Helen Walmsley-Johnson

BBC Radio 4 - I Got the Dog by Susie Maguire - Available now Available episodes of I Got the Dog by Susie Maguire

Slightly terrifying/ultimately quite revelatory about re-reading/re-listening-to writings done 15 years ago by yr younger self. 'SO, that's who I was then' is the redux.

These - first broadcast 2010 - are listenable for 28 days if you have 3 x 15 minutes for fiction.

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...

Paw holding is wonderfully healing, especially in conjunction with tea, hugs and biscuits. *holds paw and puts kettle on* x

You and me both. Incomprehensible.

I'm sure you'd remember if you had.

Shooting hares in England to be banned for most of the year Exclusive: Ministers also expected to announce trail-hunting ban in sweeping changes to animal welfare law

Finally! Yes!

In fact, I have the exact same - plus a very large and unattractive cardigan. x

Your *advice* is much appreciated.
It's bloody cold down here too.

I can strongly recommend both for your holiday reading.
Start with My Father's House and follow on with The Ghosts of Rome. What a storyteller.

I've never met them but I *love* your friends.

'Priorities, darling. Priorities.'
As an aunt always used to say.

Gosh. That must be very cheering. Love a Fortnum's parcel, me. x

You and me both!

Yup. But I think if I'd been told that years ago, I'd still do it.

Almost 1/4 a century of hammering away at this now. 15 published books. First few weren't great, tbh. Most recent 7 I'm hugely proud of and I'm aware a lot of people love them.

Still not enough to give me a living wage, on its own.

Daily Mail owner strikes £500m deal to buy Telegraph titles Acquisition likely to trigger in-depth investigation by regulator after agreement between DMGT and Redbird IMI

Well, this is pretty terrifying. The Daily Mail is buying the Telegraph.

One massive consolidated right-wing media empire controlled by off-shore interests at a critical moment in global politics.

What could go wrong?

www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...

Note from my notebook (2018). Still relevant.

Half cat, half Wolverine.
The Sodoffskaya says: Happy Caturday!

Thank you!

Hah! Yes, I saw that but have yet to listen to it. I'll make time tomorrow [I can always make time for Mark Steele].

Thank you. That is exactly what I need. I am shortly going for a windy walk along the ridge and will no doubt return with hair like an exploded mattress.

Likewise!

Graphic with the headline “London is the greatest city in the world” set against a bright view of the River Thames with the Shard, Tower Bridge and the city skyline. The text celebrates what makes London special: regularly voted the number one city in the world, incredible diversity with over 300 languages spoken, world-class transport, world leader in finance tech and life sciences, best museums and galleries many free to visit, world-leading nightlife, food sport and music for every taste, host to the world’s best sporting events, home to seven Premier League clubs, globally-ranked universities, a city where you can be yourself and love who you love, and a place for everyone.

I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again.

Ignore the haters, London is the 🐐

It's a period of history I know well and now you've got me thinking...

That *is* good news. x

Thank you! I've seen some wonderful dance productions in Edinburgh.

I wish I was there to see it.

Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP) Find out more about Developing your Creative Practice

£2000 - £12,000 available from the Arts Council to Develop Your Creative Practice.

Online application in link below.

Please share :)

International Debut Novel Competition - Irish Writers Centre Each year, the Irish Writers Centre Novel Fair competition gives up-and-coming writers the opportunity to pitch their novel to top publishers and agents.

Submit 5,000 words of your manuscript and a synopsis with the aim of jumping the publication slush pile and meeting agents and publishers face-to-face for the Debut Novel Competition at the Irish Writers Centre. Closes 14th September.

Details in link.

Please share :)

A comic strip from Batman comics. Robin is saying 'It's August in Orkney and it's sunny with no wind' then Batman slaps him and says 'Midges.'

The struggle is real

Good choice! I have the other one: Moderate or good, occasionally very poor.
Appropriate for this writer's life.