{"id":18870,"date":"2018-11-01T01:10:23","date_gmt":"2018-11-01T06:10:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/paganpages.org\/content\/?p=19469"},"modified":"2018-10-29T23:07:21","modified_gmt":"2018-10-30T04:07:21","slug":"interview-with-author-ceri-norman-faeries-stones-hope","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/2018\/11\/01\/interview-with-author-ceri-norman-faeries-stones-hope\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview with Author Ceri Norman: Faeries, Stones & Hope"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ceri Norman: Faeries, Stones & Hope<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I was really drawn to Ceri Norman\u2019s book on stones and their connection to magical beings, and you can read my review here<\/a>. Ceri is a prolific writer on a number of fascinating subjects and makes beautiful nature inspired jewellery which she sells on Etsy<\/a>. Despite being so busy, Ceri was kind enough to give up some of her time to speak to us here at PaganPagesOrg! Here\u2019s what she had to say when I caught up with her this month.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mabh Savage (MS): When did you first start writing and what drew you to it?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Ceri Norman (CN): I honestly cannot recall a time before I was writing, so I guess it started out with little articles, stories and bizarre recipes (for potions and lotions) as a small child and just carried on from there. I have always loved the magic and power of the written word, and the beauty of the many different forms of writing, that allow us communicate our ideas with each other. <\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

MS: What inspires you most as a writer?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

CN: Myths, legends and folklore, so I owe a great deal to the old stories and to those who created or recorded them.<\/b><\/i><\/span>
\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

MS: Do you prefer writing fiction or non-fiction, and why?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

CN: Non-fiction. I am an obsessive writer; once I start writing I feel a strong compulsion to get the \u2018section\u2019 or \u2018piece\u2019 finished as soon as possible. With a non-fiction this can usually mean the article or chapter and I can take a breather but with a full fiction novel it means the entire book, which takes me months to write, and that can drive me (and those around me) a little nuts.
\n<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

MS: What made you decide to write Faerie Stones?<\/b>
\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

CN: I have always loved stones and Faeries and there are many links between the two, yet wherever I looked there was not a coherent book or article that brought the wealth of information in so many different sources together for the readers. Once I realised that I kept feeling a strong sense from the Faeries to fill that gap for readers and to create something that would enable people to bring crystals into their work with Faerie and to bring Faerie into their work with crystals. <\/b><\/i><\/span>
\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

MS: Who would you say the book is aimed at?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

CN: Anyone who is interested in crystals, Faeries, folklore, myths and legends.<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

MS: Do you have a favourite stone or one that resonates strongly with you?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

CN: Though not technically a stone, I would have to say Amber. I love its cleansing, bright energy, which is an antidote to my sombre, serious personality. It has so much folklore, especially regarding its healing properties, attached to it and has been so beloved by so many cultures all over the planet. For resin to become Amber it has to endure, to endure being buried\/submerged, to endure pressure and to endure the passage of time. I find that a valuable and inspiring lesson in life, that Amber can still be so beautiful, positive and magical even after all that it has been forced to endure. <\/b><\/i><\/span>
\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

MS: When did you begin working with stones and their energies and associated beings?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

CN: Again, I cannot recall a time before I worked with stones. When I was a child my mother had a beautiful piece of Blue John from Derbyshire on display in our home and I would regularly sneak it out of the display case to work with it and learn from it. I began collecting stones and crystals very early on, from semi-precious stones right down to interesting stones from the garden, which all had their own energies and personalities. <\/b><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

MS: What was the most challenging thing about the writing process for this book?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

CN: Some of the research proved challenging. Many modern books on crystals say \u2018x is good for y\u2019 and that has become accepted fact regurgitated over and over again, yet I wanted to go deeper and to older sources to really look at the older as well as more modern Faerielore and Folklore associated with stones. Sometimes finding those older sources and information proved a real challenge, but it was extremely rewarding.<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

MS: And what did you enjoy the most?<\/b><\/p>\n

CN: It was utterly enchanting to work with the Faeries and the stones to create the book for readers. That magic will stay with me for a very long time. <\/b><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

MS: The book covers 26 fascinating stones plus a wide variety of quartz formations. Would you expand upon this at any point and perhaps do a second volume?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

CN: If there was sufficient interest from readers, there is plenty of room to do another volume. There are many more stones out there to write about, from the very precious gems such as diamonds and rubies right down to the sandstone and slate that make up Mother Earth\u2019s wonderful landscapes. <\/b><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

MS: What\u2019s your top tip for anyone just starting to appreciate the magic of stones or crystals?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

CN: Enjoy it and do what you need to in order to keep the magic alive! Celebrate that wonderful sense of awe, inspiration and enchantment that comes from working with Faeries and stones. Never let anyone else deter you or disenchant you. Remember it is a two-way relationship. Give back to the stones and Faeries to really forge a strong working relationship, so keep your stones happy by looking after them and do those little chores that the Faeries ask you to do for them. <\/b><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

MS: What other writing projects do you have on the horizon? Are you working on any more books?<\/b><\/span><\/span>
\n<\/span><\/span>
\nCN: I am currently focusing more on articles for several publications, including FAE Magazine and am attempting (intermittently) to blog<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span> (<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/wysewitchuk.blogspot.com\/<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/a>)<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/b>and to do the odd little video for YouTube.<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

MS: How do you relax or take a break from writing and researching?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

CN: I love to get out into nature, to take walks along the beach or in the woods to remind myself that I am a part of nature and to reconnect with the energies of Mother Nature and the Faeries. I am also a big fan of films and TV shows that are based in or inspired by folklore, mythology and all things supernatural from around the world. <\/b><\/i><\/span>
\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

MS: Finally, as we move into winter, what\u2019s your biggest hope for the year ahead?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

CN: My perennial hope is that humankind (especially our political leaders) can finally please realise that all beings \u2013 human and otherwise – are equal and special inhabitants of this lovely planet and that as this is the only planet that we have we need to look after it and each other a whole lot better! <\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Well said Ceri, I think we can all agree with that final sentiment! Ceri\u2019s books are available on Amazon<\/a> and at all good book stores. Follow her channel on YouTube<\/a>, visit her blog<\/a> and view her beautiful jewellery on Etsy<\/a>.<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Faerie Stones: An Exploration of the Folklore and Faeries Associated with Stones & Crystals on Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

About the Author:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Mabh Savage<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0is a Pagan author, poet and musician, as well as a freelance journalist.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

She is the author of\u00a0<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span>A Modern Celt: Seeking the Ancestors<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a> <\/i>and\u00a0<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span>Pagan Portals \u2013 Celtic Witchcraft: Modern Witchcraft Meets Celtic Ways<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>.<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A Modern Celt: Seeking the Ancestors on Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pagan Portals – Celtic Witchcraft: Modern Witchcraft Meets Celtic Ways on Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Ceri Norman: Faeries, Stones & Hope     I was really drawn to Ceri Norman\u2019s book on stones and their connection to magical beings, and you can read my review here. Ceri is a prolific writer on a number of fascinating subjects and makes beautiful nature inspired jewellery which she sells on Etsy. Despite being so busy, Ceri was kind enough to give up some of her time to speak to us here at PaganPagesOrg! Here\u2019s what she had to say when I caught up with her this month.   Mabh Savage (MS): When did you first start writing and what drew you to it? Ceri Norman (CN): I honestly cannot recall a time before I was writing, so I guess it started out with little articles, stories and bizarre recipes (for potions and lotions) as a small child and just carried on from there. I have always loved the magic and power of the written word, and the beauty of the many different forms of writing, that allow us communicate our ideas with each other. MS: What inspires you most as a writer? CN: Myths, legends and folklore, so I owe a great deal to the old stories and to those who created or recorded them. MS: Do you prefer writing fiction or non-fiction, and why? CN: Non-fiction. I am an obsessive writer; once I start writing I feel a strong compulsion to get the \u2018section\u2019 or \u2018piece\u2019 finished as soon as possible. With a non-fiction this can usually mean the article or chapter and I can take a breather but with a full fiction novel it means the entire book, which takes me months to write, and that can drive me (and those around me) a little nuts. MS: What made you decide to write Faerie Stones? CN: I have always loved stones and Faeries and there are many links between the two, yet wherever I looked there was not a coherent book or article that brought the wealth of information in so many different sources together for the readers. Once I realised that I kept feeling a strong sense from the Faeries to fill that gap for readers and to create something that would enable people to bring crystals into their work with Faerie and to bring Faerie into their work with crystals. MS: Who would you say the book is aimed at? CN: Anyone who is interested in crystals, Faeries, folklore, myths and legends. MS: Do you have a favourite stone or one that resonates strongly with you? CN: Though not technically a stone, I would have to say Amber. I love its cleansing, bright energy, which is an antidote to my sombre, serious personality. It has so much folklore, especially regarding its healing properties, attached to it and has been so beloved by so many cultures all over the planet. For resin to become Amber it has to endure, to endure being buried\/submerged, to endure pressure and to endure the passage of time. I find that a valuable and inspiring lesson in life, that Amber can still be so beautiful, positive and magical even after all that it has been forced to endure. MS: When did you begin working with stones and their energies and associated beings? CN: Again, I cannot recall a time before I worked with stones. When I was a child my mother had a beautiful piece of Blue John from Derbyshire on display in our home and I would regularly sneak it out of the display case to work with it and learn from it. I began collecting stones and crystals very early on, from semi-precious stones right down to interesting stones from the garden, which all had their own energies and personalities. MS: What was the most challenging thing about the writing process for this book? CN: Some of the research proved challenging. Many modern books on crystals say \u2018x is good for y\u2019 and that has become accepted fact regurgitated over and over again, yet I wanted to go deeper and to older sources to really look at the older as well as more modern Faerielore and Folklore associated with stones. Sometimes finding those older sources and information proved a real challenge, but it was extremely rewarding. MS: And what did you enjoy the most? CN: It was utterly enchanting to work with the Faeries and the stones to create the book for readers. That magic will stay with me for a very long time. MS: The book covers 26 fascinating stones plus a wide variety of quartz formations. Would you expand upon this at any point and perhaps do a second volume? CN: If there was sufficient interest from readers, there is plenty of room to do another volume. There are many more stones out there to write about, from the very precious gems such as diamonds and rubies right down to the sandstone and slate that make up Mother Earth\u2019s wonderful landscapes. MS: What\u2019s your top tip for anyone just starting to appreciate the magic of stones or crystals? CN: Enjoy it and do what you need to in order to keep the magic alive! Celebrate that wonderful sense of awe, inspiration and enchantment that comes from working with Faeries and stones. Never let anyone else deter you or disenchant you. Remember it is a two-way relationship. Give back to the stones and Faeries to really forge a strong working relationship, so keep your stones happy by looking after them and do those little chores that the Faeries ask you to do for them. MS: What other writing projects do you have on the horizon? Are you working on any more books? CN: I am currently focusing more on articles for several publications, including FAE Magazine and am attempting (intermittently) to blog (https:\/\/wysewitchuk.blogspot.com\/) and to do the odd little video for YouTube. MS: How do you relax or take a break from writing and researching? CN: I love to get out into nature, to take walks along the beach or in the woods to remind myself that I am a part of nature and to reconnect with the energies of Mother Nature and the Faeries. I am also a big fan of films and TV shows that are based in or inspired by folklore, mythology and all things supernatural from around the world. MS: Finally, as we move into winter, what\u2019s your biggest hope for the year ahead? CN: My perennial hope is that humankind (especially our political leaders) can finally please realise that all beings \u2013 human and otherwise – are equal and special inhabitants of this lovely planet and that as this is the only planet that we have we need to look after it and each other a whole lot better!   Well said Ceri, I think we can all agree with that final sentiment! Ceri\u2019s books are available on Amazon and at all good book stores. Follow her channel on YouTube, visit her blog and view her beautiful jewellery on Etsy.   Faerie Stones: An Exploration of the Folklore and Faeries Associated with Stones & Crystals on Amazon   *** About the Author: Mabh Savage\u00a0is a Pagan author, poet and musician, as well as a freelance journalist. She is the author of\u00a0A Modern Celt: Seeking the Ancestors and\u00a0Pagan Portals \u2013 Celtic Witchcraft: Modern Witchcraft Meets Celtic Ways.   A Modern Celt: Seeking the Ancestors on Amazon   Pagan Portals – Celtic Witchcraft: Modern Witchcraft Meets Celtic Ways on Amazon<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":206,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":1,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18870","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18870","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/206"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18870"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18870\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18870"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18870"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18870"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}