1/8 With all this talk about ‘sanitising’ the work of Dickens and other classics, here’s an interesting tale. In 1860, Charles Dickens sold his London home. Three years later, the woman of the house, one Eliza Davis - who was Jewish - wrote to Dickens ... 2/8 asking if he’d like to donate funds to a Jewish convalescent home which might, in some small way, atone for his portrayal of the Jew, Fagin, in OLIVER TWIST. Her letter contained the passage : “Charles Dickens, the large-hearted, whose works plead so eloquently and so ...

1/4 I've always loved writing and always had trouble spelling. Back in the days of pen and paper, I'd write frantically to get ideas down, my writing getting more and more illegible as my thoughts raced ahead of my hand. Then I'd read it back... 2/4...and some of the spelling was almost comical. I could see that 'because' wasn't spelt 'beacus', say, but - without a dictionary to hand - I couldn't put it right. What mattered first and foremost was the story; the creativity. The joy of the narrative...

1/7 Power & Personality disorders:

"According to Lobaczewski, the transition to pathocracy begins when a disordered individual emerges as a leader figure. While some members of the ruling class are appalled by the brutality and irresponsibility of the leader and his acolytes... 2/7 ...his disordered personality appeals to some psychologically normal individuals. They find him charismatic. His impulsiveness is mistaken for decisiveness; his narcissism for confidence; his recklessness for fearlessness...

COVID CHRISTMAS 1/8
"Botheration!" said Joseph. "I've just heard we're in Tier 3 so are stuck in Bethlehem for the foreseeable future."
"We'd better nab a hotel room quick," said Mary.
"Hospitality venues are closed, " said Joseph, "but I've found us a place in a stable." COVID CHRISTMAS 2/8
"Not bad," said Mary, removing her face mask now she & Joseph were alone in the stable. "Plenty of ventilation & comfy straw."
"Plus milk from the cow & eggs from the chickens, so we won't have to shop for essentials," said Joseph, eyeing a bat in the corner.

1. A PLEA FOR NEW TWITTER ETIQUETTE

When someone tweets: "I've lost a shoe"
Don't tweet: "Be grateful you have any shoes"
Or, worse still: "Some people don't have feet, you thoughtless bastard"

It is possible to lament the loss of a shoe whilst STILL thinking of others. 2. A PLEA FOR NEW TWITTER ETIQUETTE

When someone tweets: "I can't see my mum at Christmas"
Don't tweet: "I can't see anyone"
Or, worse still: "BLIND people can never see ANYTHING, you thoughtless bastard"

It is possible to miss seeing your mum whilst STILL thinking of others.

10 Things FOR ADULTS To Do On @RoaldDahlDay
by Roald Dahl Funny Prize-Winner PHILIP ARDAGH
Each idea is in tribute to a particular Dahl tale

1. Grow a beard, so that Mr Dahl will roll over in his grave. (Just ask @MichaelRosenYes Rosen.)

@roalddahlmuseum @roald_dahl @Booktrust 2. If you're a teacher, grab a child by the hair, swing them around, and throw them out of an open window

3. Break into a chicken farm and leave behind a synthetic fox-tail

4. Attempt to kill an elderly relative by messing with their medication

TOP TEN TIPS FOR AUTHORS/ILLUSTRATORS VISITING SCHOOLS
1. Don't worry about remembering teachers' names. Call all female teachers "love" and all male teachers "son", regardless of their age.
#amwriting #ChildrensBooks @Soc_of_Authors @Booktrust 2. As well as asking for "ice-cold beer instead of that lukewarm water", ask for a bucket in case you "need to go" during your event.
#amwriting #ChildrensBooks @Soc_of_Authors @Booktrust