Dorset’s Gypsy Poet publishes latest collection
Added: (Fri Mar 08 2024)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
One of the country’s leading authorities on gypsy travellers is about to start building a reputation as an historical fiction author.
Ray Wills is affectionately known as the Gypsy Poet for his published insights into travelling life and traditions.
The 78-year-old from Dorset is also highly regarded for his anthologies of poetry.
But now, Ray, has turned his hand to short stories from an age gone by with the release of A Village of Crows.
Ray said: “A Village of Crows is a collection of enthralling fictional tales built around Dorset village life during the 19th and early 20th century.
“Each tale has a rich historical background, supplemented throughout with an imaginative and unique collection of my poetry and prose.”
Influenced by the likes of Thomas Hardy and Augustus John, Ray has already released a couple of well-received novels.
And his ability for characterisation, imagery and pacing come to the fore within this new collection of fiction.
Threaded together by crows and their folklore symbolism, Ray’s stories are based around actual places, events and, in some cases, people.
He explores themes running from poverty and class to romance and religion within the 17 stories – with more than a few appearances by gypsies.
And he doesn’t shy away from the uglier side of village life with stories featuring sexual abuse, prostitution and the gallows.
Ray, who lives in the Bere Regis artists’ community, added: “I have been a historian for many years, and I conduct a tremendous amount of research for my books.”
Away from writing fiction, non-fiction and verse, the Gypsy Poet has enjoyed an often successful and varied career.
Ray has been employed as a community worker, he has designed numerous adventure playgrounds, chaired a tenants’ organisation, and even enjoyed a spell as the governor of a school.
As well as promoting travelling traditions through his books and talks, Ray is an advocate of the Kushti-Bok gypsy welfare organisation.
He also works with museums and local authorities to advise on travelling life for exhibitions.
For more details, visit Amazon and search for Ray Wills, where the paperback and Kindle formats of A Village of Crows are both available.
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