So there we where, the stand all set up lovely, 'pop ups' in place and books on the desk. Outside the Great British public were waiting to catch a glimpse of their new favourite author, there was quite a queue. Some people were waiting just because there was a queue and didn't really know why or who they were waiting to see. Inside we could hear the hustle and bustle of the expectant crowd "Do you think he's here yet?" asked one lady "Will he have a photo taken with me?" aske

Did you know it was 98 years ago this week that the notorious Red Baron was killed? on the 21st April 1918 he was shot down and died. He was buried with full military honours by the British including flowers and pall bearers and a full salute. That was because he was respected by his enemies as a great warrior. In The Long Shot Jack and Albert are afforded a similar salute because the 'other side' respected their bravery. Tonight I have been taught another very valuable lesso

What a week! First we celebrate a Queen but we lose a Prince, then as if thats not enough we have an order for cake and coffee at WALKERS GARDEN CENTRE on MONDAY for the first in a small tour of book signings. So as you can imagine i'm more excited than a giddy thing but wait! theres more still...Once thats done I'm going to visit our Care after Combat offices in Wales, its mad but life is very very busy but I love it. It does help that the ever dependable Di is holding the f

Today a truly wonderful and talented lady went to sleep, Victoria Wood. She won't ever be back but the memories she has left behind will last a lifetime. She made being modest and standing at the back look spectacular and clever and for shy people everywhere she showed a way to project themselves to the front and shine. Thank you kind lady, you really were one of a kind.

There are many things I love about my life, the list is nearly endless; I am very lucky. Part of my other life the one away from writing books and entertaining you guys is my role with the charity Care after Combat, A truly inspiring and totally worthwhile thing to commit time to. I spend a lot of time with ex-servicemen who have fallen foul of the criminal justice system and find themselves inside Her Majesties prisons, I'll be honest, it's an eye opener. My role is to help

I Know, I Know, I'm being irrational, it's my creative nature, dont forget I am a nurse and we are very sensitive people. I can't help but think what a brilliant thing that there review was, it left me reeling to be honest, I didn't expect that. But the truth is I should have expected that and then when I say those last few words I start to worry again. Am I getting ahead of myself? Am I getting big headed! The truth is of course not, The Long Shot was my first book and, as h

When writing a novel you do it for two reasons. 1. Make money, or 2. you have a story to tell For me, my reason when penning 'The Long Shot' was choice two and fortunately it was well received, by my friends and then by the public. Despite all the good and very well received comments, there are a group of people that can stop you dead in your tracks and for some never to start again. This group of readers DO have an axe to grind, they are the keepers of standards and t

I'm not dead, but there is some serious concern for my wellbeing there needn't be i'm in glorious health. I am however as busy as a busy thing on a particularly busy day because working with veterans is a full time job and I only do it for three days a week. It has been a wonderful learning experience and very very humbling. Some of the men (and women) I meet have had such a huge journey from being in the services to being out of them and settling down into being a civilian,

Oh haven't we done well, this book is doing very well and it seems to have been very well received and I am delighted. The reviews are slow but they are coming in and no one hates it! thank the lord. Book 3 is running along and if I say so myself, it reads just as I wanted. Perfect So whats gone wrong? because something always tends to do so when things are running smoothly. Answer NOTHING; brilliant. Three out of three, Shhhhh don't tell anyone, just step away from the scre

Well that all went well, ish. I always wanted a big Mac but this bad boy doesn't come with fries it comes with a headache a fair bit of bad language some outright cursing but..... it's all good in the tower tonight. 27 inches is quite large even for Mr Leavis (private joke) titter away. Thank you Mr Apple, very helpful people, just saying You may well be interested seeing as you are reading my blog that sales are going well but and it's a big but (no puns, please.. oh go on m