Judith Leask | Fiction Editor

How the unrest unfolded in Amsterdam – video timeline The Guardian analysed footage posted across social media to try to construct a timeline and understand what led to clashes

Lots of conflation of 'Jew' and 'Israeli' going on right now. Let's remind ourselves what happened when the Israeli club played in Amsterdam, and that we banned apartheid South Africa from the Olympics for decades. Nor would we host a Russian club right now.
www.theguardian.com/world/video/...

Building a nation of neighbours 💚

An avenue of lime trees with golden leaves falling, over a stone path.

Under the avenue of trees in Shakespeare's churchyard, a couple were chasing falling leaves, and I couldn't help joining in.
#stetwalk
#amediting

A copy of Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Dickens's novels were big on social commentary, often in a heavy and caricatured way. Kingsolver deftly weaves on her social commentary and points of history in a way that's beautiful to behold. I'm learning so much from this novel.
#writingcommunity

I've heard of people in the olden days who'd tear up their first draft and write it again now that they knew the story, the characters, and what it was all about.

The message in the article is 'that's not actually that many people' and 'the lefty elites have taken over our government institutions' 🙄

I think There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak has a wonderful style that I enjoyed. I'm sure there were things that weren't 100% clear at times but it didn't matter too much.

I do think his brand could be toxic for a lot of people who could otherwise be attracted to the Greens. I think we should make alliances on the left but I'm encouraging everyone to see the Greens as having momentum and appeal, and join us.

A copy of Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver.

I'm sure I'll have lots more to say about this one, but the first is - oh boy, does it have a voice. A friend says she didn't get past the first few pages, and I think a strong voice can take some getting used to. But this one is full of personality - and makes sense.
#writingcommunity

I think the key word here is preference. I find an expressive writing can add to my enjoyment of a story, and 100% clarity isn't always needed. There's lots of advice about writing technique that can really help, but no one completely correct method

I like the 'nation of neighbours' idea. People want investment, opportunity and respect, not division.

Clarity is important, and something that can be sacrificed as writers get more expressive. But expressiveness can also be enjoyable!

I love that you take inspiration and learning from novels. Are you able to tell me what you liked about the writing style in this book? I'm asking as someone who ... tried it (I'll confess I didn't get very far). I'm always curious about what different people like in fiction. It's a genuine question

Do books make good insulation? Asking for a friend
#writingcommunity

I don't, but I know people who use it and find they have a good creative flow that way. Some even walk and dictate. I'm not sure I could do that, but people should do whatever works!

Keep rattling!

A very high proportion, I'd say. And some young people who find hope in Green politics.

That was the number reported in February. I bet it's a lot less now.

I want to know what the Labour number is. Wonder when they'll release that again 🤔

The stream of consciousness always produces something! And you can't edit a blank page ...

Me too - some people relate to it as really sociable people and others find it harder! Don't let it take over your life

I'd believe that's a real condition 😄

YouTube video by Green Party of England & Wales Let's Make Hope Normal Again - Green Party Political Broadcast

Can't pretend I'm not excited about this. I hate the term 'fangirl', but that's how my daughter and I are behaving at the moment 😄. This man is such a good communicator, and suddenly someone is saying all the right things. Membership now 88k 😍
youtu.be/qxt4HCjd7VA?...

A bar of chocolate with Kemi Badenoch's signature on it and the words 'When Labour negotiates, Britian loses' (i.e. Britain is misspelled).

Proofreading matters
#writingcommunity
#editing
#ToryFail

We need way more focus on structural violence

It can be hard to call it done!

... And Wales 😉
I belong to both

I was wondering yesterday whether, to be a national force, we'll need to be one UK party like the other major parties? (I need to know more about the vision for this)

Daughter is delighted to have had a lovely sofa chat with @zackpolanski.bsky.social and I now have a photograph for the Christmas calendar 😄

I think we could have a symbol of solidarity against antisemitism and keep demonstrating against Israeli government policy, showing that it's right to be against both