It’s hard to believe that it took me so long to discover the work of Mary Karr. Karr is professor of writing at Syracuse University and her programmes are desperately over-subscribed. Yes, she is that good. I first discovered her memoir, The Liar’s … Read More
I don’t know about you but I’m a big fan of Masterchef on the telly. It always seems to me m that the chefs that get the most enthusiastic and throw the biggest variety of ‘stuff’ on the plate get voted off, … Read More
The Inspiring Bit 26/11/2019 This time of year is perfect for inspiring the writer wanting to flex their writerly muscles. Autumn, when the leaves are turning and falling there is so much to ignite the muse within. We all know … Read More
The inspiring bit – Being a real author 1/11/2019 At the end of last month I had the pleasure of hosting new author, Mariam Ottimofiore, for her book tour of the Netherlands. Her book, This Messy Mobile Life, was published earlier … Read More
The inspiring bit – Writing when you’re just not inspired… 1/10/2019 Three weeks ago Ian and I took our summer holiday. We joined dear friends for a week sailing in Croatia. It was our second time there, only a year earlier, … Read More
The inspiring bit 4/9/2019 The power of writing a journalI’ve just emerged from the cinema, my cheeks and Ian’s damp from tears. At one point most of the audience could be heard choking back sobs, squeaking gently in their attempt … Read More
The return of the Monthly Inspirer 1/8/2019 Do you remember my Monthly Inspirer? For ten years, from 2002-2012 I sent out a monthly newsletter by email to up to 3,000 people. It was a simple formula: I wrote an inspiring … Read More
Writing ugly 31/1/2020 What do you think of my new phrase – writing ugly? A few weeks ago I got an email from one of my current mentees, Keri. “I guess my biggest fear is that the book just keeps … Read More
