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Continue reading →: NEW! Psychology for Writers course
I am delighted to announce my first formal course for writers – one based on twenty years of teaching and ten years as working freelance writer and editor. I am taking bookings to begin from July (you can join at any time) – but places are limited and many have…
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Continue reading →: Book Review: Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman My rating: 5 of 5 stars I’ll begin with a confession: I listened to this book rather than ‘read’ it. I often do, seeing no distinction between reading a book and having one read to you – if it is done well. Usually, seeing no…
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Continue reading →: Theatre Review: A Thousand Splendid Suns at Northern Stage
The latest production at Northern Stage, Newcastle, is an ambitious presentation of Khaled Hosseini’s masterpiece, ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’. It takes a brave playwright to take on such a powerful novel which takes place over more than two decades and encompasses several life stories within. Ursula Rani Sarma has achieved…
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Continue reading →: Book Review: Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier
Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier My rating: 3 of 5 stars I know the opening pages of Daphne du Maurier’s classic novel extremely well having used the opening for several years with my GCSE English students. It was an extract given in a past paper and I found it…
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Continue reading →: An Interview with Charlotte Keatley
By Ken Powell A shorter version of this interview was published here for Lancashire Life magazine. This is the interview in full. Charlotte Keatley wrote the play ‘My Mother Said I Never Should’ in 1985 aged just 25. The play has gone on to be the most performed play by…
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Continue reading →: Theatre Review: The Rite of Spring by Phoenix Dance Theatre
By Ken Powell The contemporary ballet group, Phoenix Dance Theatre, performed ‘Left Unseen’ and Igor Stravinsky’s classic ‘The Rite of Spring’ at Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake on Wednesday 8 May, and gave the audience a thing of beauty which was hard to define. Stravinsky’s musical work famously supposedly caused…
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Continue reading →: Book Review: The New Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan
The New Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan My rating: 4 of 5 stars I am a definite fan of Peter Frankopan. His original book ‘The Silk Roads’ I consider one of the best books I’ve ever read, of any kind. Certainly the best introduction to history in terms of readability…
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Continue reading →: Book Review – The Economics of Arrival by Katherine Trebeck & Jeremy Williams
The economics of arrival: Ideas for a grown-up economy by Katherine Trebeck & Jeremy Williams My rating: 5 of 5 stars I have followed the writings of Jeremy Williams for many years. His articles on environment, technology, architecture and a host of other areas concerned with stepping us ‘back from…
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Continue reading →: Theatre Review: Equus by Peter Shaffer at Northern Stage, Newcastle
The English Touring Theatre (ETT) have just completed their time at Newcastle’s Northern Stage before continuing on to a run at Guildford performing Peter Shaffer’s ‘Equus’. It is a superb production. The subject matter is dark and based on an actual real event – a boy blinds several horses with…
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Continue reading →: Book Review: Atomic Habits by James Clear
Interested in learning more about this book? Shortform provide a brilliant set of summary notes you will find really helpful. Get your free trial here with 20% off the subscription you use the link. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by…
Hello, I’m Ken.
Welcome to Write Out Loud, my blog dedicated to all sorts of things to do with writing.
This page will be updated constantly every week with book reviews and writing-related stuff.
The blog is the baby sister of my personal blog kenthinksaloud where I write ‘Monday Murmurings’—insights into life and philosophy. Get a clever take on politics with ‘Wednesday Banker,’ and ‘Future Friday’ for the latest in psychology, environment, and tech.
I will use this blog to give helpful advice, tips, tricks and resources as I come across them to other writers and to advertise my own writing especially as my books start to be published.
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Write Out Loud (Reviews and Writing) 