It is three in the afternoon and I have just ordered a cocktail. I have done so not because I particularly want a cocktail, but in celebration of my departure from the status quo, which would about this time see me bracing myself for the school-run and pre-bedtime chaos. So I have ordered a cocktail, […]
I had thought my children were too old to be embarrassing. I was wrong.
Now that the children are older, they are significantly less embarrassing. It has been really quite a while since any of the children deposited a poo in the wrong place, or pulled down my skirt at a drinks reception. Such good behaviour has significantly reduced my opportunities for story-telling, but does at least mean I […]
Whatever happened to Emily Carlisle?
The more eagle-eyed among you will have noticed that I have changed my name. Most people have said nothing, but a lot have asked why, so I thought it was about time I explained the whole story. Here’s the thing: my name was never Emily Carlisle. In the grand scheme of things, this isn’t […]
After birth
I answered the phone this evening to a woman who gave her name as though I should recognise it. She launched into an update on the local maternity hospital, now reopening several months after the suspension of key members of staff. I listened with half an ear, as the children ate their supper and I […]
Book news
I shall keep this short and sweet, but as this blog has charted so much of my writing ups and downs, it feels right to share the news with you as soon as possible… I am delighted to announce that I have accepted a two-book deal with Sphere, an imprint of Little, Brown. I have […]
Heading to Chez Castillon
A few weeks ago I saw a competition on Jane Wenham-Jones’ blog, in celebration of the launch of her extremely funny (and slightly daft) book 100 Ways to Fight the Flab. The book is the perfect antidote for that well-known freelancer’s problem, Writer’s Bottom, and the competition was to write a frivolous diet tip in […]