An Author’s Journey
After graduating from Merton College, Oxford, Richard married Vanessa in July 1970 and started working in the Civil Service. His distinguished career spanned several departments, mostly in HM Customs & Excise, as well as the Treasury and the Cabinet Office. He eventually became a Commissioner and member of the Board, making significant contributions to public service.
Despite the demands of his career, he always found time for family, writing and music. Richard has two daughters, Jo and Kat, and two grandsons, Josh and Jasper. Since 1979, he has lived in Petts Wood, SE London, where he enjoys trail running, playing badminton, and playing several musical instruments, including in a local orchestra.
Richard’s love for writing began at the tender age of ten, when he crafted stories about football and King Arthur. His passion for storytelling was inspired by his marathon reading of “War and Peace” and “The Lord of the Rings”, which encouraged him to create a world where he could explore themes of love, friendship, and conflict in a time and place of his own making. A thirty-year endeavour culminated in the six-volume ” Through Fire”, of which “Karizhka” is the first volume.
“Through Fire: A Karizhka” is not just a book; it is the first volume in an exploration of the human condition, set against a backdrop of love, conflict and hard choices. Through his writing, Richard seeks to provide readers with a compelling story that challenges their perceptions and encourages them to reflect on their own lives.
“Through Fire: A Karizhka”
“Through Fire: A Karizhka” is the first volume in a sweeping fantasy inspired by ancient lands, enduring love, the courage of warriors and a path through fire.
Fleeing from the ruler whose daughter he loved, Rakvir Stagarnik and two companions are captured by the vicious Magd barbarians. Almost beaten to death and treated as a slave, he plans his escape and a brutal revenge. Longing for freedom, he learns of a man who walked through fire. Is that where his path lies? An epic tale of love, survival, courage and loyalty. “Through Fire: A Karizhka” is the first volume in a sweeping fantasy inspired by ancient lands, enduring love, the courage of warriors and a path through fire.
Available in Paperback £26.99
Why I Support Alzheimer’s Society
My mother and aunt were both teachers, but with very different personalities. My mother was energetic and forceful. Aunt Florence was quiet and kind. They had known each other from childhood in Consett. Both were struck down with Alzheimers at about the same time. Their personalities changed. At first, my mother was angry and confused, but she was able to be given Aricept, which slowed the progress of the dementia. She was still my mother in person, but not in personality.
Poor Florence had high blood pressure and was unable to have Aricept. So her confusion continued right up to her death, only a few years after she had been diagnosed. On the other hand, my mother lasted almost ten years, slowly becoming less competent and weaker. She died because her body had physically worn itself out, but she had told me five years before that she wanted to die. What was going on (if anything) in her head much of the time, I fear I never knew. I hope that my donation to the Alzheimers Society will help to make fewer people and their families go through this ordeal.