Welcome to our reading, writing, and musings page, where we celebrate the beauty of language, the power of storytelling, and the joy of creative expression. Here, we explore the many facets of the written word, from the art of storytelling to the craft of writing, and the myriad ways in which literature can inspire, inform, and transform our lives.

Through a variety of mediums, including essays, poetry, book reviews, and personal reflections, we aim to create a community that values the written word and embraces the power of self-expression. Whether you're an avid reader, a seasoned writer, or simply someone who enjoys the beauty of language, we invite you to join us on this journey of discovery and exploration.

Stocksbridge - poetic licence

In the valley where the river winds,Lies Stocksbridge, of days and nights entwined,A town born of iron and steel,Where once the hammer rang with zeal. From ancient woods to forges bright,The mills arose in morning’s light,With chimneys tall and flames aglow,They cast the town in a fiery glow. The workers came with hands of grit,To […]

Leaving

Nicky stood at the edge of the village, his heart heavy with conflicting emotions as he gazed upon the familiar sights that had been his home for as long as he could remember. The cobblestone streets, lined with quaint cottages, seemed to hold within them the echoes of countless memories. Memories of laughter shared with […]

The Bridal Shop

There was a sensory tapestry of musty, damp earth intermingled with the sharp tang of decayed organic matter. Cobwebs hung from the ceiling and walls like blankets. Spiders criss-crossed the floors, not the usual ones, but those huge meaty ones that you find in jungles. I thought I saw a snake slither to the far […]

An Awakening

Yousef crouched beneath the shattered remnants of what once had been his home. Dust and smoke filled the air, blurring the fading sunlight that struggled to break through the broken windows. His heart pounded in his chest, each beat like the thudding of distant artillery. Ten years old and already accustomed to the sounds of […]

Manners cost Nothing

In the dimly lit corridors of Manners Manor, whispers swirled like shadows, spreading tales of Lady Mary Manners and her diabolic manners. She was a tempest in a teapot, a storm dressed in silk, wreaking havoc wherever her whims led her. With a demeanour as cold as the winter wind, she terrorized her staff, ruling […]

Bumpton Rovers Forever

This week’s tale takes us to the quaint town of Bumpton. Here lived a girl named Esmerelda. Esmerelda wasn't your ordinary girl; she had an obsession, a passion that consumed her every waking moment - Bumpton Rovers, the local football team. Now, you might wonder what's so special about this football team? Well, let me […]

Football has a Racism Problem...

At the weekend my favourite football team, Sheffield Wednesday, was embroiled in controversy. Not the usual method of humiliation this time, but the scourge of racism once again. An opposition player was greeted to monkey chants by a section of the crowd. Not a pretty sight. Worse was to come on the forums after when […]

New Year

The dead days were amongst us. Those low light grey dreary days between Christmas and New Year. New Years Eve night was eerily quiet. The damaging storms of the previous week had blown themselves out. The once-raging winds and lashing rains had given way to an eerie calm, casting a serene hush over the countryside. […]

Writing Groups, What do they offer?

Writing is a solitary endeavor, often undertaken in the quiet corners of one's mind. However, the journey of honing one's craft becomes immensely rewarding when shared with like-minded individuals. Writing groups, whether physical or virtual, offer a dynamic and supportive environment that can significantly enhance your growth as a writer. In this blog post, we'll […]

AI - What the Future Holds ?

The future is here, the future is bright. There’s no need to learn for exams, no need for authors to write. All we must do is chat to your phone and it’ll spew out another groundbreaking novel. School kids only need to ask the laptop to complete their assignments. Minutes later the piece on Alexander […]

House of the Experience

I can remember vividly the first time I visited Rameshi's House of Experience. It was a hazy, sultry summer afternoon, the sort that makes you not want to expend much energy. It was a day for taking it easy, not rushing anywhere. A smell of coffee and freshly baked bread wafted over from the bakery […]

Woody The Lost Years

‘Howday partner’ ‘Reach for the Stars’ ‘There’s a snake in my boots’ That’s what you expect me to say isn’t it? The standard phrases that spew out of my mouth giving you familiarity throughout all the films we made. Not sure what we’re up to right now, is it three or four? To be honest […]

1 2 Next »

Latest Books Reviews

1 2 3 … 18 Next »