Tracey Gemmell

I need silence to both read and write. I wish I didn't!

A most interesting discussion about the controversy surrounding The Salt Path with the journalist who broke the story, @chloehadj.bsky.social. Many thanks to all at the #dulvertonliteraryfestival for hosting.

I needed this today. Thank you!

I read all six of the shortlisted books and this was my second to last favorite, mainly due to so much vague, noncommittal dialogue (something others in the media also commented on). But congratulations to all who made the list.

Pam Ayers laughing on stage.

An afternoon roaring with laughter at the fabulous Pam Ayers as she revisits all my childhood poetic memories, well it doesn't get better than this.

My top two are Audition for its beautiful writing and its brave (bizarre even!) twist, and Flashlight for introducing me to an event I knew nothing about in North Korea. (I can't share that event without giving away some of the plot.)

Like you, I am no stranger to seeking solace/escapism in a good book. Current world events lead to dark thoughts, and that's without the loss you've suffered. That darkness has crept into my writing too but for distraction, I've just finished reading the Booker Prize shortlisted books. Sending hugs.

I'm so very sorry. Wishing you comfort, whether it be from family, friends, or books. x

What a toll it must take, and how grateful we should be to those doing this vital work. Thank you, Dr. Shepherd.

Cherry jam roly-poly on a white plate with swirls of strawberry sauce, a jug of custard, and strawberry garnish.

Something I really missed during my expat years in the US was a good, old-fashioned English pudding, like jam roly-poly. Of course back in 'the day' roly-poly never looked as fancy as this cherry jam version served at the Top Ship in Porlock!

The six Booker Prize shortlisted books on a table in front of a mirror.

BOOK POST ALERT! Why not order the entire #bookerprize shortlist! Now, where to start...? Ideas, anyone?

A fruit scone on a plate with a yellow napkin, a dish of jam and a dish of clotted cream.

A new book (Jennifer L Armentrout’s The Primal of Blood and Bone) is to be released printed with garlic-infused ink. My novel-in-progress is set on Exmoor and I doubt clotted cream reeks enough to impact sales. I'm screwed! 😱 What scents should I add to attract readers? Exmoor pony? Heather? Chips?

After reading Labyrinth I had to visit Carcassonne for myself. It was well worth it so thank you for introducing me to such a wonderful place. (I wish I'd discovered the chocolate too though!)

I read the first in the series but preferred many other authors writing in that genre so didn't read any more. I loved the HP books and thought The Casual Vacancy very good.

I'm calling this weather torrential sunshine but it's leading to amazing rainbows. #Exmoor

Little Women. So many people tell me it's their favourite book. I tried a couple of times to read it but gave up.

Same here. My apples and pears are smaller than usual but that's to be expected I suppose.

After watching several tutorials and eating many chocolate biscuits, I managed to void the exorbitant price increase for my Microsoft subscription. It's the Classic AI-less Plan for me so no more nagging Copilot! But do I believe I'm now AI-free? Do I heck. Probably just deleted my entire novel. 😱

Foraged blackberries and home grown raspberries. #cakefordinner

Thank you! It was quite the thrill.

Springbok herd and quail in the Namibian afternoon sun.

A well camouflaged leopard at AfriCat in Namibia.

Giraffe at sunset.

A mother zebra feeds her baby while another youngster looks on.

Namibia. My heart is full.

Giraffe crossing the road in Etosha National Park.

A lone elephant drinking at a water hole in Etosha National Park.

The iconic umbrella tree against the Etosha Salt Pan.

Tracey Gemmell in Namibia

I'm baaack! I've been exploring new blue skies, these in Namibia. And oh how blue they are!

It's got to be Achy Breaky Heart because if you tell my heart (there's no sticky toffee pudding) my achy breaky heart
(S)he might blow up and kill this (wo)man. 😱

This beauty of a birthday gift will surely elevate my gardening game... Just as soon as it cools down and Wimbledon is over.

As I get ready to be a tourist for a couple of weeks, I thought I should practice by joining in a tourist activity in my own area. The beautiful vistas and scones of @periwinkletearooms.bsky.social never cease to amaze.

The world is watching in stunned amazement. And horror. I know I am.

I was in Chicago, just for the weekend so the quick turnaround left the body clock in a spin! Next Monday I may be tuning in from the car (as my husband drives, I hasten to add) so better not commit to leading in case of connection issues. Sorry!

Sorry I missed you this week. Jet lag is my excuse! I'll set my alarm for next week.

Desencuentro by Residente mixes Spanish and French lyrics. Maybe we should learn both...?

A good word. A necessary feeling.