Having just washed the dog for Christmas, my hands smell of wet dog and dog shampoo despite the efforts of human soap and moisturiser. Which brings me neatly to the impact of scent on writing, or more correctly, how using all senses including that of smell, increases the reader’s immersion in a scene. When I…

It was really hot, here, on Saturday, and that started me thinking of other places I could be. Some authors have a gift for transporting the reader. This isn’t a comprehensive list of those with this talent (remember my brain was frying as I scribbled it), but it’s a beginning: Dana Stabenow, mystery series–AlaskaGerald Durrell,…

My big problem with writing science fiction is that I have trouble believing what already exists, let alone imagining the world beyond today. Take 3D printing as an example. In a few years, before committing to building a new home, you’ll be able to print out a 3D model of it at your desktop. Or…

A greenhouse is my favourite place,so toasty, roasty warm.My thanks, indeed, to the human racefrom me and all my swarm. An old poem of mine, but unfortunately apt to the Copenhagen regrets.

Colours of green, wearing the world.The scent of rainbows. Last year’s fire.Cinder mayflies. Discarded glass.And honey pathways stamped by ants.A twist of wind. A shake of sun.The surge of sap to run in veinsof living green. Unconstructed.