Saving Vincent

An inspiring new book, “Saving Vincent” by Joan Fernandez, chronicles the little-known role of Jo van Gogh-Bonger in making van Gogh famous.

Say Cheese … cake (again)

I’ve had to revise my choice of New York Cheesecake as king of the cheesecakes. Since trying Spain’s Basque Cheesecake, I’ve become a convert.

Wild Strawberries

Strawberries are as ubiquitous as carrots these days, that is unless you’ve tasted wild strawberries which are so vastly superior they’re a different fruit.

Fruitcake to Feed an Army

My first attempt at trying a recipe from “The Alice B. Toklas Cookbook” (Liberation Fruitcake) meets with disaster, but I learn a lot about fruitcakes.

Unlikely Muse

What a first-time historical fiction writer learnt about choosing a muse.

Literary Festivals: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Have literary festivals sold out to vested interests or are they still one of the highlights of the year for readers and writers?

Women at Sea

Men have traditionally dominated the genre of maritime fiction but it’s time to shine the spotlight on women, both in books and in real life.

Reflections

This is the time of year to reflect on what’s behind and what’s ahead in the world of books – what you read last year and what you should read this year.

The Pudding That Says Summer

Looking for a lighter, fresher pudding for an Australian Christmas? Summer Pudding is the answer. Delicious and festively coloured for your Christmas table.

Women Writers Of A Certain Age

Older women writers face problems that can be overwhelming. Many women however are publishing successfully well into old age often for the first time.