Hello, and thank you for visiting my site. I hope that you'll return often and always find something of interest about my world and what inspires me to pick up a pen. (This is a figure of speech, unfortunately. My handwriting is terrible!) Here's what I've been up to recently...
Featured in Yorkshire Life
This double-paged spread in Yorkshire Life was written to help Ripon Community Link, my favourite local charity, and I hope that it will attract many more visitors to the wonderful Walled Garden.
The words – at least an edited version of them – are mine, but I was careful to submit a draft to RCL for approval before submitting the article to the magazine. The photographs are part of a selection sent to me by the charity and I am pleased to see that the correct acknowledgement has been given.
21 April, 2024 - Make the first comment on this story
Featured in Chat magazine
A little free publicity never hurts, especially when you’re being paid for it too!
18 April, 2024 - Make the first comment on this story
Sister Act the Musical
REVIEW: ‘Dazzling’ Sister Act musical set to open at Harrogate Theatre – Your Harrogate
Always happy to write a review for local groups, I found attending the dress rehearsal of RAOS Musical Company’s dress rehearsal at Harrogate Theatre a truly joyous experience.
It’s a long time since I trod the boards there myself – as one of the Mamas in Fiddler on the Roof – but I could well imagine all the frenzied activity backstage. Well done, everyone!
The link above will take you to the full review.
18 April, 2024 - Make the first comment on this story
Featured in Writers’ Narrative
I’m pleased to have this article in the latest issue of Writers’ Narrative. It’s a great magazine and has helped to fill the gap left by the unfortunate demise of Writers’ Forum.
18 March, 2024 - Make the first comment on this story
A small triumph for Write-On! Ripon
As well as our regular Tuesday meetings, where we share whatever we’re currently working on, some of us like to get together once in a while for a quiz evening.
The photo shows us at a Boroughbridge High School fundraiser, where we came out a clear ten points ahead of the runners-up. Not bad, eh?
13 March, 2024 - Make the first comment on this story
The wonders of modern technology
When I sent a letter to Who Do You Think You Are? magazine, I attached some images stored on my computer. Very close to the deadline for publication, I was asked if I could provide a better digital image of the regimental photograph and had to explain that it was now in the possession of a second cousin in Australia. I did, however, send my relative a message via Facebook and he was able to oblige – all this within a few short hours. The magazine will now be able to supply a digital copy of the photo to any family history researcher who requests it. How wonderful is that!
1 March, 2024 - Make the first comment on this story
Advice for authors
I was very happy to contribute to Debbie Emmitt’s blog, which you can read here. https://www.debbie-emmitt.com/how-authors-of-books-set-in-france-overcome-challenges-in-their-words/?fbclid=IwAR2rcZVveVaQF4dVGp1hjRHtvGIKvpX-wA5YhRKL6EhKYsyPhaf6QwN6QO8
The advice referred to the research I did when writing my long novel ‘Shadows of the Past’ and is reproduced below:
‘Shadows of the Past’ and, even more so, its prequel ‘Foreshadowing’, have a large autobiographical element to them and were a real labour of love to write.
9 February, 2024 - Make the first comment on this story
Swanwick Writers Summer School Diamond Jubilee
This is going to be a very special year for ‘Swanwick’ and I’m very pleased to be running one of the short two-part courses again.
I’ve been going to ‘Swanwick’ regularly since 2006. Booking is now open, so why not think about joining me this year?
3 February, 2024 - Make the first comment on this story
A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY READERS!
Despite the wishful photo of Maggie the Viking above, created by a wonderful Facebook app, 2024 is definitely going to be a time to look forward rather than back. Long cherished plans include bringing out a new book, essentially a memoir about a glorious summer spent ‘riding the Dog*’ across the USA. Scary moments such as being mobbed on the New York subway and chased out of a brothel in El Paso were amply compensated for by the camaraderie experienced along the way and the warm hospitality offered by many different American families and individuals.
*The Dog in question being the wonderful Greyhound Bus Line
WATCH THIS SPACE!
3 January, 2024 - Make the first comment on this story
A story for Christmas
By a very happy coincidence. this came out yesterday on my birthday and it can also be found in today’s issue of Love Sunday (Sunday People).
Originally written as a story for children, a few tweaks made it appropriate for all ages. Who hasn’t dreamed of an unexpected windfall when money is tight? That it was very well deserved in this case is, I think, a bonus. Honesty was definitely the best policy for struggling young mum Daisy and even the villain of the piece came good in the end.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
24 December, 2023 - Make the first comment on this story
Check Out My eBooks
