“Exile and the Kingdom”

Okay, nothing Albert Camus writes is ever likely to be a bundle of fun - and "Exile and the Kingdom" is no exception. But what it is (as usual) is compelling. In the short stories in this book, Camus digs deeply - and remorselessly - into the psyche of his characters, laying them bare for … Continue reading “Exile and the Kingdom”

“Novelist as Vocation”

Published this month, Haruki Murakami has pulled together a collection of eleven articles all covering the subject of what it is to be a novelist. Some of these have been previously published, some are new. A keen reader of Murakami's fiction, I was lucky enough to get my hands on a pre-publication edition of the … Continue reading “Novelist as Vocation”

“Degrees of Separation” – a new edition

I am pleased to be able to announce the publication of a new edition of my second short story collection, Degrees of Separation. This edition contains a little stylistic reworking and a few other minor amendments. There have also been some changes to font and layout to better align with Coverstory books' house style. Degrees … Continue reading “Degrees of Separation” – a new edition

I’m being interviewed!

On Friday 25th November I am being interviewed in Harrogate Library as part of their 'Books and Beverages' series. The interview will cover both my writing and publishing exploits. I'm looking forward to it hugely! Although this is an in-person event, it is also being filmed and streamed, and will be available 'live' and from … Continue reading I’m being interviewed!

You can’t spend time twice…

The phrase is - to the best of my knowledge - original and my own. It is a line from a new poetry project on which I have started work. The only reason I mention it is that I read it out at a writing group today and three people wrote it down. It was, … Continue reading You can’t spend time twice…

“Secrets & Wisdom” – a new edition

I am pleased to be able to announce the publication of a new edition of my first short story collection, Secrets & Wisdom. This edition contains a little stylistic reworking and a few other minor amendments. There have also been some changes to font and layout to better align with Coverstory books' house style. Secrets … Continue reading “Secrets & Wisdom” – a new edition

‘Fountains by Floodlight’ – an update

After a little bit of a false start last week, I am pleased to have been able to read yesterday evening at Fountains Abbey's regular October event, 'Fountains by Floodlight'. The event takes place each Saturday during October, and also includes the final two Fridays as well. Tickets are selling fast! In addition to spectacular … Continue reading ‘Fountains by Floodlight’ – an update

Time for a programme of rework…

Following on from the recent issue of a second edition of At Maunston Quay, I have decided that the time is right to work through some of my earlier fiction to offer updated editions. I am staring with Secrets & Wisdom, and have already begun the editing process. Whilst this is in-train, I feel it … Continue reading Time for a programme of rework…

‘Fountains by Floodlight’

I am excited to announce that I will be reading at Fountains Abbey's regular October event, 'Fountains by Floodlight'. The event takes place each Saturday during October, and also includes the final two Fridays as well. Tickets are selling fast! In addition to spectacular lighting, special tours and music, there will be a number of … Continue reading ‘Fountains by Floodlight’

Does our writing need a regular service?

Driving home the other day, unbeknownst to me the front passenger-side suspension spring broke on my car. I only realised the extent of the damage once I'd got home, when I saw the virtual zero clearance between tyre and wheel arch. Without doubt something nasty could have happened during those last few miles home... The … Continue reading Does our writing need a regular service?