I haven't felt like writing for a long time. Nearly every item of news depresses me. Certain stories - such as intensive octopus farming...

"Do you still think that we [Ukraine and Russia] are 'one nation'? Do you still think you can scare us, break us, force us to make...

After watching this wonderful production at the Donmar Warehouse, the man next to me turned and said: "And they've cancelled their...

From a distance and without my glasses, I thought this sculpture in All Saints Church in Leamington was a Pieta. As I came closer, I...

This book festival has only been going for five years, but the buzz from authors and readers meeting and sharing comments and insights...

Ten days to go before I give my next talk at the Southam Book Festival. The date is Sunday, 16th October and the time is 1.15pm. To find...

When you could be dead. I've just finished reading this wonderful book (with its even more wonderful title). The message of rebellious...

It felt like the hottest weekend ever, but it was worth all the effort because we raised nearly £470 for Ukraine. It was our first time...

We're gearing up for Art in the Park next weekend where husband, Mike, will be selling his paintings and I'll be selling copies of my...

There was a good turnout by members of the Association of Midland Artists for my talk entitled "Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover". I...

I'm preparing my next talk which is to members of the Association of Midland Artists next Tuesday, 12th July. Normally, I talk about my...

If you have the chance to see Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club in London's Playhouse Theatre, go. It is simply the best show I have ever seen....

The only time I can bear reading books on Kindle is on holiday. There's never any danger of running out of material and no excess baggage...

I've just submitted my second novel to agents in the hope of representation. They are inundated with manuscripts, so I don't expect to...

What an enjoyable way to spend a sunny afternoon: drinking tea, eating cakes and talking about books. Pictured are members of a new book...

Talking to my cousins in Poland, there is no doubt in their minds that there is something rotten in the DNA of Russians. Who can blame...

There's nothing like a list for winding people up. Who's on it? Who's left off it and why? Hours of argument and umbrage. The Big Jubilee...

I'm thrilled to be taking part in a new book club meeting next month. Its members, who are all alumnae of my old college St Anne's,...

The first chapter of my second novel, Reckoning, is now available to read on the "Books" section. Do let me know what you think...