Leigh Turner diplomacy and writing

In the first scene from the first Hotel Story, "Britches", the hotel's owner threatens the beautiful but naive Tatiana. Will Ms N, the world's greatest and deadliest hotel manager, rescue her before it is too late? You can find all Leigh Turner's books, and where to buy them, here.

Any sane person wants to end wars. Many people have argued that a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war might help reduce suffering. Others say that supplying arms to Ukraine simply prolongs the war. Here's why they are wrong. The situation is grim: but both a ceasefire or reducing arms supplies would be counterproductive - including for those who seek peace and want to end the suffering. 

Links and further background at this blog.

"John Savage, formerly First Secretary, British Embassy Moscow: Transcript of trauma counselling, session 12". 

Why is John Savage, the hero of my Istanbul thriller, "Palladium", such a damaged character? Have a listen to this interview between him and his psychotherapist, Dr Bergbaum, about events in Moscow some 15 years earlier, and how he was thrown out of the Secret Intelligence Service as a result.

You can find the blog on which this podcast is based at the link.

Resources to help writers. We look at how to write articles and blogs; how to write a novel; dealing with rejections; a selection of writing courses - and much more. Have a listen to some friendly advice.

For all the links, see my blog here: Resources for Writers.

A summer 2022 update on what is happening in Russia's war on Ukraine. Why it matters - and why what we must do next won't be easy. The picture shows Sverdlovsk, in eastern Ukraine, when I visited in 2010. It has been occupied by Russia since 2014. 

Links and further background at this blog. 

Were the people of 19th Century England obnoxious moralists? What if they were no worse than we are today? Also available as a blog post.

Top journalist Misty Anderson interviews Turkish archaeology professor Elif Mutlu about the mysterious Palladium. Why, Misty asks, do many people believe it protects Istanbul, while others argue it does not exist? 

What do you think? Also available as a blog.  

What three things must you always bear in mind when you hear Russian official statements about Ukraine? Also available as a blog.

Ian Fleming's "Goldfinger", written in 1959, is full of vile sexism, homophobia and prejudice. Is it still worth reading? Also available as a blog.

Why is Ukrainian vodka the best in the world? What else makes it unique? You may be surprised to learn how "Horilka" could become as famous as Scotch or Champagne. Also available as a blog.