My Pilgrimage to Paris

I have just returned from a rather cold and expensive Paris. The primary reason for my visit was to visit the world famous and unique bookshop - Shakespeare & Co.

You can choose from literally 1,000s of new and secondhand books, mainly in English. But what makes it rather unique is that many aspiring (and some later famous) authors have slept in the actual shop surrounded by the many varied and classic books.

I searched amongst the chaos and was delighted to find a rare Gerald Brenan volume which was mine for an extremely reasonable 10€. I read the first few chapters ensconsed in an old leather chair in the library area upstairs in the historical shop, savouring the atmosphere.

Naturally then I did a few touristy things. But for me, even with all that Paris has to offer (and it is a lot), the bookshop was my highlight - a successful pilgrimage.

Wordplay, Me and the CBN

One of my local groups, Wordplay, has had a regular slot in the Costa Blanca News (CBN) for a few months and today's edition features me!

It appears on Page 50 and gives a short bio and then some sage advice on eBook readers as well as promoting the Wordplay group and their activities.

If you are local to this area why not buy a CBN for a change from the local 'freebies' enjoy a good read and maybe even stop at Page 50. Don't worry there are no photos to frighten the readers!


For more about Wordplay visit: Wordplay

Flash 500 Competition

I did secretly hold out hopes that my latest entry might attract the judges eye so that I might make the short list - that I would have been pleased with. But no - my entry has not appeared so I can recycle that story into another competition when the time is right.
I was pleased to see that one of my Writers Abroad friends did however fare much better - always nice to see a name you know on the short list. Perhaps she can pass on the secret!

2011 Starts with a Bang

Happy new year to everyone.

The Writers Forum February edition (yes I know it's January 5th - ask them!) have printed my letter regarding finding characters names - which in my case often means referring to my company pension magazine lists of new and deceased members for inspiration. Another Moleskine on its way.

My local writing group, Torrevieja Writers Circle, are discussing having a 2011 face lift and the present chairman has decided to relinquish his post after 5 years of service. I too have decided to step down from the Deputy role as I want to commit to other ventures this year.

The TIM website is currently offline (due to hackers) but the January magazine is out and carries my articles on The Torrellano Train Museum, New Year Resolutions and the Bibliomaniac Page.

I am currently planning a 'pilgrimage' to Shakespeare & Co in Paris - confused? Plenty on Google or Wiki or even YouTube.

A busy start to 2011.