Today is the longest day. An incidental occurrence for most people but for me a significant day in the calendar. Why? Because I simply adore Stone Henge – which you’ll know if you follow me on Twitter/X. I won’t explain my reason why - that’s personal to me. But for as long as I can remember these distinct stones have brought me joy. And today, is their day of beauty. 
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This morning, I was chatting ‘books’ with someone who enjoys reading. I don’t like recommending titles as we’re all so different in our choices and tastes. All too often I’ve had people say to me ‘you must read (insert book title) – it’s the best!’. I’ve then read the said title and thought it totally naff! Worse still, I’ve wanted to bill someone for the twenty hours I’ve wasted, plus the cost of the book. Shame that isn’t a thing in life? As a result, I tend to mention books which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed and which have stayed with me long after the final page. I tend to give the briefest outline highlighting what I liked. I’d happily scrub these five books from my memory enabling me to read and enjoy them again for the first time! Below, I’ve provided the beginning of the official blurb too.  
 
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – you knew it would be there! I simply adore it. I’ve read this novel so many times since I was a teenager and I still find something new every time. I’m rereading it at the moment, just because I can!  
The official Blurb:  Jane Austen's much-adapted novel is famed for its witty, spirited heroine, sensational romances, and deft remarks on the triumphs and pitfalls of social convention.
 
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot – this book truly amazed me. I had never heard of HeLa cells before but was gripped with this real-life story. And, very grateful!
The official Blurb: Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poor Southern tobacco farmer who worked the same land as her enslaved ancestors, yet her cells—taken without her knowledge—became one of the most important tools in medicine. 
 
Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owen – set in the ‘deep South’ – this book reminded me of Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill A Mocking Bird’ - the tone, the style, the injustice of life.  
The official Blurb: For years, rumours of the “Marsh Girl” haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet fishing village. Kya Clark is barefoot and wild; unfit for polite society. So in late 1969, when the popular Chase Andrews is found dead, locals immediately suspect her.
 
The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini – set in Afghanistan in 1975, a country I knew very little about. Filled with beautiful descriptions of landscapes, kite flying and cultural tradition. Warning: one scene contains a sexual assault/violence – just saying as I wouldn’t wish for anyone to be emotionally triggered or affected, if you’ve experienced this in life. 
The official Blurb: The unforgettable, heartbreaking story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father's servant, The Kite Runner is a beautifully crafted novel set in a country that is in the process of being destroyed. It is about the power of reading, the price of betrayal, and the possibility of redemption; and an exploration of the power of fathers over sons—their love, their sacrifices, their lies.  
 
We Need To Talk About Kevin – Lionel Shriver – having worked in schools and met many adorable pupils … well, I couldn’t put it down! 
The official Blurb: Eva never really wanted to be a mother - and certainly not the mother of the unlovable boy who murdered seven of his fellow high school students, a cafeteria worker, and a much-adored teacher who tried to befriend him, all two days before his sixteenth birthday.    

I'm frequently asked for my book titles in publication order so here's a little reminder. Whether you're seeking a lengthy stay in Shetland, a summer break in Brixham or village life in the heart of England - there's an Erin Green book waiting to welcome you!

Link: Amazon 

AI update: Should you choose to search Erin Green on-line AI has provided this little summary for you. Boy, did I laugh!

 "Erin Green is a multifaceted individual with various achievements and affiliations. She is a published author known for her women's fiction, particularly cozy and romantic reads. Additionally, Erin Green is a makeup artist working in London. She has also been a contestant on America's Next Top Model. Furthermore, there is a PhD candidate in English at the University of Maryland named Erin Green who specializes in rhetoric and composition. Finally, "Erin" is also the name of a colour, described as halfway between green and spring green."

On Friday, 25th April 2025, London Writers' Salon held another of their fabulous 24-hour Marathon writing sessions, where they chased 8am around the globe. Hundreds of writers participated and showed up for this Zoom event - of which I was one.
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The event started at 7pm but I didn't join until 9pm, as I was busy elsewhere. My intention is to join as many of the 24 hour sessions as I can - fingers crossed, that will be at least 12!  

​9pm Wellington, New Zealand - I started a brand-new chapter for my current project.
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I’m delighted to report that I managed 11 of the 12 hours I’d wished to dedicate to the writing sprint. It was great writing alongside others for such an extended period of time; I was amazed that at various times of there were as many as 520 people connected via Zoom. More importantly, from across the globe! 

My back ached and I was as tired as a dog having done my stint but happy. Happy that my creative bubble had enabled me to focus and take strides forward with my current project. The energy and motivation doesn’t end there though, much like a writing retreat the momentum will continue to flow into this next week.

For the last few weeks, I have kept my head down and worked solely on my new writing project. During that time, I have learnt that five of my published books have been used, technically stolen as no permissions were requested or given, in order to teach AI software how to refine their skills for writing English. There is very little I can do; a David v Goliath situation. 

I tend to structure my week by writing at home and then at various locations around my local area, for a change of scenery. Earlier this week, a total stranger decided to enquire what I was working on. His opening line was, ‘I see you typing loads - are you attempting to write a book?’ He’d seen me week after week attend the same place and do the same thing: writing.

I have no problem with being interrupted; many people are curious when they see me typing straight from my imagination, without a note book. I answered ‘yes, I’m writing another book’ instantly he said, ‘Have you thought about running it through ChatGPT?’ He didn’t like my answer when I refused to use it. He remarked ‘How come? Are you stuck in your old ways?’ – not a good line to use with an author. I had nothing to say in favour of using AI but he wouldn’t let it go. 

When I said ‘I was unique’ - his immediate response was ‘I love your confidence’. 

So I explained, imagine a world in which someone had told to Lennon and McCartney ‘hey fellas, don’t waste your time writing lyrics - a computer will guarantee you a hit record.’ Or if someone had told Elvis Presley ‘save your breath … a hologram or robot can dance and sing better than you’ or if someone had told Prince to put down his guitar as that particular riff can be played ten times better and a thousand times over. If Picasso had been told ‘throw away your brushes - a computer can out-paint you any day!’ What kind of world would I have been born into? Not one that I would wish to know or experience! Ironically, the guy admitted he’d choose a ‘real Picasso’ any day! I wanted to laugh out loud at his answer, but I didn't.

He had guts to keep pushing his view but soon said ‘what like you get up every day and write?’ … ‘Yep, I do.’ He then asked ‘where does it come from – what inspires you?’ Funny how suddenly his AI gods had been lost to curiosity. ‘It comes from my head and the heart – you’ve seen me in here week after week.’ He couldn’t refute that statement and quickly left - it was quite clear that I was done with our exchange, done with the subject but sadly, I don’t think the subject is done with me.​