I’ve been doing a lot of reading for my next book. One of my characters is a late-1800s English woman who finds herself in a frontier town. Let’s call her I—, in the good old Victorian fashion of blanking names that were to be keep secret (and decent) by omission. I—’s chapters are written fromContinue reading "Some field notes about synchronicity and storytelling"

When the dark side rises, it's time to shine bright It’s been a rough few weeks. I don’t know about you, but I’ve found the gradual unwinding of America’s facade of self-determination and freedom for all, very unsettling. Realising just how many people remain wilfully and steadfastly solipsistic, fear-based, and ignorant I’ve found very difficultContinue reading "To the light, to the light"

Ready to start – and finish – that story you've been sitting on? It’s that time of year when every author pitches their writing course and, gentle reader, this writer is no different. HOWEVER, the course topic? Well that’s where things diverge somewhat. JUMP! is a course aimed at first-time storytellers and novelists who want to writeContinue reading "Take the leap"

So, it’s the future. January 2025. We’re deep into the space age if the shows of my childhood are to be believed. To be honest, I was expecting more from hoverboards and humans in general, and I definitely expected more action from aliens. But it seems all we get are weird skateboards, exploding Teslas, killerContinue reading "Alien Nation"

Well it’s that time of the year again: almost 16 December, the Day of Reconciliation public holiday, which in South Africa means the country shuts down until about the same time next month. As a bowing out of 2024 (which has been pretty manageable compared to the last four curses years), I’d like to offerContinue reading "A farewell to 2025 and a gift"