Category Archives: Uncategorized

As I’m over at fellow #darkstroke author, Joan Livingston’s blog today, I thought I’d share my thoughts about Kayleigh – a character central to the Glasshouse series – here, too … About Kayleigh. How can I try explain Kayleigh without trying to explain everyone around her? People are inextricably linked, which is the reason IContinue reading “Character Traits”

I was shivering behind a market stall just before Christmas, trying to cajole my numb fingers into string some festive fairy-lights over my display of novels. A tall woman strode over to me, with that patronizing smile I’ve seen on so many faces at events like these over the three years I’ve thought of myselfContinue reading “Writing Matters”

A friend of mine who I met at Manchester University went to Japan after she graduated and hasn’t come back. I remember thinking, when she left, how strange it was that the (arguably) least confident member of our group (we met in a Halls of Residence, after which we shared a dilapidated Victorian house onContinue reading “Good Luck? Bad Luck? Who Knows?”

It’s World Mental Health Day. I wrote this poem eight years ago, and, yes, it’s directly from personal experience. Shout out to anyone who’s (been) there. #ocd #depression #mentalillness #WorldMentalHealthDay

Morwenna, are you feeling safe? I don’t understand. Don’t understand what? Anything! Years ago, when I was very ill, and was living in a psychiatric residential care home, if one of the support-workers caught me looking a certain way, they’d put a hand on my shoulder and softly say, Morwenna, are you feeling safe? AndContinue reading “Dinosaur Wee”

From Niki’s #WIP … Ember—literally kicking and screaming—was dragged to the other side of the room. Her mother reached the kitchen counter and picked up her drink while Ember tried to free her hair. Sara sipped the whiskey mixed with orange juice. She thought no one realized it was booze. Ember managed to wiggle away,Continue reading “Welcome, Niki Kamerzell!”

“Every year, on September the first, Mum and I stand outside the patio doors in the morning and look at the garden. One of us always says something along the lines of, ‘I can feel September in the air.’ … “September always feels more like a new beginning than New Year does…” – extract fromContinue reading “(D)Evolution …”

I’m one of those people who love making New Year resolutions. So much so, that I do it throughout the year. Some might say I’m constantly reinventing myself. I think I’m constantly doing the opposite.             I’ll be washing dishes or walking through town, and a compulsion will come out of nowhere. Frequently, it’s thatContinue reading “Mugs”

I’ll be honest with you. I’ve been neglecting my blog. There are two reasons for this. The first is that I’ve been writing my fourth and fifth novels, and a short story. The second is that I’ve been in existential crisis. Again. Then, last night I watched Dinosaurs: The Final Day; today I’m compelled toContinue reading “YOLO”

Happy launch day to Underrated! I’m having a brilliant day at Coryton Cove, Dawlish, the place that inspired the novel. Join me on social media! Thanks to everyone-you know who you are! – who’s contributed to making Underrated what it is. Readers – Thanks for your support, and I hope you enjoy it! (If youContinue reading “Underrated- Launch Day!”