Everyone has different body clocks and mine used to be a late, owl like one, though in the years I have had to go to school and work, early mornings have haunted me though at times getting up really early has been a boon of quietness and reflection. Emily Dickensen we are told work from…
That Old Spying Game
In the world of espionage, the thriller writers have us believe, you cannot trust anyone. Having written a book about the genetics and habits of lying I am likely to be one to say that is probably true of every profession. When asked how many witnesses told lies in the legal cases a Lord High…
The Simple Life
There was a time according to popular fantasy, when life was simpler, easier even because there were fewer decisions to make, or less options for life choices. In these Garden of Eden fantasies food is cheaper and purer, the sea water somehow fresher, the clothes easier to copy and people’s expectations lower. It is a…
When You Wish Upon A Star
Many years ago my mother said that people who wish upon a star have to – this from the woman who used to feel good about having silver coins in her pocket when she saw a new moon. She meant, of course, wishing is for people having few options but the idea that we do…
The Age Of Innocence
In the years when we have learned so much more about paedophilia I get a little wary of talking about childhood innocence. In much the same way as I would never immediately go to a child’s side if they were crying in the street or appeared lost because of how it may be construed, I…
Imaging
I am not entirely sold on the idea that movies have to have a good story to engage people. I used to believe the most important part of a movie was the script but the more I listen to people describing their favourite movies the more I hear less about plot and more about a…
White Space
I do not consider I understand fine art very well. I was told years ago that all figurative painting is about understanding and controlling light. In a similar way to which non-figurative painting is more about controlling colours. The whole field of design which I have been involved in through my books also seemed to…
If Only
I get so much spam telling me how to make millions. I even get some telling me I’ve already made millions I just don’t know it yet. I used to just get mail telling me every morning if I wanted to insure myself for millions and so far that’s the only change e-mails have made…
Out With The Old
Traditions can be temperamental things. No sooner does one generation discard them as irrelevant than the next picks them up as rebellious. But sometimes people ignore the traditional simply because its convenient. My first children’s story was written in 1982 and I was told at the time it was too like C S Lewis, and…
Singing Is Breath -Taking
They say having a good sing-song is good for the soul. It brings people together and takes one back to the world of lullabies when singing was all about be comfortable and cared for, and it bonds individuals together. Two weeks ago I was invited to help out at an improvised opera on publishing with…