New Posts
A writing course on Lesbos
I’m leading a writing course on the beautiful Greek island of Lesbos from 5-12 September 2026. A few places still available!
Russian threats to the UK – and Andrei Klepach
My latest post on Russia-Ukraine concludes that Russian protests about UK arms supplies coincide with President Putin looking weaker than at any time since 2014. The case of Andrei Klepach is fascinating.
A breakthrough in longevity: welcome to “Eternal Life”
A breakthrough in longevity: what if a massive medical advance enabled people to live forever? What would happen next? Welcome to “Eternal Life”.
How often to post blogs?
How often to post blogs? Daily, weekly, monthly? What frequency of blogging will attract maximum readership? How about social media? You can use social media
Sci-fi overtakes reality: what if your speculative novel becomes real?
Sci-fi often overtakes reality. In my books, many of my worst predictions about the future are already coming true – like chips in people. A
Funny short story ideas
Looking for funny short story ideas? The “Seven Hotel Stories” are a wonderful, novel-length volume packed with wicked black humour.
Eternal Life: what motivates terrorists?
What motivates terrorists? What are their true goals ? “Eternal Life” explains. My satirical thriller “Eternal Life“ explores what motivates terrorists. What motivates terrorists? What
Walking the Berlin Wall: how to discover Berlin’s invisible best feature
Walking the Berlin Wall is a great way to see where the city’s greatest feature used to stand. It’s a fascinating and invigorating trip. When
Hotel Story reviews: 19 reviews about Seven Hotel Stories
Hotel Story reviews are key to deciding which Hotel Stories are worth reading. Here is a collection of them, gathered from Amazon.
Why Istanbul and Barcelona are alike – in a bad way
Istanbul and Barcelona are two of the world’s great cities. Many people want to visit them. But both face a range of similar problems. I
How to choose a pseudonym: 4 rules
How to choose a pseudonym? It’s important to have something that sounds OK, and that you can live with. Four rules, and mistakes I made.
“Britches” – the first hotel story
“Britches” is the first in my series of “Hotel Stories”. It shows how blonde, naive Tatiana first met Ms N; and why trust matters.
Why Scots wear kilts
Why Scots wear kilts: is it because Scots have better legs than other men, or are their lovely legs caused by kilts? We investigate.
Women’s comedy fiction
If you enjoy women’s comedy fiction, maybe with a feminist element, washed down with lashings of black humor, you’ve come to the right place.
Fiction vs journalism: a disclaimer
Fiction vs journalism: recently, someone thought that a novel I had written could be interpreted as fact, or commentary. Wrong!
Free hotel stories: How to borrow the “Hotel Stories” for free
Free hotel stories: you can read “Seven Hotel Stories” and other books free via Kindle Unlimited and The Kindle Owners’ Lending Library. Here is some
A story about alligators: “Gents”
A story about alligators: “Gents” is unique among the “Hotel Stories” in taking place in Florida. Are we talking animals, or business folk?
The Hotel from Hell: not suitable for children
The hotel from hell – “The White Blouse” explores a hotel with truly vile problems. NB this story is not appropriate for children.
“The Two Rooms”: when moral crusades fail
Moral crusades usually fail, leaving politicians looking daft. How does that happen? Find out in “The Two Rooms”.
Saint Helena by sea
Saint Helena is one of the most extraordinary places on earth. Find out why from this 2006 account of a unique visit to this unique island.
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