an award-winning broadcast journalist, international media trainer and consultant, and writer
My head is awash with thoughts and ideas -partly due to the fact that I’ve only had about 6 hours sleep in the last 48 hours, but partly due to being back in the mad melting pot of Dubai. The journey from hell actually turned out to be not so bad – as in nothing … Continue reading Dubai and beyond
So, here I am, trying to fit everything I need, or might possibly need, into a suitcase I can still carry! It's never an easy task, and I find that the dozens of soaps, pens etc I have bought as presents for the women actually weigh a tonne when all put together. I finally got … Continue reading On the road again…
I'm in London - always stressful at the best of times I find - but I have (almost) finally got my Afghan visa. Today I trekked from the farthest reaches of the Northern Line to the grand residences of South Kensington and the Afghan embassy. It may be one of the most prestigious areas of one … Continue reading Culture lag — already!
Me and some friends in Afghanistan in 2004 I am going back to Afghanistan! It’s at least eight years since I was last there, and I can’t wait to catch up with all my friends, and see how things have changed. But this is not just a holiday. I am making the trip in order … Continue reading Back in the ‘stan!
The teaching has finished, the final assignments are in, and suddenly all that remains of the MA is the dissertation. (Admittedly, that's 15 thousand words, so no small challenge). But, as if by magic, my brave new year is nearly complete! So, when we met for an event to read some of our work and … Continue reading It’s all over…
I saw Belfast in a new light last night. And it was all thanks to this http://www.primecutproductions.co.uk/ It was clear, and admittedly cold, but up above the night sky was a deep velvet blue. In contrast, at ground level the streets were glittering with light and life. The shops were relatively busy, there were plenty … Continue reading A wish for the city
Just a quickie - this story illustrates exactly why it's so difficult to write what you want to. The more you learn about the 'art' of writing, the more you realise how ignorant you are! http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/13/magazine/once-upon-a-time-there-was-a-person-who-said-once-upon-a-time.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0
The creative zone chez Paul - where no one can hear you scream... It's a funny old thing, but when you are convinced you've always wanted to do something, and then you actually get to do it, sometimes the experience may not be quite what you expected. I hate that phrase - 'Be careful what … Continue reading Appetite for literature
I've spent a couple of nights this weekend being well and truly entertained at the theatre, as part of the Belfast Festival at Queens. On Saturday I was gripped by Huzzies at The MAC , in jaw dropping awe at writer Stacey Gregg's dialogue - sharp, stinging, hilarious http://unitedagents.co.uk/stacey-gregg . It's a play about a band, so the music was … Continue reading Read all about it…
I was reminded sharply this morning, of the time I spent in New York last year, with breakfast accompanied by the disturbing coverage of superstorm Sandy. The city that never sleeps was deserted, blacked-out and, in many areas, underwater. It was a chilling sight - and weirdly, almost as apocalyptic as 9/11. Thankfully, all our pals are … Continue reading Paper tigers?