I'm reading Northanger Abbey and while looking up pictures of the Pump Room (trying to remember if we visited it in Bath) I came across this great blog for Austen and history enthusiasts. It has an enormous amount of info, links and pictures. Just mind the Downton Abbey spoilers.
Self-indulgence
Observations, rants, fun stuff, links…
Varuna’s writer-a-day project: a short extract from my work
My contribution to Varuna's writer-a-day project is now up on the Varuna blog. It's an extract from my novel-in-progress Not Like Sensation (working title). You can listen to me reading it (only 2.5 mins) or just read the text, here. I was at Varuna Writers House in 2008, as a recipient of Peter Bishop's Pathways … Continue reading Varuna’s writer-a-day project: a short extract from my work
Cut, print, that’s a wrap: 2011
In 2011 I... went on the longest and most incredible trip of my life (with the love of my life) to France, England, Scotland, Romania, Hungary, Czech Republic and Germany failed to read 20 classics, but I read half of that and will continue the project in 2012 had fiction published in Seizure and on … Continue reading Cut, print, that’s a wrap: 2011
Christmas whimsy
These Fleischer cartoons are irresistible at this time of the year. *rosy cheek glow* I've blogged it before and I'll blog it again, because it's the best Christmas video ever: 'Do you like modern music?' 'Oh, I think it's marvellous. Some of it's really fine.' And this one is for you, darling G... Merry Christmas, … Continue reading Christmas whimsy
Abstract extracts from my travel journal: June to August 2011
This is cross-posted from Southerly, where I've been blogging in December. This post is partly a peek into my process. If you read more of my writing you may notice thoughts, imagery, themes popping up that originated from this trip and my recordings. But I like to think these carefully chosen ‘abstract extracts’ – deliberately taken … Continue reading Abstract extracts from my travel journal: June to August 2011
Thrustin’: Jamie Lee Curtis & John Travolta
Was suddenly in the mood to be disturbed by this clip from Perfect again. Seriously, how long does the thrusting go on for? Ah, the '80s. Such subtlety. And suppleness.
Why I am Gil in Midnight in Paris
Neuromantic I danced with Djuna Barnes checked out all the exits & was amused by Dali's rhinoceros moustache I wanted to hug Gertrude Stein Hopeful defeatist babbling poetic (writing a novel) Glad someone noticed my sad eyes
Reading fiction is addictive and unhealthy, says Corn Flakes guy
I just came across this astonishing passage, quoted by John Fiske in Understanding Popular Culture. It's from the Ladies Guide in Health and Disease by John Harvey Kellogg (yes, of Corn Flakes fame), published in 1882. There are also chapters on 'marriage', 'personal beauty', 'diet', clothing', and, ah, 'criminal abortion'. He says: 'The reading of … Continue reading Reading fiction is addictive and unhealthy, says Corn Flakes guy
I’m back! A quick note…
I'm up at 1:27 eating cheese, which means I'm back, and jet-lagged baby. My intentions for the blog while travelling were very good, but, you know... Europe, summer, etc. Once my head feels right again (I also have a rotten cold) I'll be back in blog-land with news, reviews, some travel-related discoveries and more. I … Continue reading I’m back! A quick note…
A quick hello from Romania
I'm not feeling too well today. Isn't it dumb to be ailed and glum while travelling? Yesterday was an amazing day. From the magical city of Brasov, Gerard and I were driven through the Carpathians on what was advertised as a 'Dracula tour'. Basically, sites Vlad the Impaler inhabited (or just passed through). Vlad may … Continue reading A quick hello from Romania
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