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”.
Will Elif Mutlu discover the mysterious “Palladium”?
As archaeology professor Elif Mutlu races against time to complete research at the site of Arzu Pasha’s smart new “Heart of Istanbul” mall, rumours swirl that Elif will discover the Palladium itself. An exclusive interview by Misty Anderson.
Book covers: a “how to” guide
Book covers sell books. But how do you find the best designer? And how to make sure the cover is right for the book? An illustrated example.
Russian misinformation: the war in Ukraine
Russian misinformation about Ukraine obeys key rules. First: never admit to anything. Second: lying to mislead your enemy is legitimate.
PALLADIUM an Istanbul thriller
“Palladium” is a full-blooded, white-knuckle thriller set in Istanbul, meeting-place of Europe and Asia. Do you like thrillers? Try this.
Palladium begins like this:
The Janissary warrior, Yusuf Ali-Bey, had triumphed in countless battles. He had slain numberless foes.
He had never known horror such as this.
My readings in March and May 2022
I am delighted to announce three talks and readings on 28, 29 and 31 March in Salzburg, Innsbruck and Graz; and three more in Vienna from 23-26 May. You can sign up now for four of the events.
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.
Writing ideas: the inside story
Writing ideas: 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.
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