He should keep it because he’ll be offered even more in another couple of years!

Ah, then that's about the same as how it works at other places.

Me too, me too. And if I asked my mother how to spell something she'd say "Look it up in the dictionary." And I'd say, "How, Bitch?"

I am endlessly apologetic about it and while it's honed my grovelling skills, it hasn't helped my spelling any.

Ah. And sorry to ask an inappropriate question. I didn't think you programmed it but reckoned you'd been often, and could speak to the length and how it works out.

If anyone in Edinburgh fancies an 8 string ukulele (I think it's a concert size) for 60 quid please ask. Local to save on postage. We could meet somewhere and swap cash for a ukulele. Like some kind of twee drug deal.

@jancarsonwrites.bsky.social As a programmer, I'm intrigued that some of the author events (not workshops) are 90 minutes long. How does that work for you guys? People don't get restless?

Me too!!!!

Louie, meet my favourite bird

That's one I've not read but I think someone on here mentioned it recently?

This fix-it mob is White Eagle Repair, by the way, and it's not the first time I've used them. Chap quotes replying washing machine's motor, parts and labour, for less than a new one (machine plus installation and uplift of old) would cost me. And it's good for the planet. #EdinburghTradesmen

Washing machine repairperson here. That means Smudge is under the blanket hiding, and we have rediscovered several cat toys (plastic scoops) she stowed under the machine.

Whether he's cute or whether he's more interested in her father and capitalism?

Eternally glad I'm undatable and old and don't have to deal with this nonsense anymore. (And by nonsense I mean self-delusion.)

Cleaning out one's emails is satisfying. Writing a lot of 'sorry to disappoint you' emails less so. #PerilsOfTheJob

Earthrise 2.0 - Climate Outreach For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser.

Earthset captured through the Orion spacecraft window at 6:41 p.m. EDT, April 6, 2026, during the Artemis II crew’s flyby of the Moon. A muted blue Earth with bright white clouds sets behind the cratered lunar surface. Photo credit: NASA

My workshop on Writing Historical Fiction is approaching! 10.00-16.00 Sat 16th May (on Zoom), £150. We'll be looking at how to seamlessly incorporate research into your story, creating convincing characters and dialogue, and how to be savvy about anachronism. Spaces still available! #CreativeWriting

Read something in a book review that I suspect was supposed to make me quiver with thrills about the sexiness of a relationship, but which made me boak. And think, "Oh PUHLEESE." I am even older and more cynical than I thought I was.

It's a good question. One that the BBC will doubtless get around to asking Nigel Farage when he's PM.

Yes that's where I saw it but the Insta algo is so bonkers, I want to see if I can set up a belt-and-braces notification! Thanks.

Martin knows his beans.

Apparitions Margo Glantz X Is Where I Am Sara Torres Cathedrals Claudia Piñeiro Animal Spiral Luis Othoniel Rosa

Thank you @charcopress.com! I have my next two weeks ahead of me as I kick off the 2026 journey.

I am an absolute sucker for old crime novels. Will seek that out as don’t know Bennett.

I know people here who work with British Library Crime Classics, don’t I? Would you please dm me when opportunities to become an ambassador arise??? Thanks.

The reason I post numerous pix of Smudge with her eyes shut is a) I bore her rigid, or b) I am the blessed recipient of endless slow blinks, which are allegedly a sign of love and contentment. Or maybe c) this is her long-suffering I am trapped with an idiot face?

Yes!!!!!!!

Envious! I adore Mitchell and have not read this!

Heads up. If you’re one of the many many people I’ve tried to convince to come to Belfast for the book festival, now’s the time to make that dream come true. The programme is live and it is cracking belfastbookfestival.com/festival-pro...

Wildly Different by Sarah Lonsdale

Rebel Women Between the Wars by Sarah Lonsdale

🎶 Happy Paperback Publication Day to me...🎶 🎵

Delighted to report that Wildly Different: Five Women who Reclaimed Nature in a Man’s World, and Rebel women between the wars: Breaking Boundaries 1918-1939 are both out between beautiful soft covers today. Thank you @manchesterup.bsky.social

An erotic short story in three acts

So far, paracetamol.