From St Albans Cathedral to 'Witch’s Lawn' the book

St Albans Cathedral has inspired centuries of writers, from medieval monks to contemporary authors.

It's where imagination meets history, and where local author Nick Churton discovered his gift for storytelling through a creative writing course run by local author Clare Hobba for the Cathedral’s Adult Learning programme. 

We dive into his journey, from an evening class beneath the towering Cathedral to the pages of his debut novel, Witch's Lawn, as Caroline Godden, Adult Learning Officer, interviews Nick to uncover the story behind his path to authorship and the inspiration for his book.

What connection do you have with the cathedral?

It is my parish church and I was confirmed there (confirmation lessons with the wonderful sub dean, the late Rev Colin Slee, were a delightful mix of theology, faith and fun).

What made you want to write?

I’ve always written for my work but it was an evening course on creative writing, organised by the Cathedral Adult Learning programme that set things in motion.

What gave you the inspiration for ‘Witch’s Lawn’?

A writing course exercise one evening gave me the idea of two people meeting in the cathedral. The result was a house and history mystery that leans heavily on my interest in buildings, history and art.

What was the most surprising thing that you learned in the creative writing course?

Discovering that I hadn’t left my vivid imagination behind in childhood. It was still there, unused, but ready to be re-ignited.

Is there a scene or section of your novel which you are most proud of?

That is such a good question to ask and a very difficult one to answer. It all started with Felix and Dimity meeting in the cathedral after so many years. Once I had them in that place I found the story unveiled itself to me. I didn’t know anything about the Arrow family early on, but I always knew what the last line would be. 

The cathedral features prominently in your novel – what about it did you find particularly inspiring?

I love the architecture but also I imagine the tales the walls could tell - the stories of people down the centuries. I have just added another story. 

Have you found that (intentionally or not) people or events in your life have found their way into the pages?

The first drafts of Witch’s Lawn were like a biography – apparently this is common for many writing debut novels. Ruthless editing weeded most of that out but there are still one or two people I have come across in the story. What I have the clearest idea about from experience are the buildings both in Britain and the USA. Over the years I have been in all of them one way or another.

What advice would you give to aspiring writer, based on your own experience?

It’s in there, you just have to uncover it. Find a creative writing group and like-minded people who inspire and support you and don’t give up. Find your medium: short stories are sprints and books are marathons.

Will you continue writing?

I certainly will continue writing. My follow up novel The Art Department is ready for editing and I am half way through writing the third in the Arrow trilogy.

Nick’s debut novel is out now.

Witch's Lawn

Quotations from reviewers:

‘The author’s ability to paint scenes with words made every element come alive—from the details of the paintings to the unique features of the characters and the impressive landscapes.’

‘I don't know which I enjoyed more - the mystery with authentic-sounding sonnets as clues, or the touching love story - and I also learned something from the passages concerning antiques and architecture. What an achievement.’

St Albans Cathedral is renowned for offering a full programme of adult learning events designed to explore faith, history and culture from many angles.  Learn more about our Adult Learning Programme here.