Next event: Author Talk 'The Limits of Empire' @ Chard Library, Holyrood Lace Mill, Holyrood Street, Chard, Somerset TA20 2YA from 10.30 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Friday 1st March.

Talks

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Talks The talks:

  • Are illustrated by Powerpoint slides.
  • Can be given face-to-face or online (e.g. via Zoom).
  • Are promoted with colourful posters and a Press Release.
  • Face-to-face talks require a projector, HDMI cable, and screen.
  • Last about one hour, plus another half an hour to cover Q&A, meet and greet, book sale and book signing.
  • Are available for all types of groups and organisations, e.g U3A, Rotary Club, Probus, Civic and Historical Associations, Literary Festivals & Library Events.

    • An experienced public speaker, Justin also has combined liability insurance.
    Please email justin.newland@hotmail.co.uk for more information, fees and booking.
    The talks are:
    Title Summary  

    Talk #1: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall - A Reflective Talk about Mirrors in our World

    		 This talk explores the wonderful role of mirrors and the mirror image in our world. ... MORE

    Talk #2: The Hidden Story of the Repulse of the Spanish Armada.

    		 This talk provides an alternative explanation as to how the Spanish Armada - at the time the greatest fleet in the world - was repulsed by a bunch of rowdy buccaneers from a misty isle on the edge of Europe. ... MORE

    Talk #3: The Limits of Empire - How Drake's circumnavigation changed history.

    		 At the beginning of the Elizabethan era, England was a small, isolated, misty isle on the edge of continental Europe. But sparked by Dr John Dee’s vision in his book The Limits of Empire, England grew to become the centre of a new world of trade and communication, bringing its laws, customs and language to all parts of the world ... MORE

    Talk #4: An Introduction to Hidden Art in Ancient Egypt

    		 This is an introduction to some of the mysteries of Ancient Egypt through the lens of their art and artefacts, statues and friezes, not just the easily seen and discerned, but the hard to see, the uncanny, and the hidden art. ... MORE

    Talk #5: Why Ancient Egypt is known as the Mother and Father of All Things.

    		 Justin's prolonged study of Ancient Egypt culminated in his novel 'The Genes of Isis.' An epic fantasy and supernatural thriller set under Ancient Egyptian skies, it is a weave of two threads: the myth of Isis and the story of the flood in the Book of Genesis. Justin explores why Ancient Egypt is known as 'The Mother and Father ... MORE

    Talk #6: The Great Ming Code - How the Law Book of the Ming Dynasty attempted to harmonise human society with the will of Heaven.

    		 Having been invaded by the Mongols in the 13th century, the Chinese eventually expelled them in 1368. And because of Karma, they believed they must have been living in the wrong way to have invited the invasion. The Ming Dynasty was a time of soul-searching as China sought to come of age. ... MORE

    Talk #7: Whatever Happened to The Great Enlightenment?

    		 If the Great Enlightenment happened in the 18th Century, then shouldn't we, 250 years later, be greatly greatly enlightened? ... MORE

    Talk #8: History Repeats Itself

    		 Justin will discuss how cycles and seasons play out in history. How is it possible for history to be governed by cycles? What has that to do with karma, or roles, or the curious phenomenon of déjà vu? Justin will explore these questions and suggest ways to think about and deal with our situation. ... MORE

    Talk #9: In Search of the Spirit of the Times

    		 It's said that every era is defined by a Zeitgeist, a German word meaning the spirit of the times. But what is the spirit of the times? Do they define the nature and principles that govern that era? Where can it be found in history? Have people always accurately translated it? Who are its best representatives? What about our t ... MORE

    Talk #10: How to Write and Research Historical Fiction.

    		 Using his experience as a writer of historical fiction, and condensing years of historical research, Justin makes a series of practical suggestions about how to write and research historical fiction. This talk is designed for writers who love reading novels set in past times, who are fascinated by a particular historical period ... MORE

    Talk #11: Self-Publishing: How to Promote Your Book.

    		 In this talk, Justin gives many useful tips on how to promote your book in an increasingly competitive market. Although specifically featured towards paperbacks, it applies to e-books just as well. And it begins with having and producing a quality product. ... MORE

    Talk #12: Tips and Tricks for Writing Historical Fantasy

    		 In this talk, Justin talks about his writing, and gives further tricks and tips for writing and plotting historical fantasy. ... MORE