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.
Prigozhin: “Burnt by the Sun”
Yevgeny Prigozhin, Russian mercenary leader, might have done well to watch, and learn from, the 1994 Russian film “Burnt by the Sun”.
The Tunnel Under the World
The Tunnel Under the World begins with the words: “On the morning of June 15th, Guy Burckhardt woke up screaming out of a dream.”
Christmas books: 5 options
Christmas books: I feel kind of embarrassed pointing you towards these 5 options. If you’ve already read all my books, skip to the bottom of
Ukraine Fatigue
Is the world suffering from “Ukraine fatigue”? It is, and it matters immensely. The security of all of us is at stake: wherever you live.
Deutsche Bahn: Germany in crisis?
Does the chaos at Deutsche Bahn – German railways – show Germany in crisis? What is happening to Europe’s largest economy?
Fighting Terrorism: What Terrorists Want
Fighting terrorism is about more than a tough response. In fact, the tougher your response, the happier the terrorists may be.
The Welsh Secret Service
I don’t usually reveal top secret information on this site. But here, exclusively, I want to talk about the Welsh Secret Service.
Great Expectations
“Great Expectations” is a stand-out Dickens: rich in wisdom, love and astonishing set pieces. It’s also full of great quotations – see here.
Full-time writing: 2 years on
What’s full-time writing like? What are the pitfalls? How do you make the most of it? Reflections from a newbie writer.
PALLADIUM ON AUDIBLE
My Istanbul thriller “Palladium” is on Audible. It’s a cracker! Contact me now if you’d like a free audio review copy while stocks last.
Can You Forgive Her?
Can You Forgive Her? by Anthony Trollope oozes sex and politics. It’s funny, moving and enlightening. Read it.
Mitch Rapp – Action Hero
Searching for a satisfying action hero? Look no further! Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp is an no-nonsense counter-terrorism special ops assassin.
Cocktails for women
Cocktails for women are a subject Ms N, heroine of the “Seven Hotel Stories”, holds dear. She also has views on how to deal with men who behave badly – in cocktail bars or elsewhere.
The Winter King – The Warlord Chronicles
The Winter King is a TV adaptation of The Warlord Chronicles, a trilogy by Bernard Cornwell. What are the books like? I devoured them.
Launching a book: “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Diplomacy”
Launching a book: how do you go about it? Here’s how I launched the German edition of my book “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Diplomacy”, in Austria, in April and May 2023.
Diplomacy: The Hitchhiker’s Guide
Ever wondered what diplomacy is all about? Here’s an easy-to-read step-by step guide from a diplomat who spend 42 years working for Her Majesty.
“Uncle Dynamite” by PG Wodehouse
Uncle Dynamite, aka Uncle Fred is one of the finest comic creations of PG Wodehouse. Despite his age, he is a whirlwind of chaos in whose presence younger men feel terror at what he will do next. Read this book.
Writing The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Diplomacy
Writing “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Diplomacy” was fascinating and demanding. It was published in April 2023. How did this happen?
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