I am a storyteller at heart, weaving tales inspired by the intricate tapestry of history, mythology, and fantasy. The echoes of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon resonate deeply in my world-building, alongside the timeless elegance of works like Le Morte d’Arthur. My creativity finds its roots in the rich landscapes of ancient civilisations, the resilience of history’s most formidable figures, and the quiet magic of nature—streams whispering through glens, the solemnity of gothic spires, and the ancient allure of forgotten woods. Books have been my lifelong companions, shaping my passion for storytelling. From The Hobbit to Throne of Glass and The Priory of the Orange Tree, they have kindled my imagination and nurtured my love for crafting intricate worlds and layered characters. My writing reflects a deep appreciation for the power of narrative: to inspire, to challenge, and to connect us to something greater. With every story, I strive to explore the complexities of power, love, and destiny, inviting readers to step into realms where the extraordinary becomes profoundly human.
Creative Writing – Weaving tales of fantasy and bringing vibrant worlds to life. History – Exploring the stories of ancient civilisations, legendary figures, and pivotal events. Mythology – Delving into myths and legends from around the globe, especially Greek and Roman tales. Nature Walks – Wandering through forests, glens, and streams for inspiration and tranquility. Animals – A deep love for animals, especially my dogs, who are constant companions and joy-bringers. Languages – Fascinated by linguistics and creating conlangs for my fantasy worlds. Cartography – Admiring and crafting maps to give life to imagined landscapes. Art – Drawn to fantasy concept art and the visual storytelling it evokes. Swordsmanship – Captivated by the art of blades, from the craftsmanship to their historical use. Food – Enjoying delicious dishes and discovering new flavours (but not cooking them!). Architecture – Intrigued by Gothic churches, medieval structures, and ziggurats. Philosophy – Pondering life’s deeper questions and exploring human experiences. Walks Through Old Cities – Strolling through historic places like Oxford, soaking in their charm and stories. Buying Books – The thrill of discovering new stories and adding to my ever-growing collection. Reading – Getting lost in books, from childhood classics to modern epics. Random Research – Deep dives into topics just for the joy of learning something new. Dog Training – Bonding with my pack through training and shared adventures. Long Drives – Exploring new places (preferably without potholes) while enjoying the open road. Thunderstorms – The beauty and drama of a good storm, with rain and thunder as a natural soundtrack. The Bush – The serene wilds of places like the Kruger, full of raw beauty and untamed life. Cutting Music to Make Scores – Crafting playlists and soundtracks that evoke emotion and bring stories to life. The Art of Tea – Exploring the elegance of tea rituals and savouring unique blends. Beautiful Stationery – Especially treasures like those from Scriptum in Oxford; tools for writing, sketching, and dreaming. Perfumes – A love for discovering scents that tell their own stories and evoke vivid memories. Face and Hair Products – Enjoying luxurious skincare and haircare rituals.
Gladiator – For its epic story of honour, revenge, and redemption set against the grandeur of Ancient Rome. 300 – The stunning visuals and relentless bravery of the Spartans in the face of impossible odds. Iron Man – The clever wit, innovation, and redemption arc of Tony Stark, a hero forged by his flaws. Ghostbusters – Its perfect mix of humour, adventure, and the iconic camaraderie of the team. Dead Poets Society – A deeply moving celebration of individuality, creativity, and the power of words. The Mummy – A thrilling blend of adventure, mythology, and charismatic characters. The Prince of Egypt – The breathtaking animation and emotional storytelling of faith, freedom, and destiny. Indiana Jones: The Last Crusade – The exhilarating treasure hunt coupled with the heartfelt father-son dynamic. Brave – A tale of courage and familial bonds, with Merida’s determination to forge her own path. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy – The unparalleled world-building, friendship, and battle against overwhelming darkness. Braveheart – Its passionate depiction of the fight for freedom and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Mary Queen of Scots – The powerful portrayal of political intrigue, resilience, and tragic fate. The Last Samurai – The beauty of cultural transformation and honour amidst sweeping battles. The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf – A dark, gripping exploration of sacrifice, power, and the origins of Vesemir’s heroism.
Game of Thrones – For its rich political intrigue, complex characters, and a world brimming with dragons and destiny. House of the Dragon – The intense drama of Targaryen power struggles and the looming tragedy of their lineage. Castlevania – The gothic art style, nuanced characters, and epic battles between humans, vampires, and monsters. The Witcher – A captivating blend of monster hunting, moral ambiguity, and Geralt’s compelling journey. Supernatural – The enduring tale of brotherhood, family, and battling darkness, with gripping lore and emotional depth. Vox Machina – Hilarious, heartfelt, and action-packed, with an ensemble of unforgettable characters. The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf – A powerful origin story with dark, emotional stakes and stunning animation.
Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire) by George R.R. Martin – The intricate politics, morally complex characters, and richly detailed worldbuilding. House of the Dragon (Fire & Blood) by George R.R. Martin – A compelling history of the Targaryen dynasty filled with power struggles and dragon lore. Le Morte d’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory – The quintessential tale of King Arthur, knights, and the quest for honour and redemption. Dante’s Divine Comedy (Inferno) by Dante Alighieri – The haunting exploration of the afterlife, particularly its vivid portrayal of hell. The Iliad by Homer – A gripping tale of war, honour, and heroism set against the backdrop of the Trojan conflict. The Odyssey by Homer – The legendary journey of Odysseus, filled with adventure, tragedy, and resilience. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy – A monumental exploration of human lives during the turbulence of war and the endurance of peace. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien – A charming and timeless adventure through Middle-earth’s wonders. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon – A feminist fantasy brimming with dragons, politics, and breathtaking worldbuilding. Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan – A modern take on Greek mythology with humour, heart, and heroic quests. The Color Purple by Alice Walker – A profound exploration of resilience, sisterhood, and the triumph of the human spirit. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert – A poignant critique of romantic idealism and societal constraints. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens – A deeply moving story of ambition, love, and redemption. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller – A lyrical retelling of Achilles and Patroclus’s love and tragedy. The Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat – A politically charged and emotionally intense story of power and trust.
George R.R. Martin – For the intricate plots and morally complex characters of A Song of Ice and Fire. J.R.R. Tolkien – The unparalleled architect of Middle-earth and the father of modern fantasy. Sarah J. Maas – For crafting strong, multifaceted characters and rich worlds in Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses. Rick Riordan – For reimagining mythology with wit and heart in Percy Jackson. Dante Alighieri – The poetic visionary of the afterlife in The Divine Comedy. Homer – The legendary bard of epic journeys and heroic battles in The Odyssey and The Iliad. Madeline Miller – For reweaving mythological tales with intimacy and depth in The Song of Achilles and Circe. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – For her powerful narratives and exploration of identity in works like Half of a Yellow Sun. Victor Hugo – The master of drama and humanity in Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. Charles Dickens – For vividly painting the human condition in classics like Great Expectations. Alice Walker – For her deeply moving exploration of resilience in The Color Purple. Sir Thomas Malory – The chronicler of Le Morte d'Arthur, inspiring timeless Arthurian legends. William Shakespeare – For the timeless dramas and profound character explorations of Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra, and the Henriad.
Chess – A timeless battle of strategy, intellect, and foresight. Hades – For its captivating storytelling, mythology, and stunning gameplay loop. Baldur's Gate – A masterpiece of RPG storytelling and immersive world-building. The Witcher series – Rich lore, moral dilemmas, and unforgettable characters. Assassin's Creed Odyssey – For its breathtaking exploration of Ancient Greece and its mythic storytelling. The Sims – A creative escape where you shape lives and build dreams.
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