At this season, I always enjoy a re-read of Charles Dickens’ classic ghost story, ‘A Christmas Carol.’ In fact, you will often find me wandering past a former inn he used to frequent, on my way to Canterbury Cathedral for the carol service. During the long wait – necessary if you want a seat – I immerse myself once again in the yuletide tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his spooky, yet heart-warming journey to become a better man.

Dickens produced this beloved novella in 1843. It has never been out of print since. From the preface to his readers, we know we are in for a delightful ride:

‘I have endeavoured in this Ghostly little book to raise the Ghost of an Idea which shall not put my readers out of humour with themselves, with each other, with the season, or with me. May it haunt their houses pleasantly, and no one wish to lay it.

Their faithful friend and servant.

C. D.

December, 1843’

In the first stave, he gets right into the plot without any flannel:

‘Marley was dead: to begin with.’

One of the most iconic story openers in history, for my money!

However you choose to celebrate the holiday season, I wish you and yours a time of peace, plenty and wellbeing. To those of you who have followed this site since its inception a couple of months ago, or even those just joining in, I appreciate your taking the time to read this. An extra special thank you goes out to readers who have purchased either of my first two indie horror novels. A third is well into the outlining stage. Writing will commence at pace in the New Year.

Merry Christmas, Folks!

Devon De’Ath.