Greetings, and hello to my new subscribers who’ve discovered me through the Earth Pathways newsletter. Thank you for subscribing. 

Imbolc has passed, and the land is gradually awakening. Parts are keen to rise, like the snowdrops and primroses. While much grumbles like a teenager asked to get out of bed because it’s gone two in the afternoon. Being my birth month, I have a soft spot for February. The weather may be unpredictable, but the days are lengthening, and the sun is strengthening. It’s a time for new shoots. 

So what’s new? 

A new exhibition at the Goat Gallery

Thanks to Colin and Marnie Cude, Hayle has a new creative space in the community.

WE ❤️ HAYLE is the Goat Gallery’s latest exhibition, celebrating creativity in our home town and displaying local talent. Three of my pieces are included in the exhibition, and I recommend making a visit. There are some amazing artists in Hayle to discover.

The exhibition runs from the 14th February - 28th March.

Mermaids and Moomaids

Grey skies and a biting easterly heralded my birthday. With the weather dry, we ventured outdoors. Two things make a great birthday: good food and a good walk. Zennor was our destination this year. The Tinners’ Arms being the good food part (and a roaring open fire). DH Lawrence spent a fortnight here. We only stayed for lunch (including Shipwrecked flavoured Moonmaid ice cream), but we could have happily stayed longer. Next was a wander around the village. 

In the church, a 600-year-old pew depicts a mermaid holding a comb and a mirror. The carving supposedly relates to the romantic folktale of the Mermaid of Zennor and Matthew Trewhella. Young Matthew was the good-looking son of the churchwarden and well known for his singing voice in the church choir.

A mermaid paused in Pendour Cove, mesmerised by Matthew’s singing voice drifting from the church. Every Sunday the mermaid visited the cove to listen to Matthew sing. No longer content to listen, the mermaid ventured up the cliff. After stealing a dress left outside to dry, she hid her tail and “walked” to the church. She visited frequently, growing bolder and staying longer to listen to Matthew sing until one day, their eyes met. After the service, Matthew confronted the mermaid before she could leave and begged her to stay. The mermaid confided who she was and that she had to return to the sea. Matthew was so besotted that he took her into his arms, and they went to Pendour Cove, disappearing beneath the waves, never to be seen again. 

You can read more on my website about mermaids in Cornwall. 

Gearing up for querying

With the help of my lovely critique partners and beta readers, I have been polishing the final draft of my supernatural mystery novel. Agents like a comparison, so my story is Ben Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London, but set in wild, windswept Cornwall, along with all its uncanny folklore. 

Now I’m preparing for querying. The first three chapters are as good as they can be. The synopsis is down, and I’m getting ready to submit to agents. 

Currently Reading:

Emily Wildes Encyclopaedia of Fairies - Heather Fawcett 

Next in the TBR pile:

The House on the Strand - Daphne du Maurier 

The Maiden of Florence - Katherine Mezzacappa

Lastly…

I have decided to change the schedule of my newsletter from monthly to eight times a year based around the Wheel of the Year festivals. 

See you on the equinox.  

Emma x