There is a particular pleasure in discovering a fact that is simply too good to leave out of a book. It is surprising, colourful and exactly what the chapter needs. You can already imagine the reader pausing over it. Then comes the less comfortable question. Is it actually true? For an author of non-fiction, that
As an Author of Non-Fiction, Do Your Research Read More »
A good sandwich deserves a little consideration. Where did the cheese come from? Who grew the apple? And how did a perfectly respectable onion end up in such a pickle? For this first helping of A Sandwich and a Tale, we are putting together a cheddar, apple and pickle sandwich, followed by a short story
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When the Telephone Lived in the Hall Read More »
Plop, Plop, Fizz! Beechams Powders and the Great British Medicine CupboardRemembering the powders, potions and spoonfuls that helped Britain muddle through the 1950s. There was a time when feeling slightly unwell could set an entire British household into motion. Mother opened a cupboard. Father offered a diagnosis from behind the newspaper. Somebody put the kettle
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The Rob’s Books website template looked promising, but it hasn’t suited our needs—so I’m starting again. With another template, a fresh pot of tea and a few weary sighs, I’m working towards a welcoming home for our digital books, blogs and growing membership. Thank you for bearing with me!
For Heaven’s Sake, Another Trial! Read More »
By Monday morning, the Sunday roast has lost some of its grandeur. The chicken is under foil. The potatoes have formed a small committee. The remaining cabbage occupies a container considerably larger than its contribution to dinner justified. Yesterday, these ingredients were part of an occasion. There was gravy, somebody warmed the plates, and the
The Sunday Roast’s Second Career: Delicious Ways to Use Up the Leftovers Read More »
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Apparently, You Can Put Anything into a Curry or Stew Read More »
Chatbots promise faster customer service, but what happens when they cannot help and the only alternative is a telephone call? An examination of automation, accessibility, deaf customers’ communication needs and why businesses must preserve written access to human support.
Being an Author in the Age of Digital Security Read More »
Behind the Scenes at Rob’s Books Our Latest Publishing Update By Robin Wickens | Rob’s Books | 19 October 2026 If anyone imagines that running an independent publishing venture consists mainly of sitting comfortably in an armchair, writing a few pleasant sentences and occasionally drinking tea, I should probably invite them to spend twenty-four hours
Being an Author in the Age of Digital Security Passwords, Verification Codes, Online Accounts and the Growing Frustration of Simply Trying to Get Things Done By Robin Wickens | Rob’s Books There was a time when being an author was relatively straightforward. You had an idea, found somewhere reasonably quiet, made yourself a cup of
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