Michael Caines

In an older time, writers filled pages with quotation marks, commas, semi colons, etc. supposedly to help the reader. But there comes a point where, in my opinion, they just mess up the page. I use as few diacritical marks as I can get by with. Cormac McCarthy, born July 20 1933

We are ourselves, and not ourselves.. For ever thwarting pride and will Some forebear's passion leaps from death To claim a vital license still. Don Marquis, born July 29 1878

When I am dead, I hope it may be said: "His sins were scarlet, But his books were read". Hilaire Belloc, born July 27 1870

If you’re a writer there will come at least one morning in your life when you wake up and want to kill your agent. Bernice Rubens, born July 26 1923

Many congratulations to Jeff Young on winning the 2025 #TLSAckerleyPrize for his wonderful memoir ‘Wild Twin’. And thanks to all three shortlisted authors for writing such marvellous books and making last night’s prize event such a success. Please buy and read all three books.

"Ninety-nine people out of a hundred, receiving a telegram reading: *All is discovered: fly*, will snatch a toothbrush and make for the garage.." Josephine Tey, born July 25 1896

"I play the radio and moon about.. and dream of utopias where its always July the 24th 1935, in the middle of summer forever.." Zelda Fitzgerald, born July 24 1900

Join us at @Foyles tonight (7.00pm) for an evening of inspiring conversation featuring these three remarkable memoir writers and the announcement of the winner of The TLS Ackerley Prize 2025. @TheTLS @michaelscaines @PParkerWriting

The sinister visage of HP Lovecraft/the pulp illustrations of Virgil Finlay, born July 23 1914

Tomorrow night at @Foyles – @PParkerWriting in conversation with the shortlisted authors for this year's @TheTLS Ackerley Prize (Catherine Coldstream, Clair Wills and Jeff Young).. foyles.co.uk/events/tls-ack…

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles.. Emma Lazarus, born July 22 1849

Ah yes, the well-known poet Tom Haworth. Raworth. Tamworth. This phone knows 'em all.

"attitudes do not necessarily change.." Three XIVliners by Tom Haworth, born July 19 1938

Run home all clichés, let the deep words come . . . Elizabeth Jennings, born July 18 1926

A golden rule: always draw from a model: keep sketches, keep notes mental or otherwise.. Do not be ashamed to ring up a model.. If you are “haunted” by a certain person, use that person Note for a class on Character by Christina Stead, born July 17 1902

I am interested in people who live on their own, people who get left behind, who drop through the net, but who survive. They seem to me quite heroic characters sometimes.. I write to find out what makes them tick. Anita Brookner, born July 16 1928

First published novel, first paragraph by Iris Murdoch, born July 15 1919

Now filed in the fiction section: The Salt Path..

Gustav Klimt, born July 14 1862

I am! yet what I am who cares, or knows? My friends forsake me like a memory lost. I am the self-consumer of my woes, They rise and vanish, an oblivious host, Shadows of life, whose very soul is lost. And yet I am – I live.. John Clare, born July 13 1793