All Blogposts

  • Being open to criticism

    Being open to criticism

    It isn’t always easy to be open to criticism, in fact it’s something I’ve learned to do over the years.  When I first started showing my writing to other people, I felt vulnerable and exposed.  Praise bolstered my confidence but criticism could really upset me and make me feel defeated, as if it wasn’t worth… Read more

  • It’s no joke

    It’s no joke

    In this strange time of lockdown, I was excited to see that WordPress has resumed its Daily Post Writing Prompts series – inviting bloggers to respond to a writing prompt every day – and I’m going to have a go at taking part. After all, there isn’t  much to be excited about these days when… Read more

  • Corona Diary: Possibly Week 3 – but are you counting?

    Corona Diary: Possibly Week 3 – but are you counting?

    I’m not sure if this strange time had a proper beginning and I certainly can’t see its end.  This week I haven’t wanted to be online much even though there has been an explosion of people offering online workshops, readings and classes.  I’ve been slightly ill and still feel under the weather but I’m  sure… Read more

  • Corona Diary: One Week In

    Corona Diary: One Week In

    Things I’ve done this week for the first time in my life: attended a webinar about what older women want to read (unfortunately I kept losing my internet connection). went to my writing fiction class via Zoom (never heard of it before).  Overheard comments: “I should’ve worn make-up!” “I’m not switching my camera on because… Read more

  • Corona Diary – Day One

    Corona Diary – Day One

    Hello out there, dear readers.  I thought I’d share with you how I’m getting used to living in the new normal of a global pandemic.  As yet, our household of four adults isn’t showing any signs of having the virus – no continuous coughing or high temperatures.  Our daughter is a student at Oxford University… Read more

  • Ten Years of Notebooks

    Ten Years of Notebooks

    It’s been ten years since I started writing again, after a long spell of not writing. I suppose I stopped writing because I became too busy with life events – marriage, children, moving house, working to pay the bills.  I was never properly SAD about not writing but it was wonderful when the desire and… Read more