This is one of those posts which was trigged by a blog I read (thanks LA) which was, in turn, prompted by something she read (yes, do we seem to inspire one another). The question being asked was whether you have a preference for a particular gender in your protagonist (as a reader that is)... Continue Reading →

I recently read a most interesting blog post on the subject of cultural appropriation  written by Dutch author Karien van Ditzhuijzen, author of A Yellow House, which was hosted by Indian writer and blogger Damyanti Biswas. Cultural appropriation is a relatively new term (to me at least), one I only took serious note of when... Continue Reading →

Despite the Hay Festival's slogan for this year being Imagine the World, for me this was the year I didn't fall over. In 2018, we'd tried to cram everything into one day and while rushing, I tripped over my long trousers, and crashed to the ground. An experience that combined pain and humiliation, I was... Continue Reading →

As a young teen, I thought going to the Fair would be an exciting event. Somehow they'd merged in my mind with circuses - you know, greasepaint, colour, lights, spectacle - so when I first went, I found it somewhat grubby and a bit dull ... except for the dodgems - which I did find... Continue Reading →

After far too many weeks when my reading was impacted by ill-health, it was a joy to return to "normal" reading once more. Here's some of the highlights ... The Outcast - Sadie Jones This was my first foray back into normal reading and it wasn't the obvious choice. I knew nothing about it, other... Continue Reading →

I had a birthday recently and to celebrate, my dear friend suggested we have afternoon tea in London before an evening at the theatre.  Now, who doesn't like a lovely afternoon tea? Even I, who has a preference for the savoury over the sweet, loves afternoon tea. But then my dear friend pulled a master... Continue Reading →

At last year's Hay Festival, Ruby Wax was speaking about her new book "How to Be Human: The Manual" and she brought with her "a Neuroscientist and a Monk" as they are dubbed on her front cover. I took notes in every other session I attended at the Festival, intending to turn each one into... Continue Reading →

Now, despite my massively out of control TBR pile, my head can get easily turned by the idea of reading books set by a challenge, or to a particular theme, so when I noticed a number of articles about Black History month early this year, I'd every intention of reading at least a couple with... Continue Reading →

The Insecure Writers Support Group is a marvellous group set up by Alex Cavanagh. On the first Wednesday of every month, members post thoughts, fears or words of encouragement for fellow writers. The link above takes you to details about the group and how to join. You'll also find a list of bloggers signed up... Continue Reading →