A creative writer draws on a unique set of experiences and responses to existence. Their imaginative and experimental approaches are original, shaped by their culture. When we write, this is what we share with the world.
AI LLMs (large language models), such as ChatGPT or Claude, can generate stories in the guise of creative writing. It's not unlike using a calculator, which provides answers without the mind fully engaging in the thinking and reasoning processes that develop, strengthen, and maintain maths skills.
"Jem gave me all the help I needed to successfully publish my memoir. I looked at several options but I'm just so glad I choose him to convert my manuscript and numerous photographs into a pleasing book. We got through the process of deciding on a cover quickly, finalising the proof and printing, all within the agreed timeframe. I couldn't have done this as cost effectively without his help."
Andy Nelmes
"Extremely conscientious, reliable and helpful, always paying great attention to detail and making sure that each task is carried out to schedule... superb creative flair and an excellent eye for design, illustration and photography."
Jane Morgan
"Greenhill Arts was extremely lucky to have Jeremy on board during the early days of the gallery's development. He was instrumental in the design and layout of our posters, logo and regular programme brochure. He has a sharp eye for detail and aesthetics and he always delivers on time. I would not hesitate to recommend Jeremy for his professionalism, communication skills and sensitive approach to design."
Veronica Gould
"It was a pleasure working with Jem on a jacket project of mine. He was an excellent sounding board and was very patient with me as I worked through my ideas trying to find what I was looking for. He was quick to respond and unfailing in his enthusiasm and support. I look forward to working with Jem again."
Bob Fairbrother
"An eye for detail and a comprehensive knowledge of book publishing. Jeremy's editorial comments on a manuscript by an author of mine helped her to re-draft key elements of her novel, which is now on submission to UK publishers, and I was extremely pleased by his attention to deadline and accuracy."
Susan Yearwood
"I've used Jem's editorial services many times over the years – always reliable, dependable, and a great job."
Tracey Francis
"I was able to publish my poems, and see them in print – the collaborative process and thoughtful feedback made it easy and I was delighted with the design of the result."
Nadine Roissetter
"Jeremy was a great help to me as an editor on my first book. Though I consider myself critical, he showed me approaches to editing my work that I had never considered before. I always value a second opinion, and Jeremy provided me with excellent and professional assistance."
Daniel Manktelow
"I have worked with Jeremy on several projects and really value his combination of editorial accuracy and sensitivity towards the text. It's hard to hand your work over, and I have come to trust him with my projects both big and small."
Gemma Watson
"Absolutely beautiful front cover tempting you to read."
Amazon review of King by Chloe Fowler
"Can't quite believe this book is in my hands… it's not a cliché to say there's no way I could have done this without you."
Chloe Fowler, author of King
"Understands the storytelling psyche with insight and wisdom. I am indebted to him for the most valuable creative writing lesson one could wish for."
Jeff Lowe, musician and author of The Porch
"The feedback I received was insightful, honest and incredibly constructive. Jeremy really engaged with my novel and helped me to move forward with confidence and clarity at the point I needed it most."
Nikki Hampton
Why we look to classics of midwinter literature in the dark months
One genre of children's literature is master of ceremonies at this time of year: those books we turn to in the hope they will throw wintry sunlight and lazy candle-flame on the mind. Christmas is traditionally a time for ghost stories, but these are not tales to chill or disturb, although a varying amount of potential peril is key.
Midwinter reading and children's classics: four homes that house the veil between the past and the present
Four books and four houses: all involve travel into past centuries and immersion in history. They do so from a setting which represents 'home', albeit a temporary one: the protagonists are all visitors, but the issue of belonging is key.
Before exploring the themes in later posts I'm going to summarise the houses which are featured, and how they might affect the authors' treatment of 'time that has passed'. The illustrations are from the TV adaptations from 1978-1989, except for Green Knowe, which is from Lucy Boston's book Memories.
All the books feature yule celebrations or midwinter scenes.
Alison Uttley's 1938 novel 'A Traveller in Time', adapted for TV in 1978 by Diana De Vere Cole and directed by Dorothea Brooking
This adaptation brought the setting into the present day: Diana De Vere Cole did a neat job, focusing on Penelope's emotions as she slips in and out of a Tudor world (cutting out the brother and sister detaches her from a peer group, isolating her further in 'real' life, which heightens the sense of disorientation); retaining Alison Uttley's inheritance of deep traditions of rural domesticity; and letting the obvious dramatic irony heighten the air of doom around the Babington family with their efforts to rescue Mary Queen of Scots.
"It should go on the bookshelf alongside The Wind in the Willows."
Contemporary review of The Children of Green Knowe, Times Literary Supplement
The Children of Green Knowe features a series of tableaux, three key points in the lives of the children of a 17th century family: Toby, Alexander and Linnet. As the stories unfold, a lonely boy and elderly woman encounter their spirits in the present day, gentle ripples disturbing everyday life in the manner of an M R James story.
I was still very young when I discovered Green Knowe via the TV series from 1986, but it made a deep impression by bringing together things I loved: an ancient house full of stories, the 17th century, an undefined gothic presence neither real or imagined, a fireplace shedding amber light, all set for making toast, drinking tea and hearing about was and what might have been.
