New Posts
My 2026 writing course on Lesbos
I’m leading a writing course on the beautiful Greek island of Lesbos from 5-12 September 2026.
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”.
Cunard literary cruise: luxurious literature
Our Cunard Literary Cruise was perfect, both as a cultural experience and a glorious exercise in pampering. I’d do it again like a shot.
Goldfinger by Ian Fleming
Ian Fleming’s Goldfinger: a time capsule of 1950s sexism and homophobia that also highlights some of Bond’s positive qualities. 14 quotes.
Flash fiction: “Taxi to London”
Flash fiction: a complete short story. Is it a bit autobiographical? What do you think? Someone said: ‘It must have been good to get that out of your system’.
Story ideas: where to get them
Five great ways you can turn your own experience – whatever it is – into storylines, story ideas and writing prompts.
Third Man trivia: 4 astonishing facts about the movie
Third Man trivia: did you know it was nearly never made, that the ending was nearly different, or that it was nearly a romance?
Innsbruck Stadtbibliothek: A reading with Robert Pimm
My 2019 reading in the mighty Innsbruck Stadtbibliothek was one of my first from “Seven Hotel Stories” and drew a terrific crowd. What do you
“Fixing It”: a woman fights back
“Fixing It” is a complete short story about a woman who fights back against her oppressive father. Not suitable for children.
“Seven Hotel Stories” paperback now available – at last!
The paperback version of “Seven Hotel Stories” is now available – in addition to numerous individual stories – 11 so far and counting!
From Russia with Love review: Ian Fleming: a homophobic time capsule
“From Russia with Love” review: Ian Fleming’s breakthrough: a Soviet-focused romp featuring top Bond villains Rosa Klebb and Red Grant
Diamonds are Forever: “shills” and set pieces
“Diamonds are Forever” pulses with insights into America in the ’50s, and shines a dark light on everyday sexism in that era.
Uber drivers: a new artform
Uber drivers have created a startling new art form in the America of the 21st century. Want to understand Americans? Talk to Uber drivers.
Die Besten Berlin Krimis: in “Blood Summit” geht es hart zur Sache
Was sind die besten Berlin Krimis? Oder die besten Thriller über Berlin? Probieren Sie “Blood Summit” – intelligent und spannend!
Cafe Eiles: a distinguished Vienna cafe off the beaten track
Cafe Eiles: one of the great Vienna cafes – but also a Viennese cafe off the beaten track. A beautiful place for breakfast.
Loutro writing courses in Crete
Loutro writing courses: organised in Crete by espirita.org.uk they are a terrific way to brush up your writing ideas and technique.
Story ideas and location: bringing my Berlin thriller “Blood Summit” home
Story ideas and location: how do they come together? A worked example from Berlin, where my thriller “Blood Summit” is set.
Strandbar Herrmann review: 7 reasons to feel the sand between your toes
Strandbar Herrmann Review – this surreal Vienna institution is one of the best places in the city to enjoy a cold beer on a summer’s evening.
Hotel Story ideas: 7 Hotel Stories and 6 suggestions
Hotel story ideas: how to enjoy “Seven Hotel Stories”, how to find stories eight to ten, and where to find a free Hotel Story.
The Cloud Appreciation Society
The Cloud Appreciation Society? What is it, and should you join? With 7 world-class cloud pictures of my own from Venice to the Kalahari
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