Six weeks ago today, 7:15am, I checked into the Wimpole Clinic on Harley Street. It was time for the transplant. Of the hair variety. Why write about it on my writer newsletter? Because of stories. Particularly the ones we tell ourselves. Ones that can be faulty. I've written this off-the-cuff this morning though, so bear with me. No-Brainers So, there are some decisions in life that are straightforward. You don’t question them. What you might call no-brainers. This wasn’t one of them....

It has been a wet & windy Jan down in the West Country, I'm currently up in Yorkshire, and I've recently had a hair transplant (more on that next time). The combination of factors has forced a mini 'hibernation' to kick off my 2026. An unexpected perk has been some extra time for consuming stories. Liv & I just finished Slow Horses, Silo and Pluribus. Two good. One bad. Can you guess which is which? Answers at the end. Bingeing versus savouring a series Some people watch TV like they're...

Claude officially turns one today. It’s his pichu birthday. Or moonday, if you prefer. I’m really grateful you've been along for most, some, or all of the ride so far. So how’s it gone? Low lights “Having” to do self-promo and put myself out there on social media Not knowing where to sign a print copy for a friend. I still don’t know for sure The long stretch of newsletter inertia. I was focused on finishing the damn beasty Trying to encourage reviews while knowing Amazon prohibits...