Actually I'm already quite a way north, but these pictures were taken at Stowe Gardens on the way up. They're writing related, because I've included some of The Muses, and Shakespeare – but mainly because I'm not just swanning around in the campervan. I'm going to do A LOT of writing, when we get where … Continue reading Heading north
Crime In mind
I have a new short story collection out today! Crime In Mind contains 24 short stories, and is a sister publication to Criminal Intent. If you like one, I'm sure you'll like the other. Here's the blurb – There are a huge variety of crimes, committed for many different reasons. Those which seem justified or … Continue reading Crime In mind
Wednesday word of the week – Stopple
A stopple is a stopper or plug, usually for a bottle. We seem to have quite a few. I've no idea if they work - once our wine is open, we drink it rather than go round stoppling it. Actually stopple is the verb as well as the noun, but however you say it, it seems an odd thing to do.
Flower power
Yesterday I gave a talk to a local gardening club, about gardening as inspiration for my writing. Here's me arriving with some of my props (picked from our garden). There were 62 people present – the largest group I've ever addressed, and it's been a long time since I did any kind of public speaking. … Continue reading Flower power
Make or Break
A story of mine was in last week's issue of My Weekly. It's another crime story. Sometimes I wonder if it's a good idea to share the inspiration behind my stories. Not that I've got anything to hide of course.'ll just stop talking now, before I make things any worse...
Wednesday word of the week – Aardwolf
An aardwolf is a grey and black stripy, African animal, related to hyenas. It eats insects (up to 250 termites per sitting) and is nocturnal. They're rather cute. I'm sorry I don't have a picture - next time I'm wandering the scrublands of Easterm Africa at night, I'll be sure to put that right. I mention them … Continue reading Wednesday word of the week – Aardwolf
A cheap health bill!
The ebook of my short story collection A Clean Bill Of Health is currently on sale for 99p / 99cHere's the blurb – Our health is important, we all know that, even if we sometimes take it for granted. There are so many factors which can affect our health. Things we can help, and things … Continue reading A cheap health bill!
Down to business
I've got business cards! Aren't they nice?If you come along to the book fair at Lee Hub (the old library in Lee-on-the-Solent) on Saturday you can see them (and me) for real – and buy books from a variety of great local authors. I believe that tea and cake will also be available!
Wednesday word of the week – Lugubrious
Lugubrious sounds as though it should be something fun, doesn't it? It actually means, doleful, mournful or dismal. As far as I can recall I've only ever come across it in relation to speech, but characters needn't just speak lugubriously, the could show their inner lugubriousness through a sad expression and dejected manner. Much as I like the … Continue reading Wednesday word of the week – Lugubrious
Helping with enquiries
A few days ago I got up early, had a few cups of tea and wrote out a list of things I needed to know for book 3 in my Little Mallow cosy mystery series. Then a writer friend kindly drove me, and another of her friends, to Portsmouth where I had a coffee (I … Continue reading Helping with enquiries