In the last few days I was asked for my opinion on the walking shoes I had bought the week before, and on the book I’d just finished reading. Sainsbury’s wondered how they did when delivering my food shop and Virgin media was anxious to know how happy I was with their “self-help” service. LastContinue reading “On Reviews And Scores”
Author Archives: annecburchett
On Podcasts – Society and Culture and Stories 2/3
Continuing with Society and Culture, This American Life is almost invariably good. Each weekly episode focuses on one – often topical – theme, developed over several unrelated stories. This year so far, I have particularly enjoyed episode 729: Making the Cut which explains, among other things, how Covid has altered dating in NYC and madeContinue reading “On Podcasts – Society and Culture and Stories 2/3”
On Sharing Your Writing
‘What pages are the sex scenes on, so that I don’t waste any time?’ Oz Clarke asked me. I’d sent him my novel, Tasting Notes, and explained, in person first, and then in an email, how much it would mean to me if he read it. That answer would have upset me, coming from anybodyContinue reading “On Sharing Your Writing”
On Podcasts – Society and Culture 1/3
Yesterday I went on a walk with Ruby Wax and Louis Theroux. The day before that, I’d used my daily outing to try and understand the intricacies of an unsolved murder somewhere in America. And last week, a collection of world-famous winemakers accompanied me to Bushy Park and Richmond Bridge. I am neither delusional norContinue reading “On Podcasts – Society and Culture 1/3”
From PAYE to Freelance
Before Christmas I gave a remote talk about going from PAYE to freelance to fifty clients of an outplacement company. Considering the number of calls I’ve had in the last six months from friends in the wine business thinking about going freelance, or being forced to, it may be useful to share what I haveContinue reading “From PAYE to Freelance”
Chapter 34 – The Truth
I continue reading. ‘I could have told her that parents lie to their children. I misled Christine about the realities of the wine business. Because it meant so much for me, I made it sound better for her, brushing over the long hours and the poor pay. I was so proud when she chose toContinue reading “Chapter 34 – The Truth”
Chapter 33 – Papa
At home and loaded with Nurofen I am too restless to lie down. I pace the living room floor, my mind racing, disregarding my tired and aching body. The first anniversary of Papa’s death is in two weeks. What have I achieved since that mad race out of Argentina? My throat tightens and my eyesContinue reading “Chapter 33 – Papa”
Chapter 32 – The Pits
I hear raised voices coming from the left. Sainsbury’s buyer has stepped back from Ed and Philippe. He looks cross. Philippe glances at me and urges me to come over with a nod. I take the few steps which separate us, trying to reinstate some sort of smile on my face. ‘James, sorry I haveContinue reading “Chapter 32 – The Pits”
Chapter 31 – A Damning Article
Ed’s grumpy and won’t say why. He greets Philippe with a mumble and a half-hearted nod from the door instead of his usual politician-on-the-campaign-trail handshake. Mary has to repeat her offer of tea or coffee twice before he shows any sign of having heard her. Once in the meeting room, he slumps in the firstContinue reading “Chapter 31 – A Damning Article”
Chapter 30 – Good Bye Tim
February vanishes in a flurry of client meetings, short visits to France and long telephone calls with Arnaud. He’s become so impatient he doesn’t wait for me or anybody else to get to his office when he needs to talk. He carries out pretend long-distance meetings where he conducts conversations with up to three differentContinue reading “Chapter 30 – Good Bye Tim”
