Thetis Publications features the work of Devon author Laurence Shelley, his own diversions in life, future events and details of talks he is happy to give.
Here you can experience what it means to live in the grip of the unexpected, so redolent of these times, and entertain the new perspectives on life that unfold in each of his books.
Off-the-Wall Walking: A Different Kind of Journey
One glimpse of a Roman emperor's bust persuaded the writer to walk the Hadrian's Wall Path, but buying bargain boots the day before was enough to change the whole character of the walk. Can blisters be a blessing? Read how they transformed the experiences of this ill-prepared foot soldier as he relived Roman history, enthused by chance meetings on the way.
On Chance Road: A thumb print of Britain
Encouraged by his off-the-wall experiences, Laurence set off on an even more off-the-cuff journey, hitchhiking the length of Britain. 51 lifts in 17 days and a chain of coincidences helped plot his path, but how did all those generous lift-givers find their direction in life? Their graphic stories give great insights into what people prioritise in their lives and where their journeys may take them.
Visions of Wilderness: An Outcast's Odyssey
This first novel explores how one incident - a car crash - has a devastating effect on a person's life, with the loss of home and family turning the protagonist into an outcast. Reliving childhood memories in the all too real wilderness of Dartmoor, chance meetings give him glimpses of a new life but not before the mystique of the rocky landscape and tantalising eyelid visions open his eyes to a different way of looking.
Hear this interview with Laurence on Feelgood Radio which covers his writing background and the ideas that inspired his books. It was recorded in early 2023 just prior to the launch of his novel at The Ivybridge Bookshop.