It's hard to believe that Helen Whitaker wrote her first novel, The School Run on maternity leave (how?) and finished it whilst juggling a full-time job and a toddler (how?). We're in awe. Obviously I'm thrilled she did it (she's a fiercely funny writer) and delighted to have here on W&W. Here are Helen's tips on how to write your first book (short answer: there are no shortcuts, you just have to write) plus the books which have shaped her as a woman and a writer.…
Since we moved house, I've been tucked up in bed with a book nice and early nearly every single night. Which makes compiling a new reading list of recommendations an easy job.…
Former journalist Louise Emma Clarke has done what most journalists have dreamed of at some point - written a book. More than that, she's also an award-winning blogger and mum of three, who after several years abroad has moved back to the UK. In the midst of writing the follow-up to 'From Mum with Love', she shares her thoughts on writing, parenting, the pressures of social media and trying to make 'it' work.....…
To my mind, no Christmas is complete without a new book under the tree. It's not 'just' a book, you see. It's a whole new world. A gift of time. I've sifted through the bookshelves and picked the best Christmas books to give this year.…
Oh happy day, book guru Helen Whitaker is back - with part two of her reading list. This is one to bookmark for your holidays. (Or, if you're greedy for books like me, order now in mad frenzy.)…
Grace Timothy is a journalist, writer, mother to five-year-old Noémie, and author of Mum Face. Clearly, the obvious person to ask what she's learned about herself from becoming a parent. (Grace: re no. 3. I hear you.) …
I write this whilst watching The Holiday (again) and conducting three separate WhatsApp chats - mostly about Christmas. One week, folks. That's all we have. And I offer you the one gift that truly will keep giving...a really good book.…
One of the questions I am most asked by my friends is ‘what should I be reading?’ Today, I am happy to answer that by providing your new reading list: the best books of 2018. I am even more thrilled that it’s also my reading list, as it comes courtesy of the wondrous Helen Whitaker.…
Tipped as ‘this summer’s Captain Corelli’s Mandolin‘ and endorsed by Kathryn The Help Stockett, The Woolgrower’s Companion has *quite* a lot to live up. …
In my head, Elizabeth Strout is an American Alice Munro - sequestered away in a dusty town, sitting on her porch, scribbling away furiously as the minutiae of small town life plays out in front of her.…