research, Writing

Carmilla: Week 4

IV. Her Habitsโ€”A Saunter I told you that I was charmed with her in most particulars. There were some that did not please me so well. She was above the middle height of women. I shall begin by describing her. She was slender, and wonderfully graceful. Except that her movements were languidโ€”very languidโ€”indeed, there was… Continue reading Carmilla: Week 4

events, research, Writing

New Book Release

I am super excited to announce this 6 October 2025, I can welcome Loki, Untangling A Tale into the fiction mythos. A dark fantasy Norse myth retelling follows how Loki changes throughout the myths. From brother, scapegoat to rebellious, Loki is a Trickster figure of enduring fascination! Available from all good bookstores and here

research, Writing

Slavic Folklore: Domovoj

A domovik (also called domovoj, domovoy) is from Slavic folklore and is a household spirit residing in every home. The domovik traditionally is bonded to the ancestral founder of the family and moves with them from household to household. A domovoj is typically portrayed as small old man with a gray beard. The household refer… Continue reading Slavic Folklore: Domovoj

research, Writing

Carmilla: Week 2

I. An Early Fright In Styria, we, though by no means magnificent people, inhabit a castle, or schloss. A small income, in that part of the world, goes a great way. Eight or nine hundred a year does wonders. Scantily enough ours would have answered among wealthy people at home. My father is English, and… Continue reading Carmilla: Week 2

research, Writing

Avoiding Vampire Creation

Vampires, Burial and Death by Paul Barber includes a chapter which has been part of my current research rabbit-holes. This chapter looks at the various methods of body disposal and the cultural beliefs surrounding death and corpses particularly to the prevention of creating vampires or revenants. A summary of the relevant points: Summary The importance… Continue reading Avoiding Vampire Creation

research, Writing

Reviewer Hack!

Do you prefer to read ebooks? I do because I love reading so many different books at a time and my Kindle is my portable library. But if you also like to do reviews and youโ€™ve been given an electronic ARC version? You want to support the authors youโ€™re reviewing for or judging but I… Continue reading Reviewer Hack!

research, Writing

Why ebooks? Accessibility!

I read ebooks and Iโ€™ve enjoyed the switch. Of course many textbooks are more affordable and conversely, sometimes research tomes are better suited to the physical shelf. So, why do I prefer ebooks (and Kindle preference here) is the light-weight tablets and easier physical reading process. As part of my disability, I often get cramped… Continue reading Why ebooks? Accessibility!

research, Writing

Irish Myth: Tuatha Dรฉ Danann

John Duncan's Riders of the Sidhe (1911) In the mythic Otherworld of Irish Gaelic folklore, the Tuatha Dรฉ Danann are a powerful race, often described as semi-divine beings possessing extraordinary skills in magic and warfare. According to the tales and legends, they arrived in Ireland in a mist and introduced significant shift in culture and mystical knowledge.… Continue reading Irish Myth: Tuatha Dรฉ Danann

research, Writing

Fox Folklore

Pinterest Image FOX IN MYTHOLOGY: Many cultures around the world depict the fox in their myths and lore extensively.  In Mesopotamian mythology of the early centuries, you will note how everyone regarded the fox as a sacred animal that belongs to the Goddess Ninhursag. The fox was her loyal messenger. FOX IN FOLKLORE: The Finnish… Continue reading Fox Folklore

research, Writing

Victorian Queer & Female Doctors

My next work in progress blends magical realism with inspiration from Victorian era history. Iโ€™ve been delving into the Victorian era worlds of natural sciences, Medicine and anatomy, chemistry and botany, journalism, arts, music and literature. This WIP will be an alternate history, melding Fae folklore and marginalised individuals in a new gothic gaslamp series.… Continue reading Victorian Queer & Female Doctors