A heavy frost...

Sometimes a heavy frost can be even more beautiful than snow. I took this picture near where I live.

And those of you who take Aquila magazine - this month, there's the first of a two-part story set in the magical world on the other side of The Divide.

Happy New Year!

I don't seem to be able to upload any pictures at the moment, but it's very cold here and it's been snowing. Anyhow - I hope 2009 is everything you wish for.

A New Poem...

GRIMSPITE

Everybody ran from me,
Snatching my dignity.
But it wasn't as if I'd take their heads on which to feed,
Now my boss was no longer Snakeweed.

Friends were new to me
And Turpsik, she was no beauty!
But she was a friend to me
For all to see!

When I crossed the divide I had so many feasts
So I wrote my book Dining out on Mythical Beasts.
My book created such a buzz
I now work in the library with Betony, Thornbeak, and Granitefuzz.

I'm a peaceful being as you can see
Now I must mention, Turpsik put this poem together for me!

Declaimed by Grimspite, and then written down by Turpsik, who passed it on to Yehudit Charin, (aged 10) from London, England.

Christmas present idea...

If you've given copies of The Divide Trilogy to everyone you know, how about an RSPB membership as a Christmas present with a difference? You can find out about it here: http://www.rspb.org.uk/supporting/join/

Interesting spelling, and Fury gets longlisted...

This is another photograph from Venezuela. The Angel Falls drop from a table-top mountain called a tepui, which was what Sir Arthur Conan Doyle used as the setting for a certain book... Have a look at the poster I snapped, and see if you know what it was.

And I probably ought to add that my last book, Fury, has been longlisted for United Kingdom Literary Association Children's Book Award, 2009, in the 12 - 16 caegory.

Dear Pewtermane,

Is a Sinistrom allowed to change its name? My previous owner didn't respect me in any way and when he crossed into the Divide he had my pebble. Grimspite really inspired me to be a better Sinistrom, so if I can, where can I go to change my name? Please!

Sincerely,

Bloodclaws

Hiya Bloodclaws -
Cool name! Why do you want to change it? I think you should invest in some bright red nail polish, and go for the whole look.
Cheers, Lilywithers
pp Pewtermane

Venezuela

Haven't been able to post much
recently as I've just moved house, and been on holiday in Venezuela.

Here's a selection of photographs...