Myths and Magic Blog Tour
Posted on: May 23, 2026
- In: Blog Launch Tour | Books | reviews
- 50 Comments
What I like most about blogging is the amazing people you meet. Esther Chilton is one of them. Not only is she a great writer and supporter of other writers, but she also provides wonderful writing prompts on her blog. She is writing a series of delightful books for children called Saffy’s Secret Quest under the pen name Esther Moonstomp and has just released book #2, Myths and Magic. I loved the first book, The Secret Dragon.
My review of The Secret Dragon:
This is a delightful read with magic, plenty of action, and a dragon! Not a regular scary dragon, but a beat-up, bedraggled, unattractive little thing. Saffy finds the dragon and learns some surprising things about herself. Kids just starting to read chapter books will enjoy this story. The illustrations are fabulous. I felt the story ended a bit abruptly, with many questions left unanswered. But there are five more books in the series, so I’m sure all will be revealed. A wonderful book to read with the young ones in your life.
I am happy to be stop #10 of the blog tour for Myths and Magic
The blurb:
Saffy has solved the first clue in her quest to save the magical world of Mandoreum from danger. Now it’s time to find the second.
She isn’t alone. Her new friend, Lily, a dragon from Mandoreum, wants to help. Together, they take a trip and uncover special stories and unexpected surprises.
But Saffy soon learns that first appearances are not always what they seem. And plotting in the background is a witch who will do everything she can to stop them…
Extract:
“It’s still raining,” Mum said, looking out the window. “I think it’s going to rain for the rest of your school holiday at this rate. Harry’s bored, so I thought we could take a trip to the museum this afternoon. They’ve got a new section which only opened this week.”
Saffy’s shoulders slumped. The museum was very interesting and she would like to see the new section. But she needed to find the book. She also didn’t want to be anywhere near Harry. He knew something strange was going on and he was determined to find out exactly what.
“We’ll set off in a few minutes. Okay?” Mum turned from the window and looked at her, eyebrows raised in question.
Saffy nodded. She knew she didn’t have much choice.
“Good,” Mum said and smiled. “See you downstairs.”
Saffy held her breath as Mum left the room. “We’ll never find the book,” she groaned.
“Yes, we will. You’re just trying too hard. Perhaps we need a break. What’s a museum?” Lily turned her head to one side, looking puzzled.
“It’s where you learn all about the past. There are lots of exciting things to see and do there,” Saffy said, cheering up a little.
“I’d like to learn about the human world in the past,” Lily said. “I think your past is very different to my past. Even the time is different.”
Saffy nodded thoughtfully. Lily had said something about ‘Mandoreum minutes’ when they had been looking for the first clue. She was just about to ask her what she meant when the dragon started bouncing up and down. “Lily, what’s wrong?”
Author bio:
Esther has been a freelance writer for over twenty-five years, regularly writing articles and short stories for magazines and newspapers such as Writers’ Forum, Writing Magazine, The Guardian, Best of British, The Cat, This England, Yours and The People’s Friend.
Winner of several competitions, including those run by Writing Magazine and The Global Short Story Contest, she has also had the privilege of judging writing competitions and relished being given the role of head judge of the Writers’ Forum monthly short story competition.
Esther loves writing but equally enjoys helping others, which she achieves in her role as a tutor for The Writers Bureau. Always on the lookout for a new challenge, she is taking the distance-learning college over at the end of July.
She has had two how-to books on writing published, with a third due out later this year, as well as two collections of short stories. Her second children’s book is coming out in May, where she writes under the name of Esther Moonstomp.
Blogs: https://estherchilton.co.uk
Buying links:
Amazon UK:
Paperback: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Myths-Magic-Saffys-Secret-Quest/dp/1806342103
E-book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GX6T5C6R
Amazon US:
Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Myths-Magic-Esther-Moonstomp/dp/1806342103
Thursday Doors: Calgary, Alberta
Posted on: May 21, 2026
- In: Doors | History | Travel
- 85 Comments
I have just returned from three weeks in Canada and am getting over jet lag. But I wanted to share a few pictures of interesting doors and buildings I took in Inglewood, Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood. It was established in 1875, soon after the building of Fort Calgary. (I explained the naming of Calgary in my book, Amanda in Scotland: The Standing Stones).
1875 is not very old by European standards, but considering that Canada as a country is only 159 years old, this place has historical significance.
An old Alberta Government Telephone building. 1311 is the address, not the date it was built.
Many of the old buildings have been repurposed as restaurants, cafes and boutiques. I like the ironwork on this door.
Behind these interesting gates is an antique shop
And what have we behind this gate?
These belong to Pedal Pub, party bikes with a barrel that provide personalized rides to local bars, breweries, and restaurants. A fun way to see the area, enjoy some drinks and have fun with friends. A new way to do a pub crawl.
I found an alleyway with colourful doors.
And a donkey!
And because this is cowboy country, there is still a livery stable in the middle of town!
It was a fun walk around. We stopped at The Hose & Hound Neighbourhood Pub, in Calgary’s original Firehall #3, built in 1906, where we had delicious fish tacos. I forgot to take a picture, but here are a couple from their website.
Thursday Doors is a weekly challenge created by Dan Antion for people who love doors and architecture to come together to admire and share their favourite door photos, drawings, or other images or stories from around the world. If you’d like to join us, simply create your own Thursday Doors post each (or any) week and then share a link to your post in the comments on Dan’s blog post. Check out all the other amazing door posts. https://nofacilities.com/2026/05/21/travel-doors-and-signs/
Copyright ©2026 darlenefoster.wordpress.com – All rights reserved
- In: Doors | History | Travel
- 108 Comments
Since the seventh century, there has been a place of Christian worship on the site of the present York Minster. The bulk of the building we see today was constructed between 1220 and 1472. York Minster is the second-largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe.
The Minster stands majestically in the centre of York and can be seen from most locations
A side entrance to the York Minster
A door on the grounds of the York Minster
It had been years since I was inside the magnificent York Minster, and on my latest visit, I decided it was time for a revisit. Viewing the original medieval stained glass windows and elaborately carved stone work is worth a visit alone.
One of the many exquisite stained glass windows.
The door leading into the chapterhouse
The amazing ceiling of the chapterhouse
Inside the octagonal chapter house was magical, surrounded on all sides by stained glass windows. Chapterhouses, usually part of a cathedral or monastery, are typically for holding meetings. Imagine attending a meeting in this glorious room! I would have trouble concentrating.
Intricate medieval stone work inside the chapterhouse.
The impressive organ in the Minster’s Quire dating from 1829, when the previous organ was destroyed in a fire deliberately set by a disgruntled member of the church.
An adorable little door in what is now the gift shop! I’m so glad they kept it.
A side view of the Minster from the gardens
Stonework trimming a window outside
Carved gargoyles outside to keep the rainwater away from the stones. They are a bit spooky.
This structure holds so many stories. I’m so glad I returned to spend time exploring it.
I found some great doors on my recent visit to York. I’m happy to share them here on Dan’s Thursday Doors, a weekly challenge created by Dan Antion for people who love doors and architecture to come together to admire and share their favourite door photos, drawings, or other images or stories from around the world. If you’d like to join us, simply create your own Thursday Doors post each (or any) week and then share a link to your post in the comments on Dan’s blog post. Check out all the other amazing door posts.
Copyright ©2026 darlenefoster.wordpress.com – All rights reserved
Thursday Doors: Doors of York
Posted on: April 17, 2026
- In: Doors | Travel
- 90 Comments
I found some great doors on my recent visit to York. I’m happy to share them here on Dan’s Thursday Doors, a weekly challenge created by Dan Antion for people who love doors and architecture to come together to admire and share their favourite door photos, drawings, or other images or stories from around the world. If you’d like to join us, simply create your own Thursday Doors post each (or any) week and then share a link to your post in the comments on Dan’s blog post. Check out all the other amazing door posts. https://nofacilities.com/2026/04/16/the-hungarian-room/
The Windmill Pub on Blossom Street has been there since 1735. There is a legend that the pub is haunted by the ghost of a girl who was run over by a brewer’s cart.
The door to the Bar Convent, established in secret in 1686 when it was illegal to be a Catholic, to provide education for girls.
The Treasurer’s House. The first Treasurer was appointed in 1091 AD. The Treasurer controlled the finances of the Minster but also entertained important guests, which is why he was provided with a grand residence. The building as it stands today dates to the 1500s, with additions and changes made throughout the centuries.
I love this shop’s name. It sells all things Harry Potter.
I love this little door, almost hidden around a corner
Nothing more intriguing than a locked old door.
One of many interesting church doors in York.
The main door to Holy Trinity Church, dating back to the 12th century
The blue doors of St William’s College, a mediaeval building originally built to provide accommodation and training for priests serving at York Minster.
The impressive main entrance to St William’s College
A bright green door
The welcoming front doors to our lovely hotel, Wheatland Lodge
Greeting us at the door to the hotel are Laurel and Hardy! The comedy duo performed in York often.
Copyright ©2026 darlenefoster.wordpress.com – All rights reserved
Story Chat Digest Interview
Posted on: April 6, 2026
- In: Books | guest posts | short stories | Writing
- 50 Comments
I was delighted to be interviewed by Marsha Ingaro, the editor of Story Chat Digest. If you haven’t already seen it, please check out this entertaining conversation.
Story Chat Digest: Where Stories Meet brings conversations to life in a beautifully curated anthology filled with diverse voices, engaging stories, and book club–style reflection
Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/4EVwNE
- In: Doors | Travel
- 93 Comments
I had to catch a train the next morning, so I got up early, had breakfast and took a quick walk around the town before I left. Of course, I found some interesting doors on my walk.
The doors of the Swan Theatre, the first Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, originally built in 1875 on land donated by a local brewer. It opened in 1879 with a performance of Much Ado About Nothing. It was rebuilt in the same Victorian-Gothic style after it burnt down in 1926.
The back door of the Swan Theatre
Part of the Swan Theatre
A Victorian-era house
I love a green door
Row houses in Stratford-Upon-Avon
Falstaff House. I love the reference to Shakespeare’s plays.
This green door with a delightful fox doorknocker caught my eye.
The Doll’s House. Cute name.
An alehouse
The door to a Christmas shop in a heritage building.
Thursday Doors is a weekly challenge created by Dan Antion for people who love doors and architecture to come together to admire and share their favourite door photos, drawings, or other images or stories from around the world. If you’d like to join us, simply create your own Thursday Doors post each (or any) week and then share a link to your post in the comments on Dan’s blog post. Check out all the other amazing door posts. https://nofacilities.com/2026/04/02/random-doors-and-tdwc-announcement/
Copyright ©2026 darlenefoster.wordpress.com – All rights reserved
York in Springtime
Posted on: March 27, 2026
- In: friends | Travel
- 123 Comments
I’ve mentioned before that York is my favourite city in England. And my favourite time to visit is in early spring, when the daffodils and other spring flowers are in bloom. So when a good friend from Canada suggested we meet up in York, I jumped at the chance to show her and her husband around. This was her first visit, and she fell in love with this city just as I did when I first visited 49 years ago. Here are a few of the things we saw.
Micklegate Bar, built in the 12th century, was the traditional ceremonial gate for monarchs entering the city.
Spring flowers outside the York Minster
A busker in front of the York Minster and a man with an old English sheepdog.
A scary gargoyle in the making at the York Minster Stoneyard. The team of about sixteen stonemasons are dedicated to the upkeep of the stonework of the York Minster.
Guess who we found in the York Minster gardens having lunch!
The Holy Trinity Stocks for those who misbehave. There have been stocks on this property since the 16th century, and until the 19th century, they were used to punish those who committed minor crimes.
I thought this was appropriate for current times as well.
The ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey, the largest and richest Benedictine establishment in northern England, were destroyed during the Reformation and dissolution of the monasteries by King Henry VIII
A crypt on the site.
St. William’s College, a Mediaeval building originally built to provide accommodation for priests attached to the Minster
One of many interesting signs
We walked the Roman walls surrounding the old city.
Until we got to Clifford’s Tower, resplendent in a sea of daffodils.
BFFs by the tower
We found a friendly bear at the Teddy Bear Shop.
After all that walking, we stopped to enjoy a cup of tea at the famous Betty’s Tea Rooms. One can’t visit York without enjoying a cuppa at Betty’s!
A marvellous day in my favourite city with good friends.
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.– William Wordsworth
Book Blog Tour for Story Chat Digest Where Stories Meet: An Anthology of Short Stories & Poems
Posted on: March 18, 2026
- In: Blog Launch Tour | Books | short stories | Writing
- 122 Comments
I am excited to introduce the international literary anthology Story Chat Digest: Where Stories Meet, edited and compiled by Marsha Ingrao.
Now in its third volume, Story Chat Digest continues its tradition of bringing together international voices in short fiction and poetry. What began as an interactive online literary challenge has grown into an established anthology series and ongoing writing-and-reading community built around thoughtful conversation, continuing a tradition of collaborative storytelling.
In this volume, writers from around the world contributed short fiction and contemporary poetry inspired by the Story Chat community at AlwaysWrite.blog. I am delighted to have two stories included in this volume.
Each piece stands alone, yet together they form a tapestry of voices exploring memories, mysteries, resilience, humour, faith, family, and the quiet complexities of ordinary life — with a few science fiction pieces woven in for imaginative contrast. This anthology captures not just the stories themselves, but a sampling of connections that inspired them.
This is what differentiates the Story Chat anthology from a typical collection. Story Chat began as a blog-based literary program in which writers submitted original fiction and poetry, and readers responded thoughtfully in the comments. Those conversations became part of the creative process. Readers engaged like live beta readers. Writers refined their work. Sometimes a reader’s insight sparked a second or even third story. The anthology grew organically from that global interaction — preserving both the writing and the spirit of conversation that shaped it.
You can find out more about Story Chat Digest as well as how to submit your stories and/or poems here: https://alwayswrite.blog/join-story-chat-digest-2026-an-online-writing-community-for-all-authors/.
Reader Testimonials
- “This is what I like about Story Chat, Marsha — the perspective of different people. It would be very dull if we all thought the same thing.”
- “You have given me an idea on how to make my character more three-dimensional… It is amazing how little additions like that might enhance the experience for readers.”
- “I enjoyed being here. Thank you so much, Marsha. It was a memorable experience — a great confidence booster.”
I enjoyed being part of this project. It was fun to write a couple of short stories for the collection, but even more fun to read the comments from fellow writers and readers. The experience motivated me to write in genres new to me. Thank you, Marsha Ingrao, for creating this fabulous opportunity to showcase our work and obtain valuable feedback.
My 5-star review for Story Chat Volume II
Many brilliant writers in this volume provide great examples of various writing skills and styles. This is the second volume of Story Chat, and I love this idea. Not only does the reader get introduced to several authors, but following most of the short stories are critique notes that make you think about the story more. For example, the brilliant author, Diana Peach, writes The Grand Adventure, an engaging tale about best friends with a fabulous twist at the end. This is what critiquer Balroop says: “Diana is a master crafter; whatever she writes, she never disappoints. I love her style of saying a lot, without going into any unnecessary details, and that shows how much she respects the intellect of her readers.”
The stories include humour, juvenile, coming-of-age, family drama and sci-fi. The book is bookended with writing tips on How to Write Fantastic Stories that Will Impact Readers by Hugh Roberts, and comprehensive Tips on Point of View by Diana Peach. Not only is this an entertaining read, it’s a writer’s manual as well. Well done, Marsha, for putting this informative and entertaining volume together.
Story Chat Digest: Where Stories Meet, Volume III
Purchase Links:
About the Editor
Marsha Ingrao is the founder and online host of the Story Chat community and the compilation editor of the Story Chat series. A lifelong educator, she continues to foster global literary conversation through blogging, collaborative anthologies, and virtual gatherings.
After retiring from public education, she expanded her work into writing, photography, and publishing. She believes strongly in lifelong learning and the power of shared storytelling to build connections across cultures.
Blog:www.alwayswrite.blog
A Walk Around Stratford-Upon-Avon
Posted on: March 17, 2026
- In: History | Travel
- 110 Comments
It has been my wish to visit this market town, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, for a long time. A few weeks ago, I made it happen. I shared some doors last Thursday. Here are some other pictures from around the charming town and inside the Bard’s house.
The town’s most famous citizen is at the head of the main street. Some well-known quotes, like the one above, surround the statue.
A statue of Young Will by Lawrence Holofcener. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, home of the Royal Shakespeare Company, stands behind it.
The Swan Theatre, the first Shakespeare Memorial Theatre.
Both theatres face the River Avon
A swan graciously posed for me.
A stone bridge crosses the river Avon
The back of Shakespeare’s birthplace has lovely gardens that feature many of the 175 plants mentioned in his plays.
Inside the home, a cosy parlour, furnished as it would have been 450 years ago.
The hall where the family ate their meals
The pantry or larder.
The children’s bedchambers and most likely the birthing room.
A replica of the wallpaper. A piece of the original is in the British Museum.
An evening stroll took us to the Avon Canal, which often has canal boats travelling down it and through a set of locks.
From the stone bridge, we spied a cosy-looking pub called The Pen & Parchment
So we decided to check it out.
I enjoyed a delicious mushroom-and-Gorgonzola pie with fried mashed potatoes and pesto sauce. It was excellent and in the perfect setting. A fitting end to a day in Stratford-upon-Avon.
- In: Doors | Travel
- 116 Comments
I like this place, and willingly could waste my time in it. – As You Like It, William Shakespeare
While in England, I took a trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon to visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare. I am a huge fan of the Bard and have seen more than half of his plays, some of them more than once. So you can imagine how excited I was to see the house in which this literary genius was born. It was larger than I thought it would be, and there were many doors.
Shakespeare was born in this house in April 1564, and lived in it with his brothers and sisters. He also lived in a part of it with his wife and young family for a time.
The Bard would have walked through these doors
Now I have also passed through the doors of his house.
This door separates the two parts of the house. The floors are the original stones. I walked on the same floors as William Shakespeare!!
The door to the pantry.
His father, John Shakespeare, was a glove maker. They sold gloves from this window facing the street.
A back door.
I walked around the entire building and found this interesting ground-level window.
I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I loved the book, Hamnet. Maggie O’Farrell said she was inspired to write the book after visiting this house. I can see why.
Thursday Doors is a weekly challenge created by Dan Antion for people who love doors and architecture to come together to admire and share their favourite door photos, drawings, or other images or stories from around the world. If you’d like to join us, simply create your own Thursday Doors post each (or any) week and then share a link to your post in the comments on Dan’s blog post. Check out all the other amazing door posts. https://nofacilities.com/2026/03/12/irish-room-happy-st-patricks-day/
Copyright ©2026 darlenefoster.wordpress.com – All rights reserved
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