This week we have:
A poll - how often would you like to receive a newsletter?
A David Sands Writing Competition entry: Character Building by Carol Malone
In History and Happenings: The Coronation of William the Conqueror: A Turning Point in English History
Jodi Taylor Book Recommendation: Inspector Hobbes and the Blood by Wilkie Martin 💙📚
The Book of the Month is Hard Time by Jodi Taylor
There’s plenty to read this week and you can see everything new on the blog too. CLICK HERE for the blog.
Please tell us what you think - is a weekly newsletter too frequent?
Would you prefer to get one every two weeks or even monthly? Please vote in the poll and add comments below - thank you.
Character Building by Carol Malone
I know, I know, I really shouldn’t have done it, but it was like an earworm. Every time I switched on the computer, every time I checked my emails or trawled the internet for news there it was – a pop-up ad “BE PART OF THE STORY”. I ignored it for such a long time but in the end, I went down that rabbit-hole and l lived to regret it, except I didn’t live to regret it.
Be Part Of The Story: did you ever wonder what the minor characters in a story think, if they played a small but significant role in the hero’s journey?
Did you ever want to dance beside Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett at the Netherfield ball? Stand at Helm’s Deep? Try not to buy something from Cut My Own Throat Dibbler?
Now here is your chance complete the survey, and we will insert you into your favourite novel.
There were the obvious questions, name, age, location, favourite book/author/character and was I of sound mind and body. That last question gave me a moment’s hesitation, but only a moments, and so I filled in the questionnaire and pressed send. Nothing happened. I thought you idiot that was just a marketing ploy to get your details and now you’ll be inundated with offers to take out subscriptions for “book of the month” clubs and annoyed with myself I pushed it to the back of my mind and got on with my boring, stale life.
Please note that the David Sands Writing Competion ends on 31st August so please get your entried in soon!
The Coronation of William the Conqueror: A Turning Point in English History
The coronation of William the Conqueror marked a pivotal moment in English history. As William ascended the throne of England, he ushered in a new era characterised by Norman rule and profound changes in governance, society, and culture. Let’s explore the events leading up to William's coronation, the significance of the ceremony itself, and its lasting impact on England.
William, Duke of Normandy, claimed the English throne following the Battle of Hastings on October 14th, 1066, where he decisively defeated King Harold II and his Anglo-Saxon forces. With Harold's death on the battlefield, William's path to the throne was clear, though he faced resistance from Anglo-Saxon nobles and continued rebellions in the years that followed.
In the aftermath of his victory at Hastings, William moved swiftly to consolidate his power and assert his claim to the English throne. He marched triumphantly through southern England, receiving the submission of key cities and fortresses along the way. By the time Christmas arrived, William had firmly established himself as the de facto ruler of England, though his coronation would serve as a symbolic affirmation of his legitimacy.
On Christmas Day, 1066, William the Conqueror was crowned king of England in a solemn and grandiose ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London. The coronation was conducted by Archbishop Ealdred of York, who anointed William with holy oil and presented him with the English crown. Despite the absence of a formal coronation charter, the ceremony followed the traditional rites and rituals of medieval coronations, affirming William's divine right to rule and his role as the protector of the Church.
Jodi Taylor Book Recommendation: Inspector Hobbes and the Blood by Wilkie Martin 💙📚
A reporter with nothing to lose. An inspector with something to hide. The Cotswolds’ newest odd couple is on the case—the first book in the Unhuman series.
I really loved this book. You get to meet the unusual inspector Hobbes, who isn't quite human: a housekeeper who collects teeth and a hapless journalist who always gets into trouble and needs rescuing. Throw in a theft and you have a hilarious read with great pace and characters. It's funny and odd at the same time.
Have you enjoyed this book too?
The Book of the Month is Hard Time
I love getting the weekly newsletter, but I've voted for every 2 weeks as I'm thinking it would be easier for you. I'd rather you be resting or concentrating on your new books.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the newsletters very much, but at the same time I wonder if trying to crank out a newsletter on a weekly basis results in an additional workload that could lead to burnout?