I have a wide range of interests that I write about. Writing is my hobby and my real work is supporting people with Learning Disabilities and Special Needs live life to the full. I have worked in this vocation for around 14 years.
Before that I spent time studying at Keele University, Staffordshire, UK where I gained B.A (Hons) Degree in American Studies and English Literature. I spent my earlier years as a bricklayer and built up a small building business before an arm injury forced me to find a different way of earning a living.
I love being out and about in the countryside and exploring new places and often write about the places I visit. I have a deep affinity with the natural world, animals, plants, trees, birds, and all other of God’s creatures and a healthy respect for spiders, scorpions, snakes and anything that stings, or bites.
While every picture tells a story, a photograph is just an instant of time frozen and the beholder will make what they will of it. What was then will not be what is now or what it will be in the future. Meaning is entirely made in the mind of the beholder and may mean one thing to one person and something else to another.
Therefore always be wary of photographs they may not be what they seem. They may be only one line in the many stanzas that make up a long poem.
Meanwhile and thankfully, the ballad of zteve t evans continues to unfold.
What a rewarding career you have chosen for yourself. Best of luck with this blog.
Thank you!
I had no idea you were on WP, YAY! xo
Oh yes, I make a nuisance of myself all over the Internet!
Oh I know, you are such a nuisance… it’s more than I can bear! Good, now I can be all over your blog!
You are not a nuisance at all Zteve, You are loyal to those you follow. Love your Folk law tales.
Awww thanks Rita, greatly appreciated!
Hey! So, I received these 2 awards and I was asked to select some people to award as well. Thanks for always supporting me on Twitter and being so awesome. It means a lot. I really love your writing and you really do inspire me x I hope you have the time to accept these awards… if not, just know I thought of you first xo
http://thefairytaletraveler.com/2013/08/04/sunday-sharpener-15-sites-to-visit-to-sharpen-your-edge-awards/
Thank you, very much appreciated! What do I have to do to accept?
Great blog. Keep writing.
It’s great that you do this. Keep it up.
Thank you, I certainly will!
Zteve, Enchanted Conversation has their midsummer-themed fiction submission period right now (ending soon: 30 May). You might like to check them out; fwiw, I enjoy reading them (there’s a fair amount of poetry, but also some fiction), and the lady who orchestrates it all, Dr. Kate Wolford, is very professional and knowledgeable. If you wish, you can navigate about her site from here: http://www.fairytalemagazine.com/2016/05/window-for-midsummer-submissions.html
Leigh, this looks interesting. Think I will give the later dates a go as I am short of time as usual. Thanks for the info, greatly appreciated!
Very interesting work – ideal to help me teach ‘myths and heroes’ to my final year baccalaureate students here in sunny Lille. Just a question … when did you graduate from Keele? I did English Lit and French language there myself maybe we shared a lecture hall!!??
Thank you, greatly appreciated! Well, I started a 4 year course including the Keele Foundation Year in September 1991 and graduated in July 1995. You never know we may have sat in at the same lecture but it really is lovely to hear that you went to Keele so thanks for letting me know.
Hey I want to use your salamander mythology article for a project. I’m trying to format it for MLA and I was wondering if you had a publisher or sponsor?
I have no publisher or sponsor but happy for you to use it if it helps. Just cite zteve t evans at Under the influence! and/or link. Good luck with the project!
Hi – could you please tell me where you got your image for the myth of Robin Hood, which I believe is from Gaston Phoebus’ Livre du Chasse.
Many thanks
Mandymac
Yes the image is by Gaston Phoebus and is in the Public Domain and here is the link https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Medieval_forest.jpg
Hey I’m fascinated by your post about The mermaids of the Peak District, have you visited the pools your self or know anyone who has? I am interested in doing a radio documentary feature about this topic as a part of my degree so any information you have would be of great value to me, if you’d rather discuss this privately follow me back on Twitter @AnyaLPearce , thanks! 🙂
Hi Anya, There is not really much more I can add. There is another mermaid or water spirit legend concerning Doxey Pool on top of the Roaches. https://ludchurchmyblog.wordpress.com/places-of-other-local-interest/doxys-pool-the-roaches/
I believe there is still an ancient type of alter still there. There is also the ancient nementon of Aquae Arnemetiae, or Buxton not too far away that was dedicated to the goddess we call Arnemetia. If there is anything I can help you with let me know.
Dear Zteve, Just a quick note to say thanks very much for all of the likes, it’s good to know someone reads the posts. Glad to see your still on the same paths, and posting as insightfully as ever. Keep on truckin!
Hi Gwilym, yes indeed I do read and enjoy the posts and the videos and learning a lot from your insights, thanks!
May I dare to venture that your writing (even unpaid) is ‘real’ work of equal value to the dayjob you get paid for. Glad to have found your blog. Looking forward to some good reads 🙂
Thank you very much!
Hey, Zteve. Have you heard of this fairy tale/folk tale forum? I suspect you have, but just in case: https://scvincent.com/2018/07/13/folk-tales-local-legends-and-fairy-stories-guest-posts-wanted/
No not heard of it. Looks interesting. Thanks for keeping me informed, appreciated. Just to let you know EC have accepted my article called Peter of the Pigs and it goes out in the first week in August.
I saw it and read it over at EC today. Congratulations, Zteve! YAY for you!
Thanks and thanks for you encouragement, appreciated!
Thank you for writing this blog. I was doing research into King Lier and Cordeilla and this information helped. I look forward to reading more.
Thank you and good luck with the research!
It is great.
Thank you!
Heya..! I hope you are doing great, and everything is going amazing on your end… Today I wanted to take sometime and – THANK YOU…! For visiting my blog and engaging on my posts ( http://www.theinspirationalbeing.com – Diary that Speaks)….!
I know I don’t engage more on your posts, but I do acknowledge your presence on my blog..! And read your this intro today. May God bless you and help you in your vision to support Special Child.
I hope your time is utilized at the best, on my blog..! Have a great day ahead..!
Regards,
Abdul Gani Punjabi
Many thanks!
Most Welcome ❤
Your have a lovely blend of doings, probably to the great benefit of those in your “real” work. I have grandchlidren with dyslexia, autism and childhood apraxia of speech who all soared with the right assist. I am ever so grateful.
Thank you! Indeed it is surprising what disadvantaged people can achieve with a little patience, a little assistance and a little encouragement.and when they shine it is so bright.
Would you consider taking requests? I would love to read something from you on psychompomps. Everything I’ve read from you is so beautifully written!
Thank you! Psychopomps is a good idea and I will see what I can do.
Yay! Can’t wait.
Steve; Hey, this is a cool site and you are amazing. will surely get some books. My name is ROSS MARSHALL. You gave me an idea. Could you consider -rewriting all our research in a more narrative storytelling style? Whatever, you can split proceeds or not I don’t care. My professors’ works are so technical, dry, and way too advanced for the common reader. but you being very well-read in myths and legends seem to have the writing ability. I will send ALL FREE PDFs of our books up on amazon in reply- at least give a review and see if you can use ANY of the material yourself,.. I am older and just trying to developed scholarly interests before I go to the Beulaland. See Amazon under dr John Pilkey or my name ROSS S MARSHALL writer, publisher, historian. Weirdvideos.com as a Portal to Amazon. ROSS 360-421-7195
I am at RossMarshall@WeirdVideos.com
Will have a look and see what I can do but I am away for a few days and back middle of next week.
Okay, good. Feel free with no obligations.
See email
Hi, Zteve! It is nice to read all of your post because I love folktale/folklore so much.
I wonder if you know something about Gajah Mina? You know, the folklore or myth that tell Gajah Mina’s body is a combination of elephant and fish.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks and I will see what I can do!
Would like to know is there is a printed version of “Telling the Bees” and if how do I acquire a copy?
“Telling the Bees and Other Customs: The Folklore of Rural Crafts” by Mark Norman if that is the book you mean, is available on Amazon in Hardback, paperback and Kindle. A novel by Peggy Hesketh, called, “Telling the Bees” is also available on Amazon as hardback, paperback, Kindle and MP3 CD.