My summer has been marked by spikes of joy; three in all. That’s the three times I saw my book in Chiswick Waterstones, on display, in three different locations. First, it was in a window display, next to Max Hastings, well not him in person, but next to his tome: ‘The Secret War: Spies, Codes […]
The Way I Write
There were not a lot of books in the house because I was brought up by a single mum who was working two jobs, but I do remember a comic that used to get delivered every Saturday morning. There was this story about these cats ‘Drag A Chair Puss Cat’ and ‘Never Hangs His Coat […]
Bookshops, Blisters and Pringles
There comes a time in every writer’s life when they have to get their hands dirty. Such days are usually foisted upon us by our publishers, and this one was no exception. Not being born into a world of shining optimism, and therefore not expecting much from the day, especially not the promised five mile hike around […]
Strong Women – TV Still Trounces Hollywood
It had to happen. Hollywood has got itself in trouble again. I knew it would because I’ve just come back from there and could see it was all about to kick off. I am an unashamed Americanist. I have studied the history, culture, literature and politics of California, but nothing prepares you for the sun […]
The Disappearing Lesbians
We’ve all done it. You’re watching a movie and you let out a yelp in fright; or guffaw at a comedic moment line; or simply cheer. And then you realise: it’s in the middle of the night on a long haul flight and you’ve woken up half the cabin. My most recent on-board cheer was […]