Guy Portman's Blog, page 5
February 19, 2021
Walking, Sleeping, Eating, Reading & Writing.
This blog post’s title sums up my life. Well, there’s also housework, gardening, Netflix, watching sport, bathing and procrastinating in there too. But I digress …
It’s been a longtime coming but I finally got some new bedlinen, which if you follow me on Twitter you may have already seen. If you missed it don’t worry, here it is again:
It is ‘hotel quality’, or so the packet it came in claims. Not sure whether they mean The Ritz or Premier Inn. Regardless; so far so good.
Bought wa...
February 12, 2021
Mangetout Blurb Reveal
Today, I am pleased to unveil the updated blurb for Mangetout (Release date: March 11th).
Trouble has a habit of finding some people.
Kitchenhand Deron thinks he’s hit the jackpot when a routine delivery of vegetables turns out to be contraband. The problem is it belongs to somebody else. And they want it back.
Financier Hamish has got involved in the arms trade and business is good. However, he’s unwittingly made a formidable foe. One who will stop at nothing for revenge.
Ken’s...
February 5, 2021
Mangetout Cover Reveal & A New Blurb.
I’ve written a new book. Mangetout will be unleashed on the world on March 11th. It is a crime caper of sorts. Mangetout will appeal to fans of crime fiction and dark humour.
Trouble has a habit of finding some people.
Hope you like it as much as I do. Red seems to fit the genre. After all red equals danger. Mangetout has the same format and virtually the same word count as my last effort, The Gazebo. It consists of three dark, acerbic tales that explore crime and class.
The pla...
January 29, 2021
Snow, Snacks, Steaks & Sunrises.
I’d forgotten the stuff existed. Hadn’t seen it in years.
The snow came as a big surprise. And a nostalgic one.
While we’re on the subject of nostalgia, it had been a long time since I had these. They were a staple of my formative years.
The dog wasn’t quite sure what to make of the snow.
Reading time.
Vegetarians, please avert your gaze.
Another week, another kebab.
A spot of sunbathing.
There have been some ascetically pleasing sunrises ...
January 22, 2021
5 Good Books Containing Dark Humour.
Not a lot’s been going on this week, so it’s back to the trusted topic that is books. The following five books all contain dark humour. Click on the links to read my reviews.
Suttree
This brutal, bleak and at times humorous episodic tome (600+ pages) is a must for all dark fiction aficionados.
My Review: Cornelius Suttree resides in a dilapidated houseboat on the Tennessee River, on the edge of Knoxville. He ekes out a living fishing in its murky waters; his primary …(more)
Dis...
January 15, 2021
Sweets, Sport, Scenery & Submission.
When it comes to cake, I tend to stick to chocolate. But variety is the spice of life, so they say. The other day, I had a sponge cake for a change. It was a birthday cake – not mine. It was rich and delicious.
Last Sunday, I indulged in some FA Cup in the bath. Tottenham Hotspur vs Marine. Very much a case of David vs Goliath. It wasn’t particularly entertaining.
I really appreciate being able to get outside during Lockdown.
My dog’s always been a fan of this spot. Last ti...
January 8, 2021
Titbits, Tissues & Turmoil.
We are in Lockdown yet again here in the UK, and it looks like it’s going to be the state of play for quite some time yet. As for me, I’ve adapted to it. I’m nothing if not versatile. Living in the countryside does make it easier in my opinion.
Something was interesting Trigga out there. He was stationed by the window for ages. Likely it was a squirrel, pigeon or pheasant.
The first kebab of 2021.
Anyone else a fan of baklava?
I’ve been doing some healthy eating too, ...
January 1, 2021
The 21 Books I Read In 2020
Happy New Year everyone. As is my custom at this time of the year, I am devoting this blog post to the books that I read last year – the good, the bad and the ugly. Click on the titles to read my reviews. My hope is that you’ll find something here to add to your TBR. I am confident that you will.
Bottomless Cups by Joel Bresler – This tepid, purportedly humorous offering is comprised for the most part of musings, quips and banter.
Suttree by Cormac McCarthy – This episodic tome boasts po...
December 25, 2020
The December Dark Fiction Bonanza.
Happy Christmas everyone. I hope Santa brought you everything you wished for. If not don’t worry because I’ve got a present for you. But first I would like to share a picture of my Christmas Cake (Disclaimer: I didn’t make it). By the time you read this, it is probably half eaten.
I have teamed up with my fellow dark fiction authors to offer you a selection of 15 FREE dark fiction books. They include one of mine. The promotion ends on Sunday (27th).
December Dark Fiction Bonanza Link
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December 18, 2020
Port, Pigeons & Pooches.
Christmas is fast encroaching. Perhaps you are the type to get your presents well in advance, or maybe you are more the last minute kind of person. Personally, I like to prepare early. I’m boring that way.
These vintage ports are to be Christmas gifts. They are budget vintage ports, but vintage ports none the less.
These pigeons poled up on my lawn yesterday morning for breakfast.
How about this for a vantage point.
Trigga likes this spot as he stays dry here when it’s ra...
