Larkin about

What do Philip Larkin, an author of alternate history, a burner phone, Simon Bates, a brand-new novel and a horse have in common?

I found myself in a London theatre watching a play about Philip Larkin while sitting right next to the playwright. I discovered what a cheap burner phone does to ordinary marital texts (EVERYTHING LOOKS LIKE AN EMERGENCY). I finally began the first draft of my new novel—only to discover it wanted to become a different book first.

There was also a lovely surprise when broadcaster Simon Bates picked up my memoir on a whim and recommended it on air, prompting a heartfelt review from a listener who took a chance on an unknown author.

And then there was my horse, Val, who taught me something I should have understood sooner: sometimes the smallest changes reveal the biggest truths.

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