Meet the author is a series of articles intended to introduce you to our wonderful authors. Learn about the books they’ve written, the spiritual pathways they’ve traversed and some fun little tidbits… introducing Dave Stone!

Tell us a bit about yourself…

Hallo. I am a writer and craftsman from Scotland, currently living in Galloway. Thirty years ago, I travelled to Ireland on a whim and was passing through the city of Cork, but stayed for many a year. It was here that I began carving sea-shaped stone from beaches and selling my creations on the street. Years later, I moved to Scotland and eventually took it up again. Since then, I’ve lived in various countries, Spain, Italy, and Greece, and each time carved my wares to pay my way. In every location, the mystery of our ancestors enthralled me. As I sought new designs to carve, I also hungered to learn about the motifs that I was filling my sketchbooks with.

This eventually led me to notice similar designs across cultures, and this was kind of the seed inside the dragon’s egg, so to speak.

What books have you written?

I’ve written two self-published works of non-fiction: The Gods & Goddesses of the Celtic Realms and Faeries of the Celtic Realms. I have two fiction pieces nearing completion (things tend to lie around gathering dust until I chance upon them again –  such is the chaos of my life).

How would you describe your spiritual pathway?

Chaotic but very poignant. I had a number of experiences when I was in my teens that made me question many things. However, I then went very rational-minded for over a decade… and then a series of strange events once again collapsed this rational mindset, and once again called my worldview into question.

What is something fun and quirky about yourself?

Churches make me break out in a rash!

(Sorry, I couldn’t think of anything else at the moment!)

Where can people find you?

I write a weekly Substack called Eternal Echoes, which explores various elements of folklore with a sometimes philosophical slant. I like to attempt to get deep. On instagram you can find me @stonemadcraft.com

I also have a website http://www.thestarlitunder.com

What tips do you have for folk beginning their spiritual journey?

Keep your feet on the earth, even if your head resides in the clouds. Question, explore and keep an open mind.

Which deity or deities would you love to have dinner with?

I would love to sit down with In Dagda, though he’d definitely out-eat me (also, I’m not sure I’d enjoy his porridge; I’d maybe take my own). And the other would be Ningishzida, and any that read Dragons of the Deep will understand why.

What magical items would you take with you if you had to live on an island for a year?

The Dagda’s cauldron and the pig carried by Fer Caille in The Destruction of Da Derga’s Hostel (apologies to the vegans out there, but it is ready cooked and regenerates, and I’m guessing this is a survival situation!)

For more details: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/moon-books/our-books/dragons-deep-origins-lore

Since the 2003 I’ve run a small craft business carving stone. In this time I have researched the historical and mythological subject matter from which I take my inspiration (Celtic, Norse, Old Europe). I have a humble following of 37 K on Instagram, where I promote my stoneware and sell my creations on Etsy. For a year now I have been writing weekly articles on a Substack page, in order to siphon some of that traffic towards my writing. I’ve also self-published a book about Celtic Gods and Goddesses.