research

Legend of the Pussy Willow

"The Legend of the Pussy Willow" In an old Polish legend, many springs ago, a mother cat was crying at the bank of the river where her kittens were drowning. The willow at the river's edge longed to help her, so they swept their long graceful branches into the waters to rescue the tiny kittens… Continue reading Legend of the Pussy Willow

Short Fiction, Writing

Reimagining Red Riding Hood

Recently I have been exploring the concepts behind the Red Riding Hood fairytale. There are two main versions I have used as inspiration for writing a new short story. The version by Charles Perrault called โ€œLittle Red Riding Hoodโ€ and the version by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm called โ€œLittle Red Capโ€. Both examine a young… Continue reading Reimagining Red Riding Hood

reads, Recent Reads

Baba Yaga: The Wild Witch of the East in Russian Fairy Tales

Publisherโ€™s Description Baba Yaga is an ambiguous and fascinating figure. She appears in traditional Russian folktales as a monstrous and hungry cannibal, or as a canny inquisitor of the adolescent hero or heroine of the tale. In new translations and with an introduction by Sibelan Forrester, Baba Yaga: The Wild Witch of the East in… Continue reading Baba Yaga: The Wild Witch of the East in Russian Fairy Tales

research

Folklore of Bluebells

The feared fairy bell and impending death According to English folklore, Bluebells were often used to call fairiesโ€ฆIf you โ€œrangโ€ a bluebell like you would any normal bell, it was believed fairies would come to you. But fairies are notoriously dangerous bargainers and the need to call fairies for aid must be great to risk… Continue reading Folklore of Bluebells

reads, Recent Reads

South of the Sun

Publisherโ€™s Description *** I received a review or ARC in exchange for an honest review *** This is an enchanting illustrated book of fairy tales โ€“ but not the kind you read to children at bedtime. They are strictly for the grown-ups. Often dark, the stories visit places where things donโ€™t end happily ever after,… Continue reading South of the Sun

Long Fiction, Writing

Dark Folklore Collection Acquisition

Iโ€™m excited to announce my collection of dark folklore short stories, novelettes, flash fiction and microfiction Three Curses and Other Dark Tales has been acquired by IFWG Publishing Australia. You can read more about this exciting announcement below IFWG is very pleased to announce the acquisition of a collection of short fiction by Leanbh Pearson… Continue reading Dark Folklore Collection Acquisition

Short Fiction, stories

New Tales of Old V1 Release

I am excited to announce the re-release of New Tales of Old Volume 1, a reimagined fairytale anthology released on 27th November 2021. This anthology is inspired by fairytales, legends and mythology and published by Black Ink Fiction. New Tales of Old Volume 1 includes my dark reimagining of Hansel and Gretel, โ€œA Trail of… Continue reading New Tales of Old V1 Release

reads, Recent Reads

Dreaming of Djinn

Publisherโ€™s Description: To open Dreaming Of Djinn is to open a jewel encrusted box full of exquisite and mouthwatering delicacies. This sensuous and truly mouthwatering collection melding the modern and the ancient with the strangeness of speculative fiction, is a treasure trove of originality and exotic magic. It will ravish your senses as it transports… Continue reading Dreaming of Djinn

Short Fiction, stories

Reign Release

Delighted that Reign (Five Hundred Fiction, #7) was released on 31 August, 2021. This is a flash fiction anthology of dark fantasy of the genre published by Black Hare Press. Included in Reign is my own dark fantasy flash fiction โ€œPoisoned Fruit, Poisoned Reignโ€ inspired by the folklore of curses and poisoned apples. You can… Continue reading Reign Release

Short Fiction, stories

Stories of Survival Release

Pleased to announce that Stories of Survival published by Deadset Press was released on 21 August, 2021. This speculative fiction charity anthology is in honour of Australian speculative fiction writer and mentor to many, the late Aiki Flinthart, with all proceeds going to the Melanoma Foundation to help with the fight against cancer. This anthology… Continue reading Stories of Survival Release