A few words on the conflict in Ukraine - and how to help. I can’t imagine being stuck in this traffic jam. At first glance it looks like any other. An irritatingly, bile-rising and frustrating situation, bound to flare the tempers of anyone stuck in its centre or joining its tail. But impulsive end of … Continue reading I can’t imagine being stuck in this traffic jam…
Too shy shy…
If there’s one thing that I hate about myself it’s my history of debilitating shyness. But I am learning how to have more compassion for myself.
Book review: Bright Burning Things by Lisa Harding
I was introduced to this book at an online event hosted by Bryony Gordon to explore how we talk about alcohol and relationships in literature. Lisa was on the panel, along with Shuggie Bain author Douglas Stuart (that one’s on my Christmas list) and I was really taken by the words from all three authors… … Continue reading Book review: Bright Burning Things by Lisa Harding
Ten to Talk Through with Lucy Nichol
If you’re a 90s grunge music fan, I can guarantee you’ll love The Twenty Seven Club by Lucy Nichol. It’s a fantastically nostalgic tale of 90s music, friendship, and discovering who you are.
I sat down with Lucy to chat about the inspiration for her debut novel, and the slight inspiration from her personal life that ended up in the book.

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Does mental illness make us more creative?
This is a topic that is ALWAYS up for debate. And it’s pretty controversial to boot. There has been a lot of research into whether or not mental illness makes us more creative - acclaimed US psychologist and author Kay Redfield Jamison released an entire book exploring the subject (Touched With Fire if you’re interested). But … Continue reading Does mental illness make us more creative?
Free Book Sample:The Twenty Seven Club
Fancy having a read of The Twenty Seven Club before committing your pennies to it? Well, turns out that Amazon will let you do that for FREE! This fictional tale takes you back to 1994, when the music world was mourning Kurt Cobain - and the concept of The Twenty Seven Club emerged - along … Continue reading Free Book Sample:The Twenty Seven Club
10 Books on Addiction and Recovery
I’ve spent a lot of time working with addiction recovery charities over the last few years, and, as I was working on a project this morning, it inspired me to share some of the books I’ve read - and some on my TBR - on the topic. There really are some powerful, honest, inspirational, humorous … Continue reading 10 Books on Addiction and Recovery
GOING LIVE: The Writing Community Chat Show
Evening all! I’ve been sticking my face in front of the camera a bit and tomorrow I’ll be doing it again and going live - not with Gordon the Gopher and a sweary phone-in directed at Five Star - but with the Writing Community Chat Show. I’ll be talking all about The Twenty Seven Club, … Continue reading GOING LIVE: The Writing Community Chat Show
Why do so many rock stars die aged 27?
I wrote an entire book based on this question. The thing is, I don’t think we’re really asking the right question at all. Which is also why I wrote the book. It’s easy to find a headline. Especially today - conspiracy theories and drawn conclusions based on....well...a bunch of details we cherry pick from. But … Continue reading Why do so many rock stars die aged 27?
How showing vulnerability helped my social anxiety
So, I’ve started vlogging....never thought it would be my thing but I’m giving it a go. It’s focused on mental health, music and arts, and I thought I’d share today’s little ramble which is all about the value of showing your vulnerability... Please do have a watch / like / subscribe / comment. It’s a … Continue reading How showing vulnerability helped my social anxiety