The horror novel has often been looked upon as the poor relation in the literary world, and yet some of our greatest writers have published novels under its banner. Horror writer (Whittlewood and The Wild Horseman) and former Gothic Society member, Suzanne Ruthven brings us a step-by-step guide to writing horror fiction. ,
I want to be a pagan author and write for the pagan community…can you tell me how to get published? Writing for the pagan community is no different from writing for any other readership – but we need to learn the basic rules before deciding whether we have any talent worth pursuing. Regardless of our own personal levels of esoteric learning, we need to go back to the basics of creative writing and see what tricks of the trade we can utilise. We will see why editors and publishers are inundated with submissions of a certain kind – and what we can do to give our writing ‘editor appeal’. We will learn how to develop ideas via lateral thinking, and develop the art of ‘seeing’ through an editor’s eyes. ,
Poor dialogue is one of the main reasons for a publisher’s reader glazing over when reading a first-time novel, where the author has seen fit to include every superfluous utterance of every-day speech. The purpose of dialogue is to move the story along and to give added dimension to the characters through what they say, and often think. Creating Meaningful Dialogue helps to get rid of the dross from your typescript and retain the gold in the story. Try to incorporate the exercises given at the end of each chapter into your own writing where appropriate and see how it improves the flow of the dialogue by making the characters come alive. With added input from publishers and publisher’s readers, this book is invaluable for all would-be novelists and fiction writers.
A view of vampire culture through the eyes of Lord Ruthven - the first vampire in the literary world from John Polidori's 'The Vampyre'. Written as faction, Lord Ruthven rarely appears in vampiric anthologies and has never been filmed - neither has he ever been vanquished! ,
Traditional Witchcraft and the Pagan Revival takes us on a journey into the past, along the highways and byways of our pagan heritage to discover when the different aspects of magical influence entered traditional witchcraft. It will appeal to everyone with an interest in magic, witchcraft and paganism - from grass roots to the more advanced levels of Wicca - who wish to learn more about the different traditions and their antecedents. ,
All sorts of different people want to learn how to do different things getting a personal make-over, surviving health scares, business or career advice, self-help and improvement, travelling, living and working abroad, acquiring social skills, developing a hobby, creative writing the list is endless. And if anyone has ever asked for your advice, then you have a skill to write about. How-to writing can run from an article on how-to organise a successful car boot sale to a full-length, self-help book on exploring spirituality or coping with divorce. Your original idea will only be the tip of the iceberg. But by the time you ve completed the task you set yourself you will undoubtedly have become an expert on the subject, and this could lead to other things. WRITING FROM LIFE, Lynne Hackles ,
The term 'power animal' was introduced into contemporary language in 1980 by anthropologist Michael Harner in his classic work The Way Of The Shaman, and refers to a broad-based animistic and shamanic concept that has entered the English language from the fields of anthropology, ethnography and sociology. The animal is conceived as a tutelary spirit that helps or protects individuals, lineages, and nations. Dogs and man became companions a long time ago, and the dog adopted as a power animal represents speed, agility, courage, protection, justice, nobility and loyalty. Aubry's Dog: Power Animals Within Traditional Witchcraft guides your footsteps on this most ancient of paths ... ,
Coarse Witchcraft is a squint-eyed look at what passes for Craft in many modern groups and just how much of the teaching has been dumbed down so that everyone can acquire rank and have a “crack at the priesthood”. This blind grope for titles, rank and public acclaim have replaced the enlightened quest for genuine wisdom and ability, while the old Witch-magic is practised by fewer and fewer of those who would call themselves Witches. There are also those who insist on being recognised as instant Adepts in a system that takes years of study and preparation – but book-learning is not enough as many have found to their cost when confronted by real Old Crafters. Coarse Witchcraft is a no-holds-barred view of what is going on today in many Craft circles. Hopefully, those who read this book will laugh, and realise that it is possible to mix mirth and magic, while still retaining respect for oneself and the Old Ways. ,
Country Writer s Craft: Writing for country, regional and rural publications, covers one of the widest marketplaces for writers in the English-speaking world especially in the UK, Australia and the USA. Here we have examples of previously published materials, together with writers exercises to help build up an impressive portfolio from Suzanne Ruthven, who has written on country topics for over 30 years, as well as being author of A Treasury of the Countryside, Hearth & Garden, Life-Writes and Signposts For Country Living. ,
The second most common question a writer is asked is, 'where do your ideas come from?' (The first is, 'Do you make any money from it?') Experienced writers don't go looking for ideas; ideas come to them. An experienced writer just has the knack of spotting what makes a good story or what will make a good story once it's been given the right spin, because none of us, if we're honest, will let reality get in the way of a saleable piece of work. Editors are looking for an element of action, drama or surprise, even in non-fiction. It's what catches their attention and makes them pause to read further; and the key to any editor's heart is originality. Not necessarily a new departure in style or genre, but a refreshing and original slant on a popular theme. Life-Writes helps you to find and develop ideas with editor appeal. ,
The antiques trade hasn't been this much fun since Lovejoy left " Carys Llewellyn: author and book reviewer It all started with a picture Hugo has bought in American and a seventy-year old triple murder.
This guide provides solid, practical advice on divorce. The authors cover the legal process and give advice on associated issues such as how to tell the family or how to deal with violence.
It's a sorry fact, but vampires aren't what they used to be. I should know because I'm the last remaining member of my species from the ancient world; although if I'm brutally honest, this longevity is as much the product of becoming the alter idem of that club-footed Casanova, George Gordon, the sixth Lord Byron than any fortitude on my part. In truth, my roots are hinted at in that half-forgotten 'Fragment' that was Byron's contribution to the Villa Diodati ghost story competition - for His Lordship was familiar with the decomposing vampire legends of the Eastern Mediterranean, even if John Polidori was not! But I get ahead of myself ... [Charnel House Blues]
Happenstance wasn't a word that crept into Hugo Braithwaite's vocabulary. He tended to find that things happened in patterns and spirals and when his young assistant, Carly Jones, discovered a valuable wood carving at a local car-boot sale it was only natural that there was going to be some sinister follow-on. "Bloody hell!" came the response from the new addition to the team "And I thought the antiques business was all refined folk selling Georgian silver and Chinese ginger jars. Now I find it's constant murder, art fraud, money laundering, violent assault, stolen church silver ... is there anything else you're not telling me?" The Hugo Braithwaite Mysteries are set in the shadowy world of antiques and fine art, where villains rub shoulders with millionaires in grand country houses and seedy back streets. Hugo Braithwaite is an antiques dealer and acknowledged authority on British watercolours, a talent which often throws him into the limelight of popular television to help sate the public's thirst for discovering valuable family heirlooms and treasures in the attic. On the down side, it is also a murky realm of fakes, forgeries, felony ... and the occasional murder.
Alastor Darvell is not an ordinary vampire. He learned his survival skills at the Krypteia, the equivalent of the Spartan 'special forces' and his powerful esoteric knowledge has been bequeathed from a long line of ancient Egyptian magicians - which tend to make him pretty well invincible. Forced against his will to become a vrykolakas - or 'avenger of the blood' - Alastor embarks on an endless voyage of discovery, persecution, boredom and loneliness as he searches the world for others of his kind - hoping to find the secret of his release from the cycle of everlasting life. Not only does his story reflect the trials and tribulations of the Old World, he also finds himself embroiled in a contemporary intrigue that runs parallel with his narrative and which threatens to expose him to the unknown dangers of the 21st century. Nevertheless, he has a powerful guardian in the beautiful, but long-dead Egyptian sorceress Amenirdis whose influence reaches out from beyond the grave to protect him. The Wanderer takes Alastor on a new phase of his long and varied existence ...
Traditional Witchcraft and the Pagan Revival takes us on a journey into the past, along the highways and byways of our pagan heritage to discover when the different aspects of magical influence entered traditional witchcraft. It will appeal to everyone with an interest in magic, witchcraft and paganism - from grass roots to the more advanced levels of Wicca - who wish to learn more about the different traditions and their antecedents. ,
Poor dialogue is one of the main reasons for a publisher’s reader glazing over when reading a first-time novel, where the author has seen fit to include every superfluous utterance of every-day speech. The purpose of dialogue is to move the story along and to give added dimension to the characters through what they say, and often think. Creating Meaningful Dialogue helps to get rid of the dross from your typescript and retain the gold in the story. Try to incorporate the exercises given at the end of each chapter into your own writing where appropriate and see how it improves the flow of the dialogue by making the characters come alive. With added input from publishers and publisher’s readers, this book is invaluable for all would-be novelists and fiction writers.
All sorts of different people want to learn how to do different things getting a personal make-over, surviving health scares, business or career advice, self-help and improvement, travelling, living and working abroad, acquiring social skills, developing a hobby, creative writing the list is endless. And if anyone has ever asked for your advice, then you have a skill to write about. How-to writing can run from an article on how-to organise a successful car boot sale to a full-length, self-help book on exploring spirituality or coping with divorce. Your original idea will only be the tip of the iceberg. But by the time you ve completed the task you set yourself you will undoubtedly have become an expert on the subject, and this could lead to other things. WRITING FROM LIFE, Lynne Hackles ,
Country Writer s Craft: Writing for country, regional and rural publications, covers one of the widest marketplaces for writers in the English-speaking world especially in the UK, Australia and the USA. Here we have examples of previously published materials, together with writers exercises to help build up an impressive portfolio from Suzanne Ruthven, who has written on country topics for over 30 years, as well as being author of A Treasury of the Countryside, Hearth & Garden, Life-Writes and Signposts For Country Living. ,
The second most common question a writer is asked is, 'where do your ideas come from?' (The first is, 'Do you make any money from it?') Experienced writers don't go looking for ideas; ideas come to them. An experienced writer just has the knack of spotting what makes a good story or what will make a good story once it's been given the right spin, because none of us, if we're honest, will let reality get in the way of a saleable piece of work. Editors are looking for an element of action, drama or surprise, even in non-fiction. It's what catches their attention and makes them pause to read further; and the key to any editor's heart is originality. Not necessarily a new departure in style or genre, but a refreshing and original slant on a popular theme. Life-Writes helps you to find and develop ideas with editor appeal. ,
Coarse Witchcraft is a squint-eyed look at what passes for Craft in many modern groups and just how much of the teaching has been dumbed down so that everyone can acquire rank and have a “crack at the priesthood”. This blind grope for titles, rank and public acclaim have replaced the enlightened quest for genuine wisdom and ability, while the old Witch-magic is practised by fewer and fewer of those who would call themselves Witches. There are also those who insist on being recognised as instant Adepts in a system that takes years of study and preparation – but book-learning is not enough as many have found to their cost when confronted by real Old Crafters. Coarse Witchcraft is a no-holds-barred view of what is going on today in many Craft circles. Hopefully, those who read this book will laugh, and realise that it is possible to mix mirth and magic, while still retaining respect for oneself and the Old Ways. ,
A view of vampire culture through the eyes of Lord Ruthven - the first vampire in the literary world from John Polidori's 'The Vampyre'. Written as faction, Lord Ruthven rarely appears in vampiric anthologies and has never been filmed - neither has he ever been vanquished! ,
The term 'power animal' was introduced into contemporary language in 1980 by anthropologist Michael Harner in his classic work The Way Of The Shaman, and refers to a broad-based animistic and shamanic concept that has entered the English language from the fields of anthropology, ethnography and sociology. The animal is conceived as a tutelary spirit that helps or protects individuals, lineages, and nations. Dogs and man became companions a long time ago, and the dog adopted as a power animal represents speed, agility, courage, protection, justice, nobility and loyalty. Aubry's Dog: Power Animals Within Traditional Witchcraft guides your footsteps on this most ancient of paths ... ,
A superb new book on various magical traditions and written in a style never seen before. A converstion piece between practitioners of differing paths on the subjects usually hidden behind closed doors. Subjects such as sex magic, ritual magic, and lives of the solitary and the covenet all covered in an open and factual yet humerous manner. Real fly on the wall stuff captured by an objective independent occult specialist.
When Hugo Braithwaite attends a prestigious sale of horseracing memorabilia to oversee the sale of a painting belonging to former art-thief, Freddie Fitzroy, he bumps into an old school friend whom he hasn't seen since they were boys. But again the past has a way of catching up with the present and he is quickly plunged into an ageless family feud and racing scandal that is as dangerous as it is intriguing. The Hugo Braithwaite Mysteries are set in the shadowy world of antiques and fine art, where villains rub shoulders with millionaires in grand country houses and seedy back streets. Hugo Braithwaite is an antiques dealer and acknowledged authority on British watercolours, a talent which often throws him into the limelight of popular television to help sate the public's thirst for discovering valuable family heirlooms and treasures in the attic. On the down side, it is also a murky realm of fakes, forgeries, felony ... and the occasional murder. "The antiques trade hasn't been this much fun since Lovejoy left
Qualifying as a doctor in 1815 at the tender age of nineteen, John Polidori was employed less than a year later by the poet, Lord Byron, as his travelling physician. The precocious medic was seemingly destined for a bright future that would enable him to combine his profession with a love of literature. In His Masters Reflection, the authors follow Polidoris footsteps as he accompanies Byron through Europe to Switzerland where they eventually meet the Shelleys and Claire Clairmont. Fulfilling his fathers prophecy, the fateful summer will prove to have a devastating impact on Polidoris life and legacy. Byrons keen wit and elevated status would leave the sensitive doctor feeling isolated and undervalued. Fuelled by acerbic comments from the poets friends, Byron finally releases Polidori from his contract, leaving the penniless medic to wander over the Alps on foot to Italy, his fathers homeland. Despite attempts at establishing himself as a doctor to the expatriate community, he has to admit defeat and return to England. Still harbouring literary ambitions, his one chance at fame is cruelly denied when The Vampyre, the story he had written in Geneva, is attributed to Byron. Gossip and retelling of events have cast Polidori in the role of a petulant plagiarist. Concussion from a riding accident deeply affected Polidoris temperament and behaviour, leaving questions surrounding his death, which history has recorded as suicide by prussic acid, despite the coroners verdict of visitation by God. The authors delve into his final years in an attempt to redress the balance. The handsome Polidori was more than just his masters reflection.
A comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to the analysis of public rhetoric, Modern Rhetorical Criticism teaches readers how to examine and interpret rhetorical situations, ideas, arguments, structure, and style. The text covers a wide range of critical techniques, from cultural and dramatistic analysis to feminist and Marxist approaches. A wealth of original criticism demonstrates how to analyze such diverse forms as junk mail, congressional debates, and traffic regulations, as well as literature. This long-awaited revision contains new coverage of mass media, feminist criticism, and European criticism.
Thank you for visiting our website. Would you like to provide feedback on how we could improve your experience?
This site does not use any third party cookies with one exception — it uses cookies from Google to deliver its services and to analyze traffic.Learn More.