the blog
I had written a novel. By now I’d written many, but this one… this one was special. After a multiple of drafts, revisions, amendments and rewrites, I thought it now fit for revealing. I would post it in instalments. That’s how Charles Dickens began, and I didn’t want to go the traditional route (my health at the time wouldn’t stand it).
That was back in November 2012, the ‘novel’ comprised the five books of The Spinner’s Game (posted as Feast Fables).
Since then I have posted other novel-length stories in instalment form.
- Roots of Rookeri. An off-world fantasy (published 2022)
- Chronicles of Mideer. A secondary-world fantasy.
And others of the Spinner’s Series – which have or soon will follow The Spinner’s Game series into e-publication:
- Learning to Fly. Time-slip mythical fantasy. Published 2021
- Hare & Adder. Mythic fantasy. Published June 2023
- Alsalda Bear. Mythic fantasy. Publication due August 2023
- King’s Wife. Mythic fantasy. Publication expected summer 2024
- Ancient Genes. Science-fiction/fantasy. Publication expected late 2024/early 2025
- Can of Worms. Time-slip mythical fantasy.
the writer
Find me on Twitter @crispinakemp1 & @ineebrown51
For a shy child with a speech problem, the written word came as a release, enabling me to express myself without being asked, ‘Eh? What did you say? Say again?’ I wrote my first ‘proper’ story when I was nine. A gothic offering to scare my friends. Since then, I don’t remember a day when I haven’t been busy writing. Novels. The short story form doesn’t appeal. Although over the past year I have posted several micro-fictions.
In my early teens I visited Grimes Graves, the Neolithic flint mines in Norfolk. The following summer, I visited Stonehenge in Wiltshire. Thence began a life-long interest in the archaeology of prehistory. The study of myths and legends seemed a natural progression, so too linguistics (despite my inability to pronounce the words).
During my later teens I formed a desire to ‘boldly go’, to take the road less travelled, to explore. But failing to gain a place on the Space Programme 😊 I turned my sights inward, to the givens of the human species: i.e. psychology, anthropology, spirituality, and combined with the love of archaeology, I ventured far into the past.
My writing reflects the treasure I found there. And what is treasure if not shared?
It’s said a writer writes best in his/her most-read genre. Well, I cut my teeth on Michael Moorcock before moving on to the sci-fi giants in which genre I encountered the sci-fi/fantasy writer Orson Scott Card under whose spell for a while I fell.
Robert Jordan enticed me away and showed me I wasn’t a freak with my attention to fabrics and garments. And more recently there has been Patrick Rothfuss.
Between Moorcock and Rothfuss there have been many others – as they say, too many to mention. Yet I will pay homage to Jean Auel who set her novels even deeper in prehistory than my own. Frank Yerby, who enchanted me with his tangled plots. Then let’s not forget Anne Rice and her vampires. And the Gentleman Bastards of Scott Lynch… But I must stop somewhere.
the person
Resident in Norfolk where my roots dig deep, my regular rambles into the surrounding countryside provide balance to the cerebral… and ample subjects for my camera. You’ll find a few of those photos posted here, along with micro-fiction and poetry.
Keep reading, keep following, keep liking.
I thank you
crispina kemp 
Decided it was time to read your blog from start to finish.
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Gosh, you must have taken up residency. I wondered who it was giving me all those views. So you saw the full range from idiocy to academic. Did you check out Crimsons History too?
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Still on prose. I went looking for your history blog once, but couldn’t find it for some reason. Would you please post the URL in reply? And there’s the Fables to tackle, as well. 🙂
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I had crimsons history on the gravatar-screen but removed it when I realised the academic approach was taking mammoth slices out of my week(s) and doubted I’d be able to keep it up. But there are several articles sparked by the Neve plot that would be better suited to that C-History than to CP so I’ve reinistated it. It’s now back there. I have also given as a link on the sidebar of both CP & FF. Otherwise it’s http://crimsonhistory.wordpress.com
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Got it now! Thank you.
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Your stories and posts are awesome!! I’m enjoying reading them..!! 😉
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Why, I thank you.
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I’ve only just brushed the surface of your writing, and I must say, it’s lovely — articulate and engaging! I also really enjoy all your historical linguistic and etymological references. I’m looking forward to reading more 🙂
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I thank you.
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We love reading your blog! Your prose in honest, raw, and engaging. We wish you luck on your publishing journey!
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So pleased to have found this! Love your nonsense verse, in particular. And thanks so much for dropping by my blog.
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I’m glad you’re delighted. When I started this blog, I said if only one person . . . I’ve somewhat exceeded that.
The nonsense verses, in particular, stem from my love of words. Their sounds, their rhythm, their (often) multiple definitions, their versatility, how we can take a noun and make it a verb, an adjective, adverb, how we can combine them . . . see how obsessed I am by them. Yet I cannot produce the verses upon demand. I have to wait for inspiration to take,
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I do want you to have the Very Inspiring Blogger award if you want to have it!! Just grab it off my site. Regardless of being sick for awhile, I find your writing and accomplishments completely inspiring. CFS gives you crazy challenges and look at the work you produce!! Not just work but wonderful, magical stories!! I love your writing!!
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I’m honoured. Though I usually stay away from these things, yes, I accept. But do I have time to compose what I’ll say? I’m in the thick of it on 3 blogs right now. Though by the weekend I hope somewhat freer. And I’ve just the blog I want to nominate. 🙂
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Oh yay!! Put the award on all three of your blogs too!! Since they are all part of you!!
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See how in a tizz you have me. I didn’t even realise I could edit my reply myself. But having read it, I’ll leave it to stand.
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Hi there,
Following your contribution on the WordPress forum about the recent problems, I have written to the CEO’s Office at TalkTalk asking them to look into the way TT blocks sites after an alert about inappropriate material. I’ll let you know when/if I receive a response! Best wishes, Martin.
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Yea, I’ve been keeping track of discussions, but getting through to TalkTalk is beyond me. But, good timing, the day connection resumed I had an email from a company doing a customer satisfaction survey for TalkTalk. Reasons please, it asked, when I said no way, now, would I recommend TalkTalk to a friend. So I gave it to them in detail. Who knows, if TalkTalk gets enough rough feedback they might start pulling up their socks and seeking a way to avoid this 4 monthly disruption.
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Just to let you know that I nominated you for a Blogger Recognition Award – see my post at https://talesofeneana.wordpress.com/2015/09/15/blog-award-time/. I know not everyone participates in blogging awards, but I wanted to give you a big fat gold star, even if you decide not to accept the award.
Cheers!
Joy
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I thank you for the nomination. I’m not sure yet if I’ll accept it. Though I do believe these awards are a valid means of forming establishing new networks between WP bloggers, and are vital encouragement for (especially) new bloggers, yet it does require quite a lot of work. And that’s where I’m stumbling at the moment. But though I hesitate for now, I probably shall accept. Just needs time to absorb and settle, and for me to form a plan of action. But, whether I accept or not, I do appreciate the nominations, and I’m so pleased that you received the award. 🙂
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Crimson, the PASE Domesday reference to Alan pre-1066 is this:
http://domesday.pase.ac.uk/?SearchField_1=normalisedName&Text_1=Alan&TenantType_1=1066+holder&SearchField_2=&Text_2=&grouping=&sizeGroup=Default&qr=1&tab=tbl&col=c1
Just one property: Wyken in Suffolk.
On another topic, one of Alan’s military associates was Miles Crispin.
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Also see:
http://opendomesday.org/place/TL9671/wyken/
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I’d like to continue this thread, but feel the About page of crimsonprose isn’t the place. I have your email address on the notifications. Might I use it to email you?
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An excellent suggestion! Please do.
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Over from Dale’s. Cheers to your determination!
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I thank you. Shoulder to the wheel … (my mother would be amzed!)
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I’m so glad Frank sent me over here. You are a terrific long-time blogger, writer, and spirit. Keep ’em coming!
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I thank you. Comments like this keeps me smiling. 🙂
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We bloggers are such great supporters of each other. xo
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Something I greet with a smile. 🙂
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❤
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Nah, how many more smiles? 🙂 🙂
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How wonderful to finally see you, Crispina! And what a cozy nook to write in. I would probably never leave it except for the necessaries 😉
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Yea, I am a bit like that, especially this time of year. It’s just a corner of my living room. And since I live alone … no one to moan at me, or get in my way, or want tv on (don’t have one anyway) or play disturbing music (I play my own, from the time I get up, till I go to bed. Non-stop.) It’s prett close to idyllic. I don’t even have an enticing view from the window to attract my attention away. Just a blank white wall across the other side of the courtyard, and the occasional glimpse of my neighbour in his leathers, with his bike.
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It’s a lovely corner and there is something to be said about having total control about what we hear and see!!
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Oh, tell me. A few years back my oldest daughter moved back in — just while she sorted herself out. No. Me and she have not the same tastes in music. And she was lost without the telly. Shame, hey!
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Oh man… must be hard when they come back…
Course no telly made the stay shorter than it could have been 😉
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Yea. It helped. But it don’t matter how much you love them, and how well you get on with them, it ain’t no fun when they move back in. But Mum’s always Mum.
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Yeah… my boys are seriously breathing my air and I dream of them moving out sometimes…
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It’s a glorious day! Though it might bring a tear to the eye.
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Haha!! Maybe… but they dry up 😉
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Took a little “break” to come over here and see your marvelous photos–WOW!
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I thank you. They were the photos entered for the PicOfTheWeek, which I guess you’ve worked out. I keep taking the photos. I have to do somehting with them
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There was one which reminded me of the abandoned church image I have as a header–I really liked it…and truly, I loved them all. I also liked looking at your lovely face–it reflects the same friendly warmth as your words.
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I am totally photo-phobic. But … after 6 years of hiding, I thought it time the readers got a look at me.
I thank you for your likes and comments. 🙂
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Well, you have zero reason to be photo phobic–you’re very attractive in that “approachable” way, you know? I only had my pic up for a few hours before I had to take it down…I bet you wouldn’t believe people used to say I looked like Natalie Wood! Lost my looks right after I hit 50, oh well…there’s more to life than outward beauty.
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I’ll allow that I’m on the right side of presentable. And I thank you for your comment.
Oddly,when my oldest daughter was in her teens, she, too, looked like Natalie Wood. So she changed her name …
And age does nasty things to us all. Hells, I used to pass for at least 20 years younger than my biological age. Now my hair is thinning … and that’s the first of the changes I could (but won’t) list.
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How interesting that your daughter also resembled the lovely actress–fun similarity! Yes, I won’t go into my long list of “losses” either 🙂 Let’s just focus on our “positives” 🙂
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Indeed.
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🙂
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I like your about page and congrats for being a winner of nanowrimo!
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I thank you. I try to keep the page updated… at least once a year. 🙂
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Pingback: Crimson’s Creative Challenge #46 | ShiftnShake
I see an absence of Sheri S, Tepper. One – if present – one to remedy I believe.
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I’d not heard of her until now mentioned. Sci-fi, I do read. Horror I avoid. But I’ll see what I can find. 🙂
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Happy hunting. 🙂
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🙂
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Congratulations on your achievements, your book covers are gorgeous 😀
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Thanks, Louise. For the covers we have to praise my critique partner, who’s also a designer. She had such a strong version of the story… I’m very pleased with her work
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Pingback: With Acclaim, Cap Off to Crispina (in Six Sentences) | ShiftnShake
I just realized this was here. It’s like finding a jewel I didn’t know was available. You certainly do sound like a prolific and well prepared author. Congratulations on all that you’ve accomplished and not letting your speech impairment hold you back. Keep it up.
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Thank you. It’s been there since the blog began, although I do regularly update it (about once a year or so)
The speech impediment is no longer obvious. I won’t say gone, but in a previous job I ws doing live interviews on radio, which seems evidence enough… But it was the trigger, the driving force. It’s what got me where I am more than anything else
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Amazing. Good for you.
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🙂
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I’m trying to rewrite the blurb for my next book. Would you be interested in helping.
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That’s one of the toughest jobs. I’m flattered you ask.
My answer is yes, if you can wait. This evening is taken, and I’m out tomorrow… thereafter, you want to tell me the main thrust, and where you’ve got to with it… use my email. What’s the theme? What does the MC most want? What’s MC’s false belief? What are the blocks the MC will encounter. Let’s see what we can toggle together from that
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I’ll email you. Thanks.
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Okay. 🙂
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Crispina when I saw your new photo I thought WOW! She looks great! relaxed and so happy!
It’s the best photo I’ve ever seen of you!!!
Take good care and be safe! ☺🌼
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Thank you, Jen. Yes, I am happy. Not sure about relaxed. I’m very very busy
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No that doesn’t sound very relaxing. But I hope you achieve your goals.
I’ll be working on my new Nancy and Joan site. Finally!!
It’s published if you like to see what I’ve done.
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Later
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Crispina, reading this section now after a long time….I think it is about the best About Me write up I’ve seen. I love it!! I love Rothfuss too…when will book three happen!! Jean Auel was very different and I loved Clan of the Cave Bear..just love it. I think I read the first three or four but as the story went on it struck me as repetitious and I stopped. I think I loved 1 and 3 the best. I see there’s more and maybe I should revisit.
Your writing is truly refreshing and your voice is unique in its language and dialogue. Very fine stuff.
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Thank you, Judy. Yes, I too am waiting for Rothfuss’ Book 3. Seems to be an age. And I know what you mean about Jean Auel’s repetition. The last book was delayed by several years and when finally it arrived I was disgusted by the amount of gratuitous sex (I think the publishers were responsible)
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Yeah I feel sad about it too as I did love Clan of the Cave Bear so much. Seems like some missed opportunities for sure. But, you have to be glad about the one or two that did hit I guess.
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Yea…it’s not always easy to hit the mark (esp when an editor/publisher stands between writer & reader)
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