Category Archives: Odds & Ends

Welcoming In The New Year*

Posted on December 31, 2015 by Scribe Doll

Raid all the cupboards and drawers.  Throw into the charity shop bag anything you no longer want, toss into the bin liner anything nobody would want.  Make room for the beautiful, the useful, the new. Vacuum the carpets, remove the … Continue reading →

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There’s no Santa Claus but…

Posted on December 20, 2015 by Scribe Doll

Tamsin wrote the letter with her favourite pen.  The blue and gold one she had got for her birthday.  She formed all the letters carefully, so Santa Claus would be able to read her handwriting.  Her grandmother said good children … Continue reading →

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Socially Impaired

Posted on December 13, 2015 by Scribe Doll

I am brusquely jolted from my mellow, Sunday morning slumber.  I’ve just remembered.  I have to go to a party this afternoon.  Oh, heck. “I wish I didn’t have to go,” I tell H. over a plateful of French toast. … Continue reading →

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Advent Carols at Norwich Cathedral

Posted on November 29, 2015 by Scribe Doll

“We should get there at least half an hour earlier to get a decent seat.” “Half an hour!” “Bring a book.” “I don’t know… reading a book in church?” “Other people chat before the service, which I find infuriating.  At … Continue reading →

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“Thank You” Isn’t Just About Etiquette

Posted on November 22, 2015 by Scribe Doll

I’ve started dropping friends and acquaintances who fail to thank.  Be it for a present, a favour or simply for having had dinner at my home.  It’s my choice and although it may appear as unforgiving, I have good reasons … Continue reading →

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Portrait of Mother and Child

Posted on September 20, 2015 by Scribe Doll

It’s a crowded train and he sits on her lap, her arms around him.  Not tight but rather soft, rounded, her hands relaxed on his lap.  So he doesn’t feel trapped. So he doesn’t feel as though there’s any danger.  … Continue reading →

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Religious Tolerance – Yes, But From Everybody, Please

Posted on August 23, 2015 by Scribe Doll

I ask a man I’ve just met what he does for a living.  “I build boats,” he says, “like Jesus – I mean Noah –” he darts me a concerned look and holds out his hand in a halt sign, “I … Continue reading →

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A Soundtrack to Growing Up

Posted on June 7, 2015 by Scribe Doll

Not long ago – I forget where – I read an article in which several writers listed the most influential books of their childhood; books that changed their lives and inspired them to become writers. Inevitably, I thought back to my own … Continue reading →

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Eight Complaints of a Literary Translator

Posted on May 31, 2015 by Scribe Doll

One: A couple of weeks ago, my mother’s doctor said he charged £25 to write a (short) letter about the state of her health. I commented that it was more than people would often pay me, as a literary translator.  … Continue reading →

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Surviving the London Book Fair

Posted on April 19, 2015 by Scribe Doll

I’ve pinned my badge to my jacket lapel: Katherine Gregor Literary Translator Freelance  United Kingdom The security man scans it.  A thin, red line crawls over it like a single spider leg.  I step  into the giant, dome-shaped Olympia building.  … Continue reading →

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