ABOUT BOOKS AND MUSIC

The irony was not altogether lost on me.  Though irony – possibly – was not the right word.  Perhaps it was just another example of the way in which life can sometimes double-back, can turn… Continue reading →

IN COLD BLOOD

In mid-November, 1959, Truman Capote, renowned author of ‘Other Voices, Other Rooms’ and ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ was struck by a newspaper article that appeared in the New York Times.  Little more than a brief squib, it… Continue reading →

A WRITER’S LIFE

A writer’s life is often considered to be a life of ease.  Apparently there was a survey last year of the British public, and following on from ‘professional footballer’ as the most favoured profession, writer came… Continue reading →

What ya readin’ for?

The best explanation of the difference between non-fiction and fiction, I feel, is that non-fiction's primary purpose is to convey information, whereas the purpose of fiction is to evoke an emotion in the reader. 

I… Continue reading →

TO OUTLINE, OR NOT TO OUTLINE…THAT IS THE QUESTION…

I am often asked whether or not I write an outline or a synopsis for the novels I write.  To date, the answer has always been, ‘No, no outline, no… Continue reading →