Being the perfect guest. On the list of things I should do more of, guest blogging is there, but it’s not something I’ve ever quite got around to. I did a blog for 99% Perspiration and another one for Sunderland’s City of Culture bid last year but I’ve never quite followed it up with any … More Being the perfect guest.
As mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I recently ‘finished’ my fourth novel, Troll Life, and I am awaiting feedback from my trusted team of reviewers. As they are doing me a massive favour, I am working to their timescales and they will read it whenever they are ready. So, how does a writer fill … More What a writer does when awaiting feedback.
It’s been quite some time since I last gave an update on my editing process. Back in October I was up to 197 hours worth of effort in writing and editing my fourth novel, Troll Life. This week I hit a major milestone when I finally sent copies to my review team for their critiques … More Time to write. (How long does it take to write a novel? Pt 5)
Ever wondered what the writer in your life wants from you? Here’s a handy guide. … More What writers want.
My relationship with organised runs has been a little bit cursed. My inspiration for running was my mate Thomma who has always had a touch of Frank Spencer about him and I can’t help but think he’s had a hand in my running mishaps to date. I explained my reasons behind taking up running in … More Time is running gout. (My love hate relationship with running)
Neighbours, everybody needs good neighbours or so the song used to go. But what if your neighbours don’t look like Kylie or Jason, what motivation do you have to be a good neighbour? … More Parcels, pets and nosy parking. How to be a good neighbour.
One month, nine venues, eighteen events and nearly five hundred attendees, I think it’s fair to say that the Sunderland Creative Writing Festival has been a bit of a success. I’m not sure when Iain Rowan first asked me if I wanted to be involved, it was probably in a dream or something. I’d run … More Tweets, Beasts and Writing Treats (The story of the Sunderland Creative Writing Festival 2018)
In the final instalment of my guide to the Winter Olympics I’m covering the one sport I haven’t done yet and it’s one of the most popular, bobsleigh (or bobsled for those that can’t spell properly). Bobsleigh It’s rarely acknowledged how much of a role British TV comedy has played in winter sports. Luge was … More Simpleton’s guide to the Winter Olympics (Bobsleigh)
Downhill Skiing and Skeleton Occasionally you can switch on the TV during the Winter Olympics and think the world has gone mad with their crazy sports like Freestyle Skiing, Snowboarding and Figure Skating, and you hark back to the days when all you would see was someone hurtling down a mountain on a pair of … More Simpleton’s Guide To The Winter Olympics (Downhill Skiing and Skeleton)
Sunderland Creative Writing Festival 2018 It’s been non stop in Parkinson Palace this week. I had a couple of freelance blogs to finish, I’d committed to doing my Winter Olympics blogs and I’ve finally begun to get my half marathon training back on track. Most exciting of all, the tickets went live for the Sunderland … More Festival Fever (Sunderland Creative Writing Festival 2018)
