How to survive a crisis
March 14, 2020
How to survive Coronavirus and other crises. … More How to survive a crisis
My A-Z of 2019
January 1, 2020
As has become tradition, here is my review of last year. A – Arvon. My week long residential writing course gave me a new insight into how to finish my novel. B – Burying Reggie. The working title for novel number five. C – Cultural Development Fellowship. I was awarded one. Thanks Sunderland Culture. D … More My A-Z of 2019
My week at Arvon
December 15, 2019
Anyone working in creative circles will tell you that the hardest part of the job is making it pay. We all love what we do but turning it into a living wage can be troublesome. I’ve done alright. I’ve self-published four novels and along with running workshops and doing various other projects, I’ve scraped a … More My week at Arvon
Sunderland and my Achy Breaky Heart.
November 27, 2019
“Don’t tell my heart, my achy breaky heart, I just don’t think he’d understand.” Being a fan of Sunderland, there’s been plenty of heartbreak, it comes with the territory. As we went into penalties at Wembley in March following an injury time equaliser, the bloke next to me said “I don’t think my heart can … More Sunderland and my Achy Breaky Heart.
My writing life – some changes
September 25, 2019
Four years ago, I handed my notice in to embark on a full-time writing career. I didn’t know how long it would last. I didn’t know how I would make a living. And I didn’t know how I’d adapt to working from home rather than being part of the office life I’d known for so long. … More My writing life – some changes
Sunderland in the dentist’s chair.
May 10, 2019
I’m off to the dentist this morning and there’s an impending feeling of doom. Not that I’m scared of drills or needles or any of that stuff, it’s the lecture about not flossing I’m not looking forward to. I’m not afraid, it’s an inconvenience and a potential humiliation and I could do without it. I … More Sunderland in the dentist’s chair.
Won’t Be Home For Tea
March 30, 2019
My train’s at half nine so I’m getting the Metro at eight, just in case. I set my alarm for six this morning, in fact I set two alarms, just in case. I was wide awake at half five so there was no need for alarms anyway. If you hadn’t already guessed, I’m off to … More Won’t Be Home For Tea
First drafts and the Millfield Morrissey. (What I’ve been up to recently.)
March 11, 2019
It’s been a while since my last blog, I’ve been a busy man. Since Troll Life was published in October, I’ve been focussing on my fifth novel. Normally I would have it all planned out in the break between first draft and editing of my previous one but that hasn’t been the case this time … More First drafts and the Millfield Morrissey. (What I’ve been up to recently.)
Do reviews matter?
January 27, 2019
Do reviews matter? Writers, we’re a strange bunch to please. Toiling away, day after day, wondering if the words we are hammering into our keyboards are ever going to be read. Cycling through the emotions from elation at a sparkling new idea or line of prose, to the crippling self doubt of wondering whether someone … More Do reviews matter?
My A-Z of 2018 (The Highlights)
December 31, 2018
My A-Z of 2018 (The Highlights) A – Amazon Review – This review of Troll Life is possibly the best I’ve ever received. B – Bros – After the screaming stops. Surprising TV hit of the year. C – Crossing The Tees – I don’t enter writing competitions often so surprised to find myself ‘Highly … More My A-Z of 2018 (The Highlights)
