One of my all-time favourite novels is Hotel du Lac by Anita Brookner. (more about that book later). The story concludes with the words ‘…she wrote, Coming home. But, after a moment she thought that this was not entirely accurate and crossing out the words Coming home wrote simply Returning.’ Perhaps many of us, slowly … Continue reading RETURNING – Talking Animals
If I say I’ve been reading all my life, you’ll know I’m exaggerating. If I say, I’ve been reading as far back as I can remember, I’d be closer to the truth. Let’s start with my tenth Christmas morning. I recall the dim light from the hall allowing me to make out the pillowcase, bulging … Continue reading A New Beginning
We all need to close down in someway to get ready for Xmas. Many of us will not be able to be with the entire family on the 25th December. Or even at all. I imagine we are forming our bubbles and then see how we can blend them. In the New Year we'll be … Continue reading Working Towards Christmas
You sit alone. Too late for hope. Forget The food to send: The shoebox full of sweets and cheese. Forget that kiss At parting. You stare at space. Forget the dreams Ignore the empty cradle, Turn your head and do not see The babies which will never be. The loving. He lies in wood. White … Continue reading REMEMBER HIM
Tales of Dusty Death, a new collection of short stories, takes you travelling: France, Norway, Greece, Russia; as far away as South America and back at home. They illustrate the dilemmas of contemporary death and lead you into the realms of murder and magic realism. The new arrival ‘Jane Hayward's distinctive stories step unafraid into … Continue reading A New Publication
I’m aware that many writers balance their writing commitments with an energy and enthusiasm which I have temporarily mislaid. For me, any productive writing only takes place 9.30am-1pm with one break for coffee. I prefer to work on one piece of writing at a time. My current on-going work is the third draft of a … Continue reading Managing Three Writing Projects
Sunday is no longer a universal day of rest. Back in 1994, John Major, the Prime Minister, brought in legislation to allow shopping and going to the cinema on a Sunday as well as following the normal weekend activities such as walking in the park or having tea with Granny. Which is one pleasure we … Continue reading A Day of Rest
Once, a writer’s life-time ago, I read, ‘Writing is 1% inspiration and 99% putting bum on a seat and words on the screen.’ That person did not live during a lock-down of all normal activity. I’ve lost my appetite for food, have no energy for exercise and no inclination at all to write new material. … Continue reading Still blaming the Virus?
I’ve talked before about the kinds of assistance you can have with your writing: join a writers’ group, take a course or find a tutor to work with, either for mentoring or for an appraisal. Think carefully which method will be most useful. A writers’ group is a good start but you will receive other … Continue reading Writing with Help : A Dilemma
Still on holiday in Italy where, right now, it’s pouring with rain and the lavender is dancing. Since some of you will also soon be on holiday, if you are not already, you will be taking photos or videos of your happenings. In the dim and distance past, photos were called snaps. Black and white … Continue reading Places not People.
