…and thank you for visiting. This is a personal website about my obsessions, which currently include, women’s writing and women’s rights, creativity and parapsychology, organic gardening and traditional lifestyles – including all things Cretan, particularly traditional foods. If you look at my biography, this rather disparate list might begin to make sense…
Latest
Should you write a novel or a memoir, why bolshy women are creative, and an investigation into the existence of souls
The autumn issue of Mslexia is out now, including my interview with Meena Kandasamy, author of the explosive novel When I Hit You, shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction and the Jhalak Prize – which is reprinted here, along with my article about turning your own life into literature.
Also new on this website are reports on recent research into the personality characteristics of creative people and the importance of challenging your little grey cells.
In print
… about fiction, non-fiction and journalism, including the background to my fiction and non-fiction books, recent challenges and issues, plus info and insights about my work at Mslexia magazine.
On the mind
… about creativity and parapsychology, including latest academic research and survey results on women writers’ creative processes and research into and survey results relating to paranormal experiences – plus a blog with new info and updates.
Herring Girl
A time-slip novel investigating a century-old murder and the possibility of reincarnation
‘Wonderful – conjures up the past with visceral intensity’ Sarah Dunant
‘A vividly imaginative, sensuous and atmospheric novel’ Helen Dunmore
Mslexia
The magazine for women who write
Mslexia tells you all you need to know about exploring your creativity and getting into print.
‘inspired, inspiring, invaluable’ Sarah Waters
‘the place for poets to see and be seen’ Carol Ann Duffy
‘an essential part of the writer’s toolkit wherever you are in your career’ Val McDermid
Join the conversation…
Hungry Ghosts
An infertile woman becomes obsessed with the troubled young builder to renovate her derelict cottage in Crete.
‘sensuous, absorbing, evocative’ Hilary Mantel
‘weird and compelling’ Daily Mail
The Fourth Queen
En route to the Colonies in 1769, Helen Gloag is kidnapped by pirates and sold into the harem of the Emperor of Morocco – based on a true story.
‘literary Viagra’ Amanda Craig
‘a novel of impressive energy and boldness: a weird and sumptuous historical hybrid’ Independent
My Children, My Gold
Seven days spent with each of seven single mothers in seven countries around the world, documenting life in the ‘fourth world’.
‘one of the most important books I’ve read in years’ Scotland on Sunday
‘seven beautifully-written and absorbing testimonies of courage’ Independent