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

Victorian Queer & Female Doctors

My next work in progress blends magical realism with inspiration from Victorian era history. I’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

events, Writing

Double Book Launch!!

I am thrilled to announce that I'll be in conversation with the delightful Leife Shallcross to launch of my collection Three Curses & Other Dark Tales and edited anthology Cursed Shards from IFWG Publishing of dark tales inspired by fairytales, folklore, magic mirrors, wicked Fae and Curses! Come celebrate noon 28th September at ANU Harry… Continue reading Double Book Launch!!

research, Writing

Greek Myth: Sirens

Funerary statue of a siren with a shell lyre, c. 370 BCE In Ancient Greek mythology, the sirens are vaguely described by various sources but are usually interpreted as being large birds with the heads of women. In the classic Ancient Greek legend The Odyssey attributed to Homer, the hero Odysseus’s ship is attacked by sirens… Continue reading Greek Myth: Sirens

reads, Recent Reads

Viking Women

Publisher’s Description Let’s travel in time together, a thousand or so years back, and meet Viking women in their hearth-lit world. How did these medieval viragoes live, love and die? How can we encounter them as flesh-and-blood beings with fears and feelings – not just as names in sagas or runes carved into stone? In… Continue reading Viking Women

research, Writing

Egyptian Myth: Hathor

Hathor was known as “the Great One of Many Names” and her titles and attributes are so numerous that she was important in nearly every aspect of ancient Egyptian life and death. Her widespread worship in the Predynastic period is indicated by her depiction on the Narmer palette. During the Old Kingdom period, her worship… Continue reading Egyptian Myth: Hathor

research, Writing

Aztec Mythology: Xipe Totec

Xipe Totec or 'Flayed One' in Nahuatl, was a major god in ancient Mesoamerican culture and particularly important for the Toltecs and Aztecs. He was considered the god of spring, the patron of seeds and planting and metal workers (especially goldsmiths) and gemstone workers. Xipe Totec was so closely connected to the sacrifices that were… Continue reading Aztec Mythology: Xipe Totec

reads, Recent Reads

The Lantern Men

Publisher’s Description Everything has changed for Dr Ruth Galloway. She has a new job, home and partner, and is no longer North Norfolk police's resident forensic archaeologist. That is, until convicted murderer Ivor March offers to make DCI Nelson a deal. Nelson was always sure that March killed more women than he was charged with.… Continue reading The Lantern Men

research, Short Fiction

Ancient Egyptian Myth & War

In one of my latest research themes, I explored the Ancient Egyptian mythology surrounding Sekhmet, the lion-headed goddess of war and a daughter of Ra. In one myth, Ra is angered by the Egyptian people’s lack of subservience to him and sends Sekhmet as punishment. She devours the armies sent against her until the deserts… Continue reading Ancient Egyptian Myth & War

Short Fiction, Writing

Bloodlust Anthology Release

I am excited to announce the vampire-themed anthology Bloodlust (Legends of Night Drabbles, #2) published by Black Ink Fiction was released on 13th July, 2021. Bloodlust (Legends of Night Drabbles, #2), is a vampire-themed microfiction collection, featuring two of my 100 word drabbles “The Hungering” and “The Burial” both inspired by vampiric folklore, legends and… Continue reading Bloodlust Anthology Release