Escaping the storm and Autumn chickens

I'm delighted to announce the release of a brand new online magazine 'Autumn Chickens.'  Although primarily aimed at the older reader, I'm sure all age groups will find something of interest. The features include various topics, opinions, interviews, books and competitions, and you might even find something from me. 😀 You can subscribe or find out …

How to write a book and Story of a Country Boy

As a change from a short story, I wondered if you would be interested in what is involved in writing and publishing a book. First you need to write a book. It’s easy, everyone says so, and would do it themselves if they had the time. Okay, assuming you’ve done that bit and typed 'The …

Valentine’s day, birthday and Country Boy

There’s a lot happening this coming week. My latest book ‘Story of a Country Boy’ will be published on the 15th February.  😀  It’s a change from my usual style; a gritty tale of a young man’s dreams, as he leaves the restrictions of his small Mediterranean village, and heads for the bright lights and …

Bed of Roses

With the start of the new year, I was wondering whether to change the format of my blog. After all, who is interested in reading short stories? Perhaps my time would be better spent working on the release of my two books due for publication this year? The characters would have none of it, and …

Farewell 2018. Welcome New Year 2019

Traditionally at this time of year it’s an opportunity to look back, and count your blessings and achievements from the previous twelve months. On a personal note, my long-standing leg injury has become more problematical, but my eye sight has been helped by a cataract operation. Next year should see the other eye sorted, so …

Publishing and Penguins

One of the great things about the writing community is the opportunity to meet and share with others. This includes not only authors but designers, bloggers, IT experts, film makers and penguins. As an author I sometimes wonder if the hours and stresses of coming up with something new every week are really worthwhile, then …

End of the Road Part 1 and Publication day gifts

One disadvantage of being self-published is that you have no publishing company sending you gifts to celebrate the release of your new paperback. How wonderful then, to receive this in the post from a supporter.  Fizz, chocolates and books. What more could you ask for?   Only friends and a safe home- which is the …

Weird and Peculiar Tales -The Story behind the book.

Sometimes the story behind the novel can be a source of interest. With this in mind I decided to write an occasional blog explaining the background to one of my published books. The first describes how this compilation of short stories with a fellow author came about. After the publication of my first book, my …

Birthday Trip Part 2

The release date and link for my next book Weird and Peculiar Tales should be available shortly. Meanwhile here's the final part of the short story posted last week.  Part 2.   Birthday Trip. The three boys took off at a run, back the way we had come. Not wanting to be left alone we followed …

Hanging out and Flashpoint

This week has been somewhat manic, but also one of those times which makes being authorish worthwhile. I was delighted to ‘hang out’ with the Haphazardous Hippo, and the Unicorns were very well behaved. You can find out what I mean, and read the full story by clicking on the 'Hanging Out' link below. 😀 …