Tree Lights and Happy Thoughts

Only a quick post today, as I promised to show you my wreaths. I couldn't help snapping a few shots of the tree, too. I'm sure you'll forgive the over-exuberance of color. What can I say? I love Christmas! Editing-wise, you'll be pleased to know two more books will hit the shelves in time for …

Waiting for the Tree and Being Creative

I can't wait. I'm one of those people who can't keep the grin off their faces come Christmas time. I've celebrated Christmas all over the globe, and I have fond memories of all of them, indiscriminately. There were the times when I used to decorate the tree under the watchful eye and witty direction of …

Update and Apology

Tales from the Roaring Water Bay #3 will be published a couple of days late - apologies for that. This is due to an unprecedented level of editing work, in addition to sorting out my house days after moving into it (and a new country). I have also started work on the new Reviews page, …

Tales from the Roaring Water Bay #2

  Hello from the Roaring Water Bay. You'll be pleased to know the wind has dropped somewhat and my life has settled into an almost relaxed routine. As soon as I open the door to let the fresh Atlantic breeze in, early in the morning, I'm met by my personal trainer for the first round …

Tales from the Roaring Water Bay #1

It's 15.45 and I'm gazing out over the cliff at the Roaring Water Bay. Why did the Irish call it that? I can't see any roaring water. In fact, the only roaring around here is the result of the gentle coastal breeze. The North Atlantic seems pretty peaceful from where I'm standing, in the doorway …

It Should be Banned! – July Issue

I won't be here next Sunday, so I'm posting this in advance. The most annoying thing in July is - drumroll... - sand. Yeah, you read it right. Sand.   No, not this type. Not at all. I love sand dunes. There is something hugely pleasurable and also humbling to be able to see huge …

Writers and Writing – Take Five

Believe it or not - it's sunny! Yes, the three consecutive months of rain have actually rained themselves out. Today we've had sunshine. So, naturally, all lawn enthusiasts laboured over their mowers - the sound of hiccuping, spluttering motors filled the land for well over twelve hours. It's finally quiet now, but it is 8 pm …

They Should Be Banned! – June Issue

Hello, my friends. Yes, I know June is gone. But that's no reason for skipping a good opportunity to have a moan behind its back. So, without further ado, I'll celebrate the month of June by kicking another annoyance in outer space, thereby adding enough scrap to the already floating rubbish out there that not …

Writers and Writing – Take Four

Let's see what this evening brings us. Oh, yes. Quite! The reason 99% of all stories written are not bought by editors is very simple. Editors never buy manuscripts that are left on the closet shelf at home. (John Campbell) Editor: a person employed by a newspaper, whose business it is to separate the wheat …

Writers and Writing – Take Three

Relaxing again, and thinking of... well... writing. Here is what amused me today, mostly because I recognise a grain of truth in there, somewhere. I'm the kind of writer that people think other people are reading. (V. S Naipaul) There's no such thing as writer's block. That was invented by people in California who couldn't …