Capturing life through words, sounds, and the lens. Fuelled by coffee and ink
Capturing life through words, sounds, and the lens. Fuelled by coffee and ink

The Folio

A paper trail of thoughts and ink-stained dreams


A living space for thoughts that emerge from a life of books, ideas, curiosity, and craft. Here we write about what moves and interests us, what we notice, and what we’ve learned along the way — from writing and reading to the experiences in between. Browse the posts below and linger where your curiosity leads.

A vibrant red street mural in Deventer, Netherlands, featuring the town's name in illustrated letters, with colorful umbrellas hanging over a medieval cobblestone alleyway Continue reading...

A Day in Deventer | Exploring the Medieval Heart of the Netherlands

Travel Diaries | The Netherlands Pocket Prose • A 2-minute impression There is a specific kind of quiet you only find in the Hanseatic cities of the Netherlands. Deventer, perched elegantly on the banks of the River IJssel, is a medieval masterpiece that feels world’s away from the neon glow of Amsterdam. Famous for its spicy Deventer Koek and the Victorian whimsy of its Dickens Festival, this quirky riverside gem is where history actually breathes.…

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A silhouette of a figure leaping triumphantly from a platform into a shimmering golden vortex of light, symbolizing the empowerment of taking responsibility. Header for 'The Long Reads' by Jon & Caz Cole. Continue reading...

Own it: The Power of Taking Responsibility

Life & Legacy | Awareness The Long Reads • A 7-minute deep dive Is hindsight a burden or a gift? Explore how awareness and personal ownership turn responsibility into your ultimate superpower. The Myth of the Objective Truth Growth and personal freedom begin when we stop blaming and start owning. Responsibility isn’t a burden — it’s your superpower. Own your choices, own your power. Short on time? Jump straight to the One-Minute Guide: Six Steps to Self-Improvement…

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A sophisticated book review banner for the Caius Beauchamp series by Charlotte Vassell, featuring "The Other Half," "The In Crowd," and "A Deadly Inheritance" on a dark wooden desk with an antique silver spoon, an auction paddle, and a martini glass. Continue reading...

Aristocrats, Art, and Addiction: The Caius Beauchamp Detective Series

Book Reviews📚 | Detective & Mystery Enormous fun: Brilliantly plotted, witty, and engaging — a masterclass in socially conscious crime writing A quirky, humorous, and cleverly written detective series that doesn’t shy away from contemporary and social issues; all the more praise for Charlotte Vassell in these hectic and polarising times. I was enticed and just couldn’t stop reading, and finished all three books one after another – rooting for the characters, despising others, and wishing…

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A close-up photograph of the British paperback edition of Erin Kelly’s *The Skeleton Key* (showing the intricate human bone and red rose tree cover) resting on a dark mahogany desk next to a vintage pocket watch with a cracked face, under moody dusk lighting. Continue reading...

Bones, Roses, and Riddles: The Obsessive World of The Skeleton Key

Crime & Thrillers📚 | Psychological Some books you read; others you inhabit. The Skeleton Key by Erin Kelly is a modern Gothic labyrinth — a story that blurs the line between a fictional treasure hunt and a real-life obsession. As a true bibliophile, any story that involves books captures my attention. No wonder the premise of The Skeleton Key, with a creative idea for a book that, upon having been published, changes the lives of not…

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A sophisticated historical fiction banner for Denise Deegan's 'Through the Barricades,' featuring the novel alongside period-accurate elements like a vintage bicycle and an embossed leather journal, evoking the atmosphere of early 20th-century Dublin. Continue reading...

Promises, Protest, and the Streets of Dublin: A Review of Through the Barricades

📚Contemporary & Historical Fiction | Times Gone By A remarkable tale of perseverance and commitment—set against the turbulent heart of early 20th-century Ireland. I relished this immersive tale of love and the struggle for a better future. Set against the Irish turmoil and the social inequality of Dublin’s inhabitants — from the well-to-do to those dependent on food banks — it is impossible not to root for Maggie. She is a strong, stubborn protagonist, though…

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A nostalgic photograph of Caz and her siblings during childhood. The image serves as the header for the article 'Images of the Past' and features a dark purple top banner with the title underneath. Continue reading...

Images of the Past

Life & Legacy | Family & Relationships The Long Reads • A 5-minute reflection Do Images of the Past Influence our Perception of the present? How reliable are our memories? My father used to film and photograph the three of us growing up: my brother, sister, and me. An 8mm film camera and slides. I remember sitting in the living room after a family holiday, the curtains closed, the whirring sound of the projector aimed…

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