I decided to start this blog to journal my experience of having my first novel published. I hope to encourage other debut writers and receive advice from those who know the process. Reaching this point has been both exciting and hard work. I’ve discovered there is no blue print though I’ve masses of books and have attended many courses in an effort to find one.
In addition to developing the stamina to write, research and keep going, I’ve made friends with a variety of people I wouldn’t otherwise have met. That may well be the best bit.
A Change of Perspective
For the past few weeks I have been working on what I hope will be the final draft of my latest novel. I began writing it with the intention of focusing on the race riots in Hull in the mid-summer of 1920. Early on it became evident there was insufficient historical...
On second chances
Our garden in winter In January we had bad weather in the sheltered Midlands: (not counting the 5 minutes of snow which melted as it fell), bitterly cold winds and icy rain for several consecutive days.During this time I didn't venture down the garden, limited myself...
Taking risks – writing and reading
Where to start? A new year can give a opportunity to review the past year, decide where changes need to be made, and then, we're off. By mid-January either I'm exhausted or I've given up and pretend my life was good enough. This morning I'm beginning a new blog. Hence...
Betwixt and between…
A happy 2026 to all my readers! Setting sun mid-winter in Lillington, Leamington Spa I have three projects on the go. 1. Writing the 4th draft on the novel, Kaleidoscope; 2. Submitting my completed novel, to potential agents and or publishers; 3. Write a blog. Like...
On sharing truth …
At this time of year I remember Paul. He was homeless and had his own spot near Argos and Chandos Street car park. I often used to chat to him as did many others in our town. He left home aged 13. Now in his mid-30s, he had a teenage daughter who sometimes called by...
Finding your way home – and the dung beetle
This morning it's raining, i've a routine appointment which I'm not looking forward to and words are slow to come. It's not 'writers' block', it's this writer's reluctance to write. The usual suspects line up. Why do I bother? I can list the success of other writers...
Copyright
The material on this website is copyright to the credited writer/poet or me. Please ask my permission to use my poems or short stories. I am happy for you to quote from the blog posts but please credit me and provide a link to this site.
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