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.

How did you get here?

Wearing my plastic clogs, I walk down our concrete path, unlock the summer house door with the brass-buckle key ring, and sit on the new camping chair. The morning's sun dazzles and I to position my head so the sun's hidden behind the door's wooden  lock panels. The...

Still here!

A year ago, I was optimistic that the Pandemic might soon end. With the arrival of summer, I hoped the prevalence of the virus might diminish and I would no longer need to wear a mask and gel my hands. I anticipated meeting family and friends, locally and further...

The Beggar’s Opera, 1963

  Beggar’s Opera,  1963       It being November, I wore my tartan mini, knee high boots, white polo neck.   Me, being me, I took my part to heart, even in rehearsal.   I wrapped my baby in a woollen shawl, flung her like I kicked off   my shoes,...

Review of 70% Water by Jeanette Sheppard

Review of Seventy Percent Water by Jeanette Sheppard   This debut collection of 31 flash fiction stories is beautifully bound by publisher EllipsisZine, its cover designed by Jeanette herself. It well illustrates the water of the title story, that human beings are...

Light in the darkness

In this darkest of winters, one of the pleasures has been discovering local walks. One of my favourites has been to Ashow, along the lanes to Chesterton Grange, and through the woods below Hill Wootton. It takes a long time for all the leaves to fall, and the woods...

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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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