During the Covid-19 pandemic I have, like many others, have been writing a Covid Diary. Early on, I knew we were entering into such an extraordinary period of history that I felt compelled to record this journey. My own Covid diary since February 2019, perhaps, should be turned into a long narrative poem like TheContinue reading “Book Review: Lockdown Innit: Poems About Absurdity by MJ Mallon”
Category Archives: life
Spring 2021 Writing News
Spring is almost with us and new hope is rising. What’s new here in Warwick, during what we hope will be the final months of the final lockdown? I’m following lots of online courses – Pilates classes; online song rehearsals with community choir Songlines; a writing course with the amazing sitcom scriptwriter Paul Kerensa, which I do with my comedy blogger son Jamie;Continue reading “Spring 2021 Writing News”
Blog Tour for Debut Novelist Ruth Leigh: Introducing The Diary of Isabella M Smugge
On 7th April 2020 fellow-author Ruth Leigh published a Post under the title “The Utter Joy of One’s Craft” on morethanwriters.blogspot.com. That was the first appearance of Isabella M Smugge, under that name, out in the world. I was one of those who left a comment on the post, and many of us were intriguedContinue reading “Blog Tour for Debut Novelist Ruth Leigh: Introducing The Diary of Isabella M Smugge”
Signs of Spring
Jephson Gardens, Leamington Spa, offer the early signs of spring, and hope that we will move out of lockdown before too long and can perhaps look forward to a return to new life.
Favourite Feel Good Action Heroes in Books and Cinema: TinTin and his Universal Appeal
During the Covid-19 Pandemic and throughout the three lockdowns in the UK, many have sought the consolation of escape – into books or films. Every so often I return to one of my top favourites – The Adventures of TinTin: the Secret of the Unicorn. To my mind this film exemplifies classic story structure; butContinue reading “Favourite Feel Good Action Heroes in Books and Cinema: TinTin and his Universal Appeal”
Our Relentless Drive for Pursuit of Happiness Through Products – and the One Saving Grace
Happiness. An endless sandy beach, blissful sunshine, a turquoise sea spangled with silver, cocktails, a balmy breeze and… happiness? contentment? inner peace? I was inspired to write this post by Andy Mort who runs Haven. Andy occasionally sends out thought-provoking and discerning emails to his subscribers and I particularly agreed with him about the slipperyContinue reading “Our Relentless Drive for Pursuit of Happiness Through Products – and the One Saving Grace”
Revisiting the Christmas List
We’ve reached the time of year for the Christmas List. I’m revisiting my subject of the Christmas List for several reasons. Amongst these are the sheer poignancy of the subject, and the fact that since then I have published a revised version of the piece in a Christmas Anthology – available here to buy onContinue reading “Revisiting the Christmas List”
The Nature of Creative Inspiration and Practice – Inspiration from Hilary Mantel
Recently I watched and listened to Hilary Mantel speaking at an online event from the Stratford-upon-Avon Literary festival, following the publication this year of her two newest books The Mirror and the Light and Mantel Pieces. I loved what Hilary said about the process of writing. It seems that she does not subscribe to theContinue reading “The Nature of Creative Inspiration and Practice – Inspiration from Hilary Mantel”
Virginia Woolf on the art of reading a book
Listening to an interview by Andrew Marr on BBC Radio 4 the other day, I was delighted to learn that Virginia Woolf‘s classic essay How Should One Read a Book? has been republished in a new edition (12 October 2020). I studied this text in school as part of my GCE ‘O’ level English LiteratureContinue reading “Virginia Woolf on the art of reading a book”
Paranormal Warwickshire is Now Live!
I’m delighted to announce that Paranormal Warwickshire has now been released by Amberley Publishing. It was a very exciting moment when I received my box of books. Here’s an early review from fellow author and blogger Ritu Bhathal, who received an advance review copy: A fantastic book filled with tales of ghostly sightings across theContinue reading “Paranormal Warwickshire is Now Live!”
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