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”.
Why Scots wear kilts
Why Scots wear kilts: is it because Scots have better legs than other men, or are their lovely legs caused by kilts? We investigate.
Women’s comedy fiction
If you enjoy women’s comedy fiction, maybe with a feminist element, washed down with lashings of black humor, you’ve come to the right place.
Fiction vs journalism: a disclaimer
Fiction vs journalism: recently, someone thought that a novel I had written could be interpreted as fact, or commentary. Wrong!
Free hotel stories: How to borrow the “Hotel Stories” for free
Free hotel stories: you can read “Seven Hotel Stories” and other books free via Kindle Unlimited and The Kindle Owners’ Lending Library. Here is some
A story about alligators: “Gents”
A story about alligators: “Gents” is unique among the “Hotel Stories” in taking place in Florida. Are we talking animals, or business folk?
The Hotel from Hell: not suitable for children
The hotel from hell – “The White Blouse” explores a hotel with truly vile problems. NB this story is not appropriate for children.
“The Two Rooms”: when moral crusades fail
Moral crusades usually fail, leaving politicians looking daft. How does that happen? Find out in “The Two Rooms”.
Saint Helena by sea
Saint Helena is one of the most extraordinary places on earth. Find out why from this 2006 account of a unique visit to this unique island.
The Vienna Central Cemetery: When hush, crowds descend
The Vienna Central Cemetery: where is it, who is buried there and when should you visit? Prepare yourself for a Viennese gem.
La Sagrada Familia Barcelona
La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is perhaps the most impressive contemporary building on earth – a total must-see for any traveller.
The Cologne Carnival: A flaming end to Carnival and winter’s woes
The Cologne Carnival is an extraordinary mix of ancient ritual and modern debauchery. In a globalised world, you can rediscover tradition.
Tourism in New Zealand: the goose that laid the golden egg?
Tourism in New Zealand: are the Kiwis killing the goose that laid the golden egg with over-enthusiastic development of infrastructure?
Im Dienst Ihrer Majestät: eine Sekretärin wird Vizekonsulin
Im Dienst Ihrer Majestät: Die Diplomatin Trudy Curry ist Vizekonsulin an der Britischen Botschaft in Berlin. Jetzt geht sie nach Beirut. Begonnen hat sie ihre
Berlin’s 1936 Olympic Village: Nice buildings, shame about the events
Berlin’s 1936 Berlin Olympic Village is worth a visit. Jesse Owens lived here in Nazi Germany when he tore apart Hitler’s Olympic games.
Barcelona breaks: When tourist reinvention spins out of control
Barcelona breaks: the Catalan capital is a stunning city in many ways. But how many tourists is too many and what to do?
Cheap hotels are best: charmed by the no-frills alternative
Cheap hotels are best! Sometimes, somewhere “cheap and cheerful” can give you a better holiday experience than a costlier alternative.
Night trains: environmental with hidden dangers
Night trains in Europe can be a great adventure for your kids, and help protect the environment – but may also have hidden dangers.
Heated chair lifts: warming you where it matters
Heated chair lifts warm you where it matters. Why some early adopters were delighted at the prospect of “a quick threesome”.
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