• I had a lovely day at The Forest School in Snaresbrook in East London, right on the edge of Epping Forest, hence the name. The main hall, where I had a delicious breakfast and lunch was, apparently, a runner-up for the hall for Hogwarts in the films.

    Years one and two helped me come up with such a good idea, I’ve filed it away under “hot”, so I’m not going to tell.

    It was a bitterly cold day. I was doing my sessions in the pavilion, above the computer suite. The outside steps up to the balcony were a bit icy, so we had to take care.

    Thanks to Justine Chan for looking after me and to everyone for making it such a great day for me.

    On the way home, I stopped off for a bit of a session with my editor and to pick up scans of my latest book covers. I now have to get down and do the digital work on them and have a good, and quick, think about the backs.

  • Such a crisp, clear day. The sun was shining and the air was biting cold. Up in the forest the shafts of sunlight slid through the bare trees, lighting up areas that will soon be darkened by spring leaves, for there are signs already. Shoots are appearing on the wild clematis and the catkins are lengthening on the hazel. Snowdrops are bursting through the ground in my garden. January is nearly at an end an spring can’t be too far away.


  • I can sense it! The snowdrops are bursting through the soil, the Collar Doves are cooing to each other, the catkins are lengthening – as are the days – spring can’t be far away. And it’s only two weeks to St Valentine’s Day.

    So – why not surprise your loved on with a real, live drawing of a single red rose? Why not draw your own Valentine’s day card this year and show how romantic you really are?

    If you like the video, please rate it with the stars in the top left hand corner. Love you!