‘…A tree is only as strong as the forest that surrounds it.’ The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben The undergrowth crackles deliciously under Jaany’s bare feet. Each step is practised, honed by the teachings of her uncles and aunties, guided by the ancestors with whom she walks. Her steps are light yet sure. Beneath her carefree exterior is a …
Bullheaded clients full of hot air and BS were her bread and butter. It was a typical day in the life of PR Queen, Lydia Spinney. She was the maestro of crisis communication, image enhancement and turning setbacks into comebacks. If you gave Lydia a lemon she wouldn’t turn it into lemonade, she would have you convinced it was a …
The massive structure, three times the size of St Paul’s Cathedral, towered over the surrounding parkland. A feat of engineering and design, its shining glass panels, iron pillars and arched ribs reached for the sky, catching and reflecting the sun’s rays in a dancing kaleidoscope of light. Symmetrical plate glass walls extended either side of a domed transept, also made …
‘Are you sure it’s safe?’ Ignatius Pobblewell III stands in the centre ring of the circus tent, his top hat askew, wringing his gloved hands. The grand opening of his ninja cat circus is mere hours away, and they are far from ready. He stares up at the death-defying trapeze that is one-and-a-half times higher than any other, as well …
Ms Murphy values perfection above all things – at least when it comes to the things she can control. When it comes to the things she can’t control, she finds it prudent not to acknowledge their existence. Unfortunately no-one had informed the universe, which is why the goddesses and gods, and perhaps even God themself, had something entirely different in …
Ignatius Pobblewell III was born to run a circus…until the day he wasn’t. The era of the great circus showmen was over. The strongman took a pay rise to become a WWE wrestler. The bearded lady discovered laser hair removal. And WorkSafe banned launching people out of cannons. The final straw was the last It movie – now everyone was …
‘Do fish have eyebrows?’ I was in the middle of a budget meeting on Zoom when my three-and-a-half-year-old son, Sam, popped up in the background and asked the question. My boss laughed politely at my son’s unexpected appearance and gave Sam a small wave. “Cute kid,’ she said with a strained smile. ‘…So back to the profit and loss sheet—’ …
To celebrate the upcoming launch of first book in my Fae of the Crystal Palace gaslamp fantasy romance series, The Charmed, I have released a FREE origins story, The Pledge, which sets the scene for this Victorian England with Fae world. With the Great Exhibition as a backdrop this series is perfect for fans of Bridgerton and Sherlock Holmes, all with a …
‘Bloody heck.’ Tammy shakes her head. ‘Barry’s at it again.’ Cheryl follows her friend’s gaze to the gangly male specimen “dancing” in front of them. Barry is indeed at it again. He waves two spindly arms in the air, his legs sway erratically underneath him as if they have a mind of their own. His bulging eyes never leave Cheryl. …
Hank Williams warbles from the speakers as I tap my replica cowboy boots on the console. A siren pierces the air. I scramble to attention. The console is a sea of flashing red lights. A solar storm! High Noon is a long-range freighter but slow – she can’t outrun the storm or withstand the solar flares. I’m days from the …