VIVISALVE Formulated by Baron Magnus Drinkwater under commission from the king and part-funded by the Sovereign Armaments Division, Vivisalve is a paste compound primarily formed of propolis and the coagulant accelerants vitamin K, Mandragora officinarum, and Guaiacum officinale. The balm is capable of greatly accelerating the healing time of wounds and temporarily boosting the... Continue Reading →
World Beard Day: When Facial Hair Invades Gothic Literature!
Well, as a self-confessed beardy of late (you can't deny it when it's on your face, after all!) I felt I had to mark World Beard Day this year. It would appear that I have endowed a number of my characters in The Procurement of Souls with a moustache at the very least! Here's a... Continue Reading →
To celebrate the wonder of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein this 'Frankenstein Day', here's an extract from my novel, The Procurement of Souls. Have you concocted fiendish machines in your own fiction or have a favourite monster in literature? I'd love to hear from you: leave a comment below!
In Conversation with Claire Buss
http://www.cbvisions.weebly.com http://www.benjamin-hope.com ____________________________________________________________________________ On Creating a Believable World: BH: I wrote a blog a few months back about researching for alternate history novels where I discussed the need for the fictionalised world or premise to be rooted in truth so that the reader has something to... Continue Reading →
On Publishing a Debut
Well it’s taken about 8 years and a lot of blood, sweat and tears, but my debut, The Procurement of Souls, finally went on pre-release this week in anticipation of my official launch on 1st July. It’s a funny mix of excitement and trepidation as one enters into this next phase of the journey but... Continue Reading →
More Than Just a Bookshop…
A few weeks ago, I blogged about the dwindling number of independent bookshops in Bookshops Vs. The Internet: Is This the Reality? Though, prior to coming to Berlin, I’d read about a fantastic example of one that would be situated just under my feet, a couple of blocks north of our apartment. I’m pleased to... Continue Reading →
Finding Inspiration in a Foreign City
The demonstrations here in Berlin on Sunday were a feast for the senses. Looking out from the balcony of our 7th floor flat, we could see the gathering crowds the park-side of the Brandenburger Tor as the numbers grew and spilt down toward the American Embassy. Rainbow flags, glittery gold banners and colourful wigs joined... Continue Reading →
When Technology Fails: Pencil & Pen Vs. The Computer
A Microsoft automatic update completely corrupted my computer late last week and I’ve spent the best part of another week trying to reverse the damage. Finally, after a full factory reset I appear to have everything back and yet there was a point when I felt like hurling it from the 7th floor flat we’re... Continue Reading →
Use Correct Punctuation: Save Lives!
This week I've been tweeting out punctuation omissions and it's true: correct punctuation really can save lives. Indeed, without it, we risk cannibalism and murder. 1. Brian wasn't convinced the sign offered his walking party all that much protection should they be caught in the cross-hairs of a rifle: HUNTERS PLEASE BE CAREFUL SHOOTING RAMBLERS... Continue Reading →
The Procurement of Souls Chapters 1-3
Preview chapters 1-3