PARDONABLE OFFENCES provides readers with a collection of fascinating anecdotes that inspire thought and a laugh. You said in the Author’s Note that this world “feels increasingly strange and alien to my generation.” How did this idea shape the stories you told in this book?

My current view of society did not affect my storytelling that much. Of course I realised younger generations might interpret the tales in a different way to my own age-group. Certainly the most flattering comments have come from the 70+ grey brigade. Notably women, strangely. My motivation was simply to share the fun that we had with my readers and , at the same time, draw attention to some of the eternal mysteries of life. As Plato is supposed to have said (and we all should admit) ” All I know is that I know nothing”.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in these stories?

Love, life, laughter, tears and our everlasting failure to make the most of them. Perhaps a few gentle words of advice too.

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

I am writing a sequel at present. More true stories in the same style that did not come to mind first time around. I hope to have this published by May 2023.