I’ve performed on stage many times at various poetry open mic nights and at a few literary festivals also, despite stage fright and all the joys of being neurodivergent. When I did perform I found that I couldn’t sleep, eat (or keep food down) due to the anxiety that it caused.

I tried a trick that Roy Orbison used to use to battle his crippling stage fright, (not that I’m in the same league as him) sunglasses. You see they create a barrier between you and the audience. This works extremely well and I used it right up until the pandemic as a strategy to cope with the stage lights (eyes are v sensitive to bright light) and other people. Unfortunately after that I decided that the anxiety’s effects both physical and mental were becoming too much, so I now settle for just writing poetry that appears in magazines, books and websites globally. This way I can still create some really great poetry and it reaches an even bigger audience without the health issues. I do miss performing and I hope one day to be able to return to the stage. Until then most of my (unpublished) work an be found on here.

There’s nothing that bores me…

Really?

Yes, because If you’re bored, it could mean you’re not in the right place, or doing something that excites you. 

Boredom isn’t just about lacking excitement—it’s a neurochemical signal, a reminder to yourself that you might be missing out on a chance for growth.

Like for instance, finding the answers to any of those question you have. 

Like how many penguins would fit into a limousine?

(81 incase you wondered) 

The speed of light in miles per second.

186,282.4 

You see where I’m going. 

If you’re bored, ask a question. 

Anything. 

Coffee isn’t just a drink — it’s a daily ritual, a creative spark, and a tiny moment of joy wrapped in a warm cup.

It’s the fuel that powers early mornings, ambitious ideas, and those “I’ve got this” moments we all need. With endless flavours, brewing styles, and personalities in every cup, coffee adapts to whoever you are and whoever you’re becoming.

It’s comfort when you’re tired, focus when you’re busy, and connection when you share it with someone else.

If there’s one drink that can elevate your day from ordinary to exceptional, it’s coffee — and that’s exactly why it should be everyone’s favourite.

While these may not have been my favourite footwear at the time, they were comfortable, hard wearing and have certainly been places.

My standard issue (Army) boots were,once broken in. A fantastic price of kit that kept my feet warm, dry, and protected. They’ve been with me everywhere and taken me to places I’d never have dreamed of as a kid.

While the boots weren’t as magical as I’m making them appear, they were a big part of my younger years and the memories I have of my comrades, and the time we spent together are amazing.

(To Casper, Tictok, and badger)

One of the best gifts I’ve ever received has to be two antique oil lamps. They’re both from the Middle East and around 3,000 years old, and are in fantastic condition for their age. (rather like me)

I must mention that Mrs Bob has bought me so many great gifts over the years we’ve been together, from my HotToys Batman as a wedding present to books signed by Kevin Smith, Jock and other comic book legends.

My mother was working in early years support services, dealing with children with behavioural issues.

My biological father (sperm donor) was working in the aerospace engineering industry as he had all my life.

(Ps. Weirdly my mother and the various schools failed to notice my autism, and I actually ended up working in the same field as SD and his father, my grandfather who was a senior manager at RR. It’s how I got into Rolls Royce aerospace division, at the interview (at 18) they asked if I was related to him. I said yes and was given a job. By this point though it was just before I took a sabbatical and joined the British Army for a while. Before once again going back to the family buisness of aerospace engineering once again)

If I had the power to change one law, I would reform our drug laws—specifically to decriminalise the possession of small amounts of drugs for personal use and shift the focus from punishment to treatment and education.

My reason is not that drug use is harmless, but that our current approach often increases suffering rather than reducing it. Criminal records can follow someone for life, limiting employment, housing, and relationships. Instead of helping people overcome addiction or harmful habits, we frequently isolate and stigmatise them. A more compassionate, health-led approach would recognise that many who struggle with substance use are already experiencing deep pain.

I believe laws should aim to reduce harm, encourage personal responsibility, and cultivate wellbeing. Supporting accessible rehabilitation, mental health services, and community support would be far more constructive than relying primarily on punishment. When people are treated with dignity rather than condemnation, they are more likely to change in meaningful and lasting ways.

Ultimately, I would want our legal system to reflect care as much as accountability—to reduce suffering where it can and to encourage wiser choices, not simply impose consequences.

My dream home would have a library type room, so I could have all my graphic novels in one place. While also having some display cases for some of my rarer books and artefacts, including books by long lost relatives or my books by Charles Darwin etc, the only other thing would be a secret bookcase door (you know you’d have one too) into a small office room where I could write in peace and meditate when needed.

The only other features I’d want is a separate garage with a granny flat over it, so I could maybe have guests over without having them in the house (I’m very private) if that makes sense. Add a walk in swimming pool and a garden big enough to practice my archery and it’s complete.

Though if I’m honest, while dreaming about that is lovely, my home wouldn’t be a home without Mrs Bob and our little cat Noodles. These two creatures are what make our house a home,

Hmmm.

Firstly I’d obviously tell Mrs Bob and ask her to check the validity of said information, as I could have made a mistake (it’s been known to happen) Once it’s been confirmed, then I’d share the news with a very select few people who’ve been there for me.

I’d probably not tell anyone else as despite my website etc I’m a very shy and private individual and above all it’s my news.

There’s one hobby I used to enjoy when I was in high school that I’ve let slide unfortunately over the years. Dungeons & Dragons.

I began playing this in high school as I was at a boarding school and thoroughly enjoyed that and painting the little games workshop figures with my friends. Unfortunately, as I’ve got older Life has unfortunately as it always does, it gets in the way.

I have, however rekindled my love of choose your own adventure books which were designed by one of the gentleman who founded the games workshop Ian Livingstone.

So why I may not have enough friends to play Dungeons & Dragons anymore I can still grab my bag of dice a pencil and head off into the caverns of the snow witch, just like I did when I was 12 years old. I’m sure that nostalgia will have given it rose tinted glasses and I’m probably not going to find it as much fun as I did as a kid, but you don’t know if you don’t try.