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.
rleighturner.com: WELCOME to my new writing blog
By the time you read this, I hope you will be seeing a brand new website. Welcome to the new rleighturner.com, my brand new website!
The limits of capitalism: where does it end? “Eternal Life” explains
The limits of capitalism have not yet been reached. My satirical thriller “Eternal Life” explores how those limits might be reached and breached.
Chateau d’Yquem – “Hotel Story” No.10
“Chateau d’Yquem”, the tenth comedy in the “Hotel Stories” series, is based on a true story. It features a brilliant new use for a legendary wine.
“Pigs have Wings”
“Pigs have Wings” by PG Wodehouse is a novel set at Blandings Castle, featuring Lord Emsworth and his prize pig “The Empress of Blandings”
“Total Control”: “Hotel Stories” No.9
“Total Control” is Number 9 in the “Hotel Stories” series. Read an excerpt; or take a look at my collection, “Seven Hotel Stories”.
Based on a true story? “The Hotel Stories”
Based on a true story? Can you use your experience to create great fiction? My book “Seven Hotel Stories” uses many actual stories
How to write a book – or ten
Writing a book: when should you write? How can you find time to write a book – or eight? Do writing targets – eg two hours per day – help?
Spanish Flu and Coronavirus
The Spanish Flu of 1918 offers some interesting lessons and parallels as the world of 2020 struggles to contain the Coronavirus.
How to publish a book: self publishing: how many can you sell?
How to publish a book: if you are a self-published author, how many copies should you aim to sell? Managing your expectations may help.
Lost texts: the vanished prologues to “Eternal Life”
Lost texts: when you write a novel, excellent material can end up being sacrificed in the interest of brevity and pace. An example.
Difficult English pronunciation – Turkish, Russian and German are easier
Difficult English pronunciation: a famous poem highlights challenges. It is easy to start learning English but pronunciation is tricky.
The Overton window – what is it?
The Overton window is the acceptable range of political culture at any moment. It’s worth understanding in the context of climate change.
How to start writing a book
How to start writing: many people seek writing prompts or ideas for how to start a book. A couple of tips, including: start today!
Uncertainty: 4 ways to cope
Uncertainty: how to cope. Many of us face uncertainty around a personal or wider crisis. Practice and a bit of structure can help all of us.
Unsheltered: 9 reasons (not) to despair
Barbara Kingsolver: Unsheltered – a review, reflecting on what it says about the mood of contemporary America. With quotations.
Reasons to like Austria – and 30 exclusive pictures
Reasons to like Austria, ranging from flak towers in Vienna to lakes, mountains, counterculture, art, traditions and ancient mysteries.
English passion, Finnish passion, German passion
English passion? Or German? It is risky to draw generalisations about the sex lives of other nations. But sometimes it’s amusing to try.
Should you read W Somerset Maugham in the 21st century?
Should you read W Somerset Maugham? The one-time master of the short story has fallen out of fashion. But his tales can still electrify. You
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