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.
“Tatort” German crime series
“Tatort” German crime series: this classic – featuring also Austria and Switzerland – is great for language, culture and psychology
Tuchman’s Law
What is Tuchman’s law and why does it matter? It is not only elegant, but can actually improve your quality of life. I recently examined
Social realism cinema: Captain Fantastic vs I, Daniel Blake
Social realism cinema survives and thrives. Two 2016 movies, “I, Daniel Blake” and “Captain Fantastic” offer US and British versions. An American man tries to
Brilliant movie trailers
Brilliant movie trailers persuade you, quite simply, to go and watch the movie. Unfortunately most are lying – including this one. Movie sequels are rubbish
The Swedish Woman – Hotel Story No.3
The Swedish Woman is a true whodunnit. In an hotel elevator awash with blood, a horrible man lies, murdered. But who is the killer?
Two cool Mexicans
Two cool Mexicans: I never thought Miguel and TC would pose a threat. They gave me a night-time adventure and took my knife. In
The Museum of Innocence: the book
The book “The Museum of Innocence”offers a frightening and frank account of how men really think. Or does it?
The Museum of Innocence
The novel “The Museum of Innocence” is a masterwork of fiction. But the actual Museum, in Istanbul, is even better than the book. I’d love
The Neon Demon makes “Showgirls” look like Shakespeare
Neon Demon review: 6 reasons this ghastly movie makes “Showgirls” look like William Shakespeare. One of the worst movies on earth. A glamorous woman lies
Independence Day 2 review: Oh, my God!
Independence Day 2 review: big investment, special effects and CGI cannot save this reheated beyond-parody turkey of a movie. Aaargh! The plot A giant bad alien
Mad Max Fury Road
Mad Max Fury Road review: see this movie if you like full-on crazy action set in a richly-imagined, spectacular and beautiful world. A richly-imagined world
The Wave movie
The Wave movie review: although this is one of the best movies I’ve seen in years, the chances of many people ever seeing it are
Hail Caesar
Hail Caesar review: however much you love the Coen Brothers, they are capable of making some truly awful movies. I love the movies. On a
Paul McVeigh The Word Factory
Paul McVeigh and The Word Factory are both great sources of inspiration. They highlight that to be a good writer you should study others. You
Reasons to read “Seven Hotel Stories”
Seven reasons to read “Seven Hotel Stories” – one for every tale in the book. Get ready to meet Ms N and Tatiana – two hot, powerful women.
How to write masterclass: Novel laureate Orhan Pamuk
How to write Masterclass: Turkish author Orhan Pamuk is a worthy Nobel Prize winner. When I met him, he blew me off my feet. I had
Tackling smartphone addiction
Tackling smartphone addiction. Step 1 is to recognise it’s a problem. Step 2 is to see it’s hard. Final step: follow these four steps! I
Casino Royale the book
The book Casino Royale contains the best Martini recipe of all time. It also contains a key truth about caviar I am enjoying Ian Fleming’s
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