Tag Archives: writing

Corn Chowder and Conversation

I’d asked my friend B. if he liked corn chowder.  Living in one room, and sharing a kitchen, I had to think of a lunch that would fit on my small work table.  “How about a bowl of steamy corn … Continue reading

Posted in Odds & Ends | Tagged , , , , , | 18 Comments

The Backstory as Defence Lawyer

In a recent post on The Red Room, Orna B. Raz makes a very interesting case for the fiction writer’s ability to rewrite true life events, giving the stories a happier outcome on paper, than they might have had in … Continue reading

Posted in Odds & Ends | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Just About a Teddy Bear with a Wonky Nose*

“What does he think I am? A baby?” Deep embarrassment was making me peevish.  I did not want my mother, grandmother – and, especially, the guests – to think I was still a little girl who liked teddy bears.  After all, … Continue reading

Posted in Odds & Ends | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

A Room of My Own

There is a tree outside the window of my new room.  An oak, with ivy wrapped around, embracing his body and lower branches.  His body, yes.  There is something male about this oak.  A wise old man ready to share … Continue reading

Posted in Odds & Ends | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

Birthday in a New City

My friend B. gave me a gift card for a coffee shop chain, for Christmas.  He said it would allow him to buy me a coffee or hot chocolate if I ever really needed one, and he was not there … Continue reading

Posted in Travel | Tagged , , , , , , | 22 Comments

Epiphany and an Old Woman Bearing Gifts*

Traditionally, it is La Befana – and not Father Christmas – who brings gifts to the children of Central Italy.  It is on the morning of the Epiphany, that children would wake up to find packages under their beds.  If they … Continue reading

Posted in Odds & Ends | Tagged , , , , , , | 22 Comments

When the Day is Perfectly Still

I like still days, like yesterday in London. They creep up on you softly and, suddenly, you walk out of the house and find yourself in the midst of one.  Early winter days, when the sky is a grey so … Continue reading

Posted in Odds & Ends | Tagged , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

And What of the Moon?

Sun-kissed, sunbathe, suntan, a sunny disposition. Good morning, Sunshine. And what of the Moon? In his magical book, Portrait of the Gulf Stream, Erik Orsenna tells us that the Moon is getting further away from the Earth.  No wonder.  There … Continue reading

Posted in Odds & Ends | Tagged , , , , | 18 Comments

When Writing Tips Become Platitudes

I am a scribbler.  I love writing but, I confess, I seldom read articles or blogs about writing.  Barring the usual exceptions, of course, I confess I find reading about writing tedious. I would far rather read a story than … Continue reading

Posted in Odds & Ends | Tagged , , , , , | 26 Comments

Odds& Ends: Alone, but not Lonely.

When I was at university, my best female friend said she preferred sharing a house with other friends.  I said I preferred living alone, if I could.  Then she said something that has always stayed with me, “I like to … Continue reading

Posted in Odds & Ends | Tagged , , , , , , | 14 Comments