Am I a serious writer? This is a serious question. Conversation with a friend who also writes has inspired me to reflect on how seriously I regard my writing – and why. I have been writing for thirty two years, and am about to publish my nineteenth non-fiction book. During this time I have also…

As we break out of lockdown are we about to go back to the same old – or forward into a new and healthier way of living? Once this virus sets us free, are we about to throw caution to the wind and forget about the other natural, yet man-made, threat to our existence? Recent…

Last week I blogged about finishing my book: Time of the Virus, all bar the shouting and final editing, that is. Fingers crossed that plans to move out of lockdown can go ahead – given new fears about the Indian variant. Bolton is in the news – a hot spot for this new fear, with…

Hurrah!!!!! I have just finished writing my book! Title: Time of the Virus – a reflection of prose, short stories and poems. It’s an odd mix of memoir, reflective thoughts, history and social commentary of this troubled year – written in different formats, and with my own artwork. But now I am fearful of publishing…

As a writer and also an ex-teacher, I ask myself, on the issue of writing proficiency: how far does ‘correctness’ actually matter? When is it okay to break writing rules? Is misplaced political correctness creeping in to affect writing standards? I will explain. It seems that, in some British universities, guidance is being given that…