research, Writing

The Tengu

Kidomaru and the Tengu - Utagawa Kuniyoshi In Japanese folklore, many stories include spirits, supernatural creatures, and demons called yokai. And of all the yokai, the tengu is the one that might seem most familiar to a modern Westerner. At first glance, it's a lot like a superhero: the ability to fly, great physical strength,… Continue reading The Tengu

research, Writing

Dark Beira: Queen of Winter

In Scottish mythology, Beira or Dark Beira is the great mother of the gods and goddesses. Sheโ€™s also known as the Cailleach, or the Cailleach Bheur in the Gaelic traditions of Ireland and the Isle of Man. Donald Alexander Mackenzie usually described her as being very tall and very old but could be terribly fierce… Continue reading Dark Beira: Queen of Winter

research, Writing

The Mari Lwyd

In the darkest months of the Welsh year, a white horse appears at your front door. It is mysterious and menacing Mari Lwyd. The Mari Lwyd has a horse skull for a head and lights or baubles for eyes. Her mane is made of colourful streamers, sometimes made of holly and ivy. She is covered… Continue reading The Mari Lwyd

Short Fiction, stories, Writing

Year Four Release

Year Four Year Four, an anthology of dark drabbles was published on January 6th by Black Hare Press. Three of my dark folklore drabbles are featured and a flash fiction piece. If youโ€™re interested in purchasing an ebook or paperback copy of Year Four, more details are available here

research, Writing

The Finnish Joulupukki

Ilari-Grohn-Art on DeviantArt Joulupukki translates to โ€œYule Goat.โ€ Yuletide, is a pre-Christian pagan festival which was held as a midwinter celebration with feasting and sacrifice taking place across many Germanic cultures. There is no certain answer as to the relate between goats and Yule. One concept links it to the Norse god Thor. He was… Continue reading The Finnish Joulupukki

Short Fiction, stories

Dark Christmas Release

Dark Christmas is the first in a series of illustrated chapbooks on various dark fiction themes. All illustrated collection is inspired by Yuletide folklore from Canada, Poland,Iceland, Australia, Germany ang England. Dark Christmas was released on ebook on 24th December 2022. If you wish you buy copies of Dark Christmas you can find more information… Continue reading Dark Christmas Release

Short Fiction, Writing

Wimbledon Common Release

My first stories for children and younger readers were published on 26 November 2022 in Wimbledon Common from Black Hare Press. My childrenโ€™s story โ€œGraceโ€™s Kingdomโ€ was inspired by classics like Alice in Wonderland, The Secret Garden, The Chronicles of Narnia all featuring protagonists exploring magical worlds hidden to all but them while escaping a… Continue reading Wimbledon Common Release

Short Fiction, Writing

Wimbledon Common Release

My first stories for children and younger readers were published on 26 November 2022 in Wimbledon Common from Black Hare Press. My childrenโ€™s story โ€œGraceโ€™s Kingdomโ€ was inspired by classics like Alice in Wonderland, The Secret Garden, The Chronicles of Narnia all featuring protagonists exploring magical worlds hidden to all but them while escaping a… Continue reading Wimbledon Common Release

Long Fiction, Writing

1920s Gothic Horror

My current work-in-progress is a gothic horror set in the infamous 1920s Razor Gang era in Sydney, Australia. Some background on the Razor Gangs of Sydney. The more well-known lawless crime eras of Birmingham, Glasgow and New York had their own gangs and warfare on the streets. In Australia, it was cities of Melbourne and… Continue reading 1920s Gothic Horror

reads, Recent Reads

Briar Rose

Publisherโ€™s Description Robert Coover's many acclaimed works of fiction have established him as a powerhouse among America's postmodernist writers. With Briar Rose, he casts his own unmistakable style on an ageless tale. A brilliant recreation of the timeless Sleeping Beauty story, Briar Rose tells of a prince trapped in the briars; a sleeping beauty who… Continue reading Briar Rose