New Posts
Zelensky/Trump: what next after the Oval Office car crash?
Zelensky/Trump: what exactly happened in the Oval Office on 28 February? What might happen next? Just over two weeks ago, President Trump rocked Europe by starting talks with Russian President Putin. Simultaneously, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the US seemingly had no problem with Russia winning its war of aggression against Ukraine. Russia, Hegseth said, was likely to
Horilka – a great (small) way to support Ukraine
Horilka is to vodka as Scotch is to whisky – a unique national take on a spirit. It’s time to try the triple-distilled Ukrainian brew.
The Inimitable Jeeves – PG Wodehouse
“The Inimitable Jeeves” is a corking collection of absurd and entertaining tales focused on betting and love. Recommended.
Reverse conspiracy theories and Ukraine
Reverse conspiracy theories are when instead of blaming shadowy forces for the ills of the world, people blame themselves or their governments for atrocities committed by others.
Russia-Ukraine war explainer
Several people have asked about why the Russia-Ukraine war is happening. Here is some background context and history.
Where ideas come from: the inside story
Where ideas come from is one of the most mysterious elements of writing a novel. Some examples help explain the process.
Russia in turmoil: Pyongyang, ballistic missiles and Gorby
Russia in turmoil: a short story set in the Moscow of the early 1990s.
“Ulysses” by James Joyce
“Ulysses” by James Joyce: yes, it’s a masterpiece. Yes, you can read it. No, you don’t need to be afraid of it. Some lovely quotes show why not.
Cover art: my international thriller PALLADIUM
Cover art for my international thriller PALLADIUM is now ready. It’s fabulous – take a look! PALLADIUM is published in May 2022.
Dr Wortle’s School: taboos never change
“Dr Wortle’s School”, a little-know novel by Anthony Trollope, is a splendid discussion of how we deal with taboos. It remains 100% relevant today.
Diplomacy and the media
Diplomacy and the media can have a rich, mutually beneficial relationship – but don’t always. Diplomats should build media skills.
“Palladium” – free!
It’s time to sign up for a free advance copy of my Istanbul thriller “Palladium”. Publication of my Istanbul thriller Palladium by Immortal Works publishers
ETERNAL LIFE: what you should do next
oughout history, humans fought to postpone death. Only in the twenty-first century did the marriage of big data and medicine turn immortality from a religious premise into a practical proposition.
“Travels with My Aunt” – Aunt Augusta
Aunt Augusta, the heroine of “Travels with my Aunt”, is an amoral but passionate advocate of living life to the full – and a great role model.
Leigh Turner public talk, on-line, 18 November
Dear all, I am giving an illustrated public on-line talk to the Friends of Belsize Library on 18 November. Key details: Venue: Zoom – CLICK HERE Time:
How to do book readings
How to do book readings: it’s easier than you think! Check out examples of talks I gave in Salzburg and Graz in Austria, and elsewhere.
Book Gifts: the wonderful Heywood Hill
Want to give someone something special? UK firm Heywood Hill offers a brilliant book gift I’ve enjoyed this year. Hands up if you love Amazon!
Mr Smith Sees Red: “Hotel Story” No.11
“Mr Smith Sees Red” is the eleventh dark, feminist comedy tale in the “Hotel Stories” series. Like many of the stories, it is based on actual events.
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