In these more welcome days of equality between the sexes we usually forget that the often cited ‘Gentler Sex’ can have dark and disturbing trains of thought that are more than the equal of their male brethren. Indeed, they can manipulate words in a matter of lines from comforting and loving to dark, foreboding and utterly terrifying. These femme fatales really do create stories that leech vile characters into dark and disturbing quite horrific narratives.

An author’s talents may seem obvious and indisputable as they move words and ideas into gathered phrases and stories.But where do these ideas and stories come from? A lonely thought that suddenly gathers form? An inspiration from a Muse? A suggestion from an everyday event?Perhaps in the case of their darker, more malevolent stories, other forces are at work. They help to nourish single words into sentences and paragraphs that ease themselves from the shadows and are sudden...

Let’s be clear. We are all equal under the law. However, even in these more modern times that is not an absolute and still remains a distant ambition for many.In the days when Britain ruled the waves and bestrode the world as its policeman and plunderer in chief it also subjugated half of its own people to second class status. Women were chattel and property. There were some exceptions based on wealth and birthright but for the overwhelming majority your lot was to fall in with the...

A stunning collection of artwork from the Arborealists, a group of highly skilled artists who feature trees, forests and woodland as their most vital subjects.The Arborealists' diverse and influential work highlights protected woodland's history and changing landscapes, as well as illuminating the enchantment of ancient trees. Each member has developed their own artistic language, showcasing manifold applications in everything from scale, medium, style and philosop...

Wie zähmt man einen außer Kontrolle geratenen Bad-Boy-Rockstar? Gar nicht … oder doch? Der gefeierte Rockstar Nate Grant lebt nach seinen eigenen Regeln – zumindest so lange, bis ihn ein Gericht in Florida wegen wiederholter Straftaten neben einer saftigen Geldstrafe auch zu Sozialstunden verdonnert. Das passt Nate überhaupt nicht in den Kram. Noch weniger allerdings die Sozialarbeiterin, die ihm für die Einhaltung dieser Stunden vor die Nase gesetzt wird. Louisiana Harper ist das komplett...