When reading becomes dangerous: Fire, Fear and Fatal Accidents – Part Two
By Jane Davis James Lackington bemoaned in his memoirs, “my master would never permit me to take a candle into my room, and that prohibition I looked upon as a kind
Guest posts
Reading by Candlelight: Why the Dark Made Reading a Social Act in the Eighteenth Century
To read by candlelight was a physical act. Readers leaned forward, craned their necks, narrowed their eyes. Flames danced and wavered constantly, so the letters themselves seemed to tremble. A single candle did not flood the page with light. Books had to be angled precisely to prevent words dissolving into shadow. Unsurprisingly, eye strain was a common complaint.
The Lost Blackbird
Today, I welcome Liza Perrat to the blog, with a little background on her new release. Like me, Liza settled in a new country. She became an Australian/French hybrid and
The Siren Call of a Location
By Clare Flynn People often ask me how I choose the location for my books. But it often feels as if the location chooses me. I’ve just completed a four-month trip
Tragic WWII True Crime Inspires French Historical Novel
By Liza Perrat 1944. The people of the village of Oradour-sur-Glane, sitting peacefully in the heart of the Limousin countryside, farm the land, fish the lakes and gossip on the village
Harvey’s Wine Emporium #1
Hello and welcome! Is this your first visit to our shop? Come in, look around, browse. If you need help, ask a member of staff. I’m Adrian, by the way. That
Talking Location With… JJ Marsh
Reblogged from TripFiction.com - the right book for the right place at the right time. Sometimes you find yourself in the right place at the right time. For me, it was Portugal
What Did the Arts Ever Do For You? Part II
Following last week's reaction to The Casual Vacancy (last week's is here), three more talented minds share thoughts on young people and the arts; safe places and how much imagination
What Did the Arts Ever Do For You? Part I
The Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling hit me hard. I love a book that makes me furious, tearful and determined to change. (For those unaware of the book/adaptation, in the simplest