Picture this......

As I have mentioned before, I use the countryside and its history as inspiration for my writing.

I am lucky to be surrounded by the real land and history in which my fictional charaters are based - the Border lands between Scotland and England.

They are a lot more peaceful now but never really tame!

Standing in a ruined castle, or gazing over heather clad hill, I can really be standing on the spot where a Border Riever once stood, and looking at the same view which has probably not changed over the 500 years since he stood on this spot.

This conjours up pictures in the my mind, which I then weave into a tale, a story.

The emotion, too, comes from the tangible surroundings - bubbling hill streams (or burns as they are called here), twisted wind-bent trees, gullies where snow clings well into the Spring, fortified towers and bastle houses, ancient tales and folklaw and even the haunting sound of the Northumbrian pipes. (Ill write a blog about them soon)

I will describe the surroundings and countryside in the books, but I thought it would be nice to post a collection of photos and short videos, so you can see for yourself.

Unfortunately we are in lockdown, which is not too bad as I am in the middle of nowhere, but it does mean that I have not been able to get out and about. However, this has given me time to get concentrating on marketting and publicity.

Words are great for spreading the word, but I find pictures are better - I am always drawn to a Tweet that has a pic or, even better, moving pictures. Instagram goes one better and includes music and audio.

With this in mind I set about putting together a short "mood" clip for the Border Lords Honour - attached to this post and on the front page of the website.

The result is great!!! It gives you an idea how I write and derive inspiration.

My Scrivener file is full of snaps of hidden valleys, wildlife, and of course, ruins. When I write (by dictation) I look at the photos and put the charaters and action into them. A photo in front of me helped the following....

'The track wound ahead of them, threading its way through huge boulders and scattered thorn trees.

Jack checked his pony and cocked his head to oneside, listening. A frown creased his brow, "riders. We are followed and followed hard." Turning in his saddle he shaded his eyes, peering back the way they had come. "There," he said, pointing at the creast of the hill. "Ride, ride like the devil is at your heels."

Emily did not move.

Jack gazed at her, his eyes buring, "Go, ride."

"But-"

"Ride, I will hold them back, give you a chance."

"No, I will not leave you, I can not, just when I have found you" Emily said her voice catching.

"Dont worry lass, you'll not loose me," Jack grinned, "I promise. I've been doing this kind of thisg all my life. Follow the road to Kilmade Tower, you'll be safe there."

Before Emily could reply, he slappped her horses rump and it leapt away down the road.'

This is not spoiler, don't worry, just an example.

I do do not want to over fill my website with photos, so i will send out pics and locations that the books feature on my Newsletter. Sign up and I will keep you in the loop - see were Jack, Emily, and all the other characters live, love and breathe!