My thoughts about books, writing, life and so many other things….Judy Leigh/ Elena Collins.
I recently read There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak and absolutely loved it. It’s currently reviewed at 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon and I highly recommend it. So much so that I left a five star review. So many other people loved it too, so I’m in good company. Of …
Continue reading A Plea to Readers: Please Leave Book Reviews
I’ve been catching up on reading, researching and discovering new books that inspire. Reading outside, in the sunshine, is such a lovely way to spend lazy time, the body resting and rocking in a hammock, the mind travelling to a place far, far away. The two books I've recently read come under the category of …
Continue reading Two Recommended Reads, for Different Reasons.
I’ve been working hard, writing and editing novels this year, and there’s not been enough time for reading. I have an enviable skyscraper of a TBR pile that I can’t wait to dip into. Summer time is perfect for dipping into exciting new reads and posting a few recommendations. Watch this space. So, I need …
You remember a few weeks ago when I was deliberating the question of which famous personality I’d choose to go on a Valentine’s date with, and I couldn’t think of anyone at all? I ended up spending my hypothetical romantic evening with Pikachu, or someone completely inappropriate, because I couldn’t think of a suitable partner. …
Continue reading Remember the search for a Valentine’s Date? I’ve Changed my Mind.
Do you get lots of books as presents for Christmas? I’m lucky – I got a bumper bundle this year and it’ll last me a couple of months. I read all sorts of books, for pleasure, for research, to extend my own skills. And this past week, I’ve read two absolutely brilliant books I’d love …
I spend a great deal of my time writing. My latest novel is out! The Old Girls’ Network was released several days ago and I’ve started to edit the next one, which is very exciting. I’ve also just finished writing another - the life of a novelist is all go! - and I wouldn't change …
Continue reading Six books that inspire me to be a better writer
Recently an author-friend of mine said a novel she’d written had been refused by a publisher because there were four central protagonists, which they said was three too many. There is a template in romantic comedy that requires one heroine, someone with a problem that needs to be solved, one handsome male who might do …
I’ve read several good books over the summer months. Choosing from a wide range of genres and topics, here are seven books I’ve really enjoyed for a variety of reasons and I recommend them all. The list is random – there is no rank order implied. J Le Vieux, Biographie d’un Youyou. Azzedine Grimbou …
Continue reading Some of the great books I’ve read this summer…
It is always sad to read that a longstanding heroine has passed away. For years, when asked ‘Who’s your favourite author?’ I’d answer ‘Toni Morrison’, seconds before I wondered if I should have said ‘Jeanette Winterson’ or ‘Cormac McCarthy’. But Toni Morrison was always the first name on my lips. So when I heard that …
Continue reading Huge thanks to Toni Morrison for my torchlight tremors
It’s long been a belief of mine that kids of all ages should see themselves reflected in and represented by the curriculum taught in schools. Too often novels and historical books can inadvertently leave out groups of people so that many learners never find people like themselves in aspects of their own education. Of course, …
Continue reading Three recommended books to celebrate International Romani Day
That quintessence of dust 