Seeing a cloud within a silver lining is almost a national British trait, and crime thriller writers are used to focusing on the darker side of life. However, I make sure to appreciate all the good things in my life too. If they’re free, so much the better! Here are my top 6 freebies – many of which will be no surprise to regular readers of this blog…
#1. The local park. Fresh air, sunshine, the scent of trees and flowers – what’s not to like? By the way, ladies, trees are the latest anti-ageing secret (apparently!).
#2. Radio. Humour, music, news, access to obscure facts that help you with your pub quiz – all there at the touch of a button. Even everyday drudgery is easier with a wireless by your side. It’s no accident that builders love loud music.
#3. The seaside. It costs nothing to play in the sand. Of course, despite Britain having about 6.000 miles of coastline, not everyone lives near it. Small children from Bradford to Birmingham to Bristol seem remarkably inventive in finding public fountains to splash in, though.
#4. Libraries. If radio is all about the spoken word, libraries are where you’ll find it on a page. Immerse yourself in different lives, daydreams and amazing discoveries.
#5. Art galleries, public or private. It costs nothing to look and enjoy the uplifting power of a beautiful painting (the one pictured above is by fabulous Cornish artist Carolyn Stubbs).
#6. Live fiction. Why not join me at Talking Tales in Bristol on 17th August – or even better, grab a free ticket for the launch of my new crime thriller, The Bride’s Trail, in Birmingham on 24th August? There will be champagne, roulette, networking, and best of all, a great night out!
PS Love fiction? Don’t forget the free short stories in the Freebies tab above!
