Walking with Romans

Letocetum (Wall, Nr Lichfield, Staffs) is run predominantly by the National Trust, with a bathhouse under separate guardianship of English Heritage. Near to the junction of Ryknild/Icknield Street and Watling Street, it is not far from the discovered location of the Staffordshire Hoard (now in the combined care of Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Stoke-On-Trent). This Roman staging post was built in the 1^st Century over an earlier Brythonic settlement known as ‘Letoceton’ (leto – grey, ceton – wooded area). Initially inhabited by the 14^th Legion until 130AD, the town was afterwards run by the civitas of Cornovii from their capital in Viroconium (Wroxeter). The bathhouse served travellers, while the wattle and daub mansion provided lodging for official couriers to the Roman Empire. There was possibly an amphitheatre, basilica and a temple to Minerva, Goddess of wisdom and sponsor of arts, trade and defence.

Mentoring: Honing my inner Hawk

            For the last three months I have been under the gentle wing of a mentor. As a hawk on the hunt, I have been learning to focus. My initial instincts were to flee in fear of my first meeting, to hide under the table in the coffee shop and pretend I wasn’t there. Having had my work scrutinised by a knowledgeable editor and finding myself waist-high in a rewrite of grand proportions, I was uncertain how helpful the mentoring would be. I was following the editor’s instructions and juggling with new ideas bred from that process. I found my bravery and embraced the experience.

Tied in Knots

           Since childhood I have been fascinated by the Saxons and Vikings. I took every opportunity to explore their lives, either through re-enactment events at carnivals, reading at the library, or visiting historical sites with my family. At fancy dress parties I am always drawn to elaborate gowns worn by medieval ladies, later finding myself wishing I had gone as a warrior in chain mail. A former art student, I am intrigued by patterns and textures, shapes and dyes, a passion I share with my mother who studied textiles. Writing historical novels set during these periods has renewed my interest in art, inspiring me in new ways. It was writing about chain mail that first set my mind off on an artistic exploration of links and knots.

Kindred Spirits

Recently I have heard many conflicting views concerning the effectiveness of twitter and all it has (or doesn't have) to offer. Personally, I was hesitant to join and feared it. I did not know it, however, and so forced myself to. I am so happy I did. I have discovered opportunities, gained knowledge and experience and met so many good people. This weekend was one such meeting of good people that I am so grateful to have found.

A New Leaf...

For all the portent and mystery 2012 brought with it, the year seems to have been a melange of strife and success for many; as though counter-balancing itself day by day.  As we approached and passed the winter solstice, our futures balancing on the horizon; that precipice of opportunity and creative expression, how many of us wondered where our journeys would take us?  I, for one, was grateful to have found more time to write and complete the rewrite my editor recommended.  The next exciting venture is to finally have office space to dedicate solely to my writing, rather than hot-desking around the house!

Saxon Combat

I recently donned a helmet and shield to adopt the mindset of a 5^th Century Saxon warrior, to enhance my research on the first novel in my Saga trilogy.  With the help of Andy Pilkington I was shot at by arrows, advanced in a shield wall and took out an opponent with axe and sword.  Most of the action was slow-motion relay and we discussed how to wield the weaponry, though I found there are some things you cannot slow down.

Although it's been a while since I've posted I have not been idle.  Honest.  I've been as busy as the birds in my garden who have been foraging for nesting materials and fending off rivals among the conifers and apple trees.  In a way, I have also been nesting, preparing something that I hope will support me.  Only instead of twigs, fluff and feathers I have been using pens, paper and my computer.