I'm not crazy I'm 'IMAGIOPHRENIC'!

" Authors must be schizophrenic."

I know many authors whose family, and even their 'friends' call them 'schizophrenic', but I stand here before you today to tell you, hand on heart, that this is NOT TRUE!

Not true I tell you...

I am

'IMAGIOPHRENIC'

Dictionary definition:

'Imagiophrenic'

Pronunciation: /ɪˌmædʒi.oʊˈfrɛn.ɪk/ Part of speech: adjective / noun

Definition:

(adj.) Of or relating to an author whose imagination is so vivid that their characters speak back to them as if alive.

(n.) A writer who experiences their characters as active voices guiding the creative process.

Etymology: From imagination + Greek phrēn (mind, spirit).

Usage examples:

“She’s an imagiophrenic novelist — her characters argue with her until the plot feels real.”

“The imagiophrenic sound of his imagination shaped the story more than any outline ever could.”

To prove that I listen to my characters you only have to read my books:

The Elixir Chronicles Book One - "Joan - Put On A Happy Face" - she is the reason we enjoy such iconic children's season entertainment as Punch & Judy

Or the offshoot from Book One - "Memories Of..." - Joan's son John took her shows to America (fictionally, in my imaginings of course) and his story came to life for me when I discovered there was a 'real' person who lived at the times my story was set... John Punch indentured servant to Colonel Hugh Gwyn Tobacco Plantation Owner in Maryland, Virginia.

and Book Two of The Elixir Chronicles - "Ships in the Night" - where 'Baby', Joan's young son, finally falls in love... hahahahahah!👀

Chapter 20 Goodbye to a great man.

To Professor Brian Llewellyn

May he Rest In Peace with his Judy, 

his wife Marilyn

This week has been a heavy one. The world lost Professor Brian Llewellyn—a second-generation Punch and Judy performer, and the reason I became an author.

I still remember the moment I saw him on Good Morning Britain, sharing the screen with Kate Garraway and Tricia Goddard. That interview lit a spark I couldn’t ignore. For two years afterward, sleep became a stranger. Judy—the puppet, the woman, the soul—haunted my every waking thought and even crept into my dreams. She wasn’t just a character. She was real. She had feelings. Her puppets were her companions, her family, her voice.

She still marvels, in my mind, at how her humble little shows—first created to entertain her baby son—have endured for over 400 years. Her story became mine. It’s all in my blog, but today... I just want to pause and say:

Rest in peace, Brian. Reunited now with your beloved Judy—your wife Marilyn—who left this world just a few short years ago. Childhood sweethearts, you were the living embodiment of Pulcinella and Joan. Punch and Judy. Heart and soul.

Thank you for being part of my journey. For inspiring the story that changed my life. To your family, I send love, strength, and the biggest hugs. Your legacy lives on—in laughter, in puppets, and in every word I write.

Today is not a day to promote myself... today is Brian's Day

14-08-2025 R.I.P. Brian

Chapter 16 Finally we have a name, a cover and a first draft...

Bursting with Excitement! 🎉📚

I can hardly contain myself—I've just finished the first draft of my next book! YAY!

There’s nothing quite like that moment when your characters finally reveal how they want their story to end. It’s thrilling, emotional, and a little bit magical. 😛

There’s still some tidying up to do before it’s ready for release (the less glamorous side of writing!), but the heart of the story is there—and it’s beating strong. I’m so proud of how it’s shaping up, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

✨ Available for pre-order now, exclusively on Amazon! ✨

Available for pre-order only on Amazon

Chapter 15 - Should a scene be cut?

 An extract from my Work In Progress 'Nicholas' waiting to be cut!

I feel this is a good scene, but it would make one of my characters a murderer and I'm not sure I should... the scene might yet get cut... does anyone think the scene should be kept in? There's time to save it if you send a reply... to carol.m.mottershead@gmail.com -

"I believed he was my love, for the rest of my life. I can’t believe how I can still be hurt by his memory. The loss of my friend... and lover... he can still hurt me... yet he is no longer the one causing me the pain, it is myself! Why? Other than let him kill me, I did everything I could to try to make things work between us. I had to survive him. To wake up every morning wishing you hadn’t... it couldn’t go on. It was me or him in the end and I had every reason to live now... my child... the child now growing inside me... the child he will never get to know, the child he must never meet. For now, my only reason for living is to look after my baby, our baby... it is the only good thing to come out of this horrible mess!  I’ll make sure he has the best life I can give him. He is my priority... I would give my life for my child..."

Have you read 'Joan put on a happy face' by Carol M Mottershead?

Click Here

Chapter 14 - A new book is nearing completion!

 Work In Progress

'Nicholas'

In my last blog I was telling you about my problems with Amazon and the sales of 'Memories Of...' and I thought - to heck with it! I refuse to chase the tales of yet another set of algorithms ha! I got tired of changing things that I was doing to accommodate a computerised system and decided 

"Onward and upwards!"

So I moved onto as third book. This one directly follows on from my first this time, so probably should have done this before, but my characters just weren't speaking to me ha!

Nicholas had been sent to the family crypt in my first book in the series you may remember. His father was tried and condemned as his murderer. He wouldn't defend himself. He spoke to no one and that's where we pick up this next story...

I've called it just 'Nicholas' for now, but this will probably change when the book in published. I hope you'll keep an eye on my blogs as I'll keep you posted as to when it is set for releases, so 

'Watch This Space' 

If you've already read my earlier books don't forget to spread the word by writing a review on Amazon or wherever you bought your copy from. Here are some links to facilitate your review...

AMAZON Reviews - 

Joan put on a happy face

Memories Of...

Thank you for following my blogs and HAPPY READING!

What people are saying about 'Memories Of...'

What People Say

 Review are coming in for 'Memories Of...' and I'd just like to say THANK YOU to those who take the time to write a review rather than just ticking a box.

Kindle customers love 'Memories Of...' too -

"History meets Fiction in a seamless blend! Love it! - A feel good story in which we catch up with our old friend John whilst using fiction to redeem one of the biggest injustices in American history. Once again Carol M Mottershead makes history her playground in this amazingly detailed retelling of historical events. C'est Magnifique!"

Why's everyone speaking to me in French? 😆Not that I mind, as long as everyone enjoys the story!

We're back to Amazon for this one from a reader called McFarlane - 

"A real window on to history in an engaging love story - I really enjoyed the attention to detail in this novel, which gave a real sense of place and time to an exciting romp of a love story. It took me to a place in history, about which I previously knew very little, and really set the scene to enjoy the twists in the unfolding story. A good read!"

There's more twists and turns to come, so keep uptodate by joining my email list!

Goodreads reader Alun Littlefair loved 'Memories Of...' too with this review -

"A feel good story in which we catch up with our old friend John whilst using fiction to redeem one of the biggest injustices in American history. Once again Carol M Mottershead makes history her playground in this amazingly detailed retelling of historic events. C'est Magnifique!"

Just goes to show, my books are enjoyed by both women AND men - Thanks Alun!

Susan Lake left her review on Facebook, but that's OK, it doesn't matter where the word is spread, she gave a lovely review -

"Well worth a read, a beautiful love story. Set in a time when hope and love, were precious".

Glad you enjoyed it Susan!

A lady calling herself LizFev, an Amazon reader responded with "Great follow on book, so captivating. Not disappointed, just as an enjoyable read as "Joan put in your happy face". I enjoyed the relationships developing, the historical element made me think and reflect on my understanding. Another fantastic read, I hope there is more to follow". 

There certainly will be more Liz, just watch this space!

"What a nice love story, Carol." said Tom Edwards, Director of Gwynn's Island Museum before he went on to add a spoiler alert "A happy ending for all". 

Thanks Tom, lol!

Want to keep uptodate about my writing? Join my email list at carol.m.mottershead@gmail.com today

If you've not read any of my books yet, you can purchase copies of paperbacks on any good online bookstore or as an ebook on Amazon. Also available in Kindle Unlimited

My books are both available on Amazon sites worldwide, just sign into your nearest Amazon story

"JOAN Put on a happy face"

"Memories Of..." 

Don't forget, a few words of feedback it much better at spreading the word than a click.

Add your reviews at

For "JOAN Put on a happy face" Click Here

For "Memories Of..." Click Here

 HAPPY READING!

Part 1 The Making of JOAN: put on a happy face - The TV Interview on GMB

The TV Interview on Good Morning Britain 28th July 2018 

(The beginning of the rest of my life...)

On the 28th of July, 2018, I tuned into a TV interview on *Good Morning Britain* featuring one of my entertainers, Professor Brian Llewellyn. He was discussing his Punch and Judy puppet show when Tricia Goddard, one of the guests, raised concerns about the depiction of domestic violence in the storyline. She questioned whether the Professor had considered adapting the show to align with modern attitudes by removing the violent elements.

As his agent and a fellow entertainer, I understand the importance of evolving with the times and ensuring our performances reflect contemporary values. However, I also believe traditional entertainment like Punch and Judy has its place. Violence is undeniably part of the human experience, and I feel it’s something we shouldn’t completely erase from our art. What’s your take on this?

 What do you think? Click here or on photo to see the video...

Good Morning Britain interviews Professor Brian Llewellyn

Joan: Put on a Happy Face available on #Amazon