All writers hit a wall – a metaphorical one, I mean. Though some might hit a wall on a really frustrating day. But the important thing is to know when to push on with a project and when to put the writing aside. People have deadlines. I get that. But creative writers with some time … More When to put writing aside to improve it
As we edge into summer, I can’t help but think of a Finnish island I often visit in books. The island was the summer stomping ground of Tove Jansson, the fiercely creative artist and author of the Moomins books that both children and adults still cherish. In her books and letters – see Letters from … More Books – Tove Jansson’s island summers
Here are ideas on how to keep writing. Lockdown is a life experience that can fuel creativity – creativity that in turn can fuel us… … More Ways to keep writing during lockdown
The Goodship Illustration art club is a fun, weekly event run online by three illustrators. … More The cheery, online art club!
Our garden is small but it’s packed with colour this November. I challenged myself yesterday to photograph the different hues and life in it, rather than grumble about the lack of space. I realised, again, that this tiny garden is full of treats I often overlook. Full of creatures I know nothing about, going about … More A tiny garden, teaming with colour!
This summer I photographed my partner relishing a brief seaside trip following his toughest ever months working for the ambulance service. I wanted to capture his seaside glee! He’s back to work now, but it was touching to see him wandering into the waves, free from stress, amid the most challenging times of his career. … More Photographing joy!
Whether you want to write, draw or take photos, here are ways to get creative. … More Ten ways to get creative
Allotments, or community gardens, are a big feature of life in the UK city of Bristol. We just switched to a new patch and I wanted to share photos of the beautiful produce and flowers the outgoing tenant left us! We have a tiny city garden, so it’s a joy to cycle to our allotment … More Our new community garden!
Making simple marks on paper can build drawing skills and spark the imagination. … More From mark-making to drawing
On a sunset walk in the suburbs this week I found beautiful shapes and colours in the trees. Squirrels were chasing each other around tree trunks and rifling about in the treetops. I love autumn! The light is beautiful at the moment, like morning or evening light that lasts all day. I always think of … More October light in the trees
Cats are a joy to draw. Some of my favourite cat illustrations are comforting images in The New Yorker magazine. Cats are cosy and coiled or beautiful and streamlined. They represent both home and the wild. … More Drawing cats
I keep meaning to make signs around the house reminding me to let go, to take a deep breath or to be kind to myself. So this week as I turned to collage for relaxation it felt like the perfect opportunity to make a sign. I have piles of The New Yorker magazine which I … More Making signs for the home
