New Posts
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!
Lessons in Diplomacy Review in H-Diplo
I was delighted recently to see a review of my book “Lessons in Diplomacy: Politics, Power and Parties” in H-Diplo.
The Three Heads
The Three Heads takes a look at how social media ranking sites grade hotels. Such systems have benefits – but also risks.
Who are the Americans?
Who are the Americans? Great writers and photographers have sought to find out and depict this diverse nation of 300m people. Here’s my take
Why sequels suck
Why do sequels suck? Why does it drive us crazy? My study shows examples of what makes sequels bomb and asks why movie-makers become so lazy.
The Circle movie review
The Circle movie review. “The Circle” is a pretty decent movie, dealing with important themes. So why did critics pan it so universally? There is
How to write a blurb: the example of my novel Blood Summit
How to write a blurb is important to any author setting out to self-publish, or wanting to market their book. How do you do it?
Cafe Museum Vienna – and other new Vienna cafe reviews – here
Cafe Museum Vienna is one of dozens of cafes sampled in my collection of reviews, Vienna cafes: which are best? See the latest reviews at
How to choose a title: Body Politic, Blood Summit, or the President’s head?
How the choose a title for your self-published novel is a tough decision for any author. I tried crowd-sourcing advice. The results are here. If
How to be happy
How to be happy tips: what can you do to improve your mood? This post contains suggestions and practical ideas to help you cheer yourself up.
Central European melancholy: why embracing it can cheer you up
Central European melancholy can make you happier. If that sounds topsy-turvy, check out these four depressing, life-affirming examples.
Hiking apps: how to find your way
Is hiking with navigation apps better than using maps? Or does it risk destroying our ability to find our way from A to B independently?
Rolling Stones Ladies and Gentlemen – the movie.
Rolling Stones Ladies and Gentlemen – the movie – is a raw, raucous tribute to one of the great live bands of all time. Worth
Increase your attention span: two things you can do today
Increase your attention span – two specific actions you can take include walking, and learning from the masters of concentration.
Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis – How men think?
Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis contains some of the finest comic set pieces in literature. It also tells the truth about how men think.
How to save the planet: borrowing vs buying
How to save the planet: The sharing economy is a great way to decrease your ecological footprint and make your contribution to the environment. Not buying stuff can be rewarding, too.
How to read PG Wodehouse: a practical guide for beginners
How to read PG Wodehouse? The different series can be confusing. Here are some practical tips to get started; and recommendations for further reading. How
God and superheroes – why movie-makers should keep them miles apart
God and superheroes cannot coexist. As soon as you introduce “right” and “wrong” you are on a slippery slope to what I call Wartime Moral Confusion. Wonder Woman, Captain America and Indiana Jones show the dangers.
Movies about India. Can they be worth watching?
Movies about India vary wildly from gritty dramas to Bollywood musicals. Nearly all are more authentic than the dreadful “Shantaram”.
Cycling and happiness
Cycling and happiness – how bikes have helped me to measure progress and brought joy to my life – often through small victories.
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