Lazarus Carpenter
I have lived in Wales for over twenty five years. Born in North Yorkshire, I am now an author, actor, musician and song writer, previously being a therapist, trainer and researcher, specialising in mental health. He was educated in Middlesbrough, Sheffield and Cambridge. With a fascination for Welsh History, I create worlds within worlds; magical, haunting, spirituality permeating sound moral codes of life. I live quietly with Debbie Eve (also my illustrator and our dog, Noodle in a small cottage surrounded by the beauty of the Brecon Beacons in the Valleys of South Wales.
William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language and the world’s pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England’s national poet and the “Bard of Avon.” Shakespeare’s works, including plays, sonnets, and poems, have had a profound influence on literature and the arts. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.
Some of his most famous plays include “Romeo and Juliet,” “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,” “Othello,” “King Lear,” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” His works explore themes such as love, jealousy, betrayal, ambition, and the human condition. Shakespeare’s writing style is known for its rich language, complex characters, and timeless themes. His contributions to the English language are immense, with many phrases and words he coined that are still used today.
Overall, Shakespeare’s works continue to be studied, performed, and celebrated around the world, making him a cultural icon whose influence extends far beyond the literary realm.
Once upon a time, in a small town nestled between rolling hills and meandering rivers, the skies darkened ominously. It had been a dry season, and the villagers welcomed the rain, hoping it would replenish their crops. But as the first drops fell, they quickly turned into a torrential downpour. Within hours, the gentle streams swelled into raging torrents, and the town was engulfed in chaos. The water rose swiftly, sweeping away everything in its path. Animals sought refuge in trees and rooftops while families scrambled to save their loved ones and belongings. Panic gripped the townsfolk as they watched their world transform into a swirling sea. The cries of people and animals echoed through the storm, merging with the relentless sound of rain pounding against the earth.
A strange light pierced through the dark clouds as the situation grew dire. The townspeople paused, mesmerized by the glowing object descending from the sky. It was a UFO, shimmering in hues of blue and green, casting an otherworldly glow over the flooded landscape. The villagers struggled to comprehend what they witnessed as the UFO hovered above them. Then, a beam of radiant light shot down from the craft, enveloping the town. In an instant, the rain stopped, and the skies cleared. The sun broke through the clouds, bathing the land in warm golden light. The floodwaters began to recede, revealing the remnants of the devastation and the resilience of the town.
Animals cautiously climbed down from their perches, and families reunited, overwhelmed with relief. The UFO hovered for a moment longer as if assessing the situation, then slowly ascended, disappearing into the blue sky. The townsfolk watched in awe, their hearts filled with gratitude. It felt as though they had been given a second chance. In the days that followed, the community came together to rebuild. They shared stories of survival and hope, and their bonds strengthened by the experience. The UFO had not only saved them from drowning but had also reminded them of the fragility of life and the importance of unity. As the crops flourished again, the townspeople often looked up at the sky, wondering if the mysterious visitors would return. They celebrated their survival and learned to appreciate the rain, knowing it could bring both life and peril. The day it rained so much became a tale of resilience, reminding them that even in the darkest storms, there is always a glimmer of hope waiting to shine through.
Nikolai Gogol, a prominent Russian writer of Ukrainian origin, lived from 1809 to 1852. He is considered one of the greatest authors in Russian literature and is known for his unique style and satirical approach to various societal issues. Gogol was born in the Ukrainian Cossack village of Sorochyntsi (now in Ukraine) in 1809. He studied at the Nizhyn Gogol Collegium and later moved to Saint Petersburg to work as a government clerk. His early works were heavily influenced by Ukrainian folklore and culture. Gogol’s most famous work is the novel “Dead Souls,” which satirizes the flaws of Russian society and bureaucracy. He is also known for his short stories, including “The Overcoat,” “The Nose,” and “The Diary of a Madman,” which often blend realism with elements of the fantastic and absurd. A master of the grotesque and the ridiculous, he used these elements to highlight society’s flaws and absurdities. His writing profoundly impacted subsequent Russian literature, influencing writers such as Fyodor Dostoevsky and Anton Chekhov. The works he achieved have been adapted into numerous films, plays, and operas. Gogol’s legacy extends beyond literature, as his name is often used to describe a particular style of dark humour and satire. Struggling with his faith and identity later led to a spiritual crisis, and he destroyed the second part of “Dead Souls” and many of his other manuscripts, possibly due to this crisis. Gogol died in 1852 under mysterious circumstances, and conflicting reports about the cause of his death exist. Nikolai Gogol’s works continue to be studied and celebrated for their wit, originality, and deep insights into human nature and society.
Once upon a time, in a small, frostbitten town, there lived a man named Milligan the Miser. Milligan was notorious for his disdain for Christmas and children. As the holiday season approached, he would retreat to his dimly lit home every year, avoiding the festive cheer that filled the streets. He loathed the laughter of children building snowmen, the carolers singing joyfully, and the bright decorations adorning every house but his. Milligan hoarded his wealth, counting every penny like a precious gem. He believed showing generosity showed weakness and took pride in his solitude. The townsfolk whispered about him, shaking their heads at the old man who seemed to embody the very spirit of Scrooge.
One freezing Christmas Eve, as snowflakes danced outside his window, Milligan sat alone by the fire, grumbling about the holiday. Suddenly, he was jolted awake by a strange noise. It sounded like laughter, but not the kind he detested. This laughter was light and filled with joy, echoing from outside his window. Curious, he peeked outside. To his astonishment, he saw a group of children gathered in the yard across the street. They were building a snowman, their cheeks flushed with excitement. At that moment, a memory flickered in Milligan’s mind—a memory of his childhood, when he once loved Christmas when the laughter had filled his home. But as quickly as the memory appeared, it vanished, replaced by his familiar bitterness. Milligan the Miser closed the curtain, determined to return to his solitude. Yet, as he lay back down, a strange warmth enveloped him, and he drifted into a deep sleep.
That night, Milligan was visited by three spirits. The first, the Ghost of Christmas Past, showed him scenes from his youth—joyful Christmas mornings filled with laughter and love. He saw himself as a boy, running down the stairs to find gifts and family gathered around a tree, their faces glowing with happiness. Tears filled his eyes as he remembered what he had lost.
The second spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Present, revealed the joy that surrounded him. Milligan watched as families celebrated, sharing meals and laughter. He saw the children he had dismissed, their innocence and joy illuminating the dark winter night. He felt a pang of longing for the first time—a desire to be part of their happiness.
Finally, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come appeared, showing Milligan a bleak future. He saw himself alone, forgotten, his wealth turning to dust. The town had moved on without him, and the children’s laughter was replaced by silence. Milligan felt a deep sorrow; he realized that his miserly ways had cost him the warmth of human connection.
When he awoke, it was Christmas morning. The sun streamed through his window, and Milligan felt a spark of joy for the first time in years. He quickly dressed and rushed outside, determined to change his ways. He visited the local bakery, buying sweets and treats to share. He filled his arms with gifts and headed to the town square, where children played.
“Happy Christmas!” he called out, his voice booming with newfound cheer.
The children turned, surprised, but their faces lit up with smiles. Milligan handed out gifts, sharing the joy he had long denied himself. He laughed with them, feeling the warmth of community wrap around him like a cosy blanket. As the day unfolded, Milligan found himself surrounded by laughter and love. The townsfolk welcomed him with open arms, their hearts warmed by his transformation. No longer was he Milligan the Miser; he had become Milligan the Generous, a man who had learned the true spirit of Christmas. From that day on, Milligan embraced the holiday season, filling his home with laughter and joy. He discovered that giving brought him more happiness than hoarding ever had. And every year, as Christmas approached, he looked forward to the festivities and the children’s laughter that filled the air—reminding him of the magic of connection he had once forgotten.
Agatha Christie, born Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller on September 15, 1890, in Torquay, Devon, England, was a renowned English writer known for her detective novels and short stories. She is considered one of the best-selling authors in history, and her works have been translated into many languages and adapted into numerous films, TV series, and plays. Agatha Christie was born into a wealthy upper-middle-class family. She was home-schooled and developed a love for reading and writing from an early age. In 1914, she married Archibald Christie, an aviator in the Royal Flying Corps. They had one daughter, Rosalind Hicks. The marriage ended in divorce in 1928.
Her first novel, “The Mysterious Affair at Styles,” featuring the iconic detective Hercule Poirot, was published in 1920. She went on to write over 60 detective novels, including classics such as “Murder on the Orient Express,” “Death on the Nile,” and “And Then There Were None.” Apart from Hercule Poirot, Agatha Christie created another famous detective character, Miss Marple, an elderly spinster with a knack for solving crimes in the village of St. Mary Mead. In 1926, Agatha Christie famously disappeared for 11 days, sparking a massive manhunt. She was eventually found staying at a hotel under a different name. The reasons for her disappearance remain a mystery to this day.
Agatha Christie continued to write and publish books throughout her life. She received numerous awards for her work and was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1971. She passed away on January 12, 1976, at the age of 85. Christie’s works continue to be popular worldwide, and she is often referred to as the “Queen of Crime” for her contributions to the detective fiction genre. Her books are still widely read and adapted for various forms of media, ensuring that her legacy endures for generations to come.
Lazarus Carpenter - Author 