Happiness Is Wasted On Me was meant to be released on 28th May but having had a chat with the publisher this morning, we both agreed to postpone it. With bookshops being closed, it seemed like a bad idea to put the book out next month. I actually requested the delay, so I could have… Continue reading News about my book
Lockdown is tough on everyone. All of our freedoms have been snatched from us, our TV sets and streaming services help a little, but the more adverts I see telling me to #StayAtHome the more I want to scream. No-one wants to overwhelm our NHS, but of course if The Tories hadn't slashed it to… Continue reading Things That Make Me Happy During Lockdown
Nancy Drew is many things to many people, yet across the decades there have been several consistent elements in her characterisation. For one thing, she's deceptively resourceful. A brilliant brain. A crime busting teen queen. And she owns a wardrobe full of fierce fashions that she's not shy about showcasing. Basically, Nancy Drew likes to… Continue reading Nancy Drew: Sleuth of Style
Dear Shirley Manson, I'm writing this because I want to apologise to you. I've always admired your power, your supreme fierceness, your talent. In the '90s, you were a huge part of my life. You and the band were a soundtrack for voluntary self-distancing. I listened to your voice, took in your words, studied interviews… Continue reading beautifulgarbage by Garbage (an apology)
Sometimes a band are so good that they fear their greatness and run away from it, only to encounter a different sort of glory. The Cardigans were always brilliant. Completely, wholly amazing. Their first three albums brimmed with beautifully crafted pop that left the listener warm and happy because the music never failed to sound...wholesome.… Continue reading Gran Turismo by The Cardigans
So much is happening that I almost can't keep up, but I'm going to try and get myself together using this blog to sort out my thoughts. WARNING: you, as the reader, may need to cartwheel in order to keep up. Okay? Good. Let's go. The Edinburgh International Book Festival Every year, every August, my… Continue reading Lots To Talk About
If I had to choose a handful of albums that I needed, actually couldn't live without, during a bizarre epidemic then surely one of those albums would be the quietly seminial First Album by Miss Kittin And The Hacker. We all have albums that never leave our iPods. This album is one of those, forever… Continue reading First Album by Miss Kittin And The Hacker
A little known part of my life is that period after college when I set myself up as a psychic adviser. Yes, it's true. Did I want to work in a factory? No, I don't have the temperament. The noise in particular wouldn't suit me. You think I'm lying? You should see me in a… Continue reading Kirkland Ciccone’s Psychic Advisery Hotline (or my ‘career’ as a psychic adviser)
A few weeks ago Trump was telling people that Coronavirus was a Democrat hoax. That man perpetuates blatant fraud and gets away with it because his Twitter distracts everybody, including the press. If this virus doesn't make Trump's supporters understand how wholly ineffective he is as a leader, then nothing will. I wish Britain would… Continue reading Coronavirus? F* *k Off!
Now that the news is out about Happiness Is Wasted On Me (it’s available to pre-order hint hint hint), I can’t get myself sorted for actually getting out and about, promoting it. I’ve been speaking to some venues, looking at doing live shows, or literary salons. They’re the only salons I go to! Everything is… Continue reading Walking back to Happiness…
