This is the first time that I have wanted to reply to The Author. It was the editor’s letter which drew me, and words like author’s voice… authenticity. I was going to add genius to the list, but just now on the third reading I find the word is not there. I will pretend it was. It was when I […]
Getting Published
Posts about the publishing process—what it entails, what it means and where it can lead
On Display
My summer has been marked by spikes of joy; three in all. That’s the three times I saw my book in Chiswick Waterstones, on display, in three different locations. First, it was in a window display, next to Max Hastings, well not him in person, but next to his tome: ‘The Secret War: Spies, Codes […]
Bookshops, Blisters and Pringles
There comes a time in every writer’s life when they have to get their hands dirty. Such days are usually foisted upon us by our publishers, and this one was no exception. Not being born into a world of shining optimism, and therefore not expecting much from the day, especially not the promised five mile hike around […]
Precious Time
Today I wasted a good half an hour running round Sainsbury’s, trying to think what I wanted to buy which might cost 20p, to make my bill up to the next pound, as at that point it was £8.80. The reason for this is you only get awarded nectar points for the first £9 you spend in the store. Every […]
The Swindon Bard rides anew
The Swindon Advertiser broke with tradition last week and turned book reviewer to accommodate the efforts of the Swindon Bard, James Goddard. In his new role, replacing the great Andy Partridge of XTC fame who had held it for over 35 years, himself replacing the seminal Gilbert O’Sullivan, Goddard has now had reviews of his […]