This blog first appeared in 2017. I’m re-posting it for the book’s many admirers and to give an insight into the writing process warts and all. As I discovered, there’s no magic formula and passion, resilience and determination are essential in order to reach the finish line. ——————————————————————- So there I was, paralysed… Continue reading…
This blog first appeared in 2017, and is the second of six blogs on how I wrote Blood and Bandages. Part one is here. I’m sharing my journey with the book’s many fans and to encourage new writers who may be faltering with their projects. Writing isn’t easy and the route is littered with pot-holes.… Continue reading…
This blog is devoted to my old friend and co-author, William Earl, who celebrated his 105th birthday on 12th May. William and I have been friends since February 2009, when we started working on his WW2 memoir, Blood and Bandages – fighting for life in the RAMC Field Ambulance 1940-1946. He’s seen Tom grow up.… Continue reading…
Hello and welcome to this post. I was delighted to learn that book clubs are reading Blood and Bandages, so I thought I’d suggest some questions. Book club questions What do you think happened to Mary and why? 2. With which character did you most identify and why? 3. Would you have understood William’s story without,… Continue reading…
Well, my resolve to write a fortnightly blog has failed miserably and I apologise for going AWOL. How many times have you heard that?! This week is one of celebrations. On Saturday 12th May, it was William Earl’s 103rd Birthday. In case you have not met William before, he is the hero of Blood and… Continue reading…
I’m almost half way through my autumn book talks, so I wanted to share what’s happened so far. There was a good turnout at Shoreham Library on 10th November. William Earl, the 102-year-old star of Blood and Bandages was there. He was on fine form despite having recently returned from a five day wedding in… Continue reading…
I’m delighted to say that since my last blog on Blood and Bandages, excellent reviews have continued to appear on Amazon Books. All About History has added its voice saying that, ‘Blood and Bandages is easy to read and a unique perspective of WWII,’ while Books Monthly described the book as a ‘Superb account of… Continue reading…
To mark last Friday’s release of Dunkirk the movie, I’m re-publishing a blog I wrote in May 2010 on the RNLI’s role in the rescue. It’s an eye-opener and I hope you enjoy it. Last week, I featured the Royal Escape Race, and on Friday went to Brighton seafront to watch the start. It was surprisingly… Continue reading…
I couldn’t finish the book. However, Karl French had identified one outstanding chapter. I tweaked that and prepared a pitch, synopsis and a CV. Although I had created something to show, I lacked the confidence and skill to sell the book in person. Luckily, I had my good friend, Sandra Clark, to turn to. Sandra was… Continue reading…
I fudged it. I couldn’t give up scriptwriting. I loved it too much but neither could I ignore my new found obligation. Pragmatism was required, so in my naviety I just added, ‘write Bill’s book,’ to my to-do list. I determined to give it 100% effort to match that given by those of whom… Continue reading…