The week in view
The last week has been rather full of reading, just as the previous couple were. It’s the interesting stage (for me) of writing a novel. First there is the initial idea, that soon develops into a basic plot. Then there is the development of characters that will work within the main plot, and bring their … Continue reading
Thank You, Public Lending Right!
It’s at this time of year that authors all sit back and stare in horror at their bank accounts. Christmas is past. Long past. The summer is a long way away. The heating has to be funded, food bought, children’s dance lessons, hockey lessons, rugby lessons all have to be paid for, as well as … Continue reading
Review of 2016 – Books and Tools
It’s always interesting to review a year that has just passed. 2015 was not a good year for me – with 14 friends and family dying, it was never going to be a happy year. However, at least there are people who help distract me. And first amongst these are authors, of course. Last year … Continue reading
Review: SPARE ME THE TRUTH
Tomorrow I’ll be putting up a review of my year for 2015, running through my favourite books of the year, but I have one problem. One of the books I read was stunning, was thrilling, and I should have mentioned it … except I couldn’t, really. The damn thing wasn’t published last year! Caroline Carver … Continue reading
The Butcher Of St Peter’s by Michael Jecks
Originally posted on In Search of the Classic Mystery Novel:
Exeter, August 1317, and Estmund Webber is grieving. His daughter has died and his wife has committed suicide. And an altercation as he tries to bury his wife not only cripples his friend but shatters his mind. November 1323, and Estmund limps his way through…
Diaries and Paper!
Apologies – this week I’m desperately working on an edit (again). This one is the last in my Vintener Trilogy about the Hundred Years War. A good series of books, and enthusiastically supported by an increasing readership. Thanks! I should have finished the edit in the next week, but with family coming to visit, time is getting … Continue reading
The Chapel Of Bones by Michael Jecks
Originally posted on In Search of the Classic Mystery Novel:
One dark night in 1283, Exeter Cathedral was stormed by a band of men and Walter de Lecchelade, the Chaunter, was brutally murdered. Many men paid for that night – either they were executed for crimes, either their’s or someone else’s, or else their sins…
Another Week, Another Edit
Last week I was glad to finish one edit – this week I have another. It’s one of the more accurate observations, the fact that all writing is rewriting. I estimated that my first novel was the result of reading and rereading my manuscript somewhere in the region of thirty five times. By the end … Continue reading
NaNoWriMo and more…
There are plenty of people who’ve been trying desperately hard to write in the last few weeks since the start of NaNoWriMo ’15. I can all too easily empathise with their frustrations. One thing that many people don’t realise, when they set out to write something, is that there are very few jobs quite so … Continue reading










