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Sunday 31 December 2017

Reading Round-Up: Nov/Dec 2017

Last Updated: 04 September 2024

The Writing Greyhound's Christmas 2017 book haul

The end of 2017 is here, 2018 is just peeking over the horizon and it's time to say goodbye to another year. I don't know about you, but I can't believe how fast this year has gone!

Saturday 30 December 2017

2017: My Year in Review

Last Updated: 04 September 2024

Regardless of certain things that have happened in the world at large this year, for me, 2017 has been a very good year. I'm lucky enough to have been blessed with some wonderful people, opportunities and experiences, all of which have left me here reflecting on how good this last year has been to me.

Thursday 28 December 2017

My Top 5 Books of 2017

Last Updated: 04 September 2024

Covers of The Writing Greyhound's top 5 books of 2017

Without it even seeming possible, we've come to the end of another year. Last year, I did a round-up of my top 10 books of the year which proved to be popular, but this year, my reading stats dropped dramatically as books fell by the wayside due to various other commitments like work and life. So, this year, I've narrowed it down to my top five books of the year instead.

Sunday 24 December 2017

Rules, Accents, and the Difficulties of Writing in English

Last Updated: 04 September 2024

AD* | Written English is an odd language. Unlike languages such as French, where there are strict writing rules, there are plenty of rules that are simply ignored or misused in English. This makes writing more difficult and often means that even native speakers struggle to make the meaning understood in written language. Despite this, English is the most used and widely spread language in the world and accounts for 80% of the information stored on the world’s computers.

Friday 22 December 2017

2018 Blogging Resolutions

Last Updated: 04 September 2024

AD* | With barely a week left of 2017, I don't know about you, but I can't believe we're almost into the New Year already. Where has this year gone?

Now, I'm not usually one for making New Year's resolutions in any capacity. Hardly anyone ever sticks to them, people make grand sweeping goals that aren't realistically achievable, and within a few weeks, they've all gone to waste anyway. Personally, I prefer to spend my time actively trying to make myself and my life better rather than wasting precious time setting targets that I will never be able to reach - at least within the short term.

However, this year I've decided to give resolutions a chance and try setting myself a few blog-related goals I want to do my best to achieve in 2018.

Thursday 21 December 2017

Interview: Tom Ward

Last Updated: 04 September 2024

This morning, I'm pleased to be welcoming author Tom Ward to the blog to chat about life, the writing world, and his third book Fires.

Wednesday 20 December 2017

Why You Should Take a Chance on the NFL

Last Updated: 04 September 2024

The Writing Greyhound and mum attending NFL game

America's game - the clue is in the title, surely?

More and more people worldwide are beginning to develop an interest in American football and the NFL, thanks to the sport's increasing accessibility, the International Series games and the league's desire to expand out of its home country.

Tuesday 19 December 2017

How to Pick an NFL Team to Support

Last Updated: 27 August 2024

Clay Matthews Green Bay Packers American football mini figure

For overseas fans and those who are just starting to get into the sport, finding the right NFL team to support can be a big decision. If like me, you haven't grown up with American football, you find yourself beginning with a clean slate, free to make your own choices and support a team of your choosing. But, to coin a popular phrase, with great power comes great responsibility, as the team that you choose will stick with you throughout the rest of your life as a football fan.

Monday 18 December 2017

Dancing Like No-One is Watching

Last Updated: 27 August 2024

When was the last time you danced like no one was watching?

Giving in to your desires and feeling completely carefree, forgetting that you're surrounded by people and not even considering what they might be thinking of you - that's the feeling you get when you don't have a care in the world.

Saturday 16 December 2017

5 Things Cheaper Than a Cinema Ticket

Last Updated: 27 August 2024

Savoy Cinema paper ticket

Over recent years, the price of the average cinema ticket has seen a massive hike. While going out to the movies is still a popular activity, this popularity is gradually dropping as people give the big screen a miss in favour of watching their films on DVD or streaming services.

Friday 15 December 2017

A Story About the Importance of Stories by Elizabeth Jane Corbett

Last Updated: 22 September 2024

It is no accident that most of the world’s belief systems are based on narrative. Whether a novel, film, oral folktales, a news story or specifically religious writing, stories help us make sense of our lives. I didn’t set out to develop that theme in The Tides Between. The concept of the novel started with a character. In this instance, a young girl called Bridie who had lost her father in tragic circumstances. I had this idea that a creative young couple would help her to come to terms with her loss during the long sea voyage to Australia. Through a serendipitous process involving my mother’s Welsh heritage and my childhood emigration to Australia, my creative young couple became Welsh storytellers.

Thursday 14 December 2017

Reflections On Growing Up: Watching a Childhood Friend Get Married

Last Updated: 27 August 2024

The Writing Greyhound and partner at wedding

Back in September, I attended the wedding of someone I went to school with.

'Congratulations to the happy couple, but why is that a big deal,' I hear you ask. Well, in itself, it isn't. Weddings are just part and parcel of life, a happy union between two people in love. They're romantic, they're sweet, and they're a fun social event offering a chance to catch up with people you rarely see.

So, with that in mind, why was this particular wedding different?

Wednesday 13 December 2017

What Writes Me by Daniel A. Cohen

Last Updated: 22 September 2024

Writing fiction is quite weird. Don’t get me wrong, telling stories is as human as putting melted cheese on things, but there are plenty of true stories to be told. Riveting tales of courage, adventure, romance, and all the evil you could ever stomach. Stories that actually happened to real people, chock full of life lessons, that can be far more outlandish than even the most creative minds can concoct. So why is it that we insist on making stories up? And even more confusingly, why, as readers, do we attach to fiction as forcefully as a mother bear superglued to her cubs?

Tuesday 12 December 2017

Introducing Almost Autumn

Last Updated: 27 August 2024

Almost Autumn singer photo
When the weather is cold and Christmas songs are played on repeat almost everywhere you go, sometimes, all you want is something fresh, exciting and a little different to listen to. Luckily, I have the perfect antidote to cure your winter music blues - say hello to Almost Autumn.

Monday 11 December 2017

3 European Travel Destinations Not to Be Missed Off Your Bucket List

Last Updated: 27 August 2024

If you’ve been out and about and caught the travel bug, then the chances are that you’ve probably started a travel bucket list. Throwing caution to the wind and wondering how you will ever be able to afford to travel to all of the places you want to visit may be an issue, but with some careful planning and preparation, travel is easily accessible to all. If you are in the process of creating your travel bucket list, here are three destinations that you should definitely not miss off your list. Whether you are a thrill seeker or a relaxation lover, these destinations have something special and are guaranteed to make you fall in love with them.

Saturday 9 December 2017

12 Days of Clink Street: Interview - D.N. Carter

Last Updated: 27 August 2024

It's my third and final feature as part of this year's 12 Days of Clink Street, and I'm interviewing author D.N. Carter. Read on to discover all!

Friday 8 December 2017

Gift Wrapping Tips and Tricks

Last Updated: 27 August 2024

Christmas gift wrapping

AD* | Whether you love gift wrapping or hate it with a passion, it's undeniably a big part of the gift-giving process. Of course, wrapping presents takes time, particularly at Christmas when there's a mountain of gifts waiting to be wrapped, but putting the extra time, thought and energy into your gift wrapping can work wonders when it comes to showing that special someone just how much you care.

Thursday 7 December 2017

12 Days of Clink Street: Historical Christmas Childhood Memories by Alice Graysharp

Last Updated: 22 September 2024

12-days-of-clink-street, blog-tour, christmas, book

Christmas 1924

The baby’s cry pierced the stillness of the Christmas morning. Her mother drew her up from the little cot, tutted and fixed a clean nappy, padding back to bed, carrying her safely cocooned in a warm blanket. The baby’s father turned and, smiling “Happy Christmas,” drew his wife and child into an embrace. He reached out and picked up a small present from the side table, passing it to his daughter who grasped the parcel, revelling in the crunchy feel and rustly sound of paper. “Ah,” said her mother affectionately, “you have to open it,” and she gently guided the baby’s hands. The baby reached in and grasped the wooden miniature cage with a wooden ball inside. Lifting it in the air the baby chortled with delight at the rattling sound which punctured the Christmas morning’s quiet.

For baby Patricia Adela Roberts, Christmas 1924 was a happy, secure and comfortable time of laughter and of singing, of plenty and of love. As were her next four Christmases.

Wednesday 6 December 2017

Interview: Nemra

Last Updated: 30 July 2024

Nemra band photo

Today I'm thrilled to be returning a little to my musical roots with an exclusive interview with exciting new music collaborative Nemra. Read on to find out all about the band!

Tuesday 5 December 2017

12 Days of Clink Street: Christmas in Germany by Monika Jephcott-Thomas

Last Updated: 30 July 2024

12 Days of Clink Street blog tour banner

Christmas for me as a child was a wonderfully long drawn-out affair. It started 4 weeks before Christmas with Advent and ended on the 6th of January on Epiphany. During that time there were highlights filled with long-established traditions in our family.

Monday 4 December 2017

Review: Bakerdays Letterbox Cake

Last Updated: 30 July 2024

Bakerdays Christmas themed letterbox cake

AD* | Last month, I was given the opportunity to review a fabulous letterbox cake from the personalised cake company Bakerdays - naturally, I jumped at the chance!

Saturday 2 December 2017

Book Review: A Gift from Bob by James Bowen

Last Updated: 30 July 2024

A Gift from Bob by James Bowen book cover

Street cat Bob and James, stars of bestselling A Street Cat Named Bob and The World According to Bob that touched millions around the world, spend a cold and challenging December on the streets together in a new adventure.

From the day James rescued a street cat abandoned in the hallway of his sheltered accommodation, they began a friendship which has transformed both their lives and, through the bestselling books A STREET CAT NAMED BOB and THE WORLD ACCORDING TO BOB, touched millions around the world. 


In this new story of their journey together, James looks back at the last Christmas they spent scraping a living on the streets and how Bob helped him through one of his toughest times - providing strength, friendship and inspiration but also teaching him important lessons about the true meaning of Christmas along the way.

Friday 1 December 2017

What Winter Means to Me

Last Updated: 25 July 2024

Winter landscape view

The coldest, darkest season of the year, winter is a period filled with dull, dreary weather and freezing temperatures, interspersed by the bright lights and festivities of Christmas and the New Year. But while some of us dread the colder weather, others look forward to snuggling up in front of the fire with a hot drink and a classic Christmas film on the TV.

Thursday 30 November 2017

10 Types Of Stationery Writers Should Stock Up On

Last Updated: 25 July 2024

AD* | As a writer, it’s pretty safe to say that you’re going to love stationery. Whether you write for work or for play, there’s just this thing we tend to have with all kinds of stationery. And it’s a good thing because when you’re a writer, you do tend to need stationery for lots of different things. From making notes and writing lists to planning what you’re going to write and even planning your week, there’s so much that we need stationery for. So when you are a bit of a stationery obsessive, it can feel great to head out and buy a few bits and pieces!

Poetry Block: Hush Your Gums by Sheldon Sinnamon

Last Updated: 25 July 2024

The last day of November and the last day before the festive season really kicks into gear - what better time for a brand new edition of Poetry Block? Today, fresh poetry talent Sheldon Sinnamon is stopping by The Writing Greyhound for a chat about his latest anthology Hush Your Gums and to share an exclusive poem titled, unsurprisingly, 'Hush Your Gums'.

Wednesday 29 November 2017

Is the New Taylor Swift Trying Too Hard?

Last Updated: 25 July 2024

Taylor Swift CDs

From her humble beginnings as a curly-haired young singer-songwriter, singing catchy country-pop songs about love and heartbreak with her trusty guitar in hand, it's undeniable that Taylor Swift has come a long way both in terms of her music career and her life in general.

Tuesday 28 November 2017

Interview: Tamar Sloan

Last Updated: 25 July 2024

I'm absolutely thrilled to be chatting with Young Adult romance author Tamar Sloan today as she releases her novel Make It Count. Enjoy the interview!

Monday 27 November 2017

5 Tips for a UK Staycation this Winter

Last Updated: 25 July 2024

AD* | Although winter is more commonly associated with freezing weather, cold temperatures, the festive season and the New Year, it's still a great time to get out and about and explore the UK. Our country is full to the brim with places to see and things to do whatever the weather and whatever the season - why should summer be the only time to take a break?

Saturday 25 November 2017

Interview: Iain Reading

Last Updated: 25 July 2024

Kitty Hawk by Iain Reading book blog tour banner

This morning I'm welcoming children's author Iain Reading to The Writing Greyhound for a chat about his writing and his latest book Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold.

Friday 24 November 2017

A Very Rainy Loch Lomond Mini Break

Last Updated: 25 July 2024

When my boyfriend and I were planning our week's holiday back in the summer, initially we had settled on a road trip around Scotland. Although indecisiveness, cost and time soon put paid to that plan, the seed had been sown and we knew we wanted to pay a visit to Bonny Scotland at some point.

Thursday 23 November 2017

Is it Time to Put Climate Change at the Centre of Speculative Fiction? by J.G. Follansbee

Last Updated: 22 September 2024

Carbon Run by JG Follansbee book cover

Fiction reflects our hopes, fears, and dreams as we live them. Speculative fiction imagines how we'll live these human experiences in the future. Climate change is real and it's affecting our daily lives. It's time speculative writers include the changing climate as an integral part of their storytelling.

Wednesday 22 November 2017

Interview: April Munday

Last Updated: 25 July 2024

Today I'm welcoming historical author April Munday to The Writing Greyhound for a chat about her writing, inspiration, and her latest novel The Heir's Tale. 

Tuesday 21 November 2017

Gig Review: James Blunt at Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham

Last Updated: 24 July 2024

James Blunt Afterlove Tour flatlay

The man everyone loves to hate, James Blunt is still going strong, thirteen years after the release of 'You're Beautiful', the song that instantly catapulted him into the limelight. Now, all those years later, the crowd still love to belt out that hit, night after night, tour after tour.

Monday 20 November 2017

Interview: Stephanie Elmas

Last Updated: 24 July 2024

Illusion by Stephanie Elmas book blog tour banner

I'm over the moon to be participating in the blog tour for Illusion by Stephanie Elmas - to celebrate, I have a short Q&A with the author to share with you all!

Saturday 18 November 2017

5 Ways to Make Your Christmas Gifts Unique

Last Updated: 24 July 2024

A few days ago I wrote a post sharing some of my favourite ways in which you can make sure that your Christmas cards are unique. Since that post went down so well, I thought I'd make another to provide you with some more festive inspiration - this time, I'm sharing some top tips for keeping your gifts as special and original as possible this Christmas!

Friday 17 November 2017

Interview: John Herrick

Last Updated: 24 July 2024

It's time for another author interview on The Writing Greyhound! Today, I'm sitting down for a chat with the charming John Herrick as he releases his novel Beautiful Mess.

Thursday 16 November 2017

Wembley Versus Twickenham: The Great British American Football Debate

Last Updated: 24 July 2024

NFL fans outside Wembley Stadium

With the rising popularity of American football here in the UK, more and more people are heading down to London in the autumn to watch the NFL International Series games.

Wednesday 15 November 2017

5 Ways to Make Your Christmas Cards Unique

Last Updated: 24 July 2024

Funny Christmas card surrounded by tinsel and glitter

AD* | Although we're barely midway through November, for most people, Christmas preparations are already well underway. From ordering in supplies to getting the decorations and presents all sorted, there is plenty to do. But in amongst all the hustle and bustle, it's easy to forget about one very special part of the season - the tradition of giving holiday cards to friends, family and loved ones.

Monday 13 November 2017

Interview: Roger Bray

Last Updated: 24 July 2024

From one author interview to the next - today, it's the turn of former police offer turned writer Roger Bray to stop by The Writing Greyhound for a quick chat.

Saturday 11 November 2017

'Tis the Season - for a Festive Hamper!

Last Updated: 24 July 2024

Wicker hamper

AD* | During the festive period, there's one thing on everyone's minds - food! From the indulgence of endless party food and seasonal treats to the traditional turkey dinner, for many, food is one of the staple ingredients of a good Christmas.

Friday 10 November 2017

Film Review: Thor Ragnarok

Last Updated: 24 July 2024

I've always been a Marvel girl in the great Marvel versus DC face-off. I love the MCU and eagerly await new releases whenever they're announced. However, out of all the characters, superheroes and villains alike, my favourite is Thor - to the degree where I'm known as 'Thor' in one friendship group (as it happens, we all have Marvel alter-egos, but that's a story for another time).

Thursday 9 November 2017

Interview: Alistair Cross

Last Updated: 24 July 2024

Perfect for these chilly days and long, dark nights, paranormal fiction author Alistair Cross is stopping by the blog today to chat about his work, his life and the inspiration behind his fiction.

Wednesday 8 November 2017

5 Christmas Gift Ideas for Travel Lovers

Last Updated: 19 July 2024

It's that time of year again - time to get started on your Christmas shopping! But instead of panicking, trying to figure out who you need to buy for, who wants what, and whether you'll actually manage to stay within budget this year, why not take a break from the hustle and bustle and allow yourself time for some much-needed gift inspiration?

Tuesday 7 November 2017

When Fact Meets Fiction by Allie Burns

Last Updated: 22 September 2024

The Lido Girls by Allie Burns book blog tour graphic

As soon as I read about the life of Prunella Stack I knew she had to be in my novel. If you haven’t heard of Prunella, she was the daughter of the founder of the Women’s League of Health and Beauty, which was a movement in the 1930s that introduced keep fit classes into the UK. Prunella was very young at the time that her pioneering mother died, and she stepped up to carry on the work of the League and deliver her mother’s vision of bringing health and happiness through movement. In doing so she changed many women’s lives for the better.

Monday 6 November 2017

Event Review: NFL International Series - Minnesota Vikings @ Cleveland Browns

Last Updated: 19 July 2024

NFL at Twickenham Stadium in London

The Cleveland Browns - over recent years, undeniably the team with the worst record in the entire NFL and a team which consistently finishes at the bottom of the table.

The Minnesota Vikings - relatively strong contenders looking to top the NFC North and harbouring playoff dreams. Can 2017 be their season?

Saturday 4 November 2017

A Visit (or Two) to MCM London Comic Con

Last Updated: 19 July 2024

Star Wars Wicket Pop figure signed by Warwick Davis

On two weekends a year, the capital becomes awash with visitors and cosplayers with one thing in common - a shared love for modern pop culture. Held at the ExCeL exhibition centre, MCM London Comic Con has fast become the must-visit convention for UK fans.

Friday 3 November 2017

Interview: Simon Rose

Last Updated: 19 July 2024

Shadowzone by Simon Rose book cover

Today, I am thrilled to be able to share an exclusive interview with Young Adult author Simon Rose with you all. Make yourself a cuppa, sit back and enjoy our chat!

Thursday 2 November 2017

Why are We All Hooked on the Game of Thrones Phenomenon?

Last Updated: 19 July 2024

Game of Thrones books

Every once in a while, one of those ridiculously popular shows comes along and arrives on our screens. You know the ones – the ones which literally everyone watches. One of the best examples of this in recent years is the hit show Game of Thrones; the programme everyone is talking about.

Wednesday 1 November 2017

How Do You Write a Memoir? by Elizabeth Fournier

Last Updated: 22 September 2024

The Green Reaper by Elizabeth Fournier book cover

When I wrote my memoir, The Green Reaper: Memoirs of an Eco-Mortician, I did the classic show up and throw up. I sat on a gold-coloured balance ball wearing one of many pairs of cosy, black stretch pants with a Super Big Gulp perched next to me, and out spilt all my thoughts as I just typed and typed on my laptop. The finger strokes on the keyboard became rhythmic. Words appeared on the monitor and I was tickled at how fast the page filled, and how often I refilled my soda.

Tuesday 31 October 2017

Money Saving Tips for the Festive Season

Last Updated: 19 July 2024

Owl Christmas tree decoration

AD* | It doesn't seem like more than five minutes since we were basking in the warm glow of summer (or as warm as the British summer gets, anyway) but believe it or not, the festive season is almost upon us once again. While the thought of trees and decorations, cosy jumpers and nights watching films with your loved ones might fill you with happy memories and anticipation, there's always one thing that can spoil your Christmas - the dreaded festive pinch.

Monday 30 October 2017

Reading Round-Up: September/October 2017

Last Updated: 19 July 2024

The Woolly Hat Knitting Club book blogger bundle

Happy Halloween! Winter is on the horizon and we all know what the colder months mean - more time for reading! With this in mind, it's also time for the penultimate reading round-up of 2017.

Saturday 28 October 2017

Interview: Charlie Laidlaw

Last Updated: 19 July 2024

It's time for another interview here on The Writing Greyhound! Today, I'm pleased to welcome author Charlie Laidlaw to TWG to chat about Scotland, fiction writing and his novel The Things We Learn When We're Dead.

Thursday 26 October 2017

Grab a Budget-Friendly Bouquet this Autumn

Last Updated: 17 July 2024

Home Bargains flower bouquet

AD* | With the temperatures plummeting and the nights drawing in, this time of year can often feel dull, grey and gloomy. Even when you're all cosied up at home, it's all too easy to find yourself drifting off and dreaming of glorious summer afternoons and bright spring mornings.

Wednesday 25 October 2017

Interview: Jessica Koch

Last Updated: 17 July 2024

So Near the Horizon by Jessica Koch book jackets

Today, I'm pleased to be able to bring you an exciting interview with indie author Jessica Koch, celebrating the release of her novel So Near the Horizon.

Tuesday 24 October 2017

Why Should You Be Embracing Ethical Fashion?

Last Updated: 17 July 2024

Living Life Our Way T-shirt

AD* | Saving the planet, going green, becoming more eco-friendly - these are all things we've heard before. But while you might think you're doing good for the environment by recycling and turning the tap off while brushing your teeth, have you thought about the impact your wardrobe could be having on the planet?

Monday 23 October 2017

Book Review: Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissinger

Last Updated: 17 July 2024

Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissinger book cover

In the state of Texas, American football is a religion. And nowhere is more fanatical about its football than the small town of Odessa. There, every Friday night from September to November, a bunch of seventeen-year-old kids play their hearts out for the honour of their high school. In front of 20,000 people.

Saturday 21 October 2017

Styling Tights for Autumn

Last Updated: 17 July 2024

AD* | When summer's long, hazy days finally end and autumn is well underway, one of the most exciting things is finding a new wardrobe to go with the new season.

Friday 20 October 2017

Interview: David Meredith

Last Updated: 14 July 2024

Sci-fi and fantasy combine with a unique young adult twist to create author David Meredith's latest novel, Aaru. To celebrate, David stopped by The Writing Greyhound for a chat and a catch-up about books, writing, and all the other important things in a writer's life.

Thursday 19 October 2017

Introducing Daydreaming Designs

Last Updated: 14 July 2024

Daydreaming Designs tote bag

AD* | As a massive bookworm, I'm also a big lover of pretty much anything book-related. From bookmarks and bags to decorations and artwork, bookish swag adorns my home, making it a real haven of peace, relaxation, and, of course, plenty of books!

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Interview: A.H. Richardson

Last Updated: 14 July 2024

A.H. Richardson book covers

Fans of Agatha Christie and English countryside settings rejoice because today I am pleased to welcome author A.H. Richardson to The Writing Greyhound for a chat about everything bookish.

Tuesday 17 October 2017

One Week in Wales: Day Seven

Last Updated: 14 July 2024

Pen-y-Fan

Missed the last instalment? Catch up here

The morning of our last full day dawned crisp and clear, weak sunlight filtering down over Brecon and casting a hazy glow over the distant mountaintops surrounding the town. Despite still feeling a little tired from yesterday's excursions, we vowed to make the most of the day and round off our holiday in style before the long drive home the following day. To that end, as we enjoyed a sumptuous breakfast supplied by the lovely Gail, we finalised the plans we had already outlined the night before.

Saturday 14 October 2017

Interview: Ted Galdi

Last Updated: 14 July 2024

On the lookout for the perfect thriller to sink your teeth into this weekend? Author Ted Galdi is here to talk all about his writing, his inspiration, and his latest novel An American Cage.

Friday 13 October 2017

One Week in Wales: Day Six

Last Updated: 14 July 2024

Country park in the Brecon Beacons

Are you up to date with One Week in Wales? Catch up with the series so far.

Armed with plenty of knowledge and insider info from the locals about the best places to visit, we had outlined a brief plan for the day before bed the previous night. This part of the Beacons is apparently full of must-see attractions, so we wanted to catch the highlights and make the most of our trip before we moved away up to Brecon itself for our penultimate night.

Thursday 12 October 2017

A Flash of Inspiration - That Moment! by Martin White

Last Updated: 22 September 2024

Life Unfinished by Martin White book jacket

Life Unfinished was published recently, after a gestation of some twelve years. It is a fictionalised biography of the Austrian composer, Franz Schubert, exploring his problematical relationships, his sexuality, the places he visited, and, of course, his music! To many people that would sound esoteric, overly intellectual, a topic hard to sell in today’s cut-throat market. How was it that I chose it as the subject of my first novel?

Wednesday 11 October 2017

One Week in Wales: Day Five

Last Updated: 14 July 2024

Pembrokeshire countryside

What happened on day four? If you aren't up to date with the series, you can get caught up here.

Just as we'd hoped, day five dawned bright, sunny, and vastly different to the dismal downpour of the previous day. After breakfasting and packing up our gear, we decided to make the most of the upturn in weather by sticking around to explore the last remnants of the Pembrokeshire coast before heading inland later that day for the second leg of our trip.

Tuesday 10 October 2017

Spotlight: Angels' Whispers by J.F. Cain

Last Updated: 14 July 2024

War Eternal by J.F. Cain book cover

Alex Meyers, a dynamic, global entrepreneur, has an advantage that no other human has ever had: he is protected by Aranes, the Superior of the Angels. While he is skiing, he dies in an avalanche, but his all-powerful protector breaks one of the ethereal world’s most important rules and brings him back to life. Alex falls head over heels in love with the beautiful Angel, who appears to him in human form. But she disappears just as suddenly as she had appeared.

Monday 9 October 2017

One Week in Wales: Day Four

Last Updated: 14 July 2024

Porthclais in Wales

Missed day three? Catch up here before continuing on to day four!

After the hectic goings-on of the previous day, it was no surprise that we slept like logs, tucked up safely away from the elements in our B&B for the night. This was just as well, really, as day four dawned grey, cloudy, and full of rain. In fact, the rain continued without stopping all day, making us even more glad about our decision to forego further camping attempts for the rest of the trip.

Sunday 8 October 2017

One Week in Wales: Day Three

Last Updated: 15 June 2024

Strumble Head in Pembrokeshire, Wales

If you haven't started the series yet, catch up here before continuing with the story!

Do you remember where we left the story after day two? A peaceful, quiet, perfect evening. Well, day three couldn't really have been more different.

Saturday 7 October 2017

One Week in Wales: Day Two

Last Updated: 15 June 2024

Llangrannog coastline in Wales

If you haven't read day one's adventures, start at the beginning first!

After the long drive into Wales the previous day, it was no real surprise that we slept well. Plus the room was amazing, which really helped!

Friday 6 October 2017

#NextLevelManners: Business Etiquette for Millennials by Rachel Isgar

Last Updated: 22 September 2024

Do you prefer to receive text messages over phone calls? Would you rather check in with your Facebook ‘friends’ than reach out to them one-on-one? How many times an hour do you feel it necessary to check in on social media through Instagram or Twitter? When you are online at the local Starbucks, do you look forward to catching up on your smartphone and see everyone else doing the same?

Thursday 5 October 2017

One Week in Wales: Day One

Last Updated: 15 June 2024

Couple holidaying in Aberystwyth, Wales

One week, one couple, one summer holiday.

That was the recipe for our summer holiday this year as we prepared to head across the border for a sightseeing trip of mid to south Wales, Pembrokeshire and the Brecon Beacons. Fitting all that into one week was always going to be challenging, and our jam-packed itinerary said everything we needed to know about that, but we love adventure, walking and travelling so this was the perfect getaway for us. 

Wednesday 4 October 2017

Tuesday 3 October 2017

What are Screen Dry Eyes?

Last Updated: 15 June 2024

Optrex eye health products

Have you heard of the term 'screen dry eyes'?

Monday 2 October 2017

Getting to Grips With the Heart of a Detective by Nick Louth

Last Updated: 22 September 2024

The Body in the Marsh by Nick Louth book blog tour banner

Many readers like their detectives tough; emotionally unavailable, unshockable, an eye unseared by any of the harrowing things they have to see. Detectives are allowed to be alcoholics (indeed it is almost encouraged), divorced, yes. Smokers, of course. Scruffy, yes, within reason. They can have all sorts of human weaknesses, except, it seems, displaying emotion in front of the reader.

Saturday 30 September 2017

Spotlight: Black & White by Nick Wilford

Last Updated: 15 June 2024

So I have come to the very last day of my tour for Black & White, and it’s great to be spending it here at The Writing Greyhound. May I say, what a superb name for a blog, especially for a proud father of five fur babies like myself. I thought I would close with some thoughts about what this whole writing journey might mean and what drives me to keep pushing forward into the unknown.

Friday 29 September 2017

Interview: Holly Seddon

Last Updated: 15 June 2024

It's a brand new day which means it's time for a brand new blog post! Today I'm welcoming thriller author Holly Seddon to The Writing Greyhound for a chat about her novel Don't Close Your Eyes.

Thursday 28 September 2017

Event Review: NFL International Series - Baltimore Ravens @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Last Updated: 15 June 2024

NFL American Football at Wembley Stadium

First, before I get into my review of the game, there's an important issue that needs to be addressed.

Wednesday 27 September 2017

Spotlight: Wicked Takeover by Tina Donahue

Last Updated: 09 June 2024

Wicked Takeover by Tina Donahue book cover

She’s just inherited a tattoo parlour…and the hunk who comes with it.