My thoughts about books, writing, life and so many other things….Judy Leigh/ Elena Collins.
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
Perhaps every writer dreams of seeing her or his work produced on film. After all, great stories make good theatre and good television, or good movies. I love to imagine who’d play the major roles in my novels if they were made into films. I’ve always been fascinated by the psychology of casting and, whenever …
Continue reading If The Old Girls’ Network was a film, who would play the roles…?
I have worked in schools where Drama, Music, Art , Dance, Writing, Media and Performance thrived. I used to teach theatre. I taught students between the ages of 11 and 18 usually but sometimes I would be invited into primary schools to help smaller children fall in love with Shakespeare, and once in a while …
Remember the moment in Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, where she falls down the rabbit hole? Or the wardrobe door that opens to Narnia? Or Platform 9 ¾, leading to the Hogwarts’s Express? Or the Doors of Durin in Lord of the Rings? Literature is full of enchanted doors that take us to a secret …
I don't like puddings but everyone else I know seems to love them. At this time of year, when it becomes a bit damp and cool, puddings are a go-to comfort food. There are a lot of apples around at the moment and blackberries are in abundance and free if you're prepared to pick them …
Continue reading Guilt-free bramble crumble (and dutch apple cake)
That quintessence of dust 