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Journal

The journal

Short notes on writing, reading and walking. New posts go out with the newsletter.

Craft · 5 min read

On writing letters nobody asked for

Why I still write a paper letter to each character before I start a book, and what they write back.

Notes · 4 min read

A morning walk through Your City

Notes from a walk at six in the morning, when the lanes belong to milkmen, sweepers and one very loud parrot.

Craft · 6 min read

The fourth draft is the honest one

How a book changes between the first draft and the one I finally send to my editor.

Reading · 3 min read

What I read this winter

Six books by other writers that kept me company, and why each one stayed with me.

Readers · 5 min read

What book clubs taught me

Questions from readers that changed how I think about my own characters.

Notes · 2 min read

A small tour of my desk

Fountain pens, a chipped cup and the index cards that hold every plot together.

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