Over the Christmas break, a friend shared Modern Mrs. Darcy’s 2016 Book Challenge, a reading framework designed to help readers ‘explore new territory, revisit old favorites, and finally read those books you’ve been putting off for years.’ Continue reading
I’m Not Dead (I’ve Just Been Writing)
That’s right folks. Shock, horror. A wannabe novelist who has actually been putting the hours in. And, as boring as it sounds it is the truth. Continue reading
5 Picks from the London Literature Festival
The London Literature Festival (Monday 28 September 2015 – Monday 12 October 2015) is nearly here and with my new London base I’ve got the time and inclination to see a bit of it–in between writing for my new course, of course.
1. Inside the Head of Terry Gilliam
Every Day is a School Day
Deciding to apply for one of the larger creative writing courses under the influence was perhaps, in hindsight, ill-advised. The ask was for the first 3,000 words of your novel. The outcome would be an honest appraisal from someone who reads hundreds of first 3,000 words a year.
Rik Mayall Reading George’s Marvellous Medicine
If there’s one thing I loved more than reading Roald Dahl as a kid, it was listening to Roald Dahl audiobooks on My First Sony Walkman. Remember those? With the see-through back and coloured cogs?
The 30-Minute YouTube Procrastination Playlist
Delicious, diverting and just a little bit naughty, procrastination is the adult equivalent of skipping class to hang out in the park with your friends and a bottle of White Lightning. Continue reading
A Fucking Brilliant Present
Sorry, I couldn’t resist. A very belated thank you, @JosClothes and the awsomesauce brains behind Calligraphuck.com.
Change Without Change–Frank Wilczek on a Beautiful Universe
My first introduction to The School of Life was via a catering tent in the middle of Henham Park, Beccles. We were gathered to listen to the Sunday Sermon on switching off in the digital age led by Wired UK’s editor-at-large, Ben Hammersley. Our hymn was Ground Control to Major Tom. Mr. Hammersley played guitar. Despite the large amounts of whiskey still percolating through my system it was an enlightening way to spend a Sunday morning.
#throwbackthursday: Once a Reader, Always a Reader
On the Longlist for the British Theatre Challenge
After a long week of feeling miserable with a cold, I have the pleasure to announce my play, ‘This Mess We’re In’ has been included on the longlist of the British Theatre Challenge. To celebrate, let’s take a moment to revel in the musical genius of PJ Harvey’s track of the same name and the inspiration point for my play.