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
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
“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.
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
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)
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 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
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
