Category Archives: A Bit of Fun

7 things you didn’t know about books

Books have been around for years as a way to educate, inspire, entertain, and even prop up table legs.

Books are a wonderful thing and although the Kindle offers a certain level of convenience and flexibility – a bit like the crackle of vinyl – there’s nothing quite like getting lost in the spine of a good old book.

You’re probably in agreement that books are brilliant, but here are seven things you probably didn’t know about them… Continue reading

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Creative interlude: Writer’s Block starring Bryan Cranston

Writer’s block is something that plagues all of us from time to time – but there are ways to overcome it.

If you’re currently staring at your screen in disbelief wondering where the next flurry of words is going to come from, forget what you’re doing for a moment and watch this short called Writer’s Block starring the one and only Bryan Cranston. Continue reading

My first three months as a father

This isn’t directly related to literature, music or digital content, but people always say write about you know – and while I don’t want to bore anyone to tears, today I have been sitting at my desk, pondering my first three months as a father. So I thought I would share a few of my discoveries. Continue reading

Getting to know…Ronnie Murray

In previous episodes of Getting to Know, I have offered a glimpse into the world of different word-smiths; however, this time, I’ve opted for a slightly different flavour (pardon the pun).

Creativity comes in many forms, which is why I caught up with Ronnie Murray, Head Chef at HIX Group, to find out more about what goes on in the kitchen, as well as in his mind… Continue reading

The procrastinator’s dream ticket

A belated Happy New Year to all.

It’s 2016 – and once again it’s time for new beginnings. Perhaps you’re finally going to throw those cigarettes in the bin, take up that death defying overseas challenge, or even finish your novel (you know, the one you’ve been working on for the past five years). Continue reading

The Jam D I Hughes

A musical interlude: English Rose

The Jam are one of the UK’s greatest musical exports.

In just five years, this furious three-piece went from playing working men’s clubs, pubs and various dives in Woking, Surrey (their home town) and London to becoming one of the most defining band’s in music history.

Many of Paul Weller’s lyrics possess a kind of aggressive urgency, yet each and everyone of them are as astute as they are poetic.

If you’re tired and stressed, take a load off and listen to English Rose. Kick back and let the haunting simplicity of these romantic words wash over you – you’ll feel better for it… Continue reading

Tobias Wolff

A literary interlude: Tobias Wolff

This week’s literary interlude comes from the one and only Tobias Wolff.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama on 19th June 1945, this prolific writer of classic American prose is best known for his distinctive short stories and memoirs, most notably This Boy’s Life – an autobiographical tale of a gifted young man and his extraordinary existence. Continue reading

compelling characters

5 quick fire ways to create a compelling character

It’s a Monday morning (or afternoon) and your mind is muddled from the weekend’s events.

You’re on your third coffee and you’ve been staring at that same page of text for the past two hours wondering how to bring the characters in your story to life.

Never fear, here are five quick fire ways to create a compelling character for your reading pleasure… Continue reading