An Author's Notebook

Today I'm sitting at my computer in three jumpers, looking through the window at snowflakes swirling around the garden. As ever, I'...

Gratuitous picture of dogs... I was walking the dog this fine morning when we encountered a cockapoo bounding towards us. It was the epi...

Two themes are dominating my notebook this week - literary festivals and our imminent move to a new house. In amongst pages of removal quote...

A much-loved grandmother leaves behind a precious legacy. My own one passed away a few years ago, but every so often I honour her memory by ...

People watching:  Sally Curson, founder of Face Matters skincare As I grow older I find myself becoming obsessed with little details such...

Review:   Channel 4 TV series, Humans As the summer holidays get underway, I catch myself thinking wouldn't it be nice to have a synth...

I finally worked out who Bradley Cooper was the other day. Yes, I know - I have been living under a rock. Last Saturday, my husband and I w...

Review:   The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time My husband had a little cry a few weeks ago. This is not uncommon. He is not ...

Which is more important: a mother's love or a life of opportunity? A few weeks ago I went to see the film  Philomena , a true story abou...

Review: Prett y Woman (1990) I have been indulging myself this week. My husband was away at the weekend so I sat down to watch one of my ...

Review:  The Innocents  by Francesca Segal As a mother, I slightly dread the teenage years. All that recklessness and rebellion to contend...

Review: Amity & Sorrow by Peggy Riley There is something oddly titillating about the idea of polygamy, especially when it runs counte...