A writing update

Since telling you about our new children’s book, I thought I’d give you an update and let you know about another project that I’m currently working on.

Firstly, The All-seeing Golden Lion is now a glorious physical book, and we’re thrilled with it. We took a copy up to Dunadd a couple of weeks ago, so that the Lion could return to his Palace (in the story, this is where he lives).

There’s never a bad time to go up Dunadd.  It’s lovely in all seasons.  From the summit, you can see the curves of the River Add as it winds its way through Moine Mhor and flows out to the sea at Crinan. You can, if you like, place your foot in the rock-carved footprint where new kings of Dalriada were inaugurated, and you can look for the last remnants of the old hilltop fortress. Walking the zigzag path up there is a kind of ritual in itself – you eventually pass between deep clefts of rock and by the time you reach the top you feel as if you’re entering a presence.

If you’re interested in knowing more, the books are available on Colin’s website (as are some of the original illustrations.)

At present I’m working on a book for the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, about explorers, campaigners and public figures who have a connection with the Society. This entails not just researching historical figures, but interviewing contemporary people about their experiences, and finding out why they are drawn to some of the Earth’s most remote or beautiful or challenging places.

The book will be called Voices of the Earth, and the aim is to publish it in the first half of next year. Already it’s taking shape and I’m very happy with the way it’s progressing. The people I’ve already spoken to have been so helpful and generous with their time.  And what inspirational stories they have to tell!  A lot more still to do, but it’s such an exciting project.

Just a fraction of the reading material – most is over at RSGS HQ

And next week (19th July) I’ll be down at Brimham Rocks in Yorkshire, where the National Trust have organised an afternoon that comprises an optional guided walk followed by a chat between myself and NT archaeologist Mark Newman, about my book, Britain’s Landmarks and Legends. I think some tickets are still available – you can find more information here.

Thinking about all this work is making Purdey very tired…

Colin and I have had several excursions out into forests and other wonderful places, and we’re planning more.  Stay tuned for blog posts, and thank you for your interest in all these developments.