Here I share my transformation as a writer. From stumbling through the basics of writing to becoming a confident wordsmith and a trusted beta reader, my path is a testament to the power of perseverance and learning. Join me as I unveil the valuable lessons, tips, and insights I’ve gathered along the way. Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned writer, we’ll explore the fascinating world of storytelling and self-discovery together.

  • The Claife Crier: Windermere’s Haunted History

    The Claife Crier: Windermere’s Haunted History

    The Claife Crier is one of the Lake District’s most haunting legends. A ghostly cry said to echo across Windermere from Claife Heights. In this post, I explore the 19th-century origins of the tale, from the 1852 Kendal Mercury account to Harriet Martineau’s Guide to the English Lakes, and how this eerie folklore inspired my… Read more

  • Proofed and Ready to Go!

    Proofed and Ready to Go!

    The proofs are done and it’s full steam ahead for The Mereland Chronicles: The Crier. Pre-orders are live, and I’m truly grateful to everyone who’s already ordered. If you haven’t yet, now’s the perfect time to join in. This journey’s just getting started! 👀 Read more

  • Lake District Ghosts & Beasties

    Lake District Ghosts & Beasties

    The restless spirit of a monk still haunts the legends of Windermere. Ghosts, folklore and Halloween tales linger in the Lake District, and my novel The Mereland Chronicles: The Crier explores the haunting origins behind the Claife Crier. Read more

  • Abbeys & Algorithms of Novel Writing

    Abbeys & Algorithms of Novel Writing

    What do abbeys, algorithms and novels have in common? More than you might think. From coding Z80 assembly on a ZX Spectrum to writing The Mereland Chronicles, I’ve learned that patience, structure and resilience are what keep both code and stories alive. Read more

  • Proofs, Pre-Orders: A Peek Behind the Curtain

    Proofs, Pre-Orders: A Peek Behind the Curtain

    The first proof copy of The Mereland Chronicles: The Crier has arrived. After years of late nights and spare hours outside work, the official pre-order announcement is coming very soon! Thank you all for the incredible support. Read more

  • Mountain Biking for Mereland

    Mountain Biking for Mereland

    Some writers spend their weekends outlining chapters. I spent mine being flung off a mountain bike in Grizedale Forest, gathering footage for the first book trailers of The Mereland Chronicles: The Crier. Bruises aside, the results were worth it, and soon you’ll get to see how those moss-thick forests shaped the trailers and the story… Read more