Hilary Seabrook - writer, podcaster, musician

I'm not a frequent crier but there were tears throughout the sombre beauty of The Happy Prince . Rupert Everett's portrayal of Wilde is matched only by his writing and directing of the film, which is simply stunning.  Firth, Everett and Thomas - the early days after Wilde's release from prison Anyone who is unfamiliar with the story of Oscar Wilde - and I am sure such people exist - will be thrown in at the deep end. The story sheds light on the least glamorous part of Wilde's life, following his release from prison, while offering only flashbacks to the former glories and his downfall at the hands of the Marquess of Queensberry. What is joyful about Everett's film is the many reminders of Wilde's writings. The thread running throughout is the telling of The Happy Prince , first to the author's two sons and then to the Parisian orphans he befriends (if that is entirely the right word) in the last few months of his life. As the short story comes to a ...

Inspiration is all very well, but if it doesn’t lead to either a change in behaviour or some pure hard work, it’s pointless. Luckily for me, dear reader, last week’s inspiration has brought me to the point of actually writing. Writing the novel I started several years ago. Luckily, the inspiration gave me more than a kick in the proverbial pants - it also gave me ideas for how to get my novel finished. And I have a plan. 2,000 words a day for the next couple of weeks should get it finished. First draft finished, that is. Then there’s a lot of checking, editing, re-reading and careful proof-reading. Until it’s ready to go to an agent or two. There will be rejections. There will - certainly - be criticism. But the novel will be written and it will possibly be published. In the meantime, I’ve done today’s 2,000 words, sitting in the Members’ Room at the British Library. I was surprised that the bare bones of the story are clearly mapped out. I’d obviously done more of the prep...

Inspiration seems to come from different directions. On two occasions this week, I have made a last minute decision to attend an event to hear an author talking about their work. Ideas are coming like buses - nothing for ages and then two come along at once. On Monday night, that spontaneity took me back to The Groucho Clun in Soho for the first time in 30 years. The speaker was Holly Bourne, author of several teen novels and also How do you like me now? Tonight, the venue was Hitchin Library and the author was Zoe Folbigg, talking about The Note. With Zoe Folbigg Both authors were not just vaguely inspirational but specific in their nuggets of wisdom.  I feel focused on how I can get my own novel completed. There are approaching 20,000 words languishing on my PC and it's time to get the rest written. Then I can move on to novel number 2. Hearing Holly and Zoe speak has given my renewed impetus and also some clear pointers in terms of what I’m writing. Watch this sp...

I spent yesterday evening in the very pleasant company of The Trouble Club, hearing from a panel on the growing (or diminishing) power of influencers. One of the panel was Holly Bourne, whose book I bought because it sounds interesting. How do you like me now? is the tale of a young woman who lives her life online. A book about a modern writer. It traces the disjoint between reality and fantasy which has always fascinated me. Reading the opening on the train home from London was a little uncomfortable, but Bourne's style is easy to read and I'll be persisting.   The Groucho Club - a haunt from the 80s revisited.

If you’ve never visited Hitchin Lavender, now is the time to do so. Especially since they’re open until 9pm every Tuesday and Friday. The lavender looks and smells wonderful. And there’s a great selection of tea and cake available. Although my parents are not fit enough to walk up in the fields, they enjoyed looking around the museum and gift shop. It was great to see so many tourists from far and wide - the car park has been moved and extended to take care of a huge increase in visitors since my last time, a couple of years ago. Next time, I’ll take my real camera, not just my phone.

While undergoing tests for my irritating (in so many ways!) stomach issues today, I found myself relaxing in Cambridge's Addenbrooke's Hospital outpatients garden, where I found this beautiful otter sculpture. In the blazing heat of this heatwave we're experiencing, the water feature bought a real sense of calm. 'The Otter' is a piece specially commissioned for the garden by sculptor Laurence Broderick, who also created the iconic 'Bull' centerpiece in Birmingham's Bullring shopping centre. With half a dozen benches - some of which gave much-needed shade - the garden is a real haven. It was a pleasure, especially in such potentially stressful surroundings.

On the edge of Brownsea Island lies a lagoon containing five hides for humans to observe the vast number of birds that seek sanctuary there. Just a few nautical metres from a busy shipping lane, any number of species find protection. I was on my own little sanctuary yesterday morning - the bright yellow ferry that took me and my parents around the five islands of Poole Harbour. It's always good to find some peace. However you get there.