It annoys me when authors invent an olde-worlde society in which all the characters seem basically to be modern people with a greater tolerance for violence and a capacity for magic. But then I am reminded, when writing pseudo-medieval stories or reading those written by others,...
An actor called Paul Darrow, "science fiction icon", died this week. This set me off on an obscure trip down memory lane, and in particular to an evening long ago in my grandparents’ spare bedroom, which I spent learning some of DG Rossetti’s poem “Sister Helen.”...
Today I am going to cheat, and give you items written by other people. CS Lewis is famous for many kinds of writing, but poetry is not his most admired form. But when I'm feeling spiritually low, I like this one, though I can't remember where...
Last Saturday night, I took part in a talent competition (I didn’t win. Congratulations to two lovely dance troupes, and an excellent saxophonist, who did.) It was very well-organised, the proceeds went to charity, and a good time was had by all. There was cake. Usually...