I cannot remember when I first read a Robert B. Parker novel. All I know is that, once I found him, he was all I read for a while. One book after another. Now, I have a couple by my bed and if I’m ever stuck for reading matter I pick one up. Doesn’t matter … Read more
[quote]Nothing you write, if you hope to be any good, will ever come out as you first hoped.’ Lillian Hellman. For a long time I didn’t like to call myself a writer. I didn’t feel worthy, even though I had been a journalist, feature writer, won a couple of awards. I had also written some … Read more
There is a story I really want to see published. It’s the autobiography of a woman who is funny, brave, strong, inspiring – and much more besides. A woman who has lived an extraordinary life, been through dark and difficult times, and somehow emerged in one piece to tell the tale with wit and wisdom. I … Read more
Leigh Russell is a prolific crime writer whose debut novel in 2009, Cut Short, was shortlisted for the CWA New Blood Dagger Award. I first encountered Leigh at a London Writers’ Café event, where she spoke about juggling writing with teaching commitments, and the meticulous research that goes into her books. STOP DEAD, the latest … Read more
I can’t remember when I first read The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery. It was a long time ago. It’s one of those books I feel I’ve always known, one that has been with me throughout my life. It’s a book I like to keep close so that I can put my hand on … Read more
‘Understated and reserved … terrifically measured –’ Josh Hollwey, Open Pen magazine. I am not a prolific short story writer. I find it a difficult form. This is one of my few forays into that world and it took me some time to write a piece I felt happy with. Since it was shortlisted for … Read more
I love ghostwriting. For me, it’s one of the best jobs there is. Imagine sitting down with someone interesting, hearing their story, and then putting it onto the page in a way that’s true to them and engaging to readers. Without question, it’s a privileged position for any writer. Over the last few years I’ve … Read more
There’s a huge appetite for crime and thriller books. We love to read them and many of us are hard at work writing them. Little wonder, then, that when the London Writers’ Café organised an event on this popular genre the turnout was impressive, despite it being a murky old night. Downstairs at the Shooting … Read more
I never really bought into Jimmy Savile as a quirky eccentric. All that now-then, now-then stuff got on my nerves. If I’m honest, I found him repellent. A bit of a weirdo. And now we know the truth. It seems he was a prolific and predatory sex attacker who abused young girls and boys over … Read more
There aren’t any great music shows on TV any more. Nothing in the style of Channel 4’s The Tube or The White Room or, further back, Ready, Steady, Go! These shows celebrated music in its raw, live state and gave it a platform fans could respect and identify with. Even Top of the Pops – … Read more
Writing can take you to some unexpected places. A little while back, I was one of nine writers invited to participate in a workshop at the home of the late Kenyan poet and author, Khadambi Asalache. The event was organised by Lambeth Council’s Literary Festival and The National Trust. At around the same time, I was … Read more
Time to get nostalgic. It’s almost thirty years since The Tube, the chaotic Channel 4 music show, first aired. I loved it. It came from Newcastle, and that’s where I’m from. The bands were great and it was live and you never knew what to expect. Even when it all went wrong no one seemed … Read more