Hello, and a warm welcome to my blog.
My name is Hugh. I live in Swansea, South Wales, in the United Kingdom (not to be confused with England).
My blog covers a broad range of subjects, with my blogging tips posts being the most popular. Since I started this journey in February 2014, I have learned a great deal about the world of blogging. All the tips and advice I offer are free.
I have always enjoyed writing. Although I have a mild form of dyslexia, it has not hindered my passion for writing.
Blogging has connected me with hundreds of other writers, many of whom have been supportive and have assisted me with my writing. Thank you to all of you.
More about Hugh
I lead a happy life and always remain positive. I share my life with John, my civil partner, and our two Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Toby and Austin.
Some of my short stories and flash fiction are available on my blog. I hope you enjoy reading them. Flash fiction has become a significant part of my writing, and I take pleasure in participating in various writing challenges.
Remember – Blogging is a marathon, not a sprint!
Blogging and Social Media Tips
As mentioned, I also write articles offering free blogging and social media tips. Click the ‘Blogging Tips’ button on the menu to access all my articles.
These articles have proved very popular. My free tips are a way of thanking everyone who supports my blog by visiting, reading and commenting on my posts.
If you have any questions about blogging, let me know what they are. I may respond with a new post featuring you and your blog.
My main social media account is on Bluesky. Following me on Bluesky at @hughsviewsandnews.com.
What kind of blogs do I like to read?
If you blog about any of the following subjects, then leave me a link to your blog. I’d love to connect with you and read your posts.
- Blogging tips
- Blogging
- Social media tips
- Writing
- Writing tips
- Photography
- Photography challenges
- Flash fiction
- Flash fiction challenges
- Short stories
- Short story challenges
- Blogging challenges
- LBGTQ+ topics
- Science fiction
- Television
- Films/movies
- Technology
- SEO Tips
My Books
My first collection of short stories is available on Amazon.
‘Glimpses‘ is available as both a paperback and an eBook and contains 28 short stories and flash fiction full of twists, turns, and unexpected endings. The Kindle version is 99p.
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
My second short story and flash fiction collection, More Glimpses, is also available on Amazon.
The Kindle version of More Glimpses is £0.99. The paperback version is £4.99.
Click here to buy a copy.
Alternatively, contact me to buy a copy.
Don’t forget to check out the pages on my blog, where you’ll find lots more information.
How To Contact Hugh
Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
You can contact me by clicking the ‘Contact Hugh‘ button on the menu at the top of my blog.
Follow Hugh On Social Media. Click on the links below.
Thank you for visiting me today.
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Hugh's Views & News 
Hi Hugh! Coming from far away from UK, hance the question – how bad is it to confuse South Wales with England? :)
Oh, please, don’t start on that (I’m saying that with a smile). Being Welsh, being announced as coming from England is something I scream about every time somebody thinks that the whole of the United Kingdom is just England. I am tempted to correct people who refer to the UK as England, but I tend to let it ride. I have, however, asked one writer to change my details from ‘Hugh from England’ to ‘Hugh from Wales’ in a book she’d published. Thankfully, I caught the mistake before it went to publication.
:) thank you for the detailed answer. I would not assume England and UK is interchangeable from now on.
My mother was born in Wales to Welsh parents, while my father was born in England to English parents, so I always called myself British as I was taught in school that England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland are ALL part of Great Britain, or The British Isles. I respected both my countries equally, although I am now retired in Spain! Sincerely Joy Lennick
Thanks, Joy. I agree with what you say. If anyone asked me what nationality I am, I’d always say British. But when people ask me, ‘Which part of England are you from?’ I can’t help but point out that I’m not from England. I recall once being asked, ‘What part of Scotland is Wales?’ I guess it’s all down to knowing one’s geography.
Thanks for your reply, Hugh. I am nearly as old as Methuselah. . .and they were stricter when I attended school! I notice you live in Swansea, where a cousin of mine lives: Bethan Havard (my mother was a Havard). Bethan is an avid ‘animal sitter’ so you may have heard of her? I was evacuated to Merthyr as a child in World War 11 and also spent some time in Neath. I met nothing but kindness and can remember many happy times. I have always been in love with words, as, luckily, is my husband. . .and eldest son Jason (one of three sons). I wrote a Memoir My Gentle War (with excerpts from my father’s war diaries…) plus many short stories, nine books and many poems. What’s next on your literary list?
Cheers.
Joy Lennick
Hi Joy,
I’m not aware of Bethan, but we always take the dogs with us when we go away. We’ve done all the travelling abroad, so since we got the dogs, we only holiday in the UK. I will ask our dog-walker pals if they are aware of Bethan, though.
I’m so pleased to hear that your experience with eviction to Wales went well. You hear some terrible stories about what happened back then, which is a shame because there are also many happy ones, as you have confirmed. I expect Neath and Merthyr have changed a lot. We drive past Merthyr when visiting family. There’s a new ‘Heads of the Valley’ road now (the A465), which my step-nephew helped build. But the scenery and views are stunning for most of the journey.
I have two short story collections, and some of my stories have appeared in anthologies, but my dyslexia hinders my reading a lot. I don’t write fiction as much as I used to, but I’m delighted to say that my blogging journey shows no signs of stopping. Well done on your books. You must be thrilled with them all.
Hi Hugh!
I have been observing your blog since last two-three years.
I find the blogging tips very useful. Thank you!
Happy Writing! ✍🏼
Thank you for the great feedback, Lokesh. I’m delighted my blogging tips are useful. I enjoy sharing them.
Hi Hugh,
I just discovered your blogs, an I am enjoying your blog post. I love your profile photo, it beautifully captures the city. i have glanced your topics and read 1 post, it sparked me to read more.
I have 2 blogging questions: What are your thoughts on blogging the same post on one’s website? Also, is their a benefit to blogging on Substack as well as WordPress?
Until next time,
Coach Diane
Thank you so much for leaving me a comment. I’m delighted reading that one post sparked you to read more.
I’m not 100% sure what you mean by blogging the same post on one’s website. If you are referring to reblogging your own posts, then there is nothing wrong with doing so, although I’d advise to think about updating the post and republishing it rather than reblogging.
I do not blog on Substack so can’t answer your question. I have heard that some bloggers left WordPress to blog on Substack because they do not like using the Block editor on WordPress. The only negative thing I’ve heard about Substack is that there is not as big a community there as there is on WordPress. But that could change.
I hope that helps? But feel free to ask any further questions.
It’s nice to know more about you, Hugh. I love an organized blog and yours sets a wonderful example. I appreciate your blogging tips and enjoy your short stories and flash fiction.
Thank you so much, Eugi. That is excellent feedback.
You’re welcome, Hugh.
Hi Hugh, I’ve really enjoyed reading through your posts this evening – you’ve got a great blog and wow – you’ve been at this for 10 years now! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us! xxx
Hi Ashley, thank you for following my blog. Welcome to Hugh’s Views And News.
On February 12th, I celebrated 11 years of blogging. I’ve always used WordPress and love sharing my advice, thoughts and photography here.
Nice to be following you, Hugh. May 2025 treat you well.
Blessings
Lisa
Thank you, Lisa. And welcome to Hugh’s Views And News.
You lead an interesting life. I never met anyone from Wales. I would like to hear some tales about your Corgis Toby and Austin since I love animals and see some pics,
Thank you. Three million people live in Wales.
I used to write blog posts about my walks with Toby (when I only had him), but they became outdated, so I deleted most of them. Toby is now 13, so he spends most of his time sleeping. Austin turns 8 this month and goes on longer walks, but he, too, is not as active as he used to be.
They often appear in my Wordless Wednesday posts and on my BlueSky social media account. Their photos receive a lot of attention on BlueSky. Let me know if you are on BlueSky so we can connect there.
I am always glad you are there. May 2025 be a good one for you! OXXOX
Nice to read your update, Hugh, and hear about what you’ve been doing. I love the profile pic. Well done. Happy New Year!
Thank you, Norah. Happy New Year to you.
Hi Hugh,
I just wanted to take a moment to say how much I enjoy your blog! Your posts are always so engaging and thought-provoking, whether you’re sharing personal stories, writing tips, or just a bit of humor. It’s clear that you put a lot of heart and creativity into everything you write, and it’s always a pleasure to read.
Thank you for creating such a welcoming and interesting space on the internet. I look forward to each new post!
Best regards,
Jaseph
Thank you, Jaseph. That is so kind of you. But thank you most of all for spending some time telling me. Feedback like yours gives me more momentum to write even more on my blog.
Nothing like a new frock to brighten up the day.
I see you as The Blogger to whom we turn for inspiration and guidance. Keep on trucking as we say in the states.
Thank you so much. That’s such lovely feedback. I always enjoy helping others with their blogging questions.
Hugh, I’m happy I cam across your blog. I had a blog several years ago that grew to a pretty good size, but I deleted it and took a break. So now I’m back and looking for ways to grow and connect with blogging communities. Your tips will be a big help!
Hi Amy, thanks so much for connecting with me.
Good to hear you have come back to blogging after taking a break.
I hope you find plenty of blogging tips that will help. I’ve been blogging for 8 1/2 years and love to share what I learn about the blogging world. Don’t hesitate to ask me any blogging questions. I’m always happy to help.