Nina Stibbe is the writer who made her name with the hilarious Love, Nina: Despatches from Family Life. If you haven’t read it yet you’re missing out. It’s a collection of letters Nina sent home while working as a nanny for the children of London Review of Books editor Mary-Kay Wilmers and it’s laugh-out-loud funny. Alan Bennett lived across the road and often popped in for supper while other neighbours included ...keep reading
Liz Fenwick’s path to publication sounds like a dream come true. She sent her debut novel out on a grey February day, not knowing what to expect, and by the end of the week it has been snapped up by Carole Blake, one of the top agents in the business. But as Liz explained to me, writing The Cornish House, her captivating tale of a rambling manor house and the ...keep reading
As a journalist, I spend my days interviewing people and reporting what they say. Maybe I’m kidding myself but I reckon I’ve got a good ear for dialogue – and for an authentic-sounding quote. But writing novels is far harder. For a start, you’ve invented the characters yourself (unless you’re writing a Hilary Mantel type tome, of course) – so you have to invent convincing dialogue for them too. And ...keep reading
A new Saturday round-up of the week at House With No Name. House With No Name Book Review: Cecelia Ahern’s The Time of My Life House With No Name Film Review: We Need to Talk About Kevin House With No Name Writing Tips: How to Write a Great Plot House With No Name Cake Appreciation: The Hummingbird Bakery’s Halloween Specials House With No Name at the Cheltenham Literature Festival: Carol ...keep reading