Hello, and thank you for visiting my site. I hope that you'll return often and always find something of interest about my world and what inspires me to pick up a pen. (This is a figure of speech, unfortunately. My handwriting is terrible!) Here's what I've been up to recently...

A small triumph for Write-On! Ripon

As well as our regular Tuesday meetings, where we share whatever we’re currently working on, some of us like to get together once in a while for a quiz evening.

The photo shows us at a Boroughbridge High School fundraiser, where we came out a clear ten points ahead of the runners-up. Not bad, eh?

13 March, 2024 Make the first comment on this story

The wonders of modern technology

When I sent a letter to Who Do You Think You Are? magazine, I attached some images stored on my computer.  Very close to the deadline for publication, I was asked if I could provide a better digital image of the regimental photograph and had to explain that it was now in the possession of a second cousin in Australia. I did, however, send my relative a message via Facebook and he was able to oblige – all this within a few short hours. The magazine will now be able to supply a digital copy of the photo to any family history researcher who requests it. How wonderful is that!

 

1 March, 2024 Make the first comment on this story

Advice for authors

I was very happy to contribute to Debbie Emmitt’s blog, which you can read here. https://www.debbie-emmitt.com/how-authors-of-books-set-in-france-overcome-challenges-in-their-words/?fbclid=IwAR2rcZVveVaQF4dVGp1hjRHtvGIKvpX-wA5YhRKL6EhKYsyPhaf6QwN6QO8

The advice referred to the research I did when writing my long novel ‘Shadows of the Past’ and is reproduced below:

 

                   

‘Shadows of the Past’ and, even more so, its prequel ‘Foreshadowing’, have a large autobiographical element to them and were a real labour of love to write.

 

9 February, 2024 Make the first comment on this story

Swanwick Writers Summer School Diamond Jubilee

This is going to be a very special year for ‘Swanwick’ and I’m very pleased to be running one of the short two-part courses again.

I’ve been going to ‘Swanwick’ regularly since 2006. Booking is now open, so why not think about joining me this year?

3 February, 2024 Make the first comment on this story

A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY READERS!

Despite the wishful photo of Maggie the Viking above, created by a wonderful Facebook app, 2024 is definitely going to be a time to look forward rather than back. Long cherished plans include bringing out a new book,  essentially a memoir about a glorious summer spent ‘riding the Dog*’ across the USA.  Scary moments such as being mobbed on the New York subway and chased out of a brothel in El Paso were amply compensated for by the camaraderie experienced along the way and the warm hospitality offered by many different American families and individuals. 

*The Dog in question being the wonderful Greyhound Bus Line

WATCH THIS SPACE!

 

 

3 January, 2024 Make the first comment on this story

A story for Christmas

 

By a very happy coincidence. this came out yesterday on my birthday and it can also be found in today’s issue of Love Sunday (Sunday People).

Originally written as a story for children, a few tweaks made it appropriate for all ages. Who hasn’t dreamed of an unexpected windfall when money is tight? That it was very well deserved in this case is, I think, a bonus. Honesty was definitely the best policy for struggling young mum Daisy and even the villain of the piece came good in the end.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

24 December, 2023 Make the first comment on this story

Christmas celebrations with Ripon writers!

I was privileged to celebrate with two different groups this week. The photo above (thank you, Nicky) is from Write On! Ripon’s Christmas meal at the Claro Lounge, which was very enjoyable. The conversation flowed as freely as the drinks and the wearing of cracker sourced hats was purely optional.

The following evening, I was at Ripon Writers’ Group’s pre-Christmas event, which featured less food and alcohol – although members did bring contributions to a small festive buffet – but also boasted a quiz, seasonal readings including a short play by our newest member and a Secret Santa.

Good fun all round and I’m very happy to have so many friends who ‘get’ why I write.

19 December, 2023 Make the first comment on this story

Time to relax!

Writing is hard work. Relaxing in the company of like minded friends is always a joy.

 

Last night saw the celebration of Write-On! Ripon’s second anniversary at Portofino Ristorante on Kirkgate.

Not everyone was able to make it, but those of us who did certainly enjoyed it. The food was good, the wine flowed and so did the conversation. 

27 October, 2023 Make the first comment on this story

Ripon Poetry Festival 2023

 

What a weekend! Actually it began for me on Thursday evening, when the two Ripon writing groups that I belong to co-hosted the open mic event to launch this year’s festival.

    

  

 

The downstairs area of the Claro Lounge, where Write-On! Ripon meets on Tuesday afternoons, has never seen as many poetry lovers crammed into its many nooks and crannies. We even had to bring in chairs from the garden, so it was lucky that the afternoon had been a dry one. There were sad poems, happy poems, funny poems, angry poems – some using traditional forms and others the most free of free verse. Definitely something for everyone. 

 

    

The same could be said of Saturday evening, when the launch of the 2023 anthology was held in the Ripon Arts Hub. Everyone who had had a poem chosen for inclusion was invited to read and I was delighted to meet up with a friend from the Swanwick Writers’ Summer School. Penny Blackburn had travelled from Newcastle to take part in various activities throughout the day and we just managed (courtesy of my son Richard) to have a photo taken of the pair of us before she set off home.

 

24 September, 2023 Make the first comment on this story

Back to school!

 
What an interesting evening I had yesterday, invited to view my contribution to Lawnswood School’s ‘alumni’ wall. For non-Leeds friends, I should explain that the current co-educational school was created many years ago to replace two grammar schools, Lawnswood High for girls and Leeds Modern for boys. Apart from Old Mods John Craven and Alan Bennett, I think I’m the oldest contributor so far, but the wall will continue to evolve.
 
 
(In anticipation of people who remember their Latin grammar pointing out that I’m an ‘alumna’ rather than an ‘alumnus’, I know, but I thought it would be churlish to point it out.)
 

              

21 September, 2023 Make the first comment on this story

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