April 2020

Hello - how are you all doing? I hope the lockdown isn’t driving you too mad. Although having spoken to a few people - it’s a mixed bag out there. I’ve been adding an extra question about lockdown in my conversations. See how Phil is getting on in lockdown in Rome.

A new routine has developed in our house. The cleaning, organising and general good intentions are now distant memories. I’ve given up on Joe Wicks too. But I am pleased to say the walking and yoga are still in full swing.

Monday to Friday I’m in my shed; writing, interviewing, Skyping and generally having a nice time. Monday nights I’m enjoying my playwriting course, although not the homework! Friday nights is Zoom Quiz night and Saturday we play board games. So far it’s working well.

After a full day in the ‘office’ aka the spare room my husband becomes our very own Mr Ottolenghi (he’d never heard of him 'til 4 weeks ago) now he’s conjuring up amazing meals every night and not only that, he’s gone one step further to becoming a fully fledged hairdresser, channelling John Frieda by donning some rubber gloves and painting away my greys. He’s morphed into someone I don’t know!

The weather has been an absolute delight and salvation. My tiny veg patch is starting to bloom. Cauliflower, tomatoes and courgettes slowly creeping into the light, although the birds can’t resist a peck - it’ll be survival of the fittest.

You’ll notice my new website. I’ve been busy upgrading. When I first got a website four years ago, I had no idea what I was doing but was told it was the way forward. I didn't understand the point but after years of determination and patience; two attributes I now have thanks to technology; website, blogs, social media are no longer a mystery.

During these weird times amazingly I’m still selling books and new people are subscribing to my website. It seemed the perfect time to have a reorganisation. I recruited Katy Carlilse aka SquarespaceQueen to help. By the way if you need anyone to help you get started or teach you how to use your website better - she’s the person. I’ve had 7 lessons now and look at what I’ve managed to achieve, it’s northing short of a miracle!

Another miracle:I’ve found the answer to my frustration Descript. It transcribes interviews. Of course I still have editing to do but the burden of typing has been lifted. Hallelujah!

And I’ve been thinking about book 3. It’s a way off yet but I’ve been wondering how it might look. Charlotte Hardy exquisitely illustrated CollectingConversations but I wasn’t sure her style was right for Men Talk (we’ve had a chat, she’s not cross with me) so I’ve asked Ruth Allen to help me out with this project. This gives you an idea of her work.

There will be a more from the men next week. Feel free to browse through the interviews, comments are always welcome. And if you have any suggestions or spot any spelling mistakes - please tell me.