Imagine going into your local Waterstones and browsing the nearest tables of books. What would you likely see on display? The latest Colleen Hoover or James Patterson? Lead titles from traditional publishers who have been singled out for success by Richard and Judy? The novels that made the Booker shortlist? A memoir by a celebrity? […]
Short stories: why read them? Why write them? Why analyse them? Read More »
A part of me thinks it would be a good idea to record what I read during the year. Another part of me, the part that always rebels against any kind of straitjacketing, says NO! In the end, though, a lack of time settles the argument and so there is no comprehensive record of what
My 8 most life-enriching books of 2022 Read More »
Although there are many articles that answer the question, ‘What is horror?’ (this post by Brian J. Showers is particularly insightful), I thought I’d add my thoughts to the mix since it wasn’t all that long ago I was saying I didn’t like horror. So what made me change my mind? Being a highly sensitive
What is horror? A few thoughts from someone new to reading horror. Read More »
Although there are many successful women authors in the science fiction genre today, it still feels, at times, as though it’s a genre very much dominated by men. This came into stark relief for me when I attended a sci-fi panel at a lit fest a couple of years ago; the panel consisted of four
Reviews of Books by Women – Are There Enough? Read More »
I’m sure that many people are aware of how the UK government’s interference with the education system is failing children. You only have to read this powerful article about the school, work, world problem – and this one by my friend Sophie – to see that something is very badly wrong with mainstream education. I
When Poetry Saved The Day Read More »
Last Saturday, I took part in ‘An Afternoon With The Small Press’ at Southwell Poetry Festival. In my “work role” as the Managing Editor of Mother’s Milk Books, I was one of four indie publishers at the event to talk about this strange thing known as ‘Poetry World’. (Credit goes to the marvellous Helena Nelson
A Hitchhiker’s Guide to Poetry World Read More »
As it seems to have been an age since I last blogged (though I’m still just about managing the once-a-month blog post!) I thought I’d go with a list to help me put into words all the big things that have been happening around here. HOLIDAYS Our one week away to Wales at the
On our summer holiday, reading, writing and having an epiphany Read More »
Things have been super-hectic here, what with the usual summer activities – Sports Day, the school play and the village fair – but also my own work publishing other people’s books has kept me very, very busy. I recently published a middle-grade children’s/crossover book called Oy Yew, by Ana Salote. It is simply a superb
Overwhelm, publishing and our favourite children’s books Read More »
Welcome to ‘The Forgotten and the Fantastical’ Carnival This post was written especially for inclusion in ‘The Forgotten and the Fantastical’ carnival, hosted by Mother’s Milk Books, to celebrate the launch of their latest collection of fairy tales for an adult audience: The Forgotten and the Fantastical. Today our participants share their thoughts on the