My thoughts about books, writing, life and so many other things….Judy Leigh/ Elena Collins.
"I, that did never weep, now melt with woe That winter should cut off our spring-time so." Henry VI The last few weeks have seen the passing of several people I have greatly admired; all of them have left us too early; all of them will leave a huge gap in so many people's lives. …
Most writers read a lot. I remember one of my brilliant tutors on my Master's course telling me I have an 'ear' for writing and I replied that I read all the time. She suggested the two weren't always connected, but I believe that good writers inspire good writers. To that end, I have just finished …
Continue reading Iain Banks, Petina Gappah, Saul Bellow and me: a writing lesson
I recall the excitement last year amongst readers, when people found out Ishiguro had a new book out, his first in ten years. I must admit, I admire his muscled, perfect prose and his ability to lead the reader through a story, revealing just the right amount of information to spur the plot and the intrigue …
I've been on Facebook for over a year now. I'll check it a few times a day and post the occasional article or recipe. But I have noticed a growing hypocrisy - and we're all guilty of it - among people who use social media. We mislead ourselves about why we're doing it. It's called virtue …
As 2015 draws to a close, it is a time for reflection. In that spirit, here is a countdown of the top 12 books that I have read in the past year, out of at least a hundred! Note: they need not necessarily have been published in 2015, and certainly haven't been read in this order. …
"O, that that earth, which kept the world in awe, Should patch a wall to expel the winter flaw!" Patrick Gale's novel epitomises everything a good writer wants to do in their own writing. I began reading 'A Place Called Winter' a few days ago and, at first, I thought it was a slow-burner. The …
Most of my blogs are fairly serious and, as it is the season of good swill, I thought I'd respond with a little lightness to the abject Scroogery which is alive and rampant and living in my house . Bursting with festive enthusiasm, like Santa's sack stuck in the chimney, my excitement is being squashed and …
I don't have a sister and I never really wanted one. People have told me that older sisters can be bossy and younger ones sometimes behave in a tetchy and clingy way. Of course, these stereotypes are not real and they are perhaps often fuelled by sibling rivalry. What about the older sister who fights …
Continue reading Sorority in literature? Fear it, my dear sister.
Tom Jones sang 'What's new, Pussycat?' in 1967. That was nearly fifty years ago and thank goodness attitudes to women have changed since then. He suggested his girlfriend: 'go and powder your cute little pussycat nose.' I'd tell him where to go! Current attitudes suggest that men and women play equal roles and make joint decisions …
I have always allied myself to the Labour party and I am not about to change. I must admit, I was a Millifan during the run up to the last election and I foolishly hoped that Ed would have what it would takes to become our Prime Minister. I saw Ed speak at a Fabian Society conference and I was …
That quintessence of dust 