My son died fourteen years ago today. If you’re struggling with the loss of a loved one, I have some promises for you. I promise this will not always be the first thing you think about in the morning.

Authors: here’s a (hopefully) helpful prompt to do your author admin. Set a calendar note to do this every six months or, at the very least, a month before you have a new book out. 💻 WEBSITE
- check all links
- update bio & headshot
- add new publications

There's a lot I think I can do differently to support #BlackLivesMatter in publishing, so I've drawn up an action plan. I've spoken to lots of white authors who don't know how to help, and there might be something in this that resonates. This is not an explanation of why black lives matter: that isn’t something that should need explaining. It isn’t a quick fix, or a magic wand, or the sort of major, systemic overhaul the industry needs in order to amplify black voices.

I regularly hear readers apologising for borrowing books from the library instead of buying a copy. Here are three reasons why you should never feel bad for using a library: 1. UK libraries are closing at the rate of one every 46 days, and other countries are seeing similar cuts. It's vital we show our support, and by using your library card you are doing a Good Thing.