Katie Anderson-Morrison

Today the order banning #PalestineAction as "terrorists" came into effect. But they are not terrorists. They are protesters trying to stop a genocide. This is a "first they came for ..." situation. Unless we stand in solidarity against this assault on our freedom, they will pick us off one by one.

Highly recommend this book!

The sun is shining, I’m feeling reasonably okay and I’ve got big plans for the next few scenes in my novel redraft. So, I’ve decided to preemptively name today a Very Good Writing Day. Who’s with me?!

I hope the payback passes soon, Alice. It often feels unendurably grim, doesn’t it?

I cried reading this letter to @rthonwesstreeting.bsky.social and @ashleydaltonmp.bsky.social. Please, please fund the plan, people with ME/CFS have waited too long already.

A huge thank you to Tessa Munt and the other 71 LibDem MPs for this much-appreciated and much-needed support.

On a New Collection of Old Things Or, on how I came to be the owner of a box of vintage faces.

A vague whim and an impulse Ebay purchase later, and I seem to have started a new collection of old photographs. (I also seem to have written about it over on Substack).

a man in a tuxedo and bow tie is clapping his hands together . Alt: Ryan Gosling in a tuxedo and bow tie is clapping his hands together .

Congratulations!

They say it HOW

A page from the booklet which includes, among other things, some first aid advice. It reads: ‘A Cold Key or a Cold Wet Cloth placed at the back of the neck will often relieve bleeding from the nose.’

Somewhat related: my husband had a nosebleed yesterday and he was not at all keen on my newly-gleaned-but-very-old suggestion that I place a cold key on the back of his neck.

A brown paper booklet, printed with the words: ‘EVERYBODY'S POCKET COMPANION. Compiled by A.MERCER, M.R.S.T. A HANDY REFERENCE BOOK of useful Astronomical, Biblical, Chemical, Geographical, Geometrical, Historical, Mathematical, Physical, Remedial and Scientific Facts, Dates worth knowing. World Sports and Speeds Records, Mythological, Physiological, Monetary, Postal and General Information. INTERESTING AND USEFUL TO YOUNG AND OLD. MADE AND PRINTED IN ENGLAND.’

The contents/index page of ‘Everybody’s Pocket Companion.’ It includes: Abbreviations. common Africa--Countries and Capitals Air- Composition of the Ale and Beer Measures Aliquot Parts of £1, etc. America-Countries and Capitals Ancient Wonders of the World. Angles of a Polygon Apothecaries’ Weights and Measures Approximate Speeds Areas, Calculation of . Asia--Countries and Capitals Atomic Weights and Symbols Australasia Barometer. The Bells and Watches aboard ship. Bible. The, and Curious Facts Biggest Things. The World's Birth Stones Boiling Points Book Sizes. Boxing Weights Bridges. Famous British Dominions Empire Isles--Area. Population. Divisions, Capitals Names of Places British Officers. Relative Buchan's Periods Calories (Heat) Capitals of The Dominions Central America Chemical Elements Chemical Substances. Everyday Names Children. Law about Chief Historical Events Circle. The Co-efficients of Expansion Coins Current in Former Times Comparision of Thermometer Scales Composition of the Air

I have acquired this fascinating little booklet from 1935, filled with all manner of things that were considered ‘general information’ at the time of publication.

A paperback copy of ‘Birding’ by Rose Ruane held up against green, floral wallpaper.

My 34th read of the year was Birding by @regretteruane.bsky.social. I thought it was atmospheric and gorgeous and thought-provoking. A real gem of a book, packed with many-layered relationships and things left unsaid.

This looks like such a great little spot for being ‘outside’ when you’re stuck inside.

It’s so good! Surprised more people aren’t talking about it.

👏

Thank you Kathryn, that’s so nice to hear.

For reasons I’m not entirely clear on, I’ve taken an unplanned 7 month hiatus from my Substack. But! I read back through it this afternoon, remembered I’m actually rather proud of it, and have tentatively started writing a new post.

…hopefully it will not take me another 7 months to publish it.

Sounds terrifying! Glad it was a false alarm.

I’m sure you’ve done wonderful work to make it stand on its own once you step away!

This is exciting news, Kathryn! Although I can definitely imagine it comes with a whole lot of weirdness too.

Thanks, that sounds interesting!Though it doesn’t look like it’s available where I am (the UK).

There’s quite a good overview of how it worked on the link I shared. The system was in use for a long period, so it obviously changed and developed over time.

I don’t know what else you could do in that situation, really. Tea is essential to the writing process.

Ha, yes, based on my WhatsApp chat history/tea requests with my husband, Spike Milligan was definitely ahead of the curve on that one.

In many cases yes, though I believe this depended on the distance being travelled/equipment available at the receiving post office. Later on, messages were sometimes telephoned through, then handwritten onto telegram forms.

The anecdote is recounted here, along with lots of information about the sending and receiving of telegrams, should that happen to be your thing. www.1900s.org.uk/telegrams-tr...

I have had to talk myself out of a research rabbit hole about how telegrams worked.

But! I did come across a great (unrelated to my novel!) anecdote about Spike Milligan, who, when holed up in his attic writing room, used to send telegrams to his wife downstairs, requesting cups of tea.

Third draft of a 1930s historical fiction novel (and trying not to get dragged too far down the research hole of how international telegrams worked…)

Hope it’s been a good writing day for you!

A hand holding up a paperback copy of ‘A Sign of her Own’ by Sarah Marsh against a window. Behind the book there is blue sky, a tree, a hedge and a lawn speckled with dandelions.

My 31st book of the year was A Sign of Her Own by Sarah Marsh, and it really blew me away. A beautifully constructed novel that explores part of the history of the deaf community, and how it intersects with Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone. Highly recommended!

Firmly crossed for you, Danielle! 🤞🤞🤞