My thoughts about books, writing, life and so many other things….Judy Leigh/ Elena Collins.
I've just had an interesting conversation with a man who shovels poo for a living. More accurately, he has a machine which slurps waste from septic tanks and cess pits. Not the best job in the world, perhaps, but someone has to do it. On the plus side, it took him half an hour to stand …
Continue reading If a vegan diet is good for a septic tank, then it might just be good for us…
I read Damian Le Bas' book The Stopping Places in two days. It's the sort of book that should be available everywhere, on all shop bookshelves, in libraries, schools and universities, and widely read. It offers a first-hand account about the Romani people, the culture and their experiences in society, in history and in the …
Coverage of major sporting events is difficult to escape: whether it is the World Cup, the Six Nations, Wimbledon or The Tour de France, it is regularly in front of our eyes, on the television and in the newspapers. It is the main talking point in the news, perhaps more than the NHS crisis or …
I'm lucky to belong to several writers' groups, including a brilliant local one and an online advice and support group. Before that, my regular writers' group consisted of a bunch of genius poets and artists back in Devon. Before that, I belonged to an MA writers' class where everybody was superbly talented. The world is …
Continue reading Can’t get your novel started? Here are my 12 top tips
I have heard a lot about writers' block. I'm not entirely sure what it is but I think it means that writers can't write because something is holding them back - they experience a temporary lack of inspiration or fluidity. The reason I'm not clear about what it means is because I don't think I've …
In complete harmony with my rock and roll lifestyle, I'm keen to celebrate my novel coming out in paperback today. Available at Waterstones, Tesco, Amazon, at all good bookshops throughout the UK, 'A Grand Old Time' has finally hit the shelves. I have been on book tours, had radio interviews, been featured in newspapers, on …
Continue reading My novel is out today! But how should I celebrate?
Like most writers, I started young, with a pen and any paper I could find to scribble on. I wrote my name on the kitchen walls when I was two and had a slap for my efforts. I penned poems on empty Corn Flakes boxes. I filled jotters with an assortment of stories. In my …
Continue reading How I became a novelist – the journey so far
Happiness is about enjoying the small things. It's about getting the most from each moment and not letting an opportunity pass to feel grateful and blessed. Of course, there is happiness to be found in the big things: presents, promotion, pastimes, but perhaps real happiness is something we can connect with every day. It's true, …
For International Women's Day, I've taken five writers who inspire me. I have chosen them because their use of language is unique and thrilling and because they do not follow other writers' rules and conventions. They are iconoclasts, writers who write their own way, in their own style, and the result is stunning. Have …
Continue reading Five inspirational writers on International Women’s Day.
Last night was lovely. Perfect ingredients: London skyline, champagne, a real home-made cherry clafoutis (baked with love,) a giant cut-out campervan. A team of Avon angels, lots of smart independent booksellers and hundreds of great books. Wine. Canapes. Speeches. And me. My first Indie event with HarperCollins Avon was such great fun. I met the …
