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.

  • Chapter Titles: That is the Question

    Chapter Titles: That is the Question

    By PJ Scribbans One of the quiet decisions every novelist faces might seem trivial from the outside, but it can shape the entire reading experience: Should you use chapter titles… or not? When I began writing The Mereland Chronicles: The Crier, this question lingered in the background as I crafted the plot. Some authors prefer… Read more

  • Challenges of Writing Historical Mystery

    Challenges of Writing Historical Mystery

    Writing historical fantasy is a unique challenge, one that demands a careful dance between fact and imagination. When I began The Mereland Chronicles: The Crier, I knew I wanted a story deeply rooted in the English Lake District: its rich history, its haunting landscapes, and importantly, a prequel thread to the legend of the Claife… Read more

  • The Hidden Secrets of Mereland

    The Hidden Secrets of Mereland

    The English Lake District is steeped in legends, but few are as eerie as the tale of the Claife Crier; a spectral monk whose mournful wails echo across Windermere. In The Mereland Chronicles: The Crier, this chilling myth is more than just folklore; it’s the key to something far greater. As Henry and Hannah step… Read more

  • Decoding the Mereland Title

    Decoding the Mereland Title

    Titles shape stories, and The Mereland Chronicles: The Crier by PJ Scribbans needed one that captured its haunting atmosphere. Inspired by the Lake District’s meres and the eerie legend of the Claife Crier, the title emerged naturally. This is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes insights into the novel’s creation! Read more

  • Character Notes: Brother Michael

    Character Notes: Brother Michael

    In The Mereland Chronicles: The Crier, Brother Michael is a bumbling, overly enthusiastic monk whose loyalty to Henry borders on excessive. As the Abbey’s unofficial exorcist, his vague prophecies and clumsy intuition hint at a lurking malevolence. Though often dismissed, his well-meaning heart and peculiar talents make him both a burden and a blessing. Read more

  • Furness Abbey: The Heart the Crier

    Furness Abbey: The Heart the Crier

    Furness Abbey is more than a ruin, it’s the heart of The Mereland Chronicles: The Crier. Once a place of power, learning, and faith, its echoes shape Henry’s journey. Explore its rich history, legends of hidden tunnels, and the whispers of betrayal that linger among its ancient stones in the Vale of Nightshade. Read more