Write down the rabbit hole…
There's no shortage of history in Shakespeare's hometown of Stratford-Upon-Avon. Many of the places you can visit were once home to Shakespeare's relations, including the homestead of his wife, Anne Hathway. Part of the building dates from the 1400s, and it provides an intriguing window into the past. There's not a great deal known about Shakespeare's… Continue reading Anne Hathaway’s House, Stratford-Upon-Avon
There are a few things you need for the perfect library... First, of course, books- -then a chair to sit in when you're reading your books- -more books- -stairs so you can reach all your books- -a desk to sit at if you're inspired to write when reading your books- -even more books- -and finally… Continue reading Upton House Library
My New Year's Resolution was to write and publish a second book - and I did. I'll allow myself a little bit of pride in that (but not too much because I'm a writer and I'm British). I've now published two books in two years - so what did I learn? 1. Decide why you want… Continue reading 4 Things I Learned Self-Publishing Two E-books in Two Years
I love a good cave. Not in a hard-hat-gee-that's-a-tight-squeeze-caving kind of way, but anywhere with a decent cave tour gets my attention. Kents Cavern in Devon have a very good tour and literally layers of history to uncover. The caves have provided shelter to animals and humans for thousands of years. A human jawbone fragment… Continue reading Exploring Kents Cavern, Devon
Terry Pratchett moved to a village outside of Salisbury in 1993 and lived there until his death. The Terry Pratchett: HisWorld exhibition is all about his life and full of personal items. Given his worldwide fame, it's not surprising that people have come from around the globe to visit this exhibition about Sir Terry Pratchett's… Continue reading Terry Pratchett: His World, Salisbury Museum, UK
Wells is the smallest city in the UK. Its status as a city dates from medieval times, and depends on its stunning cathedral complex. It's been a filming location for a number of productions including 'Poldark', 'Dunkirk' and 'Hot Fuzz' - the high street and market place are immediately recognisable from the climactic shoot-out scene.… Continue reading Around Wells Cathedral and The Chained Library
People often say that words aren't dangerous. But writers know better than that. We understand the power that words have. When we wield them we are all aware how we're casting lightening stolen from the Gods. Events in the world prove just how fickle words are. Assaulted by 'fake news', 'alternative facts' and 'post-truth' a… Continue reading Why your writing is important
The Glasgow Necropolis on a cold, bright morn; grand and Gothic and unsurprisingly, Victorian. Ever a society in love with death, elevating it into an art form fit for the ancients. It's easy to see why writers are fascinated by cities of the dead. Cemeteries tell a thousand tales. Inspiration and intrigue around every corner.… Continue reading A Visit to Glasgow Necropolis
The real world rushed into focus recently in the worst way possible. It's why I've been so quiet on here. It was a full-on bolt from the blue and it's sent everything I knew spinning. We write to escape reality. Perhaps this is most true if you write fiction, but even those whose work is… Continue reading In Real Life
Write I mean! On trains and buses, boats and rooftops, beaches, balconies and the bottom of the sea, we writers will do it anywhere (get your minds out of the gutter please!) I'm sure you know what it's like to have the Muse (or just the need to flex those writing muscles) strike at an… Continue reading Where’s the Oddest place you’ve done it?
