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...
NEWSFLASH!
This should be a fun event. Please save the date.
27 March, 2019 - Make the first comment on this story
Love is where you find it…….
As I was a great admirer of the late Geoffrey Smith, it was probably only a matter of time before a television gardener took centre stage in one of my short stories.
Originally entitled ‘Just the Ticket’, this is my latest contribution to the hallowed pages of The People’s Friend. Rejected the first time round because of an ‘information dump’ about volunteering in a hybrid local library – something I’d recently begun to do when I wrote it – the revised version met with approval and appeared on the shelves of our local W.H.Smith today.
The novelty of seeing my work in print has never worn off and I hope it never will.
27 March, 2019 - Make the first comment on this story
A New Departure
Ebooks? Paperbacks? What next? Following a strong recommendation from a writer friend, I’ve been spending a couple of hours on alternate Mondays in the Melrose Yard Studios in York. Sam Holdstock could not have been more patient or encouraging to a novice and the recording of ‘Workhouse Orphan’ is now complete. Watch this space for the release of my first audio book!
26 March, 2019 - Make the first comment on this story
Flying the Flag!
The York Literature Festival offered an opportunity to writers to offer their wares for sale in the central library (York Explore) this year. Paul Smith, Neelie Wicks, Rosemary J. Kind and I shared a table to represent PYA (Promoting Yorkshire Authors).
24 March, 2019 - Make the first comment on this story
Stranger in a Strange Land
When asked to take part in a PYA panel discussion on the above topic, I was unsure which of my books to talk about. After all, ‘Had We But World Enough’ is all about people on the move and ‘Shadows of the Past’ and ‘Wheels on Fire’ both feature the mixed fortunes of English schoolgirls in France. However, for my 13-year workhouse orphan from London, the West Riding of Yorkshire in the early 1900’s is an equally alien environment, so his story is the one I chose.
The discussion was chaired by Edwin H. Rydberg, the original inspiration behind Promoting Yorkshire Authors, which began with a mere handful of writers in York and is rapidly spreading county-wide. On the panel with me today were Rosemary J. Kind (‘New York Orphan’ and its prequel, ‘The Blight and the Blarney’), K.S.Marsden (the ‘Witch-Hunter’ series) and Darren Walker (‘Closed Shop’).
Harrogate Library, which hosts regular PYA sessions, was once again the setting – a haven of warmth and comfort on one of the wettest and windiest days of the year so far.
17 March, 2019 - Make the first comment on this story
News flash!
I’ve just started work on an audio version of ‘Workhouse Orphan’, courtesy of Sam at York’s Melrose Yard Studios. This is a new departure for me and I have no idea whether it will prove to be a success – in which case I’ll record more of my books – or a very expensive failure. Only time will tell!
25 February, 2019 - Make the first comment on this story
Workhouse Orphan on sale in the most appropriate place possible!
The thousands of destitute people who entered the Ripon workhouse as a very last resort would have been amazed to see its transformation into a highly rated visitor attraction. Now open for the 2019 season, it has a lot to offer for individuals, families or groups. Activities for children are a particular feature, especially during the school holidays, but are offered to school parties during term time as well.
Having spent a good deal of time in the Ripon Workhouse Museum whilst researching my latest book, I’m delighted to see copies now on sale in its well stocked shop. I’m looking forward to doing a signing session later on in the year.
15 February, 2019 - Make the first comment on this story
Shadows of the Past – the prequel!
Grammar and the acquisition of vocabulary were very much to the fore at my school in those days, with speaking almost an optional extra. This goes some way to explain the difficulties experienced by my characters Daisy, Kate and Ronnie when they found themselves in a nightmare scenario rather than the innocuous ‘international work camp’ that they had signed up for. Not understanding what was going on around them for much of the time, they didn’t know that they should have run for their lives while they had the chance.
The prequel to ‘Shadows of the Past’ will be available as a free download. WATCH THIS SPACE!
10 February, 2019 - Make the first comment on this story
Swanwick 2019
Always pleased to support the Swanwick Writers’ Summer School in any way I can, I’m delighted to have the opportunity to repeat a workshop that has been very successful in the past.
Money isn’t everything, I know, but it certainly helps. ‘Easy Money for Writers & Wannabes’ has been described as the gift that keeps on giving. If you haven’t already got a copy, why not give it a try? You won’t lose by it.
10 February, 2019 - Make the first comment on this story
Every little helps!
First ‘filler’ of the year to appear in print, cheque to follow. The advice in my ‘Easy Money for Writers & Wannabes’ continues to stand the test of time!
7 January, 2019 - Make the first comment on this story
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