Lovely readers, it's been a little while. I fully intended to keep the blog ticking over through July, but life had other ideas. I had a lovely week away with my family, then headed straight off on a fortnight with the Scouts, with a few bits of work squeezed into the gaps in between. Since I've been back, it's been straight into my freelance work, Stewed Rhubarb Press events and catching up on everything that politely waited for me while I was away. Well, almost everything. The nice thing...

This week I found myself making flower arrangements for a wedding. Now, before anyone gets excited, this is not a dramatic career pivot. I have absolutely no qualifications in floristry. There I was with secateurs in one hand and a bucket of flowers in the other. Somebody needed another pair of hands, I was there, and in creative work that's often how these things happen. It did make me laugh. Twenty years ago I don't think I'd have imagined that being a writer would occasionally involve...

Last Friday, I caught an early train north, on my way to a brand new literary festival. I drafted my blog, but, sorry pals, I did not get round to posting it. The wifi was not quite up to it. So here it is, this week. Next week, I’ll tell you a bit about the festival itself, because it was terrific fun. This morning I’m on my way to Aberdeen for Bookause Aberdeen Book Festival, and I’m genuinely delighted to be going. There’s something lovely about being invited to speak about your work....