News
In answer to the question ‘What have I been up to?’… This.
With, predictably, no flicker of interest shown by the four or five agents I tried earlier in the year, and, at 71, having no more time to waste if I was to realise my ambition of getting a novel in print, I went down the free Kdp/Amazon free publishing route. Set in the approach to Christmas 2019, but, with gory murders, lots of swearing and dark humour, definitely not in the ‘cosy crime’ category.
Maybe a few of the older 26 members who remember me might want to give it a try. If so, any honest reviews ( for a ‘woke’ vegan like me, there’s no such thing as bad publicity) welcome.
– Tony Clarke
The paperback of my book ‘To Hear the Trees Speak’ is coming out on 12 February 2026. To celebrate, I’m having an online launch event, hosted by the Tariki Trust, at 6pm GMT on 11 February. It’s free, and it would be great to see you there. You can sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-book-launch-to-hear-the-trees-speak-by-olivia-sprinkel-tickets-1628553209489?aff=odcleoeventsincollection
– Olivia Sprinkel
Recommendations
Northern Exposure. This light drama series came out in the mid-90s, ran for a number of series and then disappeared much to the dismay of its fans (like me). Apparently it was a complex job to sort out music rights. But now it’s back, all five series available on Amazon and it’s a joy, like meeting old friends. It’s set in a small town in Alaska with a cast of oddballs who, even the dislikable ones, are strangely appealing. At the centre is Joel Fleischman, a New York doctor who’d much rather be in Manhattan. Just right for winter evenings with a hot drink, alcoholic or not.
– John Simmons
The documentary ‘The New Yorker at 100’ on Netflix takes a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary magazine, including the fact-checking department, the evolution of its style guide and how the cartoons are selected. It shows how the magazine has played a key role in breaking big stories. For example, I didn’t know that Rachel Carson’s book ‘Silent Spring’ was first serialised in The New Yorker. A welcome break from festive fare.
– Olivia Sprinkel
What does Boxing Day mean to you?
I’m typically in Finland for Boxing Day, visiting family. 26 December in Finland is ‘Tapaninpäivä’ which means St. Stephen’s Day. My mother always commented that it wasn’t very festive to celebrate St. Stephen, who was stoned to death. However, there is a more festive tradition, which is to go for a sleigh ride. We did this once, and it was fun to go ‘dashing through snow’!
– Olivia Sprinkel
Christmas Lines
It’s a bit controversial, but my favourite Christmas line cuts through all the usual syrup, and makes me honk with laughter each time I watch it. It comes from the Royle Family Christmas special from years ago. Denise and David are going round to Denise’s parents for Christmas dinner, and the mum says ‘Where are the kids?’ and Denise (played by the legendary Caroline Ahearn) says “Christmas isn’t a time for children.”
Genius.
– Martin Lee
I had been collecting Christmas lines, however, the project spiralled so is now a quiz! For 26 favourite Christmas quotes and extracts, tied in with questions, follow the link here.
– Max Parfitt