The kindness of strangers

Writers enjoy going to new places, meeting new people, seeking out new experiences. Sometimes, they meet up with old friends, longstanding colleagues or relatives they haven’t seen for years. All grist to the mill.

I love travelling – the planning as well as actually taking the train and plane – and talking to fellow travellers. […]

Where do you find your next book?

A few weeks ago, I asked people on a well-known social media site how and where they bought their next read. In yesteryear, it was the library or bookshop. In my hometown of Tunbridge Wells, there were five shops that sold books. In addition, we enjoyed a children’s library (clean hands, please and no shrieking), […]

Home or away? Choose your setting

Writing class

“Write what you know!“

There’s a statement that was hammered home at us when we were newbie writers.

Well, I half obeyed when I wrote my first book INCEPTIO. Actually, it was less than that. I knew the military bit, I’d clambered over a lot of Roman Europe and I knew […]

Catherine Kullman: Writing a spin-off in a series

I am truly delighted to welcome writing friend Catherine Kullmann to my blog to celebrate the publication of her latest book, Lord Frederick’s Return. Catherine was born and educated in Dublin. Following a three-year courtship conducted mostly by letter, she married and moved to Germany where she lived for twenty-five years before returning to Ireland. […]

A Mischief of Murder – Helen Hollick

Today, I am delighted to welcome Helen Hollick back on my blog, this time to spotlight her latest release, A Mischief of Murder, the sixth in her cosy mystery series featuring Jan Christopher. Tea, flowers, scones, Devon cream, village intrigue – and a touch of murder.

Known for her captivating storytelling and rich attention to […]