Category: Life

when death comes knocking

when death comes knocking is it better to be prepared have an appointment so you can be packed and ready watch him as he saunters self-assured up the garden path or be taken by surprise the sudden rap at the door like an unexpected delivery you assume is a scam

‘Welshman’ – new podcast episode

Many years ago when I was studying at University, during holidays I used to work in a bookmakers. It was a wonderful experience for a young man learning about people and life. 'Welshman' is a short story based on those experiences, and whilst it is not a retelling of a specific event nor portraying real … Continue reading ‘Welshman’ – new podcast episode →

Another great mentoring experience!

Last week I had the great privilege of mentoring at another Writers' Retreat. In addition to a couple of workshop sessions, at the core of my mentoring are 1-2-1 sessions with each of the attendees during which we discuss their current and future projects. Sometimes they arrived burdened with uncertainty over what to do next, … Continue reading Another great mentoring experience! →

Working in ‘the office’…

I like to add some variety to my working routine. Often - as this morning - I make my way first thing to the café in one of our local supermarkets. Usually first or second to be served (black Americano and an almond croissant), I plant myself at the far corner table and open my … Continue reading Working in ‘the office’… →

Retreat – Day 3

06:55 - 13th May 2022 Another decent day yesterday with the majority of my time spent on editing 'Reunion'. Some work on the Sonnets as I edge closer to drafting #80. Plus I started work on my Reviewers' list by reestablishing control over my Goodreads author profile. I think I'll be doing some work on … Continue reading Retreat – Day 3 →

Retreat – Day 2

A good day yesterday. Most of the creative effort went into editing "Reunion" plus some sonnet-dabbling. Had a snooze after lunch to try and catch-up on Tuesday's poor night's sleep, and another short walk before dinner for cobweb-blowing. The highlight was the 'open mic' though. I read my short story "Downsizing", two sonnets - "Pilgrimage" … Continue reading Retreat – Day 2 →

Retreat – Day 1

07:15 - 10th May 2022 (Day 1) So what does today hold? A walk up to the station after lunch to remind myself of the genesis of 'Degrees of Separation'. A certainty if it's dry (it was damp yesterday eve and is gusty this morning - typical edge of Pennines/Cumbria weather). Options: start revision of … Continue reading Retreat – Day 1 →

How important is tomorrow?

~ a question centred on the concrete yet wrapped up to sound philosophical and therefore more meaningful. It's one of those questions where we all instinctively think we know the answer - of course! - yet I suspect consistently fail to act on that basis. The 'concrete' is the beginning of a five-day writers' retreat … Continue reading How important is tomorrow? →

Allotment Project update: it’s amazing what you can achieve in 6 months or so!

Please check-out the latest update on our allotment project.

Whatever you measure, make sure it’s the right thing…

Three months ago I wrote a post describing how I used a tracker to measure my artistic endeavours - and how I used the log as a way to justify that I was working hard, making progress, being productive. All the numbers looked good. Clever me. The metrics were based on the number of projects … Continue reading Whatever you measure, make sure it’s the right thing… →