While I’ve never met him in person, I have a fateful connection to the wonderful William Todd-Jones – ‘Todd’ to his friends – which I’ll explain another time. It’s a complex story containing much awe, grief, and numinous magic. My whole life story, really. The spine of that fantastical book, anyway.
Last week I edited and laid out an unusually multimedia article by Todd for Bylines Cymru, blending craftsmanship, inclusion, sporting history, the Valleys of South Wales, and rhinos, which you might really enjoy. It takes a good deal longer to produce something like this, with so many images, but it was totally worth it. There’s a lot going on, so take your time. I’m mesmerised by the machine video meself.
The Rolling Rhino is also a vehicle for conservation, which is crucially important to Todd. He sent the article to a BBC Cymru Wales producer, who immediately lined up a radio interview. And he’s since sent me this.
Now if I can just get him to write about working on Labyrinth, The Never-Ending Story, Who Killed Roger Rabbit, His Dark Materials … but then again, as Todd says himself, “Despite my having showbiz glittered – these are my tribe.”
PS A dear friend is having major surgery tomorrow. If you could kindly send love and hope in your mind to me, I’ll be sure to pass it on.
PPS I’m horribly behind on engaging with comments, it’s been a full-pelt few weeks, but am slowly catching up. Thank you for taking the time and for your patience x
Holding you and your friend in the Light.