Can I tempt you?
Lent is traditionally a time for giving up things – say, chocolate, wine or meat. This year, I felt the need for something else to abstain from. Something to which I have a rather ambiguous relationship. Continue reading
Fast
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Category Archives: Writing
Books for all
I am having a Lenten break from social media at the moment – but just as I closed my apps on Shrove Tuesday, I noted a thread on audiences at school being segregated by gender. I goggled at the concept of saying only girls could attend a female writer – or vice versa. Those of you who know me or my blog posts can imagine my reaction to that… Continue reading
Green
Tonight I attend ‘More of Me’ Book Launch II for my dear friend Kathryn Evans – a special for the inhabitants of Chichester and its hinterland. If I have time after I return from the dentists in the afternoon, I shall wear an outrageous green dress. I have heard that green dresses are unlucky – green being the colour of the fair folk – but I have no wish to bring ill-fortune to my colleague. Rather a dusting of lucky fairy dust…
Cover design by Hannah Cobley at Usborne
Navigating by strange stars
Tiger in a Tropical Storm (Surprised) by Henri Rousseau
You’re welcome in the Beautiful Jungle – but do expect a few surprises along your way… Continue reading
Interregnum
Oliver Cromwell by Samuel Cooper
Apparently, an interregnum is the period between two reigns. In English History, it can refer to the time between Charles I ‘s execution and the arrival of Charles II, whilst we had a Republic (30 January 1649 – 29 May 1660)
Metaphorically, it can mean any suspension of government from the end of one regime to the beginning of another. I rather feel I am in one… Continue reading
The Song, not the Singer
Most people would agree that Frank Sinatra had a wonderful voice. Think of ‘Strangers in the Night ‘ with its lush romance or ‘New York, New York!’ – so full of life. He was stylish and popular for at least five decades. But would you want him as a friend? Or could you see him as a hero? Continue reading
Make the Tale Live, O Muse
The Muse gets a bad press:
Making it real
Ever started a book that’s beautifully written and cleverly constructed, perhaps praised by others – and yet failed to get into it? Or gone to see a film with fantastic special effects, witty dialogue and a cool premise – only to find you’re unmoved? I’ve been thinking about what makes the difference, what makes you care… Continue reading
Ravens and writing desks
A reference to Nina’s own work – which I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
Recently my writing colleague, fellow SCBWI and friend Nina Wadcock asked if anyone would be her Beta reader. I volunteered straight off. We got on well and I had every expectation it would be a good read. She accepted my offer – and then the second thoughts came fluttering in a black cloud… Continue reading
How the SCBWI Conference Blew My Mind!
Five hows from the 8th Annual Conference of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Winchester, November 2015 Continue reading