Would you be surprised to know that it all began with Jane Eyre? My first book that is! I owe this exceptional novel by Charlotte Bronte a great deal.

When you look in the mirror and barely recognise the old person you've become! How do you deal with ageing? Is it time to accept and embrace the crone?

Five things you’ll always find on my writing desk

Some of the magical locations that inspired, or are referenced in, my Witches of Castle Clair books.

Why is it okay for the male characters in books to be moody, brusque, even downright rude, but the female characters have to be nice?

I attended the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate for the first time ever. Here’s what I thought of it.

Book four in my Tuppenny Bridge series is published today!

I’ve signed a new two-book deal with Storm Publishing!

It’s publication day for book three in my Tuppenny Bridge series: Snowflakes and Surprises in Tuppenny Bridge!

It’s publication day for Destiny of the Witch - the sixth and final book in my Witches of Castle Clair series.

It’s publication day for book two in my Yorkshire Dales set Tuppenny Bridge series: Second Chances in Tuppenny Bridge!

It’s publication day for the first in my brand-new Yorkshire Dales set series, Tuppenny Bridge: Summer in Tuppenny Bridge

Big news! I have signed a three-book deal with Storm Publishing and I’ll be writing a brand-new series for them.

Why I can’t resist the pull of books about magic and mystery.

In a stressful world sometimes you have to look for the little things in your life that make you happy. Find those moments of pleasure.

A sample of some of my favourite books about magic and the supernatural.

My A-Z of Christmas continues here

The first part of my light-hearted Christmas alphabet.

Our holiday with a difference in beautiful Northumberland.

Author Alys West on her favourite books about witchcraft