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.

Grumpy Goblins

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Once upon a time, in the mystical land of Glimmerwood, there were two goblins named Grizzle and Snarl who lived in neighbouring caves deep within the dark forest. Grizzle was a short, stocky goblin with a quick temper and a love for shiny objects. Snarl, on the other hand, was tall and wiry, with a sharp wit and a knack for playing mischievous pranks on others. From the moment they first met as young goblins, Grizzle and Snarl despised each other. The source of their hatred was rooted in a rivalry that began over a precious gemstone they both discovered in the forest. Each claimed it as their own, leading to a heated argument that escalated into a physical fight. Since that day, they had been bitter enemies, constantly seeking ways to outdo and outshine each other. Grizzle would often steal Snarl’s prized possessions, while Snarl would play tricks on Grizzle that left him humiliated and frustrated. Their feud became the talk of Glimmerwood, with other creatures whispering about the ongoing battle between the two goblins.

As the years passed, their hatred only grew stronger, fueled by jealousy and a desire to prove themselves superior to the other. Despite the warnings of the wise old owl who lived in the treetops, Grizzle and Snarl continued their feud, blind to the consequences of their actions. A terrible storm swept through Glimmerwood one fateful night, causing chaos and destruction. As their caves crumbled around them, Grizzle and Snarl found themselves trapped together in a narrow tunnel, the only way to safety blocked by a fallen tree. In that moment of desperation, as the walls closed in and the air grew thin, they realized the futility of their hatred. Forced to work together to escape the collapsing tunnel, Grizzle and Snarl set aside their differences and combined their strengths to move the tree and reach the safety of the outside world. In that moment of shared danger, a bond formed between them, born out of mutual survival and a newfound respect for each other’s abilities. Emerging from the wreckage of their caves, Grizzle and Snarl looked at each other with a new understanding. The storm washed away their hatred, leaving a sense of camaraderie and a shared experience that changed them both forever.

From that day on, Grizzle and Snarl became unlikely friends; their former animosity transformed into a deep bond forged in the crucible of adversity. As they rebuilt their homes together and explored the wonders of Glimmerwood side by side, the other creatures marvelled at the transformation of the two goblins who had once been bitter enemies. And so, Grizzle and Snarl learned that sometimes, it takes a storm to wash away the hatred and reveal the true strength of friendship that lies beneath. 

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Virginia Woolf

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Virginia Woolf was an English writer and modernist whose works include novels, essays, and short stories. Some of her most famous works include “Mrs. Dalloway,” “To the Lighthouse,” “Orlando,” and “A Room of One’s Own.” She is known for her innovative narrative techniques, her exploration of her characters’ inner lives, and her feminist perspectives. She was a crucial figure in the Bloomsbury Group, a circle of intellectuals and artists that included writers like E.M. Forster and artists like Vanessa Bell.

Woolf’s writing often delves into themes of consciousness, identity, gender, and the nature of reality. Her work continues to be studied and admired for its lyrical prose and contributions to modern literature.

Dibble the Chimp

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Once upon a time, in the heart of the lush jungle of Chimptopia, there lived a mischievous little chimp named Dibble. Dibble was known far and wide for his insatiable love of bananas. His eyes would light up at the mere mention of the yellow munchy fruit, and his belly would rumble excitedly at the smell of ripe bananas. Every morning, Dibble would swing from tree to tree in search of the perfect banana. He would pluck the ripest ones he could find and gobble them up as quickly as possible with pure delight. But Dibble’s love for bananas often got him into trouble.

One day, as Dibble was swinging through the jungle, he spotted a particularly tempting bunch of bananas hanging from a tree just out of reach. Determined to satisfy his craving, Dibble decided to take a risk. He swung from vine to vine, reaching higher and higher until he finally reached the coveted bananas. Just as he was about to grab them, a mischievous wind blew through the jungle, causing the branch to sway precariously. With a loud snap, the branch broke, and Dibble tumbled to the ground, bananas and all. Luckily, Dibble was unharmed, but the same couldn’t be said for the bananas now squished beyond recognition. Another day, Dibble’s love for bananas led him to sneak into the village market, where he knew the juiciest bananas were kept. As he reached out to grab a bunch, a loud voice boomed,

“Stop right there, Dibble!” It was the village elder who had caught Dibble red-handed.

Embarrassed and guilty, Dibble bowed in submission and guilt as the elder scolded him for his thievery. Dibble realized that his love for bananas was causing trouble not just for himself but also for others. From that day on, Dibble vowed to be more mindful of his actions. He learned to politely ask for bananas and share with others instead of hoarding them all for himself. His friends and the villagers appreciated the change in Dibble, and soon, he became known not just for his love for bananas but also for his generosity and kindness.

And so, Dibble the Chimp learned that while bananas were delicious, it was necessary to enjoy them responsibly and consider the consequences of his actions. And he lived happily ever after, surrounded by friends and plenty of bananas to share.

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Haruki Murakami

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Haruki Murakami is a renowned Japanese author known for his unique blend of magical realism, surrealism, and elements of pop culture in his works. Born on January 12, 1949, in Kyoto, Japan, Murakami studied drama at Waseda University in Tokyo and later ran a jazz bar in the same city before becoming a full-time writer. He gained international fame with his novel “Norwegian Wood,” published in 1987, becoming a bestseller in Japan and worldwide. Some of his other notable works include “Kafka on the Shore,” “1Q84,” “The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle,” and “Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage.”

His writing often explores loneliness, alienation, the search for meaning, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. Murakami’s prose is characterized by its dreamlike quality, intricate plots, and the use of Western cultural references alongside Japanese settings. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the Franz Kafka and Jerusalem prizes. Despite his global success, he is known for his reclusive nature and reluctance to discuss his personal life publicly. Haruki Murakami is a highly influential and acclaimed author whose works have captivated readers worldwide with their unique storytelling style and thought-provoking themes. 

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Keeper of Secrets

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Once upon a time, a young maiden named Elara lived in a small village nestled in the heart of a lush forest. Elara was known throughout the village for her kindness, gentle nature, and beautiful singing voice. She spent her days tending to the flowers in her garden and helping the neighbours in any way she could.

One fateful day, a dark cloud settled over the village. Crops withered, animals fell ill, and a sense of despair hung heavy in the air. The villagers whispered of a curse that had befallen them, blaming Elara for their misfortune. They believed that her enchanting voice had angered the spirits of the forest, bringing doom upon them all. Despite her protests and tearful pleas, the villagers turned against Elara, casting her out of the village and into the forest’s depths. Alone and heartbroken, Elara wandered through the trees, her voice silenced by sorrow.


As days turned into weeks, Elara’s once vibrant spirit faded. She grew weak and weary, her once bright eyes dull with despair. But a mysterious figure emerged from the forest’s shadows when all hope seemed lost. It was a wise old woman known as the Keeper of Secrets. She had watched over the forest for generations, her knowledge of its ways as deep as the roots of the ancient trees. The Keeper took Elara under her wing, nurturing her back to health and teaching her the ancient songs of the forest.

Through the Keeper’s guidance, Elara discovered her authentic voice – a voice that held the power to heal, soothe, and bring light to even the darkest places. With each note she sang, the forest began to bloom again, and the villagers, filled with awe and remorse, sought her out to beg for forgiveness. Ultimately, Elara’s tale of woe became a story of redemption and renewal. She forgave those who had wronged her, using her voice not to seek vengeance but to mend the broken bonds between the village and the forest. And so, harmony was restored, and Elara’s song echoed through the trees, a reminder of the enduring power of hope and forgiveness.

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