Author: lazaruscarpenterauthor

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.

Robert Louis Stevenson

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Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer who lived from 1850 to 1894. Stevenson is best known for his fiction, including “Treasure Island,” “Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde,” and “Kidnapped.” Robert Louis Stevenson was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on November 13, 1850. He came from a family of lighthouse engineers and was expected to follow in his father’s footsteps. Stevenson studied law at the University of Edinburgh but did not pursue a career in law. Instead, he devoted himself to writing and travel. He began his writing career as an essayist and travel writer. Some of his early works include “Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes” and “An Inland Voyage.” However, he gained worldwide fame with his novels, including “Treasure Island” (1883) and “Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” (1886). Stevenson suffered from poor health throughout his life, including respiratory problems. He travelled extensively in search of a more suitable climate, eventually settling in Samoa in the South Pacific.

Stevenson spent the last years of his life in Samoa, where he became involved in local politics and wrote about his experiences in the Pacific. He died on December 3, 1894, at the age of 44. Robert Louis Stevenson is considered one of the greatest writers of the 19th century. His novels have inspired numerous adaptations in various forms of media, and his works continue to be widely read and studied today. His adventurous spirit, vivid imagination, and storytelling prowess have cemented his place in literary history as a master of the adventure and suspense genres. 

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Crystal Staff of Eternity

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Once upon a time, in a distant galaxy far beyond our reach, there existed a powerful artefact known as the Crystal Staff of Eternity. This staff was said to possess unimaginable magical properties, able to cure any illness or affliction that plagued the cosmos. Legends spoke of its origins, tracing back to the creation of the universe itself, forged from the very essence of the stars by ancient beings of immense power. The Crystal Staff was guarded by the wise and benevolent Council of Elders, a group of beings from different species dedicated to maintaining peace and harmony across the galaxy. They understood the incredible responsibility of wielding such a powerful artefact and vowed to use its magic only for the greater good of all.

As time passed, great darkness began to spread throughout the cosmos. Countless worlds were ravaged by war, disease, and suffering, threatening to tear apart the delicate balance that held the galaxy together. The Council of Elders knew they must act swiftly to prevent total destruction. In a moment of desperation, the Council decided to use the power of the Crystal Staff to heal the sick and bring peace to the warring factions. They journeyed to the galaxy’s heart, where the staff lay dormant, awaiting its next wielder. With a solemn ceremony, the Council members each placed a hand on the staff, channelling their collective energy and will into the crystal. A blinding light erupted from the staff, spreading outwards in all directions, touching every corner of the cosmos. In an instant, all illness and suffering were swept away, replaced by a wave of healing energy that restored balance and harmony to every living being.

As the light faded, a profound change swept over the galaxy. Species that had once been enemies now stood side by side, united in their newfound peace and understanding. The Crystal Staff had not only cured physical ailments but had also healed the wounds of the soul, bringing about a new era of cooperation and compassion. From that day on, the Crystal Staff of Eternity remained in the care of the Council of Elders, a symbol of hope and unity for all who looked upon it. And though challenges would continue to arise, the galaxy knew that as long as the staff shone bright, there would always be a beacon of light to guide them through the darkness.

Jack Kerouac

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Jack Kerouac, born Jean-Louis Kérouac on March 12, 1922, in Lowell, Massachusetts, was an influential American novelist and poet who became a leading figure in the Beat Generation. His most famous work, “On the Road,” is a semi-autobiographical novel that chronicles his travels across North America in the late 1940s with his friend Neal Cassady.

Kerouac’s writing style was characterized by its spontaneous prose, influenced by jazz music and the idea of “spontaneous bop prosody.” He sought to capture the raw energy and immediacy of his experiences in his writing, often eschewing traditional narrative structures in favour of a more free-flowing and stream-of-consciousness style. In addition to “On the Road,” Kerouac wrote numerous other novels, including “The Dharma Bums,” “Big Sur,” and “Desolation Angels.” His works often explored themes such as the search for spiritual enlightenment, the rejection of societal norms, and the quest for authenticity in a rapidly changing world.

Kerouac’s writing profoundly impacted American literature and culture, influencing subsequent generations of writers and artists. Despite his success, Kerouac struggled with alcoholism and personal demons throughout his life. He passed away on October 21, 1969, at the age of 47. Today, Jack Kerouac is remembered as a literary icon whose work continues to resonate with readers worldwide. His contributions to literature and his exploration of the human experience have solidified his place in the pantheon of great American writers. 

Good and Evil

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In the heart of Verona, a city steeped in history and mystery, there lived a man named Zander. By day, he was a prominent societal figure known for his philanthropy and unwavering dedication to helping those in need. His generosity knew no bounds, and he was revered by the community for his selfless acts of kindness. However, as the sun dipped below the horizon and night descended upon the city, Zander’s demeanour changed drastically. Under the cover of darkness, he shed his benevolent facade and donned the guise of “The Shadow,” a notorious figure in the criminal underworld. As The Shadow, he orchestrated daring heists and intricate schemes that struck fear into the hearts of Verona’s residents.

He separated his dual identities for years, compartmentalizing his life into two halves. By day, he was the epitome of virtue and compassion, while by night, he embraced the darkness and thrived in the shadows. His delicate balance between good and evil was a testament to his cunning and resourcefulness. As time passed, cracks began to form in his carefully constructed facade. A chance encounter during one of The Shadow’s heists forced him to confront the consequences of his actions. Witnessing the pain and suffering he had caused awakened a sense of guilt and remorse within him, threatening to shatter the fragile equilibrium of his double life.

Haunted by his past misdeeds, Zander found himself at a crossroads. The dichotomy of his dark existence weighed heavily on his conscience, prompting him to question the very nature of good and evil. Could a man truly be defined by his actions, or was there a possibility for redemption and transformation? Driven by a newfound sense of purpose, he vowed to use his unique skills and resources for the greater good. He embarked on a journey of self-discovery and penance, seeking to right the wrongs of his past and make amends for the harm he had caused as The Shadow.

With each passing day, Zander ventured further into Verona’s criminal underworld, using his insider knowledge to dismantle corrupt organizations and bring justice to the city he once terrorized. His transformation from a feared criminal to a beacon of hope and redemption captivated the hearts of Verona’s citizens, who watched in awe as he forged a new path of righteousness and renewal. Ultimately, he learned that the line between good and evil was not as stark as he once believed. He discovered that true redemption lay in acknowledging one’s past mistakes and striving to positively impact the world. As he continued his journey of self-discovery and atonement, Zander realised that the twain of good and evil could meet, creating a harmonious balance that defined his legacy for future generations. 

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Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

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Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a British writer best known for his detective fiction featuring the character Sherlock Holmes. Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle was born on May 22, 1859, in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was one of ten children. His father, Charles Altamont Doyle, was an artist, and his mother, Mary Foley, was Irish. Doyle studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh Medical School, where he met Dr. Joseph Bell, who would later serve as a model for the character Sherlock Holmes. He graduated in 1881.

After completing his studies, Doyle worked as a ship’s surgeon on a whaling voyage to the Arctic. He later set up a medical practice in Southsea, England. However, he struggled to establish a successful medical career and began writing to supplement his income. Doyle’s first significant work was “A Study in Scarlet,” published in 1887, introducing the character of Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion, Dr. John Watson. The success of this novel led to a series of Sherlock Holmes stories and books, which made Doyle a household name. His popularity as a writer grew, but he grew increasingly frustrated with being overshadowed by his own creation, Sherlock Holmes. In an attempt to focus on other writing, he even killed off Holmes in “The Final Problem” in 1893. However, he later brought the character back to life due to popular demand.

In addition to his Sherlock Holmes stories, Doyle wrote historical novels, science fiction, plays, poetry, and non-fiction. He was also a fervent believer in spiritualism and wrote several books. Doyle married Louisa Hawkins in 1885, and the couple had two children. After Louisa died in 1906, Doyle remarried to Jean Leckie in 1907. He was knighted in 1902 for his services as a volunteer doctor in the Boer War. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle continued writing and lecturing until his death. At seventy-one, he passed away on July 7, 1930, in Crowborough, Sussex, England.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s legacy endures through his timeless Sherlock Holmes stories, which have been adapted into numerous films, TV series, and other media. The detective is one of the most famous and enduring characters in literature.Â