A certain amount can be learned about Christmas on Ragaris from the end of “We Do Not Kill Children” and the rest of the canon, especially “The Queen’s Gift”, which is here https://www.penelopewallace.com/the-queens-gift/. I do know a bit more – although it should be remembered...
Something rather different: two years ago I was asked to produce a Christmas short story set in Marod for Mightier Than The Sword's online publicity. So this is a little snippet of pre-"We Do Not Kill Children" backstory. Apologies to any of you who've read...
So it’s officially summer. That’s good. What’s your favourite season? Let’s see how they measure up: SUMMER. Pro: Occasional warm sunny weather, even in Britain Wimbledon (must revise my mental list of singles winners: those confusing Williams sisters!) Day trips out to nice places Picnics, BBQs etc. Even I can tolerate...
As we wander round the shopping centres or do the washing-up, favourite Christmas songs and carols come at our ears from all directions. And every family has its Christmas film and TV traditions. What about books? I am not here talking about Advent reflections, which I...
In a previous blog post/rant about the busyness of Christmas (https://www.penelopewallace.com/christmas-busy-ness/), I said this: “Most bought Advent calendars are a consumerist tacky nightmare, but that is a completely different rant.” Today I’ve decided to write that rant. This may offend… What is an Advent calendar? Basically, it’s surely...
Festive greetings to all. (Warning: high saccharine content) A few days ago, I let rip on the subject of the excessive pressure on people, spiritual and otherwise, of the Christmas season. Although the season is not over (12 days!) it has peaked, and I am now in...
Once upon a time there was a bishop called Nicholas. The legends about him say that he threw money in at a window to fill shoes of poor children. And the great myth was born. Any country as dreich as Britain at this time of year...
Christmas is coming, and I am very busy, so instead of writing a new post I have decided to reproduce a short document I wrote for myself and friends in 2013 about being busy at Christmas. Apologies to those who have seen this before. The 2013...