During the 80s, I was acquainted with a Palestinian girl at school-with hair honey-coloured and parted in the middle-a refugee severed from her place of origin. ‘Palestine will be free when the next century dawns,’ she said once. At times I wonder what life had in store for her?

We have had the best week of events. As well as the Hachette Roadshow, we had the incredibly talented #RónánHession talking to Kevin Boniface about GHOST MOUNTAIN, and music legend #PaulHanley talking to Dave Haslam about SIXTEEN AGAIN. Thank you to all who came 👻🏔+🎸💿

It’s been years since I heard someone play the Oud like this. The tune made my soul sing.

As someone who worked for a Top 5 Publisher, I wanted to share my biggest take aways from working in this industry as a writer. 🧵 #writingcommunity

Ironic that the EU referendum adopted by Cameron to save Conservatives from UKIP has just nourished the nationalist populism that is about to devour their party

It’s not a manifesto, but a contract with the people.

Peaceful protest is a human right. Peaceful protest is a human right. Peaceful protest is a human right. Peaceful protest is a human right.

coming from USA am reminded all over again how majestic the expeditiousness of transfer of power is here - unlike grotesquely lumbering and bloated - and unreconciled the American practice is

Delighted to reveal that my new series of maritime adventures will set sail with Sapere Books 🦉 - can't wait for you to follow Midshipman Newt Beresford across the oceans, up the ranks and into the heart of battle.

#amwriting #amquerying #writerscommunity

Want to make loadsamoney? Forget hedge funds and investments, get yourself on the international hate & lies circuit 'Suella Braverman makes nearly £60,000 on international speaking circuit' - The Guardian

Received my Cheshire Novel Prize- end date feedback: 30/11/24 feedback. Wow! Detailed and incredibly helpful comments. #WritingCommunity If you're unagented it's definitely worth entering this competition in 2025. Thank you Sara Cox and team for all you do. 🙏 'Sparrow' came in the top 100 too. 😊 #amwriting

4th Estate wins rights to 'astounding' poetry collection about life in Gaza in seven-way auction. Abu Toha says that the collection is to be published in the UK, the place where the Balfour Declaration was proclaimed in 1917. thebookseller.com/rights/4th-est…

I’ve just had the most amazing 48 hours meeting up IRL with precious writing friends. Time full of creativity, soul nourishment (& lots of bookshops!) Cheshire Novel Prize- end date feedback: 30/11/24 #summerschool brought us together a year ago from across the globe. Now firmly friends for life 😍

Turner or reality,folks?

Today is the 50th anniversary of Anne Sexton’s death. Sexton changed American poetry. She wrote about women’s lives, desires, and bodies when it was deeply taboo to do so. Her poetry opened the door for so many—including Sylvia Plath. I feel privileged to write her biography.

Trying to catch my tears before they fall. The Plath archives. Stunned.

I am saddened beyond measure.