across the loud speakers, shadowy figures coming down the aisles unexpectedly and the sinister singing of a little dead girl, so that the audience was completely immersed in the story that was unfolding on stage. 

I haven't been to see a play in a very long time and I thoroughly enjoyed the Ghost Show. It was a one-night only event because the thespians didn't want their show to be ruined by spoilers online, so it only ran for a single night. Somehow, this enhanced the experience and it felt very much like we were participating in a night of paranormal investigation. Many of the stories told were accounts of sinister events which befell actual historical people, in theatres up and down the country, leading to those figures allegedly haunting those places. 

It all revolved around the superstition of the ghost light, which is a single bare light bulb on a stand that remains lit throughout the night, when the theatre is empty, to keep the ghost audience company. This is an actual tradition in all theatres that still takes place to this day. As the theatre is closed down for the night, someone is charged with the job of lighting the ghost light and setting it in the middle of the empty stage, where it remains lit all night, until the cleaners come in the next day and turn it off.  This is a rather spooky tradition, so it's not surprising that it has inspired an entire play of ghostly goings-on!

As adults, we rarely get the experience of being told a great story and so last night was quite nostalgic, taking the audience back to childhood memories of being read to in infancy. It also serves to keep the ritual of traditional storytelling alive, when tales would be told around the fire and passed on by word of mouth. I really enjoyed it. It was lovely to sit in a darkened theatre, on a stormy autumn night and be entertained by a talented group of actors and professional storytellers.  It was a great start to the dark season. 

The day before, however, couldn't have been more different, as that was the day that I went to see Taylor Swift's Era's Tour.  It was phenomenal!  I was very excited to see it and I wasn't a bit disappointed. Taylor always delivers! I genuinely believe that there is nothing she can't do! Everything she sets her mind to is a massive success and her talent for storytelling through her music is simply extraordinary.  

The costumes were stunning and everything she wore sparkled and shimmered as she danced her way across a huge stage. Each of her albums and various Era's were represented with its own set, the costume colours cohesive with the album cover art, giving just the right vibe for each one. It was like being swept into the very depths of the world she created with each album, from the dreaminess and fairytale enchantment of Sparks Fly, to the joyfulness of Lover, the rebellious revenge of Reputation and the softness of Folklore and Evermore, ending with the magic of Midnights.  It really was an amazing concert and although it was over three hours long, I still didn't want it to end! I enjoyed every single second, every note and step, every lift, turn and quick-change.  I had such a fantastic time and I really hope that she makes this tour available to buy on DVD, as I would watch it again and again. 

About a week before the Tayor concert, I also went to the ballet for the first time since the pandemic. I've had tickets to two different ballets over the last three years, but the first was cancelled due to the second or third covid lockdown, while the second ballet was cancelled because it was the Russian State Ballet who were touring, so when Russia invaded Ukraine, their ballet companies were no longer made welcome, so the show was cancelled indefinitely.  

This time, however, the show wasn't cancelled and I finally got to see a ballet company perform live. I have lots of ballets on DVD, but there is nothing like seeing a live performance and watching the dancers tell their story right in front of you.  I went to see Mathew Bourne's Romeo and Juliet. I have seen a couple of his productions before and enjoyed them, most espcially his Gothic version of Sleeping Beauty, which I think is my favourite ballet after Swan Lake. I even prefer the Bourne version over the classical rendition, because I love the Gothic slant he has given to my favourite fairytale. I also like his all male rendition of Swan Lake too.

So I was excited to see Romeo and Juliet.  However, it wasn't what I was expecting, being a very modern re-telling, in which the lovers are incarcerated in an asylum of some kind. The costumes were all white, for all the dancers, and it took a while for me to be able to distinguish the principles from the corps.  The things I love most about ballet are the sparkly tutus and costumes, and of course the pointe work, both of which were completely lacking in this contemporary version. I know that contemporary ballet doesn't feature point work, but I had been hoping for some lovely costumes. Sadly, it more about straight jackets than sparkles!  Also, they changed the ending too. 

So although I found the ballet enjoyable, it wasn't my favourite Mathew Bourne production - that remains Sleeping Beauty, which I have on DVD. As for Romeo and Juliet, I much prefer the classical rendition, the Fonteyn and Nureyev performance in particular.  Still, it was nice to be back at the ballet and I already have tickets to see the classical Swan Lake in a few months as well, so I'm really looking forward to that. 

Of course, theatre season will continue for the rest of the autumn and winter - this is their busiest time of year, so there are lots of other things booked into my calendar before the end of the year, including shows, events, holidays, afternoon teas and lunch with my publisher. This is always my busiest time of year too, as I spend the dark season writing all the various projects that are due to be published in the following year (and there are some exciting ones to come in 2024!), but I like to make sure I have some fun outings to look forward to.  It gives me a welcome break from my desk, gets me out of the house and helps to refill my creative well. 

I hope that you get to go to the theatre or ballet this dark season, but if you can't, for whatever reason, you can currently find Mathew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty free to watch on You Tube by clicking here, though I don't know how long it will be available.

Enjoy theatre season in whatever way you can! 

BB Marie x