My thoughts about books, writing, life and so many other things….Judy Leigh/ Elena Collins.
I've always been thankful for blessings. Family, friends, good health, food on the table, shelter and warmth are things I'm grateful for every day. There are other areas of my life that I'll be ever-grateful for; my work has always made me happy: learning, researching, teaching drama, writing novels. It is an incredible feeling, being …
Apparently, the entire month of January is celebrated by many as Veganuary, a time when people eat vegan food for a month. Perhaps it is a fresh dietary choice for some, perhaps it is an antidote to the Christmas excesses for others, or even just curiosity, but I thought I’d share my New Year’s buffet …
Continue reading Sharing my New Year’s Eve buffet with friends, in the only way currently possible…
This is a true story from a Drama lesson that took place several years ago, when I taught theatre in a secondary school. I loved my job and it enabled me to do something I really believed in and to have great fun at the same time. I have so many fond memories of so …
I’ve never been a great fan of ‘imitation meat’, so when I heard about a turkey-style roast, I thought it wouldn't be something I’d want to make. I’m not keen on the fibrous meaty texture of many plant-based meat replacements, but working with vital wheat gluten means that you can add a variety of flavours …
Continue reading Plant-based roast with stuffing: recipe and serving ideas
Of all my novels, this one is the easiest to cast as a film. The characters jumped out at me, from the moment I thought ‘now who would play Billy and Dawnie?’ Once you’ve read the book, think about the casting for yourself – you may come up with much better ideas than I have …
When I wrote Heading over the Hill, I decided that my main protagonists would be a married couple who arrive in West Devon. Having left their children behind in their former house in Lancashire, they are now looking for a new life, an opportunity to start again. My protagonists Billy and Dawnie are retired and …
Continue reading My novel Heading over the Hill and the three stages of marriage.
I'm not a fan of meals such as fish and chips. I am one of those strange people who don't like chips, deep- fried or greasy foods, and so I seldom make anything that involves frying. However, I'm so pleased with this recipe, which isn't greasy at all, that I'll make it again. For three …
Continue reading My plant based fish ‘n’ chips recipe… Friday nights won’t be the same again.
It's rare that I write about myself. In my novels, characters and situations are imaginary. I rarely bring myself into what I write, although I include what I know and if I don't, my ideas will be inspired by other people or based on research. Many of my older characters have something of the inspirational …
Here's a short story I wrote recenty about lockdown. I know a lot of people are by themselves, in flats where they have no access to outdoor spaces. Thinking of what it must be like to be in that situation, I wrote a few lines. The First Floor Flat Outside is bleak. Inside is quiet, …
My novels have often been described as uplifting or feel-good, and I like this epithet very much. While I enjoy a good gothic tale or a thriller as much as anyone else, the idea that my stories entertain and make people feel positive about life is a great compliment. Recently, I was sent a message …
Continue reading My top five living-life-and-loving-it feel-good films
That quintessence of dust 