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.
James Joyce (1882-1941) was an Irish novelist, short story writer, and poet who is considered one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. He is best known for his groundbreaking work, Ulysses, published in 1922. This modernist novel follows the wanderings of Leopold Bloom through Dublin over the course of a single day. Joyce’s writing is known for its complex narrative structures, experimental use of language, and exploration of themes such as consciousness, identity, and the human condition. His earlier work, “Dubliners” (1914), is a collection of short stories that vividly portray the lives of ordinary Dubliners.
Another major work by Joyce is “Finnegans Wake” (1939), a highly experimental and dense novel known for its complex wordplay and multilingual puns. Joyce’s writing style has had a significant impact on modern literature and has inspired many other writers. Joyce’s work is often seen as challenging and can require readers’ effort, but it is also highly rewarding for those who engage with it. His influence on the development of modernist literature cannot be overstated, and he continues to be studied and celebrated for his innovative approach to storytelling.Â
Once upon a time, in a quiet village nestled between rolling hills, there lived an old man named Elias. Known for his wisdom and gentle spirit, Elias was often seen tending to his garden or sharing stories with the village children. Few knew of his past; he had once been a renowned scholar and adventurer who travelled the world searching for knowledge and truth. One fateful day, a dark cloud descended upon the land. An ancient evil, long thought vanquished, had awakened. Creatures of shadow began to emerge, spreading fear and chaos. The villagers were terrified, and many fled their homes, believing nothing could save them.
Elias, however, felt a familiar stirring within him. He remembered the old prophecies about the “Keeper of Light” rising in times of darkness. Determined to protect his home, he gathered his few belongings and set off on a quest to confront the evil that threatened the world. His journey led him to the Whispering Woods, where he sought the wisdom of the ancient spirits. They revealed that the source of the darkness was a powerful crystal hidden deep within the Caves of Despair. Only by uniting the fragments of the Light Stone scattered across the land could he hope to confront the malevolence.
Elias travelled far and wide, facing numerous challenges along the way. He helped a village beset by drought by teaching them sustainable farming techniques, earning the first fragment of the Light Stone. He rescued a trapped beast in the mountains, gaining another fragment in gratitude. Each act of kindness brought him closer to his goal and rekindled hope in the hearts of those he encountered. Finally, after many trials, Elias gathered all the fragments and made his way to the Caves of Despair. Inside, he faced the embodiment of darkness itself—a towering figure wreathed in shadows. With courage in his heart, Elias held the Light Stone high, channelling the love and kindness he had shared throughout his journey.
A brilliant light erupted from the stone, clashing with the darkness. The power of his compassion and bravery pierced through the shadows, banishing the evil that had plagued the land. As the light spread, it illuminated the cave and transformed the darkness into shimmering stars, restoring balance to the world. Exhausted but triumphant, Elias returned to his village, where he was greeted as a hero. Yet, he humbly declined the title, choosing instead to continue his quiet life among the people he loved. Inspired by his bravery and kindness, the villagers began rebuilding their lives and spreading their lessons. Elias spent his remaining years sharing stories of hope and resilience, reminding everyone that true strength comes not from power or might but from compassion and the willingness to act in the face of adversity. And so, the old man who saved the world became a cherished legend, his tale whispered through generations, a beacon of light against the darkness.Â
Philip K. Dick (1928-1982) was an American science fiction writer known for his distinctive writing style and exploration of philosophical themes. He wrote numerous novels and short stories that often depicted dystopian futures, altered realities, and the blurred line between what is real and what is artificial. Some of his most famous works include “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” (which inspired the film “Blade Runner”), “The Man in the High Castle,” “Ubik,” and “A Scanner Darkly.” My favourite is the not so well known “Behold the Man”.
Dick’s works often delve into themes such as identity, consciousness, authoritarianism, and the nature of reality. He was known for his imaginative storytelling and ability to create thought-provoking narratives that challenge readers’ perceptions of the world around them. Despite facing personal challenges and mental health issues throughout his life, Philip K. Dick’s work has had a lasting impact on the science fiction genre, and he is considered one of the most influential writers in the field. His writing continues to inspire readers, filmmakers, and other artists today.Â
Once upon a time, in a lush, green forest, there lived a clever fox named Felix. With his sleek, reddish coat and quick wit, Felix was known far and wide for his cunning ways. The local hounds and their masters were determined to catch him, but Felix always seemed to be one step ahead. One crisp autumn morning, the hounds were unleashed for a grand hunt. The scent of fallen leaves filled the air as the hunters called out, eager to track their elusive prey. Felix, sensing the impending chase, decided it was time to put his cleverness to the test. As the hounds began their pursuit, Felix darted through the underbrush, leading them on a wild chase. He zigzagged between trees, leapt over brooks, and scurried through thickets, always out of reach. Fueled by their instincts, the hounds followed eagerly, their barks echoing through the woods.
Felix soon spotted a nearby river with a narrow crossing. An idea sparked in his mind. He raced to the riverbank, splashed through the water, and cleverly jumped onto a large, flat stone. As he stood there, he turned around to watch the hounds approach. When the first hound reached the river, it hesitated, unsure how to cross. With a glint in his eye, Felix began to howl mockingly, imitating the sound of the hounds. This trick confused the pack, causing them to pause and look back at their masters, who were urging them onward. Taking advantage of their hesitation, Felix darted back into the forest, leaving the hounds barking in frustration. He quickly climbed a steep hill, where he could see the entire valley below. As the hounds scrambled to find a way across the river, Felix sat atop the hill, watching the commotion unfold.
Realizing the hounds were losing their momentum, he devised one final plan. He found a nearby meadow filled with tall grass and wildflowers. With great care, he rolled in the grass to mask his scent and then lay still, blending in with the natural surroundings. When the hounds finally figured out how to cross the river, they began sniffing around, looking for Felix. One by one, they passed by the meadow where he lay hidden, their noses twitching in confusion. Felix couldn’t help but stifle a laugh as the hounds, exhausted and frustrated, moved further away, convinced they had lost their quarry. After a while, the hunters called off the chase, realizing Felix had outsmarted them again. With the sun setting behind the trees, Felix emerged from his hiding spot, proud and triumphant. He scampered back to his den, knowing he had once again fooled the hounds and the hunt.
Tales of Felix’s cleverness spread throughout the forest. The hounds learned to respect the cunning fox, and Felix continued to enjoy his freedom, always ready for the next adventure in the wild, beautiful woods.Â
Clive Staples Lewis, commonly known as C.S. Lewis, was a British writer and academic. He is best known for his works of fiction, especially “The Chronicles of Narnia,” a series of seven fantasy novels that have become classics of children’s literature. Lewis was also a renowned Christian apologist, known for books such as “Mere Christianity” and “The Screwtape Letters,” in which he defended and explained the Christian faith.
In addition to his fiction and apologetic works, Lewis was a scholar of medieval literature and a fellow at Oxford University and Cambridge University. He was close friends with J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of “The Lord of the Rings,” and was a member of the informal literary group known as the Inklings, which met regularly to discuss literature and share their work.
C.S. Lewis’s writing continues to be widely read and influential, both in the fields of literature and theology. Although he passed away in 1963, his works remain popular and have been adapted into films, television series, and stage plays.Â
Lazarus Carpenter - Author 