You stare into space and wait for an amazing idea to strike. We've all been there. Popular culture would have you believe that inspiration just hits you when you're buying a loaf of bread or weeding your flower beds. Sometimes a spark will appear like Harry Potter wandering down a train aisle and into JK... Continue Reading →
(Pre-lockdown visit m'kay) This will probably come as a surprise to absolutely no-one, but my favourite part of any big, old house is the library. Frankly, a grand house without a library is just a waste of time. Stourhead in Wiltshire contains one of my favourite grand house libraries. It's a gorgeously light and airy... Continue Reading →
This post is partly inspired by current events. But truth be told I've been thinking about productivity anyway. We live in a social-media-driven, side-hustle, Youtuber-blogger-Instagrammer world. Everyone has the perfect job, house, car, children, pet, etc, etc. We know it's not real, but that doesn't mean it doesn't get to us, especially when we're looking... Continue Reading →
Everyone has good days and bad days. Some people's bad days are worse than others. And sometimes those bad "days" last weeks, months or even years. In traumatic times, writers often turn to their craft as a way to deal with things. But the therapeutic nature of writing is complicated. Writing can help - but... Continue Reading →
A good writer has to be a big reader. But I think a good writer also needs to get comfortable with the sound of their own voice. Yes, you need to start reading out loud. But why? I hear you whisper. I hear you (just). Writers, on the whole, are quiet folk (alright Oscar Wilde... Continue Reading →
One of my new year's aims was to get more art up in my home. Of course, there was a high likelihood said art would be related to books 'n' stuff and so it is with this new piece. I bought this a while back but I've only just got round to getting a frame... Continue Reading →
(Visited before current events obviously)Henry VIII is an enduring source of fascination for many. His story has enough murder, betrayal, plotting, war, and plague for several Shakespeare plays. In fact, Tudor times, in general, were extremely turbulent - perfect fodder for writers! If you're writing anything set in this particular period of history it might... Continue Reading →
If you’re going to visit a library, why not start with the top of the pile? The British Library in London runs daily behind-the-scenes tours lasting 60 minutes and costing just £10 (£8 if you're a member) - bargain! The architectural style of the British Library isn't to everyone’s tastes but that might be down... Continue Reading →
Writing competitions can be a fun way to hone your writing skills and, if you're lucky, get your work published. Plus they may also come with a financial reward - cha-ching! And whilst there's no magic winning formula I can share, here are a few practical bits of advice about entering. 1) Plan well You... Continue Reading →
Ok, that title's an exaggeration, it's only taking over the floor of my spare bedroom. But my collection has grown considerably since I first put this post up in 2013. Back then it looked like this: And fitted on my dining table. Today it looks like this: And I had to lay it on the... Continue Reading →
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