Actresses Deserve Much More Than Being ‘The Girl’ And a Naked One At That

Posted on September 11, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

In my other life as an actress I have noticed a worrying trend. Well, I say ‘trend’ but actually it has been going on for years: female parts in films were the character has no name and is called ‘The girl’. The girl is usually the only female part in the film and will also have at least one nude scene. Just because it is not humiliating enough to be offered a script where all of the men have names and you don’t, you also have to get your tits out. Nameless and objectified: actresses deserve better than this. WOMEN KIND deserves better than this.

It is hard to describe just how depressing it is to work in an industry where women are reduced constantly to the sum of their parts and not even named. the worrying thing is that this is a common practice. Upon complaining about this on my Facebook, prominent film maker and casting director Rory O’Donnell said: “This is incredibly common. I made fun of it when I wrote The Landlady and gave all the female characters first, last and nicknames and called the only male character ‘The Boyfriend’….but he did get a name during shooting.” If only there were more people like Rory.

But what is to be done? Well we need more female filmmakers for a start. Here are some highlights from an amazing survey done by Stephen Follows on his must-read blog.

Between 2009-13, women made up 26.2% of crew members on British films.
This compares favourably with top US films over the same period (22.2%)
Of all the departments, the Transportation department is the most male, with only 7.7% women.
The only departments to have a majority of women are Make-up, Casting, Costume and Production.
Visual Effects is the largest department on most major movies and yet only has 16.5% women.
6.4% of composers on UK films were women.
14% of UK films had a female director, compared with 3% of top US films.
The percentage of women on British films has barely changed in the past five years.

Read more about his survey here. It was in all of the papers so Stephen is truly doing his part for equality. I often get asked why I don’t leave the industry. The truth is I did take a little break. Of course if my agent had called during that period I would have not said no, but it was a quiet period and I took the moment to reflect on my chosen path. One of them anyway. I often think that if I did not have this magazine and did not make my own projects I might go slightly mad. Luckily I do and I can fight instead. I made Prose & Cons which had a strong female cast and I am making more films with my filmmaking partner Steve McAleavy. The way forward is not to quit the industry, not to let these men give our breasts the starring role while our actual talent is just a nameless supporting character: the key is to raise awareness and FIGHT. Get men to join the battle and equal the playing field. Women deserve more and we won’t stop until we get it. The fightback starts here.

Catherine Balavage is a writer, film director, actress and the owner and editor of this magazine. She is also a published author and wrote the book How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur which has received rave reviews and is a must for actors everywhere.

Modern Parents Yearn For A ‘90s’ Childhood

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Frostie

Most of us at Frost magazine are 1980s babies who grew up in the 90s. We frequently get nostalgic for the decade and it seems we are not the only ones.

Over half of modern parents pine for the simple childhood of the 1990s (52%)
Music memories strike a chord as making tape recordings of the top 40, buying cassettes and Top of The Pops lead ‘90s’ nostalgia list
Children now more likely to Skype their relatives than send letters
‘90s’ jargon stands the test of time as ‘Whatever’ is named as top ‘90s’ phrase still in use today

Making tape recordings of the music charts, having pen pals and growing up without mobile phone technology have been named by British parents as some of their most missed ‘90s’ childhood experiences, according to a new study revealed today.

The new study commissioned to celebrate the premiere of Girl Meets World on Disney Channel asked 2,000 parents to vote for the ‘90s’ childhood experiences that they wish their own children could experience today. The results provide a fascinating overview of the way childhood has changed within a single generation.

From buying singles on cassette to renting videos from the local shop, the ‘90s’ Nostalgia List is revealed as:

‘90s’ Nostalgia List

1. Make tape recordings of weekly top 40 – 40%

2. Having pen pals – 35%

3. Watching Top of the Pops – 34%

4. Buying singles on cassette or vinyl – 32%

5. Hand written thank you notes – 31%

6. Waiting for photos to be developed – 29%

7. Watching Saturday night TV with the family – 28%

8. ‘90s’ toys – 27%

9. Renting videos from the local shop – 25%

10. Making plans that don’t change due to lack of mobile communication – 22%

The poll reveals that music resonates the most with us, with three of the top five comprising of musical memories.

The study also suggests that the ongoing march of technology creates the biggest sense of nostalgia for parents, as the rise of digital entertainment and communication has seen the demise of cassettes, tape recordings, videos and written letters of the typical ‘90s’ childhood.

The list shows that letter writing is missed by parents, with pen pals and writing thank you notes both featuring in the top five. It was also revealed that children today are more likely to keep in contact with relatives through Skype or Facetime (28%) rather than by writing letters (13.5%) suggesting that whilst the art of letter writing may be dying out, modern day children may actually get to see and interact with their relatives more often than the previous generation did.

Not everything has changed – slang jargon has successfully bridged the generation gap, with popular ‘90s’ phrases such as “Whatever!”, “Talk to the hand” and “Take a chill pill” standing the test of time with modern teens.

Jargon that has survived from the ‘90s

1. Whatever! – 58%

2. Loser – 37%

3. Talk to the hand – 22%

4. As If! – 21%

5. Take a Chill Pill – 17%

6. NOT! – 16%

7. Duh – 14%

8. Don’t go there – 13%

9. Whassup – 12%

10. Yo! – 11%

Nearly half of parents (48.85%) polled believe that the music of the ‘90s is better that the music around now, with most thinking that modern music popular with their children all sounds the same.

Map reading and having to answer calls on the house phone both narrowly miss out on the top 10.

For the fifth of young British parents who still consider the ‘90s’ friendship bracelet as a core fashion accessory, this year’s Loom Band craze is sure to be welcomed. It seems that the simplicity of ‘90s’ toys and playground trends including Beanie Babies and Troll dolls struck a nostalgic nerve with the parents surveyed, as it can be seen at number 8 on the list.

The study also suggests that many celebrities who have ridden the fame wave from the nineties to present day will always be most fondly remembered for their ‘90s’ heyday. Indeed, 57% of the parents polled would associate Will Smith as the loveable Fresh Prince of Bel Air over his recent blockbuster movies, in comparison to only 20% of children. It seems that Brit Noel Edmunds is another ‘90s’ favourite with 52% of parents associating the presenter with Mr Blobby on Noel’s House Party compared with just 11% of their children, who instead know him for tea time TV show Deal or no Deal (54%).

Disney Channel’s new series Girl Meets World, is the follow-on from the popular ‘90s’ show Boy Meets World. The show now follows Riley, the daughter of Boy Meets World’s popular lead characters Cory and Topanga, as she grows up in the modern world with ‘90s’ parents. Girls Meets World starts on the Disney Channel on 12^th September at 6pm.

Postman’s Park by Margaret Graham

Posted on September 8, 2014 by Margaret Graham

There I was, slouching about in London with ‘he who must be disobeyed’ in search of the Postman’s Park. Have you been? If not, nip along. It’s almost next door to the Museum of London. It’ll pull at your heartstrings.

Postman’s Park is on the site of the former HQ of the General Post Office, and is one of the largest parks in the City of London. It is tucked away almost next to the Museum of London, at St Martin’s le Grand, EC1A.Tube: St Paul’s.
Buses: 4, 8, 25, 56, 100, 172, 242

When you see the blue old police box, just turn into the gates. The Postman’s Park opened in 1880 on the site of the former churchyard and burial ground of St. Botolph’s Aldersgate.

As you enter you will see ahead of you, and beyond the circular flowerbed, a loggia and long wall. It is this you must head for, past the headstones, past office workers eating their lunch, past the circular bed, lovely though it is.

Your goal is Victorian painter and sculptor George Frederick Watt’s wall of ceramic memorial tables honouring the self sacrifice of ordinary people.

In 1900 Watt’s felt driven to create this memorial, determined that acts of bravery performed by ordinary people should be commemorated.

Only four of the memorial tablets were in place at the time of its opening, with a further nine tablets added during Watts’s lifetime.

Watts’s wife, Mary, took over the project after Watts’s death in 1904, and oversaw the installation of a further 35 memorial tablets as well as a sculpture of her husband.

Later, increasingly pre-occupied with the Watts Gallery, which still features her husband’s work at Compton, near Guildford, she ceased involvement, and only five further tablets were added during her lifetime.

In 1972, key elements of the park were designated Grade 11 listed. Following the 2004 film Closer, which set some key scenes within Postman’s Park, interest was stirred again. Recently, a free mobile app, The Everyday Heroes of Postman’s Park was launched which documents those commemorated on the memorial. New tablets are still being added. Mary and George would have been delighted.

I remember the plaque I came across in the West Australian bush, when researching a novel for Heinemann. The plaque commemorated a young girl who lay across her siblings when a bush fire raged over them on their way home from school. She died, they survived.

Ordinary people do extraordinary things, not the least being our young troops out on patrol day after day in war zones. It is right and good that we remember every one of these ordinary people. Are you supporting the Invectus Games? I do hope so.

How To Be A Successful Actor: Become A Triple Threat

Posted on September 8, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

Acting is a hard business. Don’t get me wrong, doing the actual job isn’t hard, it is a brilliant career, but the industry is a tough one and many actors remain out of work and in poverty. That is why I wrote my book, How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur. It is possible to have a good career, get your name out there and tell the stories that you want: you just have to become one of the new triple threats.

Back in the day a triple threat was someone who could sing, dance and act. These skills will still help your career but not as much as being a new triple threat, and that is someone who acts, writes and directs. I have written a lot about this in my book and included tips and advice as I am one of the new triple threats myself and I love the freedom it gives my career. Why wait for someone else to hire you when you can write the stories you want? I have interviewed two of the most promising new triple threats in the UK today, Vanessa Bailey, a wonderful actress who’s film Three Days is going to be a corker, and Jason Croot who I have worked with many times. He is an outstandingly talented actor, writer and director. His IMDB speaks volumes about his amazing talent and I really cannot wait to see Le Fear, Le Sequel on the big screen and not just because I am in it. Read on and learn….

Vanessa Bailey

Tell us about your films

This is my first public foray into writing and my first stab at pulling together a short film. It’s not my film at all – it’s much more down to the talent of the other people involved that it’s as good as it is. The story concept was my idea, but the final script has been co-written by myself and Richard Perryman. It’s our script, not mine. In fact the whole film is very collaboprative – a lot of the comedy and the details in the dialogued teasers are from our director Darren and our DOP Huw. They took it by the scruff of the neck and stamped their personality on it. I love that.

So, Richard and I wrote it and I got the team together in partnership with our Executive
Producer Suzie. Suzie is responsible for encouraging me to make the film and has been part of the film from the very first moment the story popped into my head. But Gareth Gatrell our stills and behind-the-scenes guy found our Director for us! He recommended Darren after seeing the script and said he’d be perfect. He was right. One of the film’s strongest elements is the chemistry between the team. We’re like family when we work together.
You produce, write and act. What do you think of the new triple threats? Is it possible to just do one thing now?

Again, I feel very much under-qualified to comment as this is my first film and it’s not even finished yet! Acting is my first love – I come alive when I’m acting. It’s in my blood, I simply can’t imagine not doing it. I think my stories stem from the same emotional heartbeat. The production side – well, that’s pretty chaotic. Just ask any of the other Three Days team!
As far as being a triple threat – if this is the only story I ever tell that will be fine. I’d rather tell one well than a hundred badly. But I think as an actor it’s important to seek out opportunities and if you can’t find them then create them. This may well mean stepping outside of your perceived skillset and trying something new. This part was never going to come to me. I had to bring Sophie to life. No one else was writing her. And if they had I certainly wouldn’t have got to play her!

But know your limitations – surround yourself with people who are far more talented than you – people who have skills you don’t have. Use them, let them work their magic. Watch and learn from them. Having someone with amazing gifts bring them to your film is an incredible thing.

What kind of stories do you like telling?

The ones that gnaw at my heart. If they don’t stop me sleeping at night until they’re told then they’re not worth bothering with.

What made you get into the film industry?

It started with acting. I’m obsessed with acting. Completely obsessed. I have no training and was told I’d never make it. But it was chewing away at me and wouldn’t go away. So I just had to make it happen. The day I was directed by Sean Durkin on the set of Southcliffe in a dialogued scene with three named TV actors (one of whom I’d had a crush on as a teenager!) was a real moment of personal triumph. And now it’s the same with the film process generally. It beguiles me – it’s like a lover. It makes my heart skip a beat. If I’m not on set orfiddling with a script I spend my time pining to be with it again.

What do you think of the British Film industry?

Jury’s out ;) I need more time to make friends with it. I would love to see cinema rejuvenated and less films with unnecessarily massive budgets when there are filmmakers trying to get amazing projects off the ground with absolutely no funding. It’s hard. There’s a lot of untapped talent out there. And not just in the younger age bracket. Think beyond that – there are some of us who only find our feet after we’ve paddled around in the wrong puddle for a while.

Do you think it is more of a democracy now?

No, probably not.

How do people make a living in the industry?

People make a living?! I have absolutely no idea. As an actor I earn my money doing commercials and fairly undemanding stuff. The good stuff, the stuff that grows me. That all costs money – it never pays. This is a contentious issue for many very, very good reasons. Personally, I’d rather work unpaid on one fabulous project which grows me as an actor and brings joy than work for £20 a day on some awful film that means nothing and doesn’t develop me in any way. But then I do need the commercials to pay the bills!

How do people make it in the industry?

It depends how you define “make it”. We all know there are lots of people out there working regularly and you just throw your hands up and say “Why?!”

If you want to keep going, to survive, to be able to continue to chase your dream it has to come from restless passion. The need to create, the need to be with other people who create. To produce work of integrity it can’t be for the pursuit of fame (hideous) or the love of money (fat chance). And it’s too painful a process for it to be something you could actually walk away from. If you feel you can walk away from the film industry I would recommend you do. You have to be addicted to it. Or at least, that’s how it seems to me.

Favourite film

Before Sunrise

Favourite actors/directors

Tilda Swinton. Anthony Perkins (huge crush since seeing Psycho). Kate Winslet. Emma Thompson.

I’m rubbish with directors – I’ll be like “Oh I remember – I REALLY like them” later on!
What and who inspires you?

People who are unselfish to work with. People who draw you in and draw you out and help you produce your best work. People who laugh and cry and are honest. People with passion.
I absolutely love the Three Days team because I see those qualities in all the people involved. I love that our director Darren stepped out of his comfort zone to direct his first romantic film. He does it brilliantly. I love that Richard was so open to co-writing with me. Taking risks coupled with passion – now that’s a journey waiting to happen!

What’s next?

Fundraising to be able to complete the Three Days shoot. We have an ongoing crowdfund on our website. This is really key! Then the shoot, then festival entry.

And then, well – there’s more story developing in my head, but I think I need to get the short finished first! I certainly hope it won’t be the last time we all work together. Let’s just put it like that.

And probably a commercial.

Jason Croot

Tell us about your films.

I have made 5 feature films, all improvised, only one has been released: Le Fear, a horror comedy film which I made a sequel to named Le Fear 2: Le Sequel. This film has become my main focus because I believe it is my strongest film yet, It has a lot going for it comedy, horror, sci- fi, spoof and a very good cast. My other 3 films are all joint productions and I will tackle then one at a time then hopefully move on to my new stuff.

You direct, write and act. What do you think of the new triple threats? Is it possible to just do one thing now?

There are many talented people out there. A lot of undiscovered actors, but lets face it; as an actor having small parts on TV and feature films or lead roles on low budget feature films won’t make you an household name, only constant big roles in big budgets will do that, the same is said with writing and directing but it’s a long journey. As long as you are creating something you never know.

I believe where people fail is by not continuing to create. If you are a good actor then find some work even if it’s not a lead role in Hollywood, then you are still doing, with writing you can always do this generally with solitude and directing you can always create stuff whilst waiting for your next gig. If you believe you’ve got talent use, it don’t waste it. In a nutshell: some well known actors can carve out a career in one field and the same is said with writing and directing. Some do all plus more like Vincent Gallo, a very talented dude and there are many more like him really doing it such as Larry David and hats off to the elite 1% for the 99% the rest of us we must keep on batting and creating in the hope that one day it all clicks. If it doesn’t, so what? What would you prefer to do? Work in an office or act, write and direct? You know where I’ll be!

What kind of stories do you like telling?

I’m not really a great screen writer but believe my strengths lay in creating plots and scenes without words since all my films are improvised but that’s not the only reason I love improv, I don’t believe you can create the same magic from the script that you can from improvisation, I like to tell stories about filmmaking and the film industry like my films Le Fear 1,2 and Roberto. I know this is not the best genre to get known but I love doing it and some people like it so it’s not a lost cause

What made you get into the film industry?

My love of acting I guess, filmmaking came many years afterwards
What do you think of the British Film industry?

There is some very talented folk out there but very few can make a good living in Britain. It’s really tough but it’s not the toughest place in the world and there are a lot of people supporting others and that’s really cool. Why not? We are all trying to climb that mountain but won’t get there alone, I don’t want to get into politics but no government will really spend money in the film industry nor will they support young people trying to break into it, so it is down to people with experience to give these new guys support and guidance

Do you think it is more of a democracy now?

I believe in the past 15 years there are many more actors, writers and directors out there and everyone can make a career out of what they are doing but this won’t happen over night and there is no guarantee it will happen at all, but I believe there is less snobbery now and with the indie films becoming evermore closer to the big budget ones filmmakers can make a greater impact i.e getting there films on the same platforms, for example: Netflix, Amazon and iTunes etc. So yes, I would say it is much more democratic these days.

How do people make a living in the industry?

In England as an actor, unless you’re a regular on a soap, you may struggle but it’s possible generally people have daytime jobs and go to castings and hopefully land a few roles. The casting directors I meet are all really nice folk and want you to do well but it is difficult. You have to zone in on yourself and spend 5 hours or more a day 365 days trying to find work and have a agent batting for you as well.

How to people make it in the industry?

A lot of hard work, time, effort and energy. There are still no guarantees, but I guess it’s an individuals take on making it that can be anything, if you’d have asked me 10 years ago that I’d have acted and directed in over 100 productions I’d have said from were I was with one acting diploma and one VHS copy of a short film and not knowing anyone in London at the time: I’ve made it, but the next 10 years have to be greater so I guess, keep pushing ,never give in and keep smiling through thick and thin. Most importantly, respect rejection. the minute you make it your enemy is the minute you fail.

Favourite film

Too many to list but if I was to pick one it would be the classic French Film within a film Day For Night
Favourite actors/directors

I have a few but really rate Larry Charles and Jim Jarmusch

What and who inspires you?

Watching a great film inspires me. alongside stories I read of actors who struggled like De Niro, Pacino and Nicholson. Three of the greatest film actors all really battled to get there.

What’s next?

I’ve been under the weather for a while but hopefully on the mend now, so on the filmmaking sides of things, once my films are out of post production I have 3 more films I want to make: Le Fear 3 is one and the other 2 are top secret for now, I’m always open to direct other peoples films too, on the acting front I have 3 films by Lorenzo Raveggi filming on location in Italy, I’m looking forward to acting in and I have a few other films in the pipeline but nothing set in stone. Once again, I’m always open to offers so I’ll keep batting away and hopefully create some good cinema this year.

What do you think?

How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur is out now.

Follow Catherine Balavage on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Balavage

The Arabs Group Awards 2014

Posted on September 8, 2014 by Paola Berta

Ms Nazneen Spahi-Shoaib, Hon Director of Programme and Dr Shawkat Spahi-Shoaib, Co-Director and Marketing Planner, funded the Arabs Group in 2010. The Arabs Group Awards Nominations, created with the intention to celebrate the most talented Arab individuals in the world, took place at the Hilton London Metropole on Saturday 30th August 2014.

High Profile guests from the Egyptian, Moroccan and Iraqi Embassy attended the event including the Deputy of her Highness and her Excellency, the Ambassador of Morocco, Lala Jumana Al Alawi and the Ambassador and Councillor of Egypt.

Winners of The Arabs Group Achievement Awards 2014 (The World-Title Contest)

1) Egypt: Mr Moustafa Magdi Moustafa Elsawi ‘Best Youngest Arab Research Scientist in the World for 2014’.
2) Egypt: Mr Zaky Abdellatif Zaky ‘Best Arab Scientist in the World for 2014’.
3) Egypt: Dr Mostafa Mohamed Korany Sayed Runner up for Best Arab Scientist in the World for 2014.
4) Egypt: Mr Ahmed Abdulla Abduallatif Abdulrahman Elsayd in third place for ‘Best Arab Scientist in the World for 2014’.
5) Morocco: Dr Ghanimi Rajae ‘Best Arab Medical Doctor in the World for 2014’.
6) Morocco: Mr Karim Tabit ‘Best Arab Plastid Artist in the World for 2014’.
7) Iraq: Mr Ara Arshag Yesai Yessayan ‘Best Arab Fashion Director in the World for 2014’.
8) Iraq: Mr Melad Hamed ‘Best Arab Fashion Designer in the World for 2014’.
9) Iraq: Mr Fouad Falah Hassan Almsmm ‘Best Arab Journalist in the World for 2014’.
10) Libya: Salah ‘The Beast’ Abdelsalam ‘Best Arab Sportsman in the World for 2014’.
11) Kuwait: Mr Ahmed London Party ‘Best Arab DJ in the World for 2014’.
12) Morocco: Nisrine Koutroubb ‘Best Arab Female Model in the World for 2014’.

For more information regarding the Arabs Group visit www.thearabsgroup.com

Written by Paola Berta

The Arabs Group, its logo, the title of its events, its images and the method of the competition have all been copy-written.

Veteran Actresses From Hollywood & London Appear In Web Series Based on “Curb Your Enthusiasm”

Posted on September 8, 2014 by Frostie

Veteran Actresses from Hollywood and London Appear in Web Series Based on HBO Series “Curb Your Enthusiasm”

The internet web series, “The Black Larry David,” launched its third episode with two talented guest stars performing voice-over roles.

Hollywood veteran Elaine Ballace, known for her work in “Robin Hood: Men in Tights,” “Dracula: Dead and Loving It,” and “The To Do List,” voices the sassy Security Guard who torments the lead character.

Scotland born, London based Catherine Balavage, known for her work in “Downton Abbey” and the Emmy® Nominated Idris Elba series “Luther,” portrays Susan Grier. In addition to her acting, Catherine is a published author and Huffington Post UK blogger. [And editor of this magazine.]

The Black Larry David is a computer generated animation series produced by Dwacon Entertainment. This and other properties are located at http://dwacon.com and via the Dwacon YouTube Channel.

One Step Closer To You Alice Peterson Book Review

Posted on September 5, 2014 by Frostie

The main thing this book has going for it is Polly, a great character who is rebuilding her life. It is fun following Polly on her journey, you really want her to succeed and are willing her on along the way. You will laugh and smile as she makes a new life from the rubble of addiction. Polly has a son and her bond with her child is evident, she also deeply loves her brother Hugh. There is also a love interest on the horizon, will it work out? This is a love story, a rebirth story and a moving exploration of addiction and becoming a better person. It is honest about addiction and the impact it has on an entire family. Beautiful, honest and thought-provoking. Definitely worth a read.

After Polly ends her relationship with the father of her young son, Louis, she is determined to move on. All she wants is to focus on her job, her friends and to be a good mum. No more looking over her shoulder. No more complications…

Then Polly meets Ben.

Ben is guardian to his niece, Emily. They become close, with Polly teaching Ben how to plait Emily’s hair and Ben playing football with Louis. Their friendship is unexpected. Polly has never been happier.

But when Louis’s dad reappears in their life, all Polly’s mistakes come back to haunt her and her resolve weakens when he swears he has changed.

Will she give herself a second chance to love?

Available on September 25 2014. Buy/Pre Order here

A Day in the Life of Tracy Baines

Posted on September 4, 2014 by Margaret Graham

My life is full of distractions, it always has been. It’s one of the hazards of working from home. These days the distractions are mostly delightful and indulgent. First of all we have a new puppy, Harry, a springer spaniel and for the time being his needs come first. At the moment he’s snoozing in his bed at my feet but mostly he’s biting at my files and books and I am constantly telling him NO. He’ll learn.

Once I’ve fed him and myself I’ll get to work on something easy like a blog post, just to get the writing flowing. If I start with emails it’s all too easy to get distracted so I leave that for later when I need a brain break.

I’m working on a book about my experience with my daughter’s eating disorder and the effect it had on the family. It was the kind of book I needed when we discovered how ill she was. It’s hard work as it brings back the awfulness of the situation so after about an hour I’m looking for something lighter to play with. I might edit a couple of chapters of my novel or work on the second Nelly’s Jellies picture book for children, or an article or short story. I write for magazines such as You, (South Africa), That’s Life Fast Fiction, (Australia) and most of the UK women’s magazines.

After lunch my daughter usually appears with my grandchildren, Elsie and Hadley. The kettle goes on and we sit and chat and generally let the grandkids call the tune. So it might be CBeebies with Mr Bloom and Show Me, Show Me, or an hour in the garden. Sometimes my son comes over with his wife and my grandson, Huxley, and then the house becomes full and noisy and before long I want to escape to the quiet of my office and get back to work.

I tend to use the afternoons for admin or going out for lunch with my husband. I can’t say long suffering husband as it’s been the other way around for years and now it’s my turn to pursue my writing career. When he goes out to the golf club I might work for an hour or two in the office, editing a short story unless I’m teaching in which case I might arrive early to class and work on something or catch up on reading and research. I try to use as many ‘bits’ of time as productively as I can to work on my writing as for years that was all that was available to me. I think that’s why short stories are perfect if you don’t have a lot of time to write. You don’t have to hold so much in your head all and yet you have the satisfaction of seeing your work in print. A quick fix if you like.

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