Stephen Crowhurst

In retirement I have written six novels. A trilogy titled, Bloodlines: Book 1: Revenge, Book 2: Blood Negotiator and Book 3: Swords of Fate. Set in 17th century Japan. Strong female character. Then, The Calligrapher's Apprentice and sequel, The Calligrapher's Destiny. Set in 17th century Japan and China. The sixth novel tells the story of a British Prisonor of War in WW2. 

I've been a dreamer, traveller, martial artist, writer, photographer, artist and played guitar since my childhood. At school I sat by the window so I could look out and dream of travelling the world. During weekend outward bound school trips, I would write postcards home to Mum and Dad. I practised Judo for many years and joined the British Merchant Navy to reach Japan, and practice at the famous Kodokan in Tokyo. In the 1980s I won the Alberta Judo Championships in my weight class. A trusty Brownie 123 helped me shoot an iconic (for me) photo of Snowdon's Crib Goch Arete. Pen and ink sketches were my first love and remain so. I've played the blues on an acoustic guitar since my teenage years. The joke is, sixty years later, same chords, same blues! By the age of 19 I had sailed five of the seven seas and circumnavigated the world. I emigrated to Canada in 1970. Until I retired, my corporate career was entirely in the retail travel industry. First as a travel counsellor, agency owner, Director of Training and Vice President for Uniglobe Western Canada, and finally, as a management consultant/trainer to the trade, with contracts North America wide, Egypt, Bosnia, Spain, and the UK. I have published 425 magazine articles, written 30 'how-to' travel trade marketing books and a 520 page marketing book for travel agents.

In retirement I turned my life experience to writing novels. Until recently, I had a partner-in-writing. My beloved wife, Kimiko, who died November 13th, 2024. Kimi would spend hours reading through historial references to make sure my novels where as correct as could be. I was always astounded at her knowledge of Japan, it's culture, calligraphy and historical events. Kimi was a reader. Since childhood to the day she died, Kimi had read thousands of books, She knew what would make a good story. I miss her. I am however writing to her. I am working on a book, Letters to My Wife in the Afterlife. So that's about it for me. With the loss of my beloved Kimiko, emotions are a bit raw, however, I can sense that these same emotions will help me in my writing and writing will help me heal. Happiness and peace to all. Thanks for reading. SteveC.