John S Langley

Heartland: the part considered essential to the viability and survival of the whole.Poetry is a heartland, central to creativity and imagination. It gives an outlet to the odd mix of observations, experiences, emotions and thoughts that occur sporadically along the road in a way that no other artform can. In this collection I have drawn inspiration from the people around me, the land, the history, and the fears and aspirations of the past, the present and the future. It is with a grateful heart that I offer it up - in the hopes that one or two of the pieces may also resonate with your own Heartland.

Hello, and thank you for picking up my book. My name is Priscilla Olivia Samantha Hastings the 3rd.My family tree is deep-rooted and some have gone as far as to call me "beautiful" or "gorgeous" - and who am I to disagree. In order to be fair, however, I would admit that there are others, though rather common and small in number, who have said that I am rather "posh". Living in the kind of luxury I do, and with such willing helpers, you would be forgiven for thinking that my life was devoid of stress or excitement. But nothing could be further from the truth Why just the other day I had an amazing adventure and I'd like to tell you all about it...

Voyager is based on a cruise we took from Santiago to Buenos Aires via Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn. Like any journey it doesn't always go to plan, has it's up and downs and unexpected turns. As we travelled, the continuing effects of Climate Change could not be ignored and neither could our own contribution. It was a trip redolent of school day stories of exploration, discovery and shipwrecks, all associated with this Southernmost marine seaway, the most southerly continental point before Antarctica.

Heartwood is the oldest part of the tree. It is the part from which the tree draws its strength and structural support. This collection of poems draws from our own Heartwood of memories and experiences and an appreciation of our own nature, history and the central/non-central position we currently occupy within the whole.

The first of the 'Agaricus' series of novels. A teenage American girl is kidnapped. Her powerful and distraught parents are determined to get her back - at any price." ..... just collect the girl and bring her home; it's that easy." For 'Agaricus' though there are a number of plates he must keep spinning, - The girl's parents are rich, powerful, anxious ... and American. - The terms of the ransom have changed without explanation. - He must travel between time zones without losing his bearings - And he is battling some rather annoying inner demons of his own. As more uncomfortable truths begin to emerge tough personal choices have to be made .... but above all he must complete the job he has been given, the one he gets paid for.

A Cat who is a Detective tries to find a lost ringA Hippo who plays cricket decides to have a bowlA Tyrannosaurus Rex has a tricky problemA Toad who knows he's a toad and is not afraid to admit it...Here are a few stories told in rhyme with accompanying illustrations that sometimes have some secrets to findHere are stories to read out loud and enjoy

Brampton Poets is a name assumed by a group of people who meet monthly in the Brampton Community Centre, Cumbria, UK. The theme of this third anthology is 'journeying' in time, space or in the mind - always informed by our individual but shared life experiences. It was compiled during the varying 2021 COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and is dedicated to all those near and far who have been affected by this awful pandemic and to those in the NHS and all the other Essential Services - with our thanks and in awe of your contribution

Dr Gabriel Krai is a dangerous man - and he's dying.There are rumours and he needs to be watched.Mark Wilson of 'The Store' is told to do it and assumes the identity of Dr David Anderson, a Lecturer in Ancient History at St Andrew's University, Scotland.Oh yes and Dr Krai and his entourage have taken to the seas, joining the Nereus, a cross Pacific Cruise Ship.Getting close to Dr Krai is no easy matter and to do it Dr Anderson will have to call on the unlikeliest of allies.There is so much information that it's easy to get lost in the fog although one thing becomes increasingly clear... there is definitely something to worry about and David Anderson must find out what it is - and deal with the consequences ..

A Pokerwork of Poems Omnibus Edition brings together three previously published poetry collections: 1: Writing with Fire 2: Fanning the Flames 3: Growing EmbersThis is poetry about everyday life, about what it is to be human - to laugh, to cry, to feel, to remember - written in accessible language with an ambition to make a connection.

Dr Gabriel Krai is a dangerous man - and he's dying.There are rumours and he needs to be watched.Mark Wilson of 'The Store' is told to do it and assumes the identity of Dr David Anderson, a Lecturer in Ancient History at St Andrew's University, Scotland.Oh yes and Dr Krai and his entourage have taken to the seas, joining the Nereus, a cross Pacific Cruise Ship.Getting close to Dr Krai is no easy matter and to do it Dr Anderson will have to call on the unlikeliest of allies.There is so much information that it's easy to get lost in the fog although one thing becomes increasingly clear ... there is definitely something to worry about and David Anderson must find out what it is - and deal with the consequences ...

Here are16 short stories about life, love, toil and death - mainly about death, natural, unnatural, or violent.A dog lover set upon by Rottweilers, a couple from different warring families, a young woman alone in the rain ...But not everything is always as it seems.After all people are so complicated, so adaptable aren't they? Displaying hidden strengths or weaknesses they are capable of things that can surprise or appall or both... - Enjoy

A Poetry Anthology with Photographs and a Short Story - Snapshots of our lives.

Captain Gutbucket is a Pirate. He is smelly, dirty, hairy and fat. His best friend is a red squirrel called Nuts who has a wooden leg, wears a patch and sits on his shoulder ... and together they have adventures.

World War One - Millions of impacts.The consequences to individuals, families and countries cascading down through the 20th century to the present day and beyond. Certainly in my own family the impact was significant and even as memory fades the consequences perpetuate - it cannot be otherwise. This then is my reflection and tribute to those momentous times.