Just a short blog from me today, as I’m currently up to my ears in edits and new novels. Even though I’m writing ahead of deadlines, I have a new story on the go and I’m editing The Cornish Witch and The Silver Ladies Seize the Day.

Check out the blurb on Amazon. I think you’ll enjoy them – out in April and June.

When I’m really, really busy, I make sure I take breaks regularly. I walk in the woods first thing in the morning, as soon as it gets light. And I’m so lucky that people drag me out to have some fun in the evenings and at weekends

A few days ago, I went up to London to have breakfast at sunrise. I’d recommend the experience so much. The views were spectacular. We went to The Duck and Waffle in Bishopsgate. The service was great. The sunrise was special. The food wasn’t marvellous and if you’re a vegan, some items can be ‘made vegan’ by removing the egg and replacing it with nothing. But I’m used to dietary inequality. Besides, I went for great company and a breathtaking view of the gherkin and the river as the sun comes up over the Thames. What a view!

And the lift ride is incredible.  

My views. Gorgeous. An expensive treat. Go with people you love. Once.

I love films and I like a biopic, although I didn’t enjoy the Bob Marley film, One Love. The music and acting were good, but the whole package is maybe a bit superficial for anyone who really likes reggae or Marley’s music.

However, recently I went with a group, including a friend who must be the biggest Dylan fan in the world, to see A Complete Unknown, and it was a really enjoyable film. Apart from strong performances by the leads and great music, the film was really informative about Dylan’s music and the cultures and attitudes in the sixties. And an unrecognisable Ed Norton was spectacular as Pete Seeger.

My views: Great music. Fantastic insight into a genius. No man would ever pick me up by offering me a peanut.

A group of us went to see Macbeth starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo. And an ensemble cast of incredible actors.It was the highlight of my week.

Oh. But oh!!!

All I can say is that I breathed in at the beginning and didn’t breathe out again until the end. It was perfect in every way. The interpretation, the pace, the acting, the creativity, the use of space and the actors’ ability to create pathos and empathy and tension. Tennant and Jumbo sparkle. The actors playing Macduff, Lady Macduff and Malcolm are off-the-scale brilliant. The way the witches are created is breathtaking. Certain speeches – Macduff’s ‘”all my pretty chickens and their dam”, Lady Macbeth’s ‘“Out, damned spot! out, I say!” and Macbeth’s “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,” had me in pieces.

Little tiny pieces.

 And the ending. Oh my goodness. What absolute stars. Perfect casting. Perfect in every way.

Go and see it. It’s sublime. Yes, perfect. Unmnmissable. Even better than that.

My views. Wow !

Then we went to a cinema that lets you drink beer and sit comfortably to see Becoming Led Zeppelin. Of course, this film is all about the music, so being in a cinema with friends and beer and a brilliant sound system is vital. But it’s also a slice of pop history and some colossal music, not to mention impactful visuals. In their own way, Plant and Page were geniuses, sex gods, a phenomenon. But they were also hard working and talented musicians who were in the right place at the time.

The film takes the form of archive clips and good-humoured interviews. You can’t help but warm to the band, especially bass player John Paul Jones, although the film pays little attention to the fact that drummer John Bonham died in 1980 at the age of 32 following a history of depression and drug and alcohol abuse.

It’s a great film though, with interesting background footage and some incredible rock songs in the days when those guys strutted on stage like priapic Greek gods.

Can I get away with saying that?

The film’s good, and even better for the loud music.

My views. Fantastic for the music and for an insight into the old days of rock and roll.

Now deep breath and – back to the writing cave. Wish me luck.