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.

Whose fault is the President Putin's invasion of Ukraine? What about the Soviet invasion of Hungary, or the building of the Berlin Wall? Think twice before you ascribe blame or you may be a victim of "reverse conspiracy theories". Also available as a blog.

Who is really responsible for the devastating Russia-Ukraine war?  It may not be who you think. Why did President Putin do a U-turn? Listen to find out what really brought about a catastrophic war at the heart of Europe.

My Istanbul thriller "Palladium" has been eleven years in the making. This podcast introduces the cover art: how it came to be designed, what input I made, and how the results came out. Find out how an author gets involved in the cover of the book - or not! Since I made this podcast, the publishers have changed the cover again.

You can read the blog post on which this podcast is based, and see the cover, on my rleighturner.com blog.