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There are many books and stories which have touched my heart and soul over the years, reading was something that I did as a child and it’s been very hard to pick my five most favourite stories of all times but I’ve finally narrowed it down. My favourite stories as a child were Matilda by Roald Dahl and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Matilda was one of the first tales that I ever remember getting really excited over as the characters and world were completely fascinating and i...

We spoke to the lovely Pixie Emslie about her book and her inspirations. Read on to find out more! Did you always dream of becoming an author? I always wanted to write, but am not sure that I dreamed of anything quite as big as becoming an author. I wrote my first ‘book’ at school – a mystery which I illustrated as well. What was your first job? After completing a BA degree at the University of Natal in Durban, majoring in English and Politi...

We spoke to Claire Merchant about her books, writing and a bit about her life! Read on to find out more. Did you always dream of becoming an author? I would have, if I had thought it was a possibility. I always enjoyed writing and stories, but I thought that the only way to make something of it was to become a journalist or something like that. So, I studied literature and media with the expectation to go into that field, but I didn’t feel like I quite fit the mould. Instead, I...

We love books. It’s kind of our thing. We can’t deny that Kindle’s have grown in popularity over the past couple of years. Fun fact: 1 in 10 households don’t have any books in their house. Now is that such a ridiculous thing? We automatically think – that’s impossible, not one book? But those extra techy people understand it, why have a book shelf taking up room when you can have all of those books in one place: A Kindle. So what are the pros and cons o...

We love books, that's an obvious one. Today we thought we would bring back some oldies but goodies. Remember them? Maybe you should have a look at the back of your book shelf and see if any are there? Or go to the shop an buy them again! Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone – J.K. Rowling Ella Enchanted – Gail Carson Levine The Bone Collector – Jeffrey Deaver Dragon Rider – Cornelia Funke Underworld – Don Delillo There Wa...

In conversation with Stuart Maskell, read on to discover his first ever job to the struggles, memories and life as a published author. Did you always dream of becoming an author? No, not at all. Being dyslexic and doing very badly at school was not a great start. I always knew I had the story ideas wising constantly around my head and a reputation to boot for spinning a great yarn out of a seemingly simple tale, but I waited 30 more years for the confidence to write one down....

We’re looking at unusual narrators and viewpoints today. They say there are only ever seven basic plots in the world and that every story you read, you’ll have heard before. That may be so, but we’re fairly sure you won’t have heard it from these points of view before. The Bees by Laline Paull Quite possibly one of the strangest premises you’re likely to hear: a dystopian, totalitarian society set in a hive of bees. That bee-ing said, this is actually a fantas...

We thought we would share four lovely poems we think you should read. Phenomenal Woman – Maya Angelou Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size But when I start to tell them, They think I’m telling lies. I say, It’s in the reach of my arms, The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me. ...

Colin R Parsons’ second book with us (his thirteenth overall) is due for release on the 26th January. It is the story of bullied teenager Joseph, and the new power and adventure he unleashes when touching a mysterious disc. Read on to hear Colin’s thoughts on the story, his inspiration, and his advice for those going through similar problems to Joseph. How would you describe D.I.S.C and who would you say it is aimed at? This book is aimed at ages 8yrs to 80 yrs – if ...