In the bookshop

I have given myself the afternoon off. I have sat for hours in good faith at my desk, all in … More

The Milkmaid

The book has vanished. I don’t mean left the house, or popped out to see a friend. I mean vanished. … More

Packing to leave

‘Passport?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘Flight info?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘Euros?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘Underpants?’ The book glares at me. ‘What do you take me for?’ ‘It … More

Because failure is assured

Recently I have been reading the exquisite prose of Janna Malamud Smith, in her book-length meditation on creativity: An Absorbing Errand: … More