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
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.
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
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? 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) 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)
Crossing The Tees Short Story Award I don’t write a lot of short stories. I had a brief spell of writing some when I first became a full time writer three years ago, some of which can be found on my website, but it’s never been a passion of mine. As it’s my job, I … More Crossing The Tees Short Story Award
How to self publish. (Creating a publishing checklist. Part Two.) In a previous blog, we covered the publishing steps taken up to formatting. In today’s blog I will talk a little about the steps after that and what happens up to publishing and beyond. Decide on a price With paperbacks this is partly dictated by … More How to self publish. (Creating a publishing checklist. Part Two.)
I am often asked about how I self-publish. In this blog I give some advice on how to self-publish and what goes into a self-publishing checklist. … More How to self publish. (Creating a publishing checklist.)
Call centre inspiration for author’s new novel. An author has used Sunderland call centres as the inspiration behind his fourth novel. Alan Parkinson launched Troll Life at Sunderland Museum as part of the Sunderland Libraries Literature Festival in October. Set in Southwick and Doxford Park, it tells the story of an online troll who is … More Call centre inspiration for author’s new novel.
