In Praise of Crime
I’m in the middle of writing another book just now, the follow up to Rebellion’s Message, in which the often confused Jack Blackjack continues to try to escape a fresh series of tribulations in the early part of Bloody Mary’s reign. It got me thinking about what it is that really appeals to me about … Continue reading
Nose to the Grindstone
Yes, I know I said I was going to be writing more regularly … but just now the main writing has to be the work on the next Jack Blackjack book, which has to be complete by end November. It’s been a very bitty year, this. Little bits of work on so many different projects, … Continue reading
Beginning a New Story
This week I’m embarking on a new novel, and I’m going back to my roots. Yes, it’s a crime novel. I’ve had a few people ask me how I actually get started with a book. The simple answer is, I don’t know. The ideas begin when I have a basic concept occur to. Sometimes that … Continue reading
Back at the Desk
I’m back! Apologies for my radio silence. With the pressure of writing, as well as losing two good friends, the blog has had to take a back seat. I’ve been doing more painting than blogging. However, it doesn’t mean I’ve been slowing down. In the first quarter I managed to republish Act of Vengeance, For … Continue reading
Chronodex from Scription
Yesterday I put up a blogpost that managed to garner some 500 hits in the afternoon, to my surprise. It seems that I’m not the only guy who likes to fiddle and have a new diary format. I did not invent the Chronodex, and so I didn’t want to put up a downloadable version. However, … Continue reading
Review: ALTAR OF BLOOD by Anthony Riches
I have written before about books arriving when I really don’t need them. So often they are books that are entirely inappropriate. Say a book that is historical, and since I am known as a historical writer, they will send it to me. The trouble is, it’s historical romance, or it’s historical-ish, and has a … Continue reading
Chronodex
There are some tools which make sense to individuals but don’t for other people. I personally love my Apple computers (when they work) and my Nikon DSLR. I adore fountain pens and ink, and I love my Midori – oh, and my strange diary. Years ago when I was a salesman, I used to have a diary. … Continue reading
Act Of Vengeance by Michael Jecks
Originally posted on In Search of the Classic Mystery Novel:
Jack Case. Scavenger. When the Cold War ended, he was superfluous to the needs of British Intelligence, but post 9/11 the rapid need for new recruits led to mistakes being made by those new agents. And someone was needed to clear up after those mistakes…
The Things That Get in the Way!
When the words are flying, writing novels is the best job in the world. Authors live other people’s lives for them. We imagine our own worlds, invent horrible situations and throw our characters (victims) into them. All just to entertain readers. But sometimes the work doesn’t go so well. All writers have their own pet … Continue reading













