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.
Coffee shop etiquette (Part Two) We’ve covered the basics but as with pubs, there are many more coffee shop scenarios that need to be addressed. Ordering (Part two) It really should be a simple process but people like to think that by making it complicated, they’ve achieved a feat similar to winning University Challenge whilst … More Coffee shop etiquette (Part Two)
Coffee Shop Etiquette Like most writers, I put on the pretence of doing my writing in a coffee shop. I therefore have a great deal of experience of the type of people who frequent them. Not as much a pubs but I still consider myself expert enough to tell you how to go on. Ordering … More Coffee Shop Etiquette
The final edit. (How long does it take to write a novel Part 6) It was way back in June when I last did one of these blogs on how long it was taking me to write my fourth novel, Troll Life. At that stage I was up to 271 hours (40 planning, 80 writing … More The final edit. (How long does it take to write a novel Part 6)
Launched Into The Unknown I’m at a bit of a loss today. For the past couple of years, amongst other projects, I have been working on my fourth novel, Troll Life. The humorous tale of an online troll being exposed, and having to work in the very call centre he has been trolling, has been … More Launched Into The Unknown
Troll Life – Coming Soon Whilst Life In The Balance only came out in June of last year, I started work on my fourth novel, Troll Life, long before that. After what seems like a lifetime working on it, over 300 hours writing and editing and many more with the publishing process, it will finally … More Troll Life – Coming Soon
I’ve been a little busy recently and have neglected my blog a bit. There’ll be some more detailed blogs coming soon but I thought I’d give a quick update on what I’ve been up to and what’s coming up in the next month. A lot of my time has been spent on freelance writing. I … More The busy life of a full time writer.
Almost by accident, I appear to have become a bit of a bridge enthusiast. Not that I have much more than a passing interest in engineering, but circumstance has put me in close contact with some of world’s most recognisable bridges. Many years ago I lived in Sydney, home to possibly the most famous bridge … More Many bridges to cross. My visit to the Northern Spire.
Should you edit already published work? As a writer, or even an artist, a filmmaker or any other creative type, there is a temptation to look at your previous work and wish you could have done it slightly differently. The general rule is that you should keep moving forward and not dwell on the past. … More Should you edit already published work?
Like most people from Sunderland, Roker Pier & Lighthouse means a lot to me. It’s a famous landmark, the highlight of our stunning coastline and it hosts beautiful sunrises. It’s something to focus on and take your mind off a coastal run and somewhere that all Mackems will have wanted to explore as a child. … More Roker lighthouse as you’ve never seen it before.
