Welcome!

Carol Anne Strange is a writer of stories, and the author of the reader-acclaimed novel Light Weaver. Her stories dance
upon the strandline between the everyday and the otherworldly while exploring the nature of reality.Carol is currently working on a short story collection and her next novel. Stay tuned for more details.

'My stories often delve into life's mysteries that teeter on the edge of everyday reality.'

Living in Lancashire, north west England, Carol is the author of the reader-acclaimed novel, Light Weaver. She tends to write stories about ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Her works often explore themes such as the nature of reality, strange intrigues, love, loss, and transcendence.Carol began her professional writing journey in the mid-1980s as a freelance writer of features, books, courses and scripts. Over the years, she's been involved in publishing, art, photography, and film, and has also been a mentor to writers and creatives. After graduating from Falmouth University in 2011 with a Masters in Professional Writing, she slowly made the move to writing fiction. She is currently writing a short story collection and her next novel.

Creative Explorers Club

The Creative Explorers Club is for seekers of ideas, insights and inspiration. It's for lovely souls who wish to make space in their life to write, make art and create for well-being or as a profession.

Members have priority invitations to attend small-group inspiration days, creative retreats and informal get-togethers in the UK organised by author and creativity facilitator, Carol Anne Strange. Members also have 10% discount on Carol's downloadable e-courses and e-publications.

MEMBERSHIP (UK only) - £8

Receive a Creative Explorers Club membership card, badge and booklet. This will be posted out to the UK postal address you provide at checkout. Please allow up to 10 days to receive your membership pack.

• £8 - PAY NOW

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Books by Carol Anne Strange

Light Weaver

The debut novel by Carol Anne Strange is a story set in the English Lake District where everyday life collides with otherworldly happenings…Light Weaver can be ordered from all good bookshops and from public libraries using the ISBN-13: 978-1899561049It’s also available to order online.Click here to find out more.

The Alchemy of Night

A collection of writing and illustrations inspired by the hours of darkness...

In this collection, Carol Anne Strange celebrates the night in the way of stories, poems, personal insights, ideas and illustrations. It's an invitation to contemplate the evening's mood while sat cosy in your favourite chair or around a camp-fire beneath a sky full of sparkly diamonds. It's for those who seek the secret wisdom that is present in the dark. You see, there is magic there - pure alchemy - that is both beautiful and extraordinary...
SORRY, THE LIMITED EDITION PRINT VERSION HAS SOLD OUT. There is a digital version of the booklet, which is available to download from: Creative Explorers Hub

Beneath a Wishing Moon

Pocket Book Fiction...

One of the author’s most popular short stories, Beneath a Wishing Moon contemplates life around the salt-licked pavements of a seaside town under the heady influence of a powerful full moon. Includes illustrations by the author.A Special Edition of this book is currently in development, and will feature Carol's art photography.

The Art of Being Creative

The following posts are from Carol's Creative Journal archive. Perhaps you'll find some insights to motivate and inspire your creative practice...

INSPIRED JOURNEYS

Travel and the freedom to roam has always been important to me. I always feel ‘at home’ when I’m travelling. Despite the contradiction, my soul settles when I’m on the move. It’s when I feel the most present, alive and inspired.It’s clear to me why some people prefer to travel rather than arrive. Travelling, whether by foot, car, train, bicycle or spaceship (why not?) equates to freedom and excitement. There is always the potential for something magical at every turn, and this is fine fuel for the imagination.This need to be moving – travelling through the landscape (near or far) – is deeply innate. It always fills me with excited anticipation. It probably goes some way to explaining my frequent house moves over the years and this sense of never being totally settled in one place. I'm most content when I’m on my way, whether I happen to be on my way to somewhere or nowhere in particular.I’m a wandering star with a free-spirited heart. Haven’t I always known this? The nomadic soul that I am is my natural state of being. Before I arrived on this earth, I have no doubt that I was roaming from one dimension to another with the freedom of a ghost bird.As a child, I wandered for hours by the river and in the meadows close to the former blacksmith’s cottage that is my family’s home. Only the sound of my mother’s voice calling me in for dinner brought me back. Even then it was a reluctant return, despite the happy home and loving family that awaited me. My need to be on the move – exploring, dreaming, being – felt necessary for my well-being.Even now, after prolonged, grounding stints of writing and project time, I become restless. Some aspect of my soul is always travelling. My imagination will take me beyond any wall; I can bi-locate quite freely… something many of us creative folks can do with relative ease. It’s not always enough though, and the irresistible art of travelling requires full and complete immersion through body, mind and soul.Looking way back, the prospect of a car journey with my dad was always a treat. This was an adventure on winter evenings when the world became a live picture book of moon-lit frosted land, running hares, narrow winding lanes, moth clouds, spooky trees, spookier owls… I was entranced by those small journeys, full of imagery and story, that took us wanderers from one village to another.It's only in the past decade or so that I’ve realised how integral travelling is to my creativity. While writing Light Weaver, for example, my research trips were absolutely essential. The time I spent journeying and exploring the Lake District and the Cumbria / Lancashire borders offered sensory insights that found their way into the writing of that story, and I’m sure this is why I have such wonderful comments about the book. Perhaps, in some way, this novel re-connected my readers with their own free travelling soul.Sometimes, I experiment with my camera while travelling (as a passenger I hasten to add). The scenery and light is ever-changing and the resulting imagery is often semi-abstract, neither here or there, revealing glimpses of time/space-travel and the transience of the moment.This creative experimentation is enriching my travels in unexpected ways. I find it endlessly fascinating. And at the heart of travel, I see it for what it is: a journey without end.Carol Anne Strange

WORD GAMES

Producing good writing is often a challenging and complex pre-occupation. If not careful, there’s a risk of drowning in a sea of seriousness. If the words and ideas aren’t flowing, I find it usually means I need to play more.Playing with words is a great warm-up exercise and a way to ease the transition into producing quality writing, particularly after taking a long break.I enjoy several writing games. Two that I’ve engaged with often over the years, and in the writing of Light Weaver, is automatic writing where I spill words onto paper without applying any thought or logic. The other is word-mining where I dream up fresh phrases and metaphors, which I store in my notebook for future fuel.Many moons ago, I started experimenting with lipograms after being drawn to reading a book by R D Cook titled Between Two Seas. In the following examples, I wrote quick passages without using the letter ‘e’:‘Your radiance, gold on skin, brightly burning away shadows. You always found a way through with your god-light.You, all symphony and soliloquy, all that is and all that was, glorious in bliss.’***‘This night holds songs in its soul.Fly my owl boy into star-blackand bring down moon light.Our world is calling you back.’***‘Spinning out too fast too faryou, all gold and light,child of sunchanting air songs at dawnsmiling always’***‘Sky full of snowhalf-lit morningbird songbranching outtilting towards spring’***‘Crystal light burningthrough woodland stormchurning rich black soilmushroom potion full of visionsof owls flying at nightBold wisdom in your armsmagical air in your lungswaking into knowing’And here’s one without using the letter ‘i’:‘Sea-blown breeze upon the dunessun-blazed sands gleam goldon the edge between land and sea,where all moves and changes constantly.’***These were fun pre-breakfast writing games. Another writing game popped into my head one winter sunrise, and that was to construct several passages using a Fibonacci-inspired sequence for the number of words used.Here’s an example, using the Lucas number sequence:1. So…3. I was there4. right at the beginning7. wondering what I was supposed to do11. because there was no instruction manual or no-one to guide me.1. Yes…3. it seems strange4. I had no idea7. that life would just unfold so beautifully11. when everything is so unpredictable, so mysterious, and so bloody crazy.I reckon this game would be ideal for song-writing.I play with words most often before I’m out of bed or whenever I have a spare moment. It sharpens the writing reflex. The words and ideas that come forth are never wasted and usually slip into my stories as if they’ve been there all along.Give it a go. See what word gems manifest for you.Carol Anne Strange

INSPIRED KNITTING

Coming from an Earth family of creatives and crafters, I’ve always enjoyed making things albeit often in an experimental and rustic way. Although I was shown the rudiments of knitting when I was a child, I didn’t have the patience to take it any further back then. Roll on the years and, after being gifted some wool and knitting needles, I started to knit on an occasional basis as a break from writing.Since then, I’ve made countless scarves, shawls, ponchos, a few hats, a hundred+ pairs of fingerless gloves, lavender pouches, bags, and a cardigan – all experimental, using straight-forward knitting stitch, and made without a pattern.Knitting is a curious ambiguity; it’s wonderfully relaxing but in a busy, click-click kind of way. And as I often knit on auto-pilot, using a simple repetitive stitch, it’s fantastic for day-dreaming up the most incredible ideas.I imagine and reflect while I knit. I’ve gathered ideas for stories, solved novel plot issues and visualised a beautiful new Earth where we live in harmony with nature. Stitch by stitch, I set my intentions, seeing a world knitted together with love. I enter a place of deep peace and clarity. And while my thoughts create reality, my hands have produced a scarf, a bag or a wall of wool. How fulfilling to ‘be, do, dream and manifest’ all at the same time.I’ve come to realise that there’s something cosmic about knitting. I have a direct line to my imagination, and it provides me with an alternative creative outlet to writing.Thousands upon thousands of stitches later, I’m still knitting on an occasional basis. I have spells where wool-weaving is essential and occupies my spare time for weeks. This is usually when I have to work through something or I need to be an open channel for ideas and solutions. Then I’ll stop for a while – for months – without even being tempted to pick up and knit any colourful yarn. And that’s perfectly fine.Knitting might seem like a homely, old-fashioned kind of crafting hobby but I’ve discovered that it’s relaxing and offers so much more than an end result. Why not give it a try? If I can do it, anyone can.Questions for you…+ Are you making time to create simply for well-being?+ How often do you learn something new or create something different?+ Where can you make space in your day to take up an interest that enables you to think, dream and self-nurture?Carol Anne Strange

Events

Inspiration Days and Creative Retreats facilitated by Carol Anne Strange

My informal, friendly creative retreats, inspiration days, gatherings and experientials take place in a variety of locations mostly in north west England, UK.Each event is limited to a small group (often fewer than 10 but no more than 20) of lovely people who enjoy writing or making art.I organise each event to hold space for you to gather ideas, insights and inspiration so that you can create. Work on a project of your choosing or experiment using the creative exercises and prompts provided. These are not taught courses but support is provided if you need a little guidance.I aim to encourage a relaxed, gentle and friendly atmosphere where you can be totally at ease and free to create at a pace that suits you.There's time to chat about life and all things creative during refreshment breaks and lunch... very informal and easy-going. We have silent times too where everyone finds their space to create.Whether you write or make art for well-being, as a leisure pursuit and/or as a profession, I aim to facilitate events that are inspiring, enjoyable, immersive and fulfilling providing space for you to explore and expand your creative gifts.Everyone attending my Inspiration Days or Creative Retreats will always go home with a gift... usually a lucky-dip bag. Books often feature!

Inspirational Courses

IMAGINATURE

IMAGINATURE is a self-paced, self-directed course to inspire your imagination and creativity. More information at: Creative Explorers Hub

Become a freelance writer with the Write for Magazines course. Personal guidance and appraisals provided. Numbers strictly limited.Sorry, registration now closed.

Would you like an appraisal of your writing?

Gain feedback, insights and assistance to help you...

+ Write a publishable article, guide, blog post or short story.+ Gain confidence and improve your writing skills.+ Find suitable markets for your articles or short stories.+ Develop your idea(s) and produce your best writing.+ Have blog posts reviewed and copy checked for posting on your blog or website.Whatever your writing goals, I can help you achieve them...

Receive a detailed, honest and helpful review of your writing tailored to meet your requirements, which includes comments on content, structure, style, presentation, suitability for publication, and relevant guidance to help you produce your best words.

Choose from the following options...

Option One: Review of 2,000 words
Send a piece of prose, article, short story or blog posts up to a maximum of 2,000 words in total. Include a brief paragraph about your writing goals and what you hope to gain from the appraisal.

• REVIEW 2000 WORDS | £28

Option Two: Review of 4,000 words
Send a piece of prose, article, short story or blog posts up to a maximum of 4,000 words in total. Include a brief paragraph about your writing goals and what you hope to gain from the appraisal.

• REVIEW 4000 WORDS | £50

Feedback and appraisal provided by Carol Anne Strange...

I've been writing professionally for 40 years and my words have been widely published in a variety of formats (magazines, periodicals, blogs, books, courses, podcasts, and newsletters). I hold a Masters in Professional Writing awarded by Falmouth University, and have experience as a writing tutor for an established UK online course provider. As a Writing Guide, my aim is to offer valuable insights, useful feedback, inspiration, and gentle encouragement to help you improve your writing and achieve your goals.

♡

"Working with Carol Anne is a smooth process filled with ease and expertise. Carol Anne is wise, punctual and a genius at tidying things up. It’s like having a safe and solid hand on your back. It’s always pure joy to work with her and saves many hours of going back and forth in solitude."
– Christine Eilvig, Spiritual Mentor

"I didn't realise how much I didn't know about writing for publication until receiving mentoring and writing appraisal from Carol Anne Strange. I feel now I do have a chance of getting somewhere. It is great to be able to look back on my work and Carol's feedback. I have felt fully supported throughout. I can’t thank Carol enough for helping me achieve what I never believed I could achieve!"
- Sue Stopforth,
Holistic Equine Bodyworker Practitioner & Writer
Qiequine.co.uk

How it works...

+ Book and make payment for the writing review and appraisal service that you require.+ Email me with the piece(s) of writing that you would like reviewed and appraised along with a brief paragraph about your writing goals and what you hope to gain from booking a review and appraisal.* I will confirm receipt of your email and will provide detailed feedback within 10 days. Where relevant, I'll also include supplementary guidance sheets and answer any initial questions that you have.If you're unsure about anything or would like to have a quick discussion before you book the service, contact me to receive a free consultation by email.

Make Payment

Click on the button below to make payment...

• REVIEW 2000 WORDS | £28

• REVIEW 4000 WORDS | £50

Payment Terms:Payment is accepted securely via Paypal. Get in touch if you wish to use an alternative payment method.Once payment is made, you have booked my time and services, and there are no refunds. Please make sure you wish to proceed.Please review the full Terms and Conditions.If you have any questions or would like to discuss your writing goals, send me an email.I look forward to supporting you on your writing journey.

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Light Weaver

A novel by Carol Anne Strange

‘Incredibly well written, with powerful prose and stunningly well observed characterization, Light Weaver is a delight to read from beginning to end, a captivating page turner that I would highly recommend to anyone.‘
- Reader Review

Strange and inexplicable things are happening in the Lakeland fells…
light orbs dance over mossy crags, symbols miraculously appear in grassy lowlands, and Cali Silverthorn keeps disappearing into other worlds.Mobile librarian, Tom Philips, is captivated by free-spirited Cali but is struggling to make sense of her remarkable abilities and the escalating strangeness impacting ordinary rural life.As beliefs are challenged, Tom and Cali’s love becomes the only constant in a questionable reality as they face the heart-breaking realization that Cali may soon disappear for good.

Light Weaver, the debut novel by Carol Anne Strange, is a story set in the English Lake District where everyday life collides with otherworldly happenings.

Light Weaver can be ordered from all good bookshops and from public libraries using the ISBN-13: 978-1899561049The book is also available from:
Waterstones
Blackwell's
Hive
Wob
Amazon UK
Amazon.com

Reader Reviews...

‘A lovely, lyrical love story …The love of nature and the earth are so poetically drawn.’‘Enter a world of possibilities … It’s a chocolate bar of a book, one that’s savoured in bite-sized chunks of indulgence.’‘A beautiful sense of place … It’s set in the English Lake District and the descriptions of the landscape are beautifully expressed. The language used is exquisite …’‘Light Weaver spins a tale beyond Strange…This book is overflowing with strange happenings and mind stretching concepts… Light Weaver soon develops into a real page turner!’‘A magical journey! Carol Anne Strange created a fascinating story about the possibilities of other dimensions, dual universes and timeless healing.’‘Strange sets the bar high from the outset with a surprising introduction that begs the question – how will this pan out? Nothing is certain – apart from the fact that you’re in for a riveting, sumptuous read. And when the story’s done, there are a few other surprises waiting for the reader who’s invested in the author’s marvellously constructed world, borne from reality and fiction.’‘…if you are a fan of Sarah Addison Allen’s whimsical stories, you may really like Light Weaver. I think Carol Anne Strange’s story is a bit more “out there” than her’s though.’

The Author

‘My stories are often about ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances, drawing upon my curiosity about the nature of reality. Exploring themes such as nature, love, loss, transcendence, and the mysteries of life, my aim is to inspire my readers through the sometimes philosophical, occasionally profound, and infinitely imaginative landscape of words. My wish is to take you, the reader, on an extraordinary journey and leave you with a sense of knowing that anything is possible.’ -Carol Anne Strange

Freelance Writing, Content Production and Content Management

+ Established 1985. UK based. Widely published in print and online publications.
+ Offers content creation and content management services.
+ Feature writing specialising in lifestyle, holistic well-being, creativity, UK travel, and interview features.
+ Awarded an MA Professional Writing (Falmouth University).
+ Feature byline has appeared in many print magazines in the UK, USA, Australia, and Oman.

I’m Carol Anne Strange and I accepted my first writing commission 40 years ago and, since then, I’ve delivered millions of good words for magazines, publishers, entrepreneurs, change-makers, businesses and, ultimately, readers in the UK and beyond.My features have been published in the award-winning Breathe magazine as well as Gather, Teen Breathe, Derbyshire Life, Sussex Life, Furniture & Cabinetmaking, Coast, and Lancashire Life to name a few. I’ve written about UK travel, holistic health, roundhouses, shepherd huts, reverse bucket lists, second chances, repair shops, flower essences, remote working, commonplace books, kindness, megaliths, evening rituals, and so much more.Over the years, I have provided content services for business clients including many successful entrepreneurs and conscious change-makers. Some of my ghostwritten material, such as self-development books and courses, went on to become best-sellers while attracting a larger audience for the client’s work.These days, I focus on content production and content management for select clients. It’s always a joy and a privilege to be of service and to co-create alongside inspirational people.From producing content for individuals, publishers and magazines to writing my own books, courses, newsletters and fiction, I love to inspire readers through the power of words.

Some Testimonials...It’s always a joy working with publishers and inspirational people. Here are just some of the lovely comments I’ve received…‘Working with Carol Anne is a smooth process filled with ease and expertise. Carol Anne is wise, punctual and a genius at tidying things up. It’s like having a safe and solid hand on your back. It’s always pure joy to work with her and saves many hours of going back and forth in solitude.’ – Christine Eilvig Spiritual Mentor‘Carol is one of the most reliable writers I’ve ever worked with. She consistently delivers on-time, she uses her initiative to blossom even the weakest of concepts, and her work is absolutely first class.’ – Karl Moore, Author and EntrepreneurThank you very much for your articles, which were brilliant and exactly what we were looking for. Your health article was incredibly successful – the second most read article in July!’- Daisy Henderson, Editor'We have really appreciated all your work and efforts. You truly have been one of our most trustworthy, punctual and quality authors.’ – Jack Hall, Editor'Your article `Meditate for Success’ was published in four ezines and received good feedback from the editors. It also brought lots of traffic to the site.’ -Lynx MediaA selection of my published feature writing is available upon request.

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Contact

For all writing related enquiries, use the contact form below or email: castrange@protonmail.comPlease allow up to 5 days for a response. Thank you.

'Embrace the moment. It’s where all things begin and end.'– Carol Anne Strange

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