Libre Paley's Blog: Libre Paley - Thoughts on Literary Erotica, page 7

How much research in fiction?

You may also have seen that Irish author John Boyne (The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas; The Thief of Time) has good-naturedly admitted to a bit of lazy research in his latest novel A Traveller at the Gates of Wisdom (Doubleday). In seeking an historical method for dyeing clothes red, he inadvertently borrowed a recipe … Continue reading How much research in fiction?

Bookcase or showcase?

A common ‘game’ during lockdown has been spotting what’s on the bookshelves in the background of various Zoom and Teams virtual meetings. Whether or not you have a range of classics and worthy works lined up on your shelves in the background – or indeed a range of books at all, has become a subject … Continue reading Bookcase or showcase?

Faring well, my lovely?

Speaking a couple of years ago, British writer and journalist Caitlin Moran, reflecting on the benefit of having read primarily women writers when growing up, said this, in addressing young female readers: “I hugely recommend that girls, if you’re feeling a bit weird about yourselves, just give yourselves a year off from reading male writers … Continue reading Faring well, my lovely?

Dog days and lazy ways

I have never previously given much thought to the so-called ‘dog days’ of summer. Probably because here in the north of England, anything that evokes a period of sultry, drowsy heat rarely becomes relevant! Plus, it is a pretty old-fashioned expression, a legacy of the days when much of our populations were engaged in farming … Continue reading Dog days and lazy ways

For everything there is a seasoning

You will no doubt be aware of the fable of the princess who professed to loving her father as much as she loved, not gold or diamonds, but simple salt. Only having banished his youngest child and having experienced a life without the flavour-enhancing qualities of salt in food – and existence without the life-enhancing … Continue reading For everything there is a seasoning

Land of Lost Books

Most of us have a list of our most memorable books. Such a book is generally distinct from simply a ‘good read’. It made a lasting impression, made you sorry that it had to end, perhaps made you want to read it again, changed your perspective in some way, or even provided something life changing. … Continue reading Land of Lost Books

Honeysuckle, Heat, and Humanity

The lilac is just finishing, but the honeysuckle is emerging into bloom. So’s the lavender and a mock orange making a slow appearance, too, along with even shyer rosebuds. June now. I do not grow flowers for their scent – I plant whatever will grow in our rather shady back garden, frankly. But it’s always … Continue reading Honeysuckle, Heat, and Humanity

Late spring leaves

We are so lucky to have this within easy walking distance, take a picnic to the river on a bank (national) holiday Monday. The first time I have ventured for so long and so far since the guidance relaxed on outdoor exercise here a couple of weeks ago. Mind you, though we took a modest … Continue reading Late spring leaves

Lessons from seclusion

I read for many reasons, but I am nor sure that I, read for escapism. Escapism, the Cambridge English Dictionary tells me, is a way of avoiding an unpleasant or boring life, especially by thinking, reading, etc. about more exciting but impossible activities. So no, not really. Its not that I view reading for escapism Continue reading Lessons from seclusion

Into the time slip

There is always this gamble when writing fiction in a contemporary setting. Any political, popular culture, or specifically topical references you make in the writing are going to date it very easily. Technology, for example, or the economy who can predict the next revolution or crash? Things move so fast. Or they did. I Continue reading Into the time slip