Did you know that the world’s oldest bookshop is still in operation?

Livraria Bertrand is a Lisbon, Portugal-based bookshop that was opened back in 1732.

It was recognised as the oldest bookshop in the world by the Business Book of World Records in 2011.

It has quite the history, having been destroyed in the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755. It relocated to Rua Garrett where it remains to this day. It’s now a nationwide chain, with 59 branches.

Customers are asked if they’d like a stamp in their book, stating that it was purchased from the oldest bookshop in the world. A special souvenir.

I’d love to visit. Have you?

#WorldsOldestBookstore #BookstoreLove #LiteraryHistory #BookNerd #BookLoversParadise #TravelAndBooks #HistoryLovers #BooksAreLife #ExploreLisbon #OldButGold #Books #Reading #LivrariaBertrand #Lisbon #Portugal ...

Happy Friday, All!

I have five words for you…Victorian Gothic: Volume two audiobook.

I can’t say too much more than that at this stage but just know that I’m very excited!

For now, a reminder that Volume 1: The Uncanny Death of Katherine Kramer is available to listen to via Audible and Spotify. If you haven’t got Audible, they are currently offering a free trial - 99p a month for three months!

It’s expertly narrated by the esteemed Jonathan Keeble and the reviews are in: “Jonathan Keeble brought every character to life with his amazing range of voices!” and “Jonathan Keeble is amazing, the way he brings each character to life is a testament to his skills.”

Chilling Shorts, one of my short story collections, is also available in audio form.

Have a great weekend!

#weekend #writer #author #horrorauthor #goth #fiction #mystery #writing #books #reading #booklife #bookcommunity #booklove #horrorbooks #horrorcommunity #horrorauthor #horrorwriter #gothic #goth #audiobook #listennow #audible #spotify #instabooks #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #horrorbooksofinstagram ...

I wanted to give a shout out to a fantastic small business I recently discovered, Hannah Kate Makes.

Hannah Kate creates whimsical fantasy art that draws on folklore and mythology. There’s some unique Christmas themed pieces on her Etsy shop right now (I especially love the Krampus greeting cards!) and she also takes commissions. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Hannah Kate and can tell you that as well as being a talented artist she is also a lovely human being!

She’ll be at the NightFair Brighton market along with more than 40 other creatives this Saturday so go and say hi if you’re around!

#Art #Artist #Creative #Christmas #ShoutOut #SmallBusiness #Whimsical #Fantasy #Folklore #Surrealist #Krampus #HannahKateMakes #TheNightFair #NightFairMarket #NightFairOnDukeStreet #Brighton #BrightonEvent #ChristmasMarket #AlternativeMarket ...

I recently discovered there’s a word for the fear of running out of books: abibliophobia.

It’s not an official medical term. In fact, it doesn’t even exist in the English dictionary but it sure is a relatable feeling. Could this explain my book buying addiction?!

I also have a fear of running out of time to read all of the books I want to read.

Anyone else?!

#books #reading #booklover #bookcollector #abibliophobia #bibliophile #bookaddict #bookcommunity #bookworm #readers #TBR ...

I finally got round to watching Longlegs and while I enjoyed it overall I can’t say that I found it particularly scary.

Nicolas Cage was…interesting. A Joker-esque character and the film itself felt like a mix of the Zodiac Killer and Silence of the Lambs.

Some very cool, creepy shots and Maika Monroe’s performance was excellent.

Is it overhyped? Probably. Should you watch it if you like satanic serial killer movies? Also probably.

Have you seen it? What did you think?

#Longlegs #MaikaMonroe #ItFollows #NicolasCage #Horror #Thriller #Horrorfilm #movie #review #scary #goth #supernatural ...

One of my favourite short horror films is Curve. If you haven’t seen it, I’d recommend checking it out. You can find it on YouTube.

It’s a 2016 short horror thriller written and directed by Tim Egan. A woman wakes up to find herself trapped on a completely smooth, almost vertical concrete surface. Despite her impossible situation, her survival instinct kicks in and she begins trying to claw her way (with bloody fingertips) to safety. The alternative? Falling into a gaping chasm.

So much is unknown and it is this fear of the unknown that the film preys on.

Egan said the film was inspired by being in a life-threatening car accident and by discussions with people dealing with strong psychological problems and serious depression.

#curve #timegan #horror #horrorshort #film #filmrecommendation #thriller #movie #youtube #depression #grief #mentalhealth #survival ...

Had a great time at the Whitby Autumn Goth Festival. It was a really good weekend catching up with friends and readers alike, with some fantastic feedback on my books.

Thanks to everyone who came and said hello, it’s always very much appreciated. One lovely lady told me how she read volume one in five hours!

Here’s a picture of my stall at the event.

Roll on the next one!

#goth #gothfashion #steampunk #steampunkfashion #gothfestival #gothevent #steampunkevent #author #horror #booksigning #whitby #weekend #autumn #tuesday #smallbusiness #event ...

Happy November, everyone!

A reminder that I’m at the Whitby Autumn Goth Festival today through to Sunday.

You can find me in the ballroom of the Royal Hotel where I’m selling and signing books!

Entry is free and there are so many talented creatives selling their wares, including the fantastic Totally Different, which sells alternative clothing and accessories.

Come along to support small businesses, meet some fantastic people and treat yourself to some new goods - you deserve it!

Don’t miss it!

#goth #gothfashion #steampunk #steampunkfashion #gothfestival #gothevent #steampunkevent #author #horror #booksigning #whitby #weekend #autumn #friday #smallbusiness #event ...

It’s nearly here! Tomorrow is Halloween, traditionally known as All Hallows’ Evening. Who’s excited?!

Now for some Halloween facts:

🦇Halloween originates from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a night during which the boundary between the living and the dead was believed to be blurry.

🦇Back then, turnips were carved instead of pumpkins as pumpkins weren’t commonly grown. The ancient Celts would carve the face of Stingy Jack, a wandering spirit, into their turnips.

🦇The term ‘witch’ comes from the Old English word ‘wicce’, which means wise woman.

🦇An old German tradition called belsnickeling may have preceded trick or treating. Belsnickel is a companion figure to Santa Claus in German folklore who knocked on windows or doors and handed out treats or smacks!

🦇In Hong Kong, Halloween is known as the festival of the Hungry Ghosts, stemming from the belief that hungry ghosts and wandering spirits roam the earth.

If you’re celebrating Halloween, I’d love to know what you have planned. Let me know in the comments below.

#halloween #allhallowsevening #ghosts #costumes #belsnickel #witch #wicce #samhain #tradition #folklore #trickortreat #horror ...

Whitby Autumn Goth Festival 2024 is THIS WEEKEND!

More than 60 traders will be selling their wonderful wares. Entry is free and dogs are welcome!

PnP alternative will be selling their steampunk and goth inspired bespoke headwear and accessories.

Uke n Craft will be selling their unique crafts, including glass blocks and bottle lights, notebooks, fairy and pirate doors and houses and embroidery.

I’ll be selling and signing books - please stop by for a chat!

#goth #gothfashion #steampunk #steampunkfashion #gothfestival #gothevent #steampunkevent #author #horror #booksigning #whitby #weekend #autumn ...

Today is Frankenstein Friday!

It’s a day to celebrate Mary Shelley and her classic horror novel.

It was founded by Ron MacCloskey in 1997 to celebrate Shelley’s 200th birthday.

It’s worth reflecting on the fact that Shelley began writing Frankenstein when she was just 18 years old! She apparently came up with Frankenstein’s character after dreaming of a doctor capable of creating a living being using dead body parts.

The book has hugely influenced literature and popular culture and is worth celebrating.

So, happy Frankenstein Friday!

#FrankensteinFriday #Frankenstein #Halloween #Friday #Horror #GothicHorror #MaryShelley #Reading #Writing #Books #FrankensteinsMonster ...

Have you heard of masklophobia?

It’s an overwhelming fear of masks and costumes that mainly affects children but can also occur in adults.

Halloween is a tricky time for those with this phobia due to the abundance of costumes.

A related phobia is xenohabilzoophobia, which is the specific fear of people in animal costumes.

Time to rethink this year’s costume plans?!

#wordoftheday #phobia #masklophobia #halloween #scary #Thursday ...

I love a haunted house film and choosing a favourite is hard.

Here’s are five that I highly rate:

The Sixth Sense

A chilling ghost story that plays on the idea that children are more receptive to seeing ghosts than adults. This film has one of the best twists ever!

The Conjuring

Who doesn’t like a demonic doll?! The film is (loosely) based on experiences of the real-life ghost hunters behind The Amityville Horror investigation…more on that shortly.

The Shining

It’s a classic. It’s unique. It’s unsettling. It’s Jack Nicholson. It’s Stanley Kubrick. And, of course, it’s Stephen King.

The Amityville Horror

A supernatural film based on a true story. A house in Amityville was the scene of a horrific mass murder and when the house was purchased 13 months after by the Lutz family they reported intense paranormal activity.

Hereditary

This is a clever and shocking film that delves into grief, trauma, ancestry and occultism. Director Ari Aster is a genius!

What’s your favourite haunted house film?

#HauntedHouse #HorrorMovies #GhostStories #ParanormalActivity #SpookyVibes #HauntedMansion #HalloweenMovies #CreepyAtmosphere #SupernaturalHorror #GhostsAndGhouls #ScaryMovies #HauntingSeason #SpineChilling #FrightFest #HorrorAddict #Hereditary #Amityville #TheShining #StephenKing #TheConjuring #TheSixthSense ...

Getting excited for the Whitby Goth Weekend in a couple of weeks (1st-3rd November).

If you haven’t been before, it’s an alternative festival incorporating the Bizarre Bazaar Alternative Market which features over 100 indoor stalls. It was founded in 1994 and has grown to become one of the world’s premier Goth events.

I will have a stall there alongside some amazing sellers, one of which is Steampunkdotglobal.

The global steampunk clothing brand makes incredible clothes, including waistcoats, shirts, corsets and coats and offers a nearly bespoke service to customers. It’s owned by Rob Maybin who, as well as being a good friend of mine, is also hugely talented and a real gent! Check them out!

Check your diary and if you’re free on the weekend of the first of November, come along to Whitby Goth Weekend!

#WhitbyGothWeekend #GothicVibes #WhitbyGoth #GothWeekend #WGW #GothCommunity #VictorianGoth #SteampunkStyle #AlternativeFashion #GothFestival #DarkAesthetic #GothStyle #GothicCulture #WhitbyLife #GothInspiration #Friday ...

Tomorrow from just after midday we will be able to see a special full Moon.

Known as the Hunter’s Moon (named as such as this is the time when people would hunt animals for food in preparation for the cold months), October’s full Moon is a supermoon that is the biggest and brightest of the year.

It will be most clearly visible in the early evening.

NYC-based astrologer Lisa Stardust (incredible name! ) said: “This month’s full moon represents change, growth and transformation. It invites people to reflect on how they can change their lives and explore what the necessary steps are in order to make them a reality.“

Well, it’s as good a time as any!

#HuntersMoon #FullMoon #OctoberFullMoon #AutumnMoon #MoonWatching #LunarMagic #Moonrise #NightSky #HarvestSeason #Moonlight #MoonGazing #FallNights #SpookySeason #WitchyVibes #LunarVibes #MoonLovers #CosmicEnergy #MoonMythology #CelestialEvent #OctoberMoon ...

Happy Monday, everyone.

I wanted to share with you this fantastic line from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. One of my favourite works of gothic literature.

“Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.”

Let’s channel this energy this week, shedding our fear and trusting in ourselves.

#MaryShelley #FrankensteinQuotes #LiteraryWisdom #QuoteOfTheDay #Monday #MondayWisdom #Gothic #GothicLiterature #Frankenstein #Books #Reading ...

Who’s got that Friday feeling? I know I have! As we get ever closer to the weekend, here are four book recommendations that I think are especially fitting reads for this time of year.

I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman

A dystopian post-apocalyptic story of female friendship in a strange, deserted world full of unanswered questions. This is an amazing book that stayed with me long after I finished reading.

The Devil You Know: Stories of Human Cruelty and Compassion by Dr Gwen Adshead and Eileen Horne

Forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist Dr Adshead provides 11 case studies of people who have committed serious offences, exploring violence and the complexity of the human brain. I found this to be a difficult and thought-provoking read.

The Push by Ashley Audrain

A psychological drama exploring the nuances of motherhood and parenting. This is a really tense page-turner that I read in one sitting!

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Another psychological read; this time a thriller. If you love a shocking twist as much as I do, this is definitely for you!

#SpookyReads #OctoberVibes #HorrorBooks #BookRecommendations #FallReads #OctoberReads #BookRecommendations #SpookySeason #AutumnReads #Horror #Thriller #Books #Reading ...

I decided to check out It’s What’s Inside on Netflix after hearing lots of buzz about it and I can confirm that it’s Very Fun!

It’s a thriller with a sprinkling of horror and a generous dose of comedy. The premise is fantastic: An estranged member of a group of friends brings a body-swapping device to a party. The friends play a game where they can all simultaneously swap bodies. Mind-bending chaos ensues!

We’ve seen the body-swapping concept in horror films before but, this time, it’s a conscious choice to swap bodies. The existential nightmare scenario is interesting and, at times, confusing but this adds to the fun.

Have you seen it?

#ItsWhatsInside #PsychologicalHorror #NetflixThriller #HorrorFans #Horror #SciFi #Psychological #Netflix #NewFilm #FilmReview ...

Happy Monday, All. Hope everyone had a good weekend.

I was at the Treasures By The Sea craft fair yesterday. The event raised £1,000 for the British Heart Foundation. Amazing!

This is what my stall looked like. Handbags made by the fantastic Steampunkdotglobal.

Spy the Victorian Gothic tshirt. If you want to grab yourself a spooky VG tshirt or jumper ready for Halloween, head to: https://victorian-gothic.teemill.com/

#Monday #Craftfair #BritishHeartFoundation #crafts #craftstalls #october #Rayleigh #charity #charityevent #author #writer #localbusinesses #smallbusinesses #goth #gothic #steampunk ...

A reminder that I’ll be at the treasure by the sea craft fair in Rayleigh on Sunday.

The fair is being run in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

There will be craft stalls and games, as well as raffle prizes from local businesses!

It’ll be open from 10am until 4pm, and is free to enter.

Hope to see some of you there!

#Sunday #Weekend #Craftfair #BritishHeartFoundation #crafts #craftstalls #october #Rayleigh #charity #charityevent #author #writer #localbusinesses #smallbusinesses ...