Prologue

A quick run down of the things I can't help writing about, and why.

Ah, the very first post. Where. to. start.

It’s generally considered good practice in storytelling to avoid the early info dump. This is when a load of backstory is shoehorned into the first chapter of a book or the opening scenes of a movie. For example:

“Your mother is coming?! But darling, you told me you haven’t seen your mother since she left home when you were ten and you went to live in Wales with your Aunt Helen who kept pugs, and that’s what made you decide to become a taxidermist!!!”

Instead, great writers have a knack for spritzing these vital bits of information through their writing, light as a veil of Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin.

But because this isn’t a book or a movie, and I make the rules round here, I’m going to give you a quick bit of context up front, before we get into the flow of things.

You might be interested to know that:

1. I write for a living, and for fun. I’m working on one book about my body, and planning another one about gardening. I write song lyrics, too.

2. I had a liver transplant in 2022 because of a genetic liver disease. What a ride, it’s totally changed my life and my relationship with my body. Lots to say about this.

3. My parents were both in show business, and my dad was pretty famous when I was growing up, (glamorous). He was also addicted to alcohol, (less glamorous). This was tricky at times, and I’m still working out my version of events.

4. I live in an old gardener’s cottage that used to belong to the estate of a Victorian horticulturist and writer called Mrs Earle. I think and read a lot about history, legacy, seasons and growth.

5. I’m a feminist, late to the party but now unpicking the shit-show of conditioning we were exposed to in the 70s and 80s. Catholic school didn’t help. I don’t believe in God as I was taught, but I’m still worried He might punish me for saying that out loud.

6. I reject oppressive diet and beauty culture that traps us in a never-ending cycle of faulting and fixing our bodies. Anti-aging is bullshit. They will continue to take our money, time and self-esteem for as long as we allow them.

7. I’m more spiritual and less angry than I sound so far. I am in awe of nature, I hug trees, I stroke my rosemary (not a euphemism). I feel very connected to the energy around me. I’m a yoga bore because TRUST ME I KNOW IT WILL MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER.

8. I’m obsessed with theatre, music, art, writing and geeking out about the creative process. Big fan of self-expression. I’m always wondering how and why something was made. Come geek with me!

I will do my best to write about these subjects honestly and wholeheartedly, and it feels good to get them all out onto the table. Please let me know what you are most curious about, so I can tell you more.