Archive for April 2014
Skyscraper Tourism: Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysia
I’ve already posted about my love of skyscrapers. When I’m in a city with a great observation deck, I like to get up there early to enjoy views over the city and to get a bearing on the city’s geography from up on high. I’ve already posted about things to see in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s…
Read MoreSelf-publishing vs traditional publishing
I think most authors today are following this debate closely. Each year, I attend the Matera Women’s Fiction Festival, and follow the discussion on this topic with authors who have been on both sides. Over at the fabulous Nathan Bransford blog, ‘hybrid’ author (meaning she has published both traditionally and self-published) Natalie Whipple provides some interesting…
Read MoreSee the world’s biggest medieval brick cathedral – in Albi, France
Ever see National Lampoon’s Vacation, where Chevy Chase’s character enthusiastically drives his family hundreds of miles out of their way on their cross-country vacation to see the world’s second largest ball of twine? I felt a kindred spirit when I was bumping along on a bus with my family – the milk-delivery bus, apparently, since…
Read MoreThe chicken and egg debate in writing
I was think of the old expression ‘What came first the chicken, or the egg?’ as I was reading W. Somerset Maugham’s foreword to his fabulous The Painted Veil. Maugham claims he always started his novels and short stories from a character, and the setting and story would naturally fall into place. In his foreword,…
Read MoreReason #5373 to love Rome: Basketball
Most people know that Italians really only have one true sport. Call it soccer, calcio, football. It’s all the Italians love. Yes, when the Olympics roll around, Italians tend to do well in fencing, swimming and water polo. In the winter, the German minority in Italy’s Alto Adige region pile up the medals in skiing,…
Read MoreKindle version of Foreign & Far Away anthology now available
You may remember that I announced when the Foreign & Far Away anthology was launched back in October. I’d now like to let readers know that the Kindle version is now available, at the following Amazon link. This anthology is released each year by the organization Writer’s Abroad, following a call for contribution from expat…
Read MoreMonkeying around in Bali, Indonesia
Since I visited Bali last summer with two active boys in tow, I can recommend lots of places kids will love on this beautiful Indonesian island. I’ve already posted about the Bali Bird Park, and the TreeTop Adventure rope courses, and about kid-friendly hotels you’ll love in Bali. Another not-to-be-missed visit is to the fabulous…
Read MoreWriting inspiration on the commute
I’m very pleased to be a car-free commuter. My early morning walk into work is just under 20 minutes and – at the risk of sounding immodest – it’s one of the prettiest commutes ever. I live in Rome and each day I watch the Colosseum loom into sight as I descend the hill in…
Read MoreFive ‘must-sees’ on your Tunisia visit
The north African country of Tunisia is tiny, but has so much to offer visitors. We were last there just before the Arab Spring, when it was a popular destination for European tourists wanting to explore its beaches and deserts, its cosmopolitan capital city, its ancient desert trading posts, its impressive Roman ruins… Unfortunately, tourism…
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