Hello, and thank you for visiting my site. I hope that you'll return often and always find something of interest about my world and what inspires me to pick up a pen. (This is a figure of speech, unfortunately. My handwriting is terrible!) Here's what I've been up to recently...
Coffee with Crime
Today I attended one of the regular events hosted by Valentino’s at the behest of the Little Ripon Bookshop and it was a particular pleasure to reacquaint myself with A.A.Dhand. We first met some years ago at a York Writers’ session, when Amit was on the brink of the great success that he was to enjoy later. So inspiring was he to listen to that we quite forgot to take our usual break halfway through.
That’s why it was my great pleasure to recommend him to Swanwick Writers’ School as a speaker, where he brought the house down. Not only did he receive a standing ovation from the delegates but also an invitation from the Committee to return as a course leader.
In August this year, Amit will once again be among the guest speakers, and I know that there won’t be an empty seat in the Main Conference Hall of the Hayes. The humorous and highly self-deprecating way in which he outlines his transition from pharmacist to bestselling author will have the audience in the palm of his hand and I shall endeavour to be on the front row!
30 June, 2026 - Make the first comment on this story
It’s here at last!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1221950/Nighthawks/
Not blowing my own trumpet this time but that of my son Richard. Writing the narrative for this game has been the equivalent of coming up with several very chunky novels and a real labour of love. Please view the trailer and then spread the word far and wide to give it the success it deserves.
30 May, 2026 - Make the first comment on this story
Swanwick 2026
The first time I went to Swanwick: The Writers’ Summer School was in 2006. Apart from the cancellation forced by Covid in 2020, I haven’t missed a year since, which should prove how highly it ranks in my estimation. This time round I shall be leading one of the workshops. Whatever your writing interests, why not give it a try? I’m sure you won’t regret it.
11 May, 2026 - Make the first comment on this story
Flying the flag for local authors!
Sudip, Leah and I were happy to man a stall at the annual Sights & Sounds of Ripon event, which took place in the Cathedral and other venues throughout our little city. A great number of local organisations were represented and the sun shone all day. What more could we have asked for? Well, maybe a rise in temperature – the stone slabs beneath our feet were quite unforgiving – but there was free coffee for stallholders courtesy of Ripon Community Link’s Walled Garden project.
15 March, 2026 - Make the first comment on this story
I Want a Crocodile… Well, what child wouldn’t?
I’m very happy to have contributed a poem and a short story to this book and hope it sells enough copies to benefit the children supported by the chosen charity.
25 February, 2026 - Make the first comment on this story
Mark Billingham
This was my first Mark Billingham book and I was enthralled from the start. I really enjoyed the mixture of violence and humour, especially his detective’s little asides into completely irrelevant areas. The outcome took me completely by surprise, which can only be a good thing. I’m now looking forward to getting my hands on the next book in the Detective Miller series.
9 February, 2026 - Make the first comment on this story
Dine and Dashers get their comeuppance – at least in print!
Hearing about the losses inflicted on hardworking café and restaurant owners by ‘dine and dashers’ has inspired my latest story, which is in the 20th January 2026 issue of Woman’s Weekly.
I’m particularly taken with the lovely illustrations.
On a more serious note, though, my heart goes out to all the hardworking people robbed by cynical and callous individuals and groups. What may seem trivial to the latter can be a devastating loss to a small business and even tip it over the edge into bankruptcy. The closure of a popular café, restaurant or pub also has a negative and far reaching effect on the local community, something difficult to quantify but still important.
14 January, 2026 - Make the first comment on this story
The oxygen of publicity!
Once again I have to thank the indefatigable Graham Chalmers for a write up of one of my books in our local newspaper syndicate. It appeared a few weeks ago on the website, but I was very pleased to be tipped off by a friend this morning that it was also in print.
8 January, 2026 - Make the first comment on this story
Christmas is coming!
Thursday evening saw me in the Claro Lounge with friends from Write-On Ripon! We enjoyed good food, good conversation, a Secret Santa and even a mini-awards ceremony. Look what I got! (Blushes modestly.)
14 December, 2025 - Make the first comment on this story
Welcome exposure!
As a long-term fan of York Literature Festival (and former member of York Writers), I was very pleased to have this appear in the latest newsletter.
25 November, 2025 - Make the first comment on this story
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