Independent publishing is partly about how we creatively express our words in print. In this video interview, I discuss the brilliant ways in which adventurer Alastair Humphreys has published his latest travel book, There Are Other Rivers.

Alastair Humphreys is an adventurer, an author and motivational speaker. This year he has been nominated for National Geographic’s Adventurer of the Year.

• Alastair talks about his trip across southern India following a holy river. The book is more of a rumination on traveling and the journey. I loved the book and absolutely recommend it if you have wanderlust.

• Alastair discusses the reasons why he became an adventurer. The personal challenge and achievement as well as the fun.

• The various incarnations of the book: it’s a full size map, a paperback, a hardback photography coffee table book as well as an ebook and app plus print on demand.

• Alastair used FoldedSheet.com to produce the map and you can buy one here. He used Blurb.com for the coffee table book and iPad app, and Createspace for the paperback. I am totally inspired by this and want to make one myself I really believe the future of print is beautiful limited edition pieces.

• How Alastair has been anti-ebooks until recently but has now converted to a Kindle. He’s even taking one on his row across the Atlantic in January. Why ebooks are great value for money.

• How Alastair has moved from traditional publishing into self-publishing for this book and will blend the two in the future. It was about a truly independent project from the walk alone through the publishing process alone. The various creative print options were also easier alone and much faster than working with a traditional publisher.

• Planning for 2012. Alastair is leaving next week to row across the Atlantic and is taking his Kindle with him. He’s also planning to make it to the South Pole. You can follow his journeys on his site and also on Twitter. Yes, Al is available for inspirational speaking globally!

You can find Alastair at his site AlastairHumphreys.com and also on twitter @Al_Humphreys

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So I am flying today, back from Brisbane to London to start the next phase of my life. (Warning: personal post!) It feels like a big move this time, although we don’t know how long we will stay. It will be a few years at least. The house is empty, we only have a few bags left after selling or giving away most of our things. I am embracing freedom again!

Joanna Penn in 2000 with Australian baby croc (yes, I used to be blonde!)

I left London in May 2000 so it’s almost exactly 11 years that I’ve been away. At the time, I was sick of the big city, long working hours and immersed in a drinking culture that was damaging my health. I didn’t have the resources to cope with that at 25, so I went and sat in the Australian outback for a few months, before going to Sydney Olympics, learning to scuba dive and then falling in love down under.

I’ve been in Brisbane for 4 years and before that was in New Zealand for 7 years and a lot of water has passed under the proverbial bridge in that time. I’m ready to go back now, a very different person at 36 with specific focus and a different take on living the city life.

One of the biggest changes over the last few years has been realizing my love of writing, and my publishing adventures. Starting this site has been instrumental in so much opportunity, and also part of the reason to move back. Thank you for being part of this writing journey and don’t worry, the site isn’t going anywhere! The internet means I can be anywhere and so can you. Certainly you will have the benefit of some new literary experiences, videos from more exotic locations and my passion for writing-related-travel being indulged!

So why the move? I talked before about the concept of home for writers and I guess that cuts to the heart of it. When I was writing Pentecost, I researched early Christian history as well as the European churches that feature in the book. I spent hours on Flickr looking at photos to re-immerse myself in cultures I have been away from for too long. I have been back to Europe a lot in 11 years and travelled all over the place but kept returning here. While writing, I found myself increasingly drawn back to European history, to Israel and the middle east as well as other places in the Northern Hemisphere. I also want to travel to the US again and it is just too far and expensive from here but I could potentially be in NYC for the weekend from London!

When I started to think about the sequel, Prophecy, earlier this year, I found myself longing for more Euro-travel, more research trips and to be there in person. I also really don’t like being called an “Australian” author! Although I think Australia is an awesome country full of great people, I don’t identify as Australian. I am English and I am also a Kiwi (I have a New Zealand passport as well). I am ready to work in London again and I have opportunities for the day job, and my husband also has some great possibilities. We have so many plans for the places we will go!

You can tell I am a travel junkie, and perhaps a persistent mover as well. I never stay in the same place very long, so don’t expect the move to London to be for too long! Currently the plan is to live in either London or Oxford, depending on the day job situation. It’s just coming into summer in England so we should acclimatise. Amusingly, I have to listen to rain on my iPod in order to get into the writing zone. There should be more rainy days back in Blighty so I shouldn’t need that anymore!

So the next month or so will involve starting a new life. There are lots of great posts scheduled on the blog so keep on coming back and I will also be doing a mini-relaunch of Pentecost on June 12th (Pentecost Sunday) so watch out for that.

I’ve also been busy with interviews so for some more detailed information on writing, publishing and marketing, check out

• How to write and publish your book – me interviewed by publishing expert Dan Blank from WeGrowMedia
• How to write, self-publish and market a religious thriller that kills on Amazon - me interviewed on The Hopkinson Report, the marketing trends that matter

The colours in Australia are deeper and brighter than the northern hemisphere. I will miss this!

I will definitely be more sporadic in responding to email, comments, Facebook and Twitter for the next few weeks given random internet access until we are settled, but normal service will resume by end of June.

I will also be looking for a new physical network of writers and bloggers in the UK once I am settled, so please do let me know in the comments if you are already part of anything I can look to join, or if you are keen to have a tweet-up July/August.

So bye bye Australia! It’s been awesome and no doubt I’ll be back sometime in another guise. Until then, it’s off to Blighty

Image: Flickr CC Golden Flight by Ecstaticist

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In this podcast, we explore goal setting and achieving with Ian Usher, who you might remember from mass media coverage when he sold his whole life on eBay, and then set off traveling to attempt 100 goals in 100 weeks.

I have also added a new segment to the show which is more about what I’ve been up to in the last few weeks (Thanks to David Farmer for encouraging me to do this!). You can email me with comments or questions: Joanna AT TheCreativePenn.com

Ian Usher is the author of “A Life Sold” which tells how he hold his whole life on eBay. Ian went on to attempt 100 goals in 100 weeks, traveling the world for two years, eventually achieving 93 of the goals on his list. Publishing a book was one of the goals and ‘A Life Sold‘ has also been optioned for a movie.

In this interview you will learn:

• How Ian came to sell his whole life on eBay and how the story was picked up by media all over the world. The auction ran in June 2008 but didn’t quite work out as planned. He then thought about what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. He wrote lists of goals and set a timeline and then set off to make it happen.
• We discuss traveling on a backpacker’s budget and how Couchsurfing.org was fantastic for helping meet people and also traveling cheap.

• The book ‘A Life Sold’ goes into the journey from selling his life, through 10 x 10 week segments of the trip. Ian did blog about it on the way but kept the more personal and life changing details for the book. How it’s hard to place this type of book on the bookshelf. It’s a mix of travel, memoir and self-help/inspiration.

• Some of the life lessons Ian learned. You can live without all the material ‘stuff’ and they can stop you doing what you want to do. It’s incredibly liberating to get rid of all that stuff. Wherever you put your backpack down is home. There are few practical things you need in order to experience life to the full. Another lesson was how good people are all over the world. Despite cultural or religious differences, people are the same, they laugh and love just like us. Getting away from the portrait of the world that TV paints is a great idea!

• Some of the goals. Riding a motorcycle on a wall of death. Riding up vertical walls in a barrel so centrifugal force keeps the bike on the ground. Getting to the Taj Mahal turned out to be a bigger deal than expected but resulted in Ian spending the night with an Indian taxi driver in a tiny house on the outskirts of Delhi. This became one of the best stories as it was a slice of real life instead of just a tourist attraction. On itchy foot disease!

• On achieving goals. Writing a book is like achieving any goals. Find out what it takes and then make a start. You’ll find out new steps along the way. Adjust and continue. Research and planning is key. Looking at it before you start it looks huge. But looking back you wonder what you were worried about.

• On publishing and self-publishing. How Ian did have an agent in London but the British publishing industry wasn’t taking a chance on a new writer. In learning to self-publish himself, Ian found it to be a brilliant process. He also realized that the author has to do the marketing anyway, so DIY isn’t such a bad thing!
• On conquering fear and changing perceptions of what is difficult to achieve.

• Marketing ideas from the original selling his life on eBay to his $100,000 competition to help you achieve your goals. Ian does credit some friends with the original thoughts but he actually put them into action. Ian is holding a competition to win $10,000 to help you achieve your dreams. He has sponsorship for the first draw in July next year. You can enter by taking a picture of you with the book or book cover and submitting it. (I’ve just entered the competition here!) We discuss some of my goals, Latin dancing in South America and walking the Camino de Santiago de Compostela.

• On list building, Ian started gathering emails early in the process. He blogged for over 2 years so regular blogging is key. He now offers a free ebook on travel tips which helps to build the list as well.

Joanna Penn with Ian Usher's A Life Sold

‘A Life Sold’ is available on Amazon all over the world. You can find Ian at his website www.IanUsher.com

The competition for $10,000 to achieve your goals is available on this page, and you can also go to the Facebook page here.

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Have you heard any of the following lately?

• You must build an author platform online. Authors need to be able to market their own book.

• Authors should be blogging and using social networks like Twitter and Facebook to connect with their fans

• Authors should be doing video and podcasting, and reaching out to their fans with multi-media

• Publishers want authors who have an audience already, preferably an online global one.

• Ebooks are a massive growth market, and you need to be selling your work on digital platforms

All of these statements represent the zeitgeist for authors and writers.

This is the time to be grabbing your online real estate and building your presence online.

People who get ahead of the curve will have the advantage when the rest of the writers/authors finally get involved. The internet compounds over time. It takes time to build an audience and grow one. It starts slow but once it’s going, it only builds. I have seen this myself in the last 18 months since I started this blog and doing podcasts, videos and ebooks. You have seen this too in the information from publishers, agents, bloggers and other successful writers. The author platform is not negotiable anymore – you must have one.

So how do you learn all about it, especially if you are a bit wary of the technology?

One way is to struggle away on your own, fighting your way through information and trying to do it yourself.

Another way is to come to Bali with me and learn all about these Author 2.0 tools while relaxing with yoga and massage, experiencing Balinese culture and eating really well!

Yes, there are still a few places left on the writer’s retreat I am speaking at in Bali! I will be presenting sessions over the 5 days on:

• Creativity, ideas and practical tips for getting your book actually written
• The Publishing Quadrant including how to use print-on-demand services to publish your book to Amazon.com plus how to publish your ebooks to the Kindle, iPhone and iPad

• How to build your author platform online including an author tech masterclass where we’ll get into all the detail to help you build the basics as we go through.
• How to make multiple streams of income from your book including how to make and sell online digital products (yes, make money while you sleep!), and how to build a speaking career

Because this is a small group retreat, the sessions will be tailored to your level of expertise and you’ll be able to get targeted help on what you are struggling with in particular. There will even be hands on sessions when we will make and edit video, start or improve your blog, publish ebooks and whatever else you have issues with. This will be a practical but also inspirational few days!

As part of the package, you will also get:

• Five nights stay in the luxurious Kumara resort
• Full Writer’s Retreat Program. 6 hours of instruction per day and many hours of informal sharing and information exchange between students and teacher including the evening Writer’s Group where you can share your work in progress. All the workshop material will be available for download after the retreat so you have all the information you need to be successful.

• Use of the resort’s 2 pools, yoga pavilion, gorgeous gardens and pathways, and spa
• One free relaxing massage at the resort’s onsite spa (massage therapists available for other treatments)
• 3 gourmet meals per day
• Balinese cultural activities including a dance performance, and a guided walk through the rice paddies with lunch at one of Ubud’s most popular rice paddy restaurants, Sari Organic
• Discount for the Ubud Writer’s Festival, which many people are staying on for

It’s going to be a fantastic time, and I would love to spend time with you in Bali!

Yes, it’s going to cost you some money. But you will learn so much that will save you time, money and effort in your Author 2.0 journey plus/ you get a great holiday. This is for people who are committed to making money and being successful as a writer, and you will have all your questions answered in the time we spend together.

To find out all the details and to book, click here now. (site has some sound so turn down the volume)

Here are some other posts on the retreat:

• Make time for your creative self in Bali (including little video)
• Interview with Robin Sparks, retreat organiser

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Robin Sparks organizes writing retreats and workshops all over the world, and this October I am the speaker at her Bali writer’s retreat. Many writers would like to make time for this type of break, so I thought you might like to hear more about Robin and Bali.

Tell us a bit about you and the vacations you run

I have a Turkish based company called Oneworld Ltd. I set up writing workshops around the world, most recently in Bali and Turkey, two of my favorite places on the planet. I provide private flats for short term rent to global travelers in San Francisco, Istanbul and Bali. I am a freelance writer currently writing a book about my search through 4 continents and 12 countries for a new home.

Why are writing retreats important?

Writing retreats are a time to focus solely on your writing accompanied by other authors and top notch instructors. They are an excellent way to recharge and kick your writing up a notch.The perfect vacation for me and many people I know is one with a purpose – where you can relax, learn and be inspired. I began organizing writing retreats in 2002 because it was on a photography retreat 15 years ago where I found the inspiration to write for a living – and where I learned from the other writers there, how to do that.

Bali landscape

Can you tell us a bit about the Bali retreat in October?

This retreat is for writers who are boggled about how to get the book out of their head and out into the world. It will be full of information about how to bypass the traditional publishing bottleneck in a way that will grab the attention of traditional publishers, should one wish to go that route. Current conditions are such that publishers are looking for authors who have already established a platform and following. We will show authors how to prepare a platform and create buzz so that their book will take off and be launched successfully into the world, with or without major publishers.

What is Bali like as a holiday destination? What is so special about it?

Bali is a magical place – beautiful, peaceful. It is but a tiny speck on an atlas, yet, it is known world wide for its idyllic nature. I myself have searched the world for 10 years for the perfect place for a home away from home. Bali comes as close as any. It is warm and tropical, with beauty etched into every inch. Architecture that integrates the indoors with the outdoors.

It has a culture that remains unchanged from hundreds of years ago. Ubud, where the retreat is based, means healing, and true to its name it is a healing mecca where the energy is very conducive to change. The Balinese still observe spiritual rites and practices putting them above all else.

Is Bali a safe destination?

Entirely safe. Bali is Hindu. Hinduism is tolerant of all religions and beliefs. Women can walk anytime day or night and never have to worry about their safety. You are much safer here than in most western countries. Physical assault is virtually unheard of on the island. People leave their doors unlocked…we hear nothing of the muslim oriented goings ons in the rest of the world. Bali is sort of a bubble where tradition and culture go on as they have for hundreds of years, oblivious to what is transpiring in the rest of the world.

What is the resort like?

You can see photos of the resort here. It is gorgeous, quiet, private…rooms are surrounded by magnificent gardens. Seemingly away from it all, while only 5 minutes from the center of Ubud. The staff are quiet and attentive. It is luxurious without being ostentatious . There are regular shuttle buses into town. At the Kumara Sakti Resort, you’ll be blown away by the natural beauty….all your worries will be taken care of, leaving you free to write and learn.

Each room is different, and each private, surrounded by garden and some with rice paddy views. Each has a terrace and guests may choose to dine alone or with the group in the outdoor dining area. There are two pools and a yoga pavilion where we will hold our class meetings. It is situated on a hillside – the rooms are graduated on a hill. It is on the grounds of a Balinese prince’s home. Some shared rooms, some private with all the conveniences of a fine hotel – A.C. (although not necessary), hair dryers, refrigerator. Outdoor dining area.

What is the food like?

Delicious, organic, and healthy. Bali is very health conscious and there are numerous organic farmers. There are many international restaurants with cuisine that rivals that of some of the world’s most classy cities. It sets a high bar for quality and at Kumara Sakti, the trained chefs are well versed the preparation of food that is of the highest quality.

What kinds of cultural events will we be doing during the retreat?

We will attend a Balinese dance performance at the local temple. Participants will receive one free massage and can opt for more at the on-site spa. We will take a walk through achingly lovely rice paddies to the fabulous open air restaurant perched high above the rice paddies for a luncheon. The rest of the time we will be discussing our books and how to get them out in to the world. There are oodles of things to do for those who wish to come before or after the workshop. And if anyone wishes to go to the market or attend the many other activities in Ubud, they only need as the hotel staff to help them.

Beautiful Bali

The Ubud Writer’s Festival is on after the retreat finishes. Ubud inspired the last section of Eat, Pray, Love because of its magical qualities and the place where Elizabeth Gilbert fell in love. The Ubud Writers Festival promises to feature some amazing authors and people in the publishing business..keep an eye on their website as the full program will be up in early August. This is to be the fourth year of the writers festival. Last year featured Vikas Swarup, author of Q& A, which went on to be made into the movie Slumdog Millionaire. The students of Write and Sell That Book Now! will get 10% off the package price for the Writers Festival.

The theme is of this years writers festival is Harmony in Diversity. The International Publishers Forum will run a ‘Meet the Publishers’ area for 3 days, where writers will have access to international publishers, agents, designers, and other industry representatives. There will be an emphasis this year on Digital Publishing, the perfect segue to our workshop. Other workshops will cover writing craft, self-publishing, online promotion, and blogging.

What will the teaching sessions be about?

The workshops are focussed around themes (more detail here), and Joanna will be speaking on the following:

Write Your Book: How to get creative and find inspiration, the psychology of writing, dealing with blocks, writing exercises. Plus how to practically write your book: tips and techniques for writing, outlining, editing and structuring your book.

Publish Your Book: The publishing quadrant including: traditional publishing, self-publishing, print-on-demand, ebooks and digital publishing – what’s right for your book. Detailed session on how to publish ebooks, getting your book on the Kindle and more.

How to Build Your Author Platform: The Author 2.0 Model and how to build your platform so book buyers  (and even publishers) will come to you. WhySimon & Schuster want you to blog, social network and use video - and how to do it better than most other writers so you stand out. Plus, Author Tech Masterclass when you can build that blog, hands on help with social networking, videos and more.

Making Money as a Writer: How to build a business online as an author, multiple streams of income, tools and techniques for selling on the internet.

There will also be informal sessions every evening to share and discuss your work in progress, as well as wonderful food and time to relax.

Basically the retreat is for people who want to get their book finished, jumpstart their author platform building and actually make a business from writing.

How much will it cost?

$1575 for shared room and $1875 for single room (flights not included). Includes all classes and workshops, accommodations, meals and events. $300 discount to all who sign up before August 1. As this is an exclusive retreat, when we reach 15 participants, we will close registration.

How can people book?

Just click here for more information and to reserve your place. We look forward to seeing you in Bali!

Images: All images from Robin Sparks, Joanna Penn or Kumara Sakti resort.

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I'm in Oxford, UK for Christmas - where are you?

Happy Holidays to you all!

I’m freezing in England enjoying Christmas with my family, but back to the warmth of Australia soon.

I hope you have a happy time too. Remember to celebrate your writing successes this year as well as enjoying time with family and friends.

Let’s look forward to coming achievements in 2010!

Image: Flickr CC Marianovsky

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This is an inspirational podcast! Alastair Humphreys is the author of 3 books, an adventurer and inspirational speaker based in London, England. He spent 4 years cycling around the world – 46,000 miles across 5 continents for charity. An amazing story and full of tips for writers as well.

In this podcast you will learn:

• How Alastair made it round the world over 4 years for very little money
• Learning how to write by reading and just getting on with it
• Writing a diary on the road and then turning it into a book (and how his Mum typed them all up over the years!)
• On the inspiration of Steinbeck and Hemingway (and is Ayn Rand “Atlas Shrugged” life-changing?)
• Loneliness vs. solitude in the life of a traveller and writer.
• How honest writing can really connect with your audience. Travel writing is not just about beautiful scenery.
• The use of fictional techniques in ‘truthful’ non-fiction writing
• Alastair’s publishing journey
• Being an evangelist for self-publishing and print-on-demand
• “Setting small targets to achieve outrageous goals”: How to write a book as well as cycling round the world!
• Make a bold statement of your goal – and then take the small steps to get there.
• On giving books away for free in an attempt to drive print book sales
• Internet book marketing is critical if you are self-publishing. Interesting, regularly updated blog and social networking are top tips.
• Your internet following will grow over time – it is not a ‘get rich quick’ solution but you will get there!
• Making a living with speaking and how books help that career
• The next outrageous goal: an unsupported return journey across the South Pole

You can read Alastair’s books online or Purchase them here. He is also available for Speaking events (or contact him for phone interviews!)

His website http://www.alastairhumphreys.com/ is packed with fascinating information and is a great resource for any aspiring travel writers.

He also has a Flickr site for photos and you can watch his videos online here. You can contact Alastair on his website or through Twitter @Al_Humphreys

Here’s a brilliant video – around the world in 3 minutes.

Round the World in 3 Minutes from alastair Humphreys on Vimeo.

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I’m back from my UK trip and have been to some wonderful places! Here is a quick round-up of my impressions and experiences in the hope of inspiring you on your next literary trip! I have added a new category of Literary Travel to the blog as I fully intend to continue this series.(Literary Venice for New Year I think!)

The Bodleian Library, Oxford

The Divinity School, Bodleian Library

The Rad Cam at the Bodleian was my library but there are lots of different sections and I had never actually done the official Bodleian tour. So I finally visited the Duke Humphrey’s Reading Room, one of the oldest in Oxford. It is quite impractical but very beautiful. Most of the tomes are for show only but they resonate with history (it must be the layers of dust and grime from many student fingers!).  They have one chained book there still from the times when readers had to use a lecturn for the huge volumes chained to the shelves. I also didn’t know that under Edward VI (16th century) all the books in the library were burned just in case any of them were papist. How devastating that must have been for the librarian at the time!

The Bodleian was designed for all book-lovers, not just for students so you can apply to be a reader there if you have research to be done. I am sorely tempted to return when Bruce Chatwin’s diaries are released in 2010. You can also become a Friend of the Bodleian if you would like to give extra support.

I had a marvellous walk around the town on one beautiful day, walked through Christchurch Meadow, visited old literary haunts like the Lamb and Flag (where Tolkien drank) and the Oxford University Press.

Library at Mansfield College, Oxford

At the wedding of 2 dear friends I also popped into my old college library, Mansfield. More Pictures from the Oxford trip are here on Flickr. If you go to Oxford, be sure to visit Blackwells Bookshop which is cavernous and The Covered Markets for lunch.

Oxford students also haven’t changed much since I was there – overheard in one cafe “You mean I can’t use Wikipedia for my essay?”

The British Library, London

I was stunned by the British Library. I lived in London for 3 years and haven’t been before – I definitely missed out!

It sits in an unassuming building next to Kings Cross/St Pancras station and is easy to miss. But definitely a must see for biblioholics in London! In one huge room, they have literary treasures that make your jaw drop.

Important documents like the Magna Carta from 1215,  as well as one of Gutenberg’s first printed Bibles. Both volumes of the Codex Sinaiticus were on display and I could actually read it which was brilliant! (I did ancient Greek with theology so it is not so unusual!).

They also had an amazing collection of written diaries and books including Captain James Cook’s journal, Virginia Woolf’s notebook for Mrs Dalloway, Sylvia Plath’s handwritten poems, pages from Leonardo Da Vinci’s notebook and even handwritten lyrics from the Beatles – an eclectic mix!

One of my favourite pieces was a handwritten draft from Thomas Hardy. It was heavily edited in his own hand with only a few sentences remaining unchanged. He had also changed the title from “A daughter of the D’Urbevilles” to “Tess of the D’Urbevilles”. If you haven’t read Hardy, he is English literature at its finest so highly recommended. This particularly encouraged me as it shows the editing process is something all writers have to do, however great their finished work seems.

They also had a Henry VIII exhibition – for anyone who is enjoying The Tudors it forms a great historical backdrop! I was also quite taken with the Audio archives. You can sit and listen to great voices of history. I heard the voice of Albert Einstein for the first time, and also enjoyed Sigmund Freud, Martin Luther King and JFK’s “Ich bin Berliner” speech. Ernest Hemingway in his 1954 Nobel Prize acceptance speech said “A writer..must face eternity – or the lack of it – each day”. I have only just discovered how much I enjoy hearing people’s voices in order to connect with them and their work. Listening to these people made me more determined to continue podcasting – and authors, get your voices out there!

In terms of supporting the Library, they have a fantastic Adopt a Book program. A great present for bibliophiles! (and something I am investigating for this blog!)

More pictures from London are here on Flickr.

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The British Library has so much knowledge held within it that it is an overwhelming (but exciting!) place to visit! It is the national library of the United Kingdom and holds over 150 million items.

The marriage of print texts and beautiful physical books with technology, allowing search and access, is remarkably demonstrated on the network of websites within the Library.

Here are just some of the treasures that you can access online as well.

It is the home of the Magna Carta, a parchment from the year 1215 that documents the justice system of the time and places limits on the King’s authority. You can view it online.

Read some of the most famous books online including Leonardo Da Vinci sketches, Lewis Carroll’s Alic in Wonderland, Henry VIII’s psalter (prayer book). You can also check out the Gutenberg Bible – the earliest printed book, as well as Thomas Malory’s Morte D’Arthur , Chaucer and Shakespeare manuscripts.

Check out some of the resident blogs here, including Henry VIII blog (anyone else love The Tudors!)

It is part of the Codex Sinaiticus Project – the handwritten Bible over 1600 years old – you can view the entire manuscript online (what’s left of it anyway!)

Here is a brilliant gift idea for bibliophiles – Adopt a Book and help preserve physical books

The Library also embraces technology – they are on Twitter @britishlibrary and on YouTube as well as Facebook

Photo: Flickr Creative Commons SteveCadman

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The Bodleian Library, Oxford is a marvellous place for bibliophiles! Above ground, it is gorgeous architecture and towering shelvesof books. Below ground, it is vast corridors of underground stacks where ancient writings whisper together.

The Radcliffe Camera, Oxford

As a student, I studied in the gorgeous Radcliffe Camera, (the Rad Cam), a rotunda with high windows and lots of theological texts. In the early 90s, we still requested books by finding them on a green screen computer and then writing a paper slip to give to a librarian. The book would be searched for and might appear hours or days later. The Rad Cam is just one of the Reading Rooms you can study in within the Bodleian.

The Duke Humfrey’s is the oldest reading room in the Bodleian and contains special and rare book collections. Only pencils are allowed in this room! It was used as Hogwart’s Library in the Harry Potter movies.

Oxford is renowned for it’s traditional outlook, and yet the Bodleian is looking to the future of digital archiving for its book collection. The futureArch project is developing a system for hybrid archival collections as well as addressing material that is born digital. The Bodleian receives a copy of every book published in the UK so they must be looking at ebooks and archiving copies of those too! They are also looking back at preserving manuscripts and understanding old texts, so don’t worry if you love the old ways.

Click here for some images of the rare and famous books that the Bodleian has.

Bodleian Quad

There is also a Bodleian podcast including The Magna Carta at Oxford, celebrating Milton and the Creation story as told in the Bible, Torah and the Qur’an. Wonderful stuff!

Images: Rad Cam by Flickr CC Prabhu B

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