25 Years on Borrowed Time
A quarter of a century has passed since my reprieve. I was lying on my back under a searingly bright light, alone. I had been dreaming of freedom […]
Role Reversal
A year ago I retired from a long-term part-time job, which gave me plenty of time for writing. I intended to transform my life and re-brand myself as a full-time professional writer. So why have I written so little and […]
My Dragon won’t Listen to me
At last my voice is beginning to return to how it used to be, though it still sounds pretty ragged to me at times. I lost it back in April and I’m disappointed that it is still strangely hoarse. […]
Struck Dumb
Nine weeks ago I woke up, tried to say good morning to my darling husband and found I could not speak. I couldn’t even to croak – nothing! Very strange. My […]
PEP Talk
It’s been over 4 weeks since I finished my book. I felt elated even though I knew it was only the first draft. After 10 months and some 95,000 words, I needed a break from it, and decided not to […]
Downhill Run
You need to put words on pages to make books. It’s more about quality than quantity but you must have both. And it takes time and hard work. Right now I’m focused on writing a new novel – my fourth […]
Abbs and Acronyms
We hear a lot about Apps and rather less about Abbs, unless you happen to be into bodybuilding. People who talk about their abbs are generally into flaunting […]
Why I Write Fiction
Here are five reasons why I write fiction:
- Because I love stories and storytelling.
- Because creating believable characters is a challenge.
- Because I am fascinated by the human heart and mind.
- Because I love words, language, learning and communicating.
- Because for me writing is compulsive […]
Spooky Time
Halloween – the name comes from the Old English ‘hallowed’ which means ‘holy’ or ‘sanctified’ as in the Lord’s prayer “Hallowed be thy Name.” All Hallows’ Evening, contracted to All Hallows’ Eve, or All Saints’ Eve, is a […]
Homeless not Hopeless
On the 10th October 2016 people around the world will mark World Homeless Day in many varied ways and try to change the lives of homeless people in […]