About me
I’m Leigh Turner, writer, inspirational speaker, former ambassador. Thanks for visiting.
My latest books include “Lessons in Diplomacy: Politics, Power and Parties” and “Seven More Hotel Stories”. All my fiction, including the Hotel Stories, is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Recent talks and interviews have included the London Diplomacy Ball, Kings College London, CNN, Sky News, the BBC and the University of Miami.
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Latest Articles
Writing Course 2026: “How to write and publish a novel”
I’m leading a writing course on the beautiful Greek island of Lesbos from 5-12 September 2026. A few places still available!
TALKS FROM “LESSONS IN DIPLOMACY”
Talks from a life in diplomacy: in what “lessons” are audiences most interested? What’s the best mix of entertainment and insight?
Tristan da Cunha and hantavirus
Tristan da Cunha is improbably remote, and life there is tough. Yet islanders have repeatedly preferred to live there rather than in the United Kingdom.
Strait of Hormuz: what next?
The Strait of Hormuz: thoughts on “Project Freedom”, its pausing, hints of an imminent deal to reopen the Strait, and what might happen next.
Who’s afraid of autocracy?
“Mr Nobody against Putin” and “The Wave” highlight the seductive danger of autocracy, and why we should never assume “it couldn’t happen here”.
Never by Ken Follett
“Never”, by master thriller-writer Ken Follett, starts slow but the last 20% is excellent as humanity careers towards self-annihilation. Plus: great Follett epigrams.
Pleasure Pathways
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