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.
How to get published: introducing my Istanbul thriller PALLADIUM
How to get published: my Istanbul thriller PALLADIUM is a white knuckle ride to save a city from destruction. A publishing tale, too!
Middlemarch quotations
Here is a final collection of quotes from Middlemarch. I have divided them into five categories. These are: humour, existential questions, countryside; “unqualifiable”, and “the final words”. Enjoy.
Middlemarch characters
Middlemarch characters are a firework display whose colour and brilliance matches anything in Dickens. Let’s take a look.
Population crash: why it’s coming and why it’s good
A population crash will halve populations in many countries including China, Italy, Spain and Japan. Why this matters and why it’s a good thing
Making more of life
Making more of life: 4 tips on how to stay sane, have fun, thrive, and to make the most of your life. That includes taming your time online
Leigh Turner podcasts
Leigh Turner podcasts are a new way of listening to posts about writing, books and stories. Comments and feedback welcome. How to listen to Leigh
Who is watching the watchers?
“Who is watching the watchers?” is a preoccupation for modern democracies. It also makes my thriller “Blood Summit” uncannily realistic.
Capitol storming: events in Washington echo my novel “Blood Summit”
Both the storming of the Capitol in Washington D.C. and efforts to safeguard Joe Biden’s inauguration on 20 January echo my 2018 thriller “Blood Summit”.
Who is Harry Lime? Evil and charisma in “The Third Man”
Who is Harry Lime? Why does the beautiful Anna fall under the spell of an evil, charismatic lover? My short story “You will have to watch the movie” explores, visiting key movie scenes in Vienna.
Thunderball: the book that killed Ian Fleming?
Thunderball the book: the roots of Ian Fleming’s death are visible in the 8th James Bond novel, published in 1961. Even he described it as
“Service with a Smile”
“Service with a Smile”, an exquisite Blandings Castle comedy by PG Wodehouse: a review and 23 splendid, selected quotations.
Living your best life – can you reimagine your relationship with time?
Living your best life: an inspiring essay by a philosopher is full of wisdom about reimagining our relationship with time. I recently read a fine
James Bond sexist stereotypes
James Bond sexist stereotypes are strewn through Ian Fleming’s books, and all the movies. Will the next movie be better? Tip: it rarely is
Testing positive for Coronavirus: what I expected, and what I didn’t
Testing positive for Coronavirus, or Covid, in October 2020, was an odd experience. The oddest thing, however, was other people’s reactions.
“Full Moon”
“Full Moon” by PG Wodehouse, starring the awesome Galahad Threepwood, is the funniest of the Blandings Castle comedies. 18 quotations show why.
“Eternal Life”, by Leigh Turner: an introduction
“Eternal Life” by Leigh Turner is a satirical speculative thriller for a world obsessed with living forever. Want to know more? Come in!
“Uncle Fred in the Springtime”
“Uncle Fred in the Springtime” is one of my favourite PG Wodehouse Blandings comedies. I select 21 springy quotations for your pleasure
“Heavy Weather”
“Heavy Weather” by PG Wodehouse – Galahad Threepwood, or Gally, plays a starring role in this delightful “Blandings Castle” masterpiece. 22 laugh-out-loud quotations.
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