Realistic greetings cards

3 Jun

Do you ever feel that greetings cards are a bit over the top? All that hyperbole: best dad, greatest mum, best day ever etc. How about if there were more realistic cards to express your feelings? Read on..

Continue reading

An introduction to dark academia

29 May

When I tell people that my forthcoming novels are “dark academia”, there are two reactions:

  1. People in publishing etc.: “Oh yes, dark academia is popular/trendy/having a moment.”
  2. Everyone else: *blank look*
Continue reading

Marcus’s Meditations

7 May

I said to a friend a while back “I was reading Marcus Aurelius’ meditations, and…” She replied that I was the only person she knew who would come out with that sentence. Let’s take that as a good thing, shall we, and I’ll share with you some of the best bits from the thoughts of the sixteenth Roman Emperor.

Continue reading

Happy St George’s Day!

23 Apr

No, I’m not English – but then, neither was St George. Read my article on the Premier Christianity website to find out about George and what on earth he has to do with English nationalism and far-right marches.

(You may have to register or sign in to read it, but it’s free.)

Unlucky for some

26 Feb

This was going to be a post about how I’ve recently got into making historical clothing, but recent events have changed it into a post about niche superstitions.

Continue reading

(Don’t) follow the instructions

30 Jan

Generally I am a fan of following the instructions. Whether it’s a dress pattern, recipe or flat-packed furniture, the instructions tend to be helpful. But not always. Here are a few instances where you’re better to ignore the instructions.

Continue reading

Have an epiphany

6 Jan

Happy Epiphany! It may be back to normal life after the lovely break, but at least now you get to read my latest mini-article for Premier Christianity, all about Epiphany traditions.

2025 in review

30 Dec

It’s a truism that every year seems to go faster, the older you get. It’s probably a good thing that I do this review of the year just so that I don’t forget what decade it is.

Continue reading

T’was the night before St Nicholas’ Day…

5 Dec

When is St Nicholas’ Day, you ask? It’s the 6th of December, and I have written a wee explainer article for Premier all about St Nicholas, Santa and Father Christmas. Enjoy!

Books of the year 2024/5

13 Oct

As I did last year, I’ve given book-rating site Shepherd a rundown of my top three books from October 2024 to September 2025, ready for people who are buying or requesting books ahead of Christmas. This year they include a murder mystery, a book-based fantasy and a non-fiction exposé of social media.

Continue reading