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Spring in the Five Acre Forest

Spring releases a fresh sense of urgency in the forest. Here in New Zealand, spring begins on the first day of September. I listen for the harbinger of the season, pipiwharauroa, the shining cuckoo, whose long soprano aria,

Forests: Courting, or Wilding?

The emotional aspects of conservation create deep bonds with the land

Seeds of the Five Acre Forest

My view on a bright sunny day – clouds paddling in the lake, trees preening along the water’s edge – and it is what I saw from the top of an eroded, weed-infested hill in New Zealand’s far north

Clouds: art in the sky

Clouds: art in the sky Whether we see the sky as a lid shutting us in; a window into infinity; or a perpetual art gallery enticing our imaginations, depends partly on our mood. It also depends on how much sky

Stories and the Art of Living

The power of Scheherazade’s storytelling saves her life. The characters, too, often gain redemption through telling their stories. Even Schahriar, the sultan who holds Scheherazade’s life in the balance each day, is freed from his self-defeating obsession against women

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A compelling travel read and a treat for history lovers.

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“Absolutely wonderful. One of the most fascinating book I’ve read in years.” Valerie Poore, travel writer

“A fantastic read, and gives colour to every period of history it covers.” Sam Law, reviewer

A cultural history of the power of stories in the comedy and tragedy of human affairs.

“Wonderfully written...when you read her books you are in good company.” (Goodreads review)

“Each chapter is a delight ... one superb storyteller telling a great story about another.” Put It In Writing book blog.

Available from UK bookshops and worldwide from The Book Depository.

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'An enormously enjoyable book with tender moments, beautiful descriptive passages and plenty of humour.' Christina O’Reilly

“An unusually perceptive eye guide a lucid, candid and entertaining narrative through a series of adventures ... an alluring and accurate account.” The Australian

A new ebook edition of this popular illustrated travelogue

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“Astounding description, a detailed and lush understanding of language.” Justin Bogdanovitch, In Classic Style magazine.

“An exceptional example of travel memoir...intelligent, thoughtful and entertaining.” Dionne Lister, Amazon review.

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“This is an essential ‘How To’ manual for writers of every sort.” Anne Stormont, Words with Jam.

‘Don’t write before you read this.’ Anne Coates, Amazon Review

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“A rewarding and encouraging book for anyone looking to write.” Lyndsay Healy, New Writer Magazine.

“Each chapter is like attending a master class in creative writing.” Anne Coates, Writers’ Block.

The following two ebooks are available free for private study. They are copyright and no text or images may be reproduced or published without the author’s written permission. To request a copy of either ebook, please use the CONTACT page on the header bar.

“An eye-opening addition to understanding the psychology of story-telling across time...a remarkable achievement.” Dr Denis Wright, Amazon review.

An illustrated ethnography of tourism and culture change on Marinduque Island in the Philippines.

“A powerful and inspirational book on a little known tradition.” Stavros Halvatzis, Amazon review.