A Mystery Death at Montgomery Castle…

The curious death of Maud Vras, as told by Cadw. You may know by now that I love history as much as I love writing, and where possible I try to include or allude to historical periods, events, folklore and mythology in my work, when I can. As a side note, Montgomery in Wales is an incredibly pretty part of the world, crammed full of history. I should also add that I am not entirely sure that the photo above (I took it) is the precise spot of the incident.

Post Mortem - New Release ARC readers wanted

Okay, it's time to give out 'copies' of my new book, 'Post Mortem.' I have a few readers already lined up. If you are interested, let me know below and I will message you with the details. For transparency, I will be asking for timely and honest reviews when the book is finally published, but I offer no renumeration or payment of any kind in return.

The Blurb: Danny Davies is proud to work at ‘Winscombe Funeral Home, Crematorium and Cemetery.’ His job is not exactly run-of-the-mill yet in a curious way, Danny enjoys treating the dead with care and respect. Mr Winscombe, his employer, is meticulous in his work; a very private, much esteemed member of the community of Lychgate and somebody Danny looks up to.

When Mr Winscombe mysteriously disappears one afternoon, Danny is naturally concerned. After all, the man is usually such a stickler for routine. He goes to the police later that evening when there is still neither sight nor sound of his boss.

As a courtesy, the police despatch two officers to Mr Winscombe’s home. Little does Danny know that the town of Lychgate will be forever changed afterwards. As will his opinion of his boss.

Some things are meant to be buried.

Book Cover Credit: SelfPubBookCovers.com/ DesignzbyDanielle

The Mindless Trilogy - All in One Volume!

From S P Oldham.

Finally, all three books in one volume! Get The Mindless Trilogy for only £4.99/$6.06 on Kindle now!

An unlikely group of fellow survivors venture out into a changed world, the new reality one of horror and brutality. Lavender Gin, Bumper Scuffs, Rumble Strips and Mad Gasher make up a motley crew, with their strengths, weaknesses and weird monikers. But what better way to start a new life, than to leave old names behind?

The group come to the aid of Carson, a lone survivor in a very sticky situation. In return, he gives them shelter. Nothing can be taken for granted in this new world though. Pretty soon the group is faced with a shared danger; one they must overcome together.

Or die trying.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B9KCKM9X

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B9KCKM9X

Been away, going away…

I have just spent a lovely five days with my sister, helping to look after my nephew’s house, cats, dog and chickens in West Wales. A beautiful part of the world. Now I am home for ten days, before going away again, this time to Llanberis, with my oldest son, my youngest son and his wife, and our gorgeous little granddaughter! Lucky me!

I am editing at the moment, my new book due to be released around the end of September, with luck and a fair wind!

If you would like an ARC copy (download) in exchange for a timely, fair and honest review, just let me know below, or message me, whichever you prefer. It is another zompoc novel, my last for a while as I intend to move on to other things.

In the meantime, here is me on the beach at the stunning Pembrey Sands, because if there is not a photo, then we all know it didn’t happen!

The Colour of Magic on Audible - Sir Terry Pratchett

An early birthday present. Thank you Adam Oldham - this should be fun! Can't wait to hear Peter Serafinowicz as Death! (Oh and by the way, the A - Z of Horror featured in this screenshot is Volume E is for Exorcism, published by Red Cape Publishing House and featuring my story 'A Gave Mistake' in case you're wondering...) #discworld #terrypratchett #fantasy #fantasyfiction #birthday #audible #thankyou

36 copies left - get them while you can! Wakeful Children.

Only 36 copies remaining! Half price (£5) if you enter the code 'Wakeful' at checkout. Get them while you can, because once they're gone, they're gone! UK only.

If you would prefer a signed copy ordered direct from the author there will be an additional small charge to cover p&p.

'Wakeful Children is a collection of highly imaginative and inventive short stories.

The oak sways gently, a shiver shimmers its way from roots to tip. A branch creaks as if in resistance. A small, fresh leaf strains to curl into life, shows promise for an instant, then withers and dies. A sigh, just beyond human hearing, vibrates the night. All else is still.

You will be unwittingly taken on a journey to witness the twisted brutality of Joe Gallows, the weird dream-scape of The Sandman, the ice-cold grasp of The Face of the Gale, the elemental horror of an ancient, evil entity in Devil’s Drop. You will visit some of the residents down a darkly troubled street in Absorption; watched over by a beautiful, malignant presence all the while.

These and other tales make Wakeful Children an extremely unusual, compelling and refreshingly different read in this genre. One that will leave you thinking of it long after you have turned the last page...'

https://www.troubador.co.uk/.../fantasy.../wakeful-children/

Sir Terry Pratchett - Pebble Mill 1995

The great man himself. Sir Terry Pratchett on a Pebble Mill interview in 1995. The quality of film at the beginning is a bit dodgy, but it clears quickly so stick with it.

If it is possible to 'miss' a person you never really knew, then I miss this man. I miss his wit, his perception, his imagination and his outlook on life. Most of all, I miss getting a copy of his new book every Christmas. Still, he has left us a tremendous legacy in his writings, not just Discworld (which I love!) but plenty of other stuff too. If you enjoy fantasy with some fabulous insights and parallels to real life, then give his books a try. I did, and I never looked back!

RIP Peter Meredith, Author

I was very shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of author Peter Meredith this morning.

Peter had been battling early-onset dementia, with his dedicated wife Stacy Thuy Meredith doing all she could to help and support him. To hear of his sudden passing today was truly shocking.

I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Stacy, Peter Meredith Jr. and their family and friends.

At times such as this, it is hard to find the right words to say. RIP Peter, you will live on in your books, in the hearts and minds of your fans and in the memories of your loved ones.

Peter Meredith on Facebook

Peter Meredith Zombie Books

Last Chance to Vote…

Last chance to vote in the Zombie Book of Summer poll in Written Undead! Voting closes on Tuesday, June 28. If the poll doesn’t seem to work, declare your choice in the comments of the poll!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/WrittenUndead/

There are some of your zombie author favourites in the poll, so take a look!

Fonts as People

Just a bit of silliness. The fonts often remind me of characters when I am choosing them for posts. Anyway, enjoy x

Get Voting for Zombie Book of the Summer!

IT’S TIME FOR THE WRITTEN UNDEAD'S MUST READ ZOMBIE BOOK OF SUMMER! WE’RE NOT ASKING FOR THE BEST WRITTEN, JUST THE FIRST BOOK/SERIES YOU WOULD RAVE ABOUT TO A FRIEND.

Click the link to vote: Zombie Book of the Summer Poll - Written Undead on Facebook

Hint: if anyone has read and enjoyed any of my zombie fiction, a nomination would be great…

RULES:

1. Vote on your favorite Author/Book

2. Don't see your favorite zombie book?... ADD YOUR NOMINATION TO THE POLL.

3. You are only allowed to vote for 1

4. Nominations must include “Book/series - Author.”

5. Voting ends one week from today. The winner to be announced the following day.

A Grave Mistake - Recited by Mick Dark on YouTube!

Check out my short story on Mick Dark's YouTube channel! 'A Grave Mistake' was written for Red Cape Publishing as part of their A - Z of horror series. It features in Volume E is for Exorcism. If you feel like having a story read to you for a change, just click the link and enjoy!

Thank you to Red Cape Publishing and to Mick Dark. Mick, I love the sinister way you recited my story and the eerie feel of the reading. Thank you for doing my work such credit, I appreciate it hugely.

You can also listen to it on Audible here: E is for Exorcism Audibook - P J Blakey-Novis, S P Oldham and multiple authors

You can start with A is for Aliens here: A is For Aliens A-Z of Horror

Tredegar Vintage Vehicle Rally

Vintage Car rally in Tredegar today. Pouring with rain but seemed like a pretty good turnout. Does anyone remember owning one of these? Maybe you still do? #vintage #vintagestyle #vintagecars #tredegar Check out the full post on my S P Oldham on Facebook page

Tumblr

Anyone happen to be on Tumblr? If so, pay me a visit, if you like:

https://www.tumblr.com/blog/spoldhamauthor

Ghosts of Pentyrch

My sister Wendy was having a sort out recently, when she came across an old copy of Community Link, a popular local (to Pentyrch and its environs) community magazine. In it, she found these articles, the first relating to a 1949 sighting of ‘The White Lady,’ the second about the mysterious disappearance of a Spitfire.

If you follow my blog and my writing, you may have by now gathered that I have a love for and interest in such stories of folklore, myth and legend, so I just had to share it with you here. Unfortunately, there are no names to credit the articles to, at least not that I can see. It comes from the 1994 edition of Community Link, its centenary year. If you happen to know who was relating the stories here, just let me know and I will gladly credit them.

Make of the stories what you will. Genuine sightings? Overactive imaginations? Perfectly explicable with the application of a little science and/or common sense? You decide. Feel free to let me know!

The photograph below is of the first article. For ease of reading I have transcribed it below.

“Two frightened young sisters and their cousin, a boy obviously frightened out of his wits but unwilling to admit the fact, rushed down the lane and knocked the front door of Mrs Morgan’s house in Cefn Bychan at 7 o’clock last Saturday evening and blurted out their strange story.

The children had been playing near Pwll Mwyn, throwing stones into the deep water, when they saw above them what they thought was the figure of a woman dressed in a white robe, sitting on the branch of a tree. They also thought that she was holding a block of wood in her hands.

There has been much discussion about the event and as usual some believe it, others do not. I was with Mr John Matthews at his house when David Richard Davies called to ask him his opinion.

“Nonsense, pure nonsense!” Was Mr Matthew’s predictable answer.

“Well I’m not so sure,” retorted Dai Davies, “It sounds like the Ladi Wen to me.”

If Mr Davies is right, it will be the first sighting of Y Ladi Wen since the 1930’s, when it was a regular occurrence.”

* Y Ladi Wen - The White Lady

The photograph below is of the second article: ‘1942 Disappearing Spitfire.’ For ease of reading I transcribed it below.

‘The sight of aeroplanes has been a familiar one since the war began and hardly a minute goes by without some flying machine passing overhead. However, last Thursday afternoon in the first week of the summer holidays, a small group of lads were standing on the corner near Horeb when something happened in the sky that caused them to take an interest immediately. A Spitfire, at roughly a thousand feet or so, roughly above the area of St. George’s, whilst issuing a very loud and distresses (sic) sound from its engine. In a very short time it must have crashed to the ground for it could clearly be seen to come down that far before becoming hidden at the last moment by the trees which spread out westwards from St. Fagans.

Obeying their natural curiosity, at least five of the boys (the ones who possessed bikes) set off to investigate. Although they searched a wide area for several hours together with police and volunteers, no trace of the aeroplane was found… and it remains a mystery.’

Incidentally, St Fagans is a beautiful and very interesting place to visit should you be looking for a day out: St Fagans National Museum of History

Horeb was a chapel I knew well as a child, often playing near it as it was close to the village park. However, now it is better known as Acapela Studios

The Best of Creepy British Ghost Stories

Thanks to Ben Fox of Book Shepherd for inviting me to submit my list 'The Best of Creepy British Ghost Stories' on their website. Take a look at the list and let me know your thoughts. Any I should have added? Any you have read that you think fit the bill?

This is a great site for finding book recommendations of all kinds. Have a browse, maybe pick up a few ideas for your reading pleasure!

Image Copyright: Shepherd Book Lists

Competition Winners!

I hope you all had a lovely long bank holiday weekend. Thanks to everyone who entered my most recent competition. The winners are:

Chris Andrews

Zoe Townshend (apologies for my misspelling in the name picker!) Facebook entrant

Jo M Welsh Facebook entrant

Well done winners! I will be in touch soon to arrange delivery.

If you didn't win this time, keep checking back. I often post little competitions and giveaways. Better luck next time! By the way, if you have never checked out my work, take a look and maybe treat yourself to horror/spooky read for less than the price of a coffee and cake!

S P Oldham on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B01N2LSUMX

S P Oldham on Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/.../ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1...

S P Oldham on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15116823.S_P_Oldham

Thanks everyone.

Winner!

Chris Andrews

Winner!

Zoe Townshend

Winner!

Jo M Welsh

Easter Competition Time! COMPETITION CLOSED

It's Easter, so I feel it's time to run a little competition! UK ONLY.

For your chance to win a signed copy of Wakeful Children: A Collection of Horror and Supernatural Tales, as well as a paperback copy of Run from the Dead, an Angry Eagle Publishing, LLC Anthology featuring many authors as well as my short story 'Gifts from the Sea,' simply comment 'Horror Horde' below. THREE CHANCES TO WIN!

Only comments here or on the original Facebook post will be counted.

Competition not in any way associated with Facebook. Competition ends Midnight GMT Monday 18th April. Winners will be chosen at random. UK ONLY.

Good luck!

Sunflowers

I was very pleasantly surprised to hear that Silversurfers picked my poem 'Sunflowers' as Editor's Choice for March. (Please see original post below.) As well as that distinction, I also won a £25 Amazon Gift Voucher. I felt that it was only right that I in turn donate £25 to the crisis in Ukraine, which was after all the inspiration for the poem. In the interests of fairness I just wanted to share that here. Thank you everyone and thank you Silversurfers, for making my day!

This has been on my mind for a couple of weeks now. Inspired by the incredibly brave Ukrainian lady who gave a Russian soldier sunflower seeds, that at least they might grow from the soil when he lies dead. War is so tragic. Sunflowers, as I am sure most of us now know, are Ukraine's national flower. They are a symbol of unity and much more, now.

I don't want politics here so please take it elsewhere, with respect. This is just an expression of grief, inspiration and despite it all, hope. I am not Ukrainian, but I just had to write this. Thanks.

I am back!

Very grateful to be able to say that I am now over the worst of Covid-19. I count myself extremely lucky compared to some poor souls. My husband is also now Covid free and getting better slowly.

So, I am back at work on my wip as well as one or two other projects. I hope everyone is well, healthy and happy.

Drop me a line if you feel like it, I always love to hear from you.

S P