Newsletter: Pesto, Politicians And Purchases

In which Karl bites off more than he can chew

Karl D. Bringing colour to stories since the 1970s.

The Personal Bit

The season has arrived. Wild garlic has begun to sprout! Loads of it grows in the woods near me. Whole carpets of it. Even so, we selectively pick only a few leaves at a time, one from each plant, and thank it for its generosity.

There is nothing as good as fresh wild garlic pesto. You can stir it into pasta. You can spread it on crackers. It’s amazing. Especially the first batch of the year, as I made the other night.

Oh. Wow.

As with all my cooking I tend to make things differently each time, changing ingredients depending on what’s in the cupboard. This time I included turmeric, and substituted tofu for the nuts. But here’s a basic recipe if you want to give it a go.

• A cup of wild garlic leaves

• 2 tbsp nuts or seeds (cashews, walnuts, sunflower…)

• 4 tbsp oil (olive, sunflower, rapeseed, whatever)

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• a generous pinch of chilli (powder, fresh, flakes - all optional)

• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional; sometimes I include vegan parmesan of cheese)

Rinse the wild garlic thoroughly, throw it in a jug. If using nuts, add them, or lightly toast them first in a dry pan. Add other ingredients to the jug. Whizz it all up with a hand blender. Pop it in a jar in the fridge.

Yum.

I’m going to be busy in March. I have a big promotion on my horror books next week, then an extensive blog tour for Lost Solace. I’m teaching my creative writing class and also doing a workshop on routes to publication for a local print festival. And an article I wrote about Public Lending Right (which I argue should be scrapped!) will be published by an organisation I’m a member of. As usual I’ll be attending peace vigils (and will wear this T-shirt I designed at the next one).

Recently I’ve been so sick of corrupt and selfish politicians that I decided to do something about it. I’ve been asked to stand as an MP (Green Party) in the next election, for a Welsh constituency I have a lot of ties to. I might not have much chance of being voted in, but at least I have a chance to challenge the bastards who currently run the show.

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A work in progress. Just like me.

The Business Bit

Oh yes, I should mention my books. I’ve never been great at self-promo.

That explains a lot.

Well, I’ve done a bit more work on my online store, and now it’s possible to buy every Lost Solace ebook (and Lost Tale of Solace novella) in one place, cheaper than any of the main distributors even though I get more money per sale! Win win. All DRM-free, and no account needed, just a simple transaction. Here’s a link to the Lost Solace series. You can now filter by Product Type.

I’ve built in a few bonuses. Spend £30 and you get 5% off. Even better, buy any print book and you get any ebook for free as long as it is in your cart at the same time! You can even buy every single Lost Solace ebook in one go, for another 20% off. If you want to see what makes people love these books so much, then treat yourself (or someone else).

My bargain bundle!

My other series (contemporary fiction, and horror/suspense) will go up on the site as soon as I get the chance. I’ll also add more exclusive print items like the luxury hardbacks.

Let me know how your week is going by replying to this email.

Peace and love, my friends.

Karl