In my youth, I went through a phase of writing rhyming love poems. I managed to find one such “masterpiece” in my memory box to publish. At the time, I was super proud of what I wrote. Now, it makes me feel a little nauseous and I think to myself: I must have had a lot of…
Read More
What I’ve learned about writing a thriller novel Writing a thriller novel is no mean feat. I can’t count the number of people who told me I should write a thriller. This is because most of my stories involve someone getting murdered or accidentally killed. I have no problem writing a murder scene – that…
Read More
First Day at Secondary School I’ll never forget my first day at secondary school. I felt as if I were floating when I walked up the smooth concrete path towards the wide glass doors with their chipped paint. I was aware of the other children staring at me because I was different, something new, something…
Read More
An accidental dark comedy thriller This is an excerpt from my dark comedy thriller. I didn’t set out to write a comedy, it just sort of happened. I embarked on this story when I signed up for the Curtis Brown, Starting to Write your Novel course last year. It was a great course, plus I won…
Read More
I wrote The Once Man as part of my assignment for the Curtis Brown novel writing course. The Once Man: A Short Ghost Story I drive down the narrow country road flanked by lofty trees. The road is clear up ahead. I wind down the car window and breathe the damp air. My skin tingles….
Read More
I wrote this Old Father Time poem when I was 14-years-old and thought I’d share it. Old Father Time Poem “Christmas – what is it?” I heard him declare, As he walked past this morning with his nose in the air And old legs a wobbling, And grunts in his voice, “Christmas is happiness, laughter,…
Read More
I wrote my Victorian Pauper poem when I was 15 years old, which is why it rhymes. Rhyming poetry was very popular when I was growing up – not so much today. A Victorian Pauper He searches the dustbags and rattles the bins. Not even the peasants will let him in. His clothes are all tatty…
Read More
