Flash Fiction and Motherhood with Laura Besley

The Almost Mothers by Laura Besley made me cry. Several times. In pitch-perfect vignettes she explores everything from early motherhood to self-doubt to infertility. Her light touch and poignant stories meant I have already read it twice and would quite happily sit...

Getting Started With Writing As A Business

It’s hard not to cut the year into academic slices. I’ve spent so many years being regimented by the bell, the term, the holidays of school, I’m still thinking in chunks of time. For that reason, this weekend marks the first half term of starting my own business as a...

I’m Angry But Trying To Channel It Creatively

I’m feeling cross. Having now been placed on ‘Tier 2’ in London, there’s going to be no more social engagements for me (unless I can brave the London cold of an evening). Yes, of course, I understand the reasoning and I want everyone to be safe (or maybe just for...

Playing For Ideas

There’s something strange about expectations. I find that positive ones are far worse than negative. Let me explain. If I’m worried about teaching a tricky class, making an awkward phone call or running a difficult distance, negative expectations can be a good thing....