If you’ve ever written a book and wish to see it published I am not about to deliver false hope about how easy it is. Naturally the writing comes first; or perhaps I should begin with the writing courses you may embark on as you shape and refine your skills. My creative writing study (for want of a better description) began after I’d scratched out the beginning of a first novel. I used those fifty pages to apply for a Masters in Creative Writing, and the opportunity to complete a novel draft. I was accepted, and got the degree, but that was just the start.

I wrote a second novel, great ideas, and large in scope, yet my skills couldn’t quite meet the challenge – it’s still waiting to be revised. Next, came more university courses in the short story, and later I dabbled in travel writing. Great experiences and a lot of fun.

Somewhere in this mix I began the memoir about my father (The (almost) true story of a man called Jack) , and finished it (in 2020). The best part was holding this book in my hands, and celebrating by holding a launch. These events can be great fun, and this one certainly was. I gave several book talks in the area we had lived, which were well received. I was liking this part of the process.

But when I started on a new novel I began thinking about all the short stories I’d written during the previous fifteen years. So, I raided the vaults of my computer and found that I’d written … oh my goodness, I had written over twenty-one. Silly to start something new, I thought, so I knocked those jolly stories into shape and set about publishing them. With Pocket Money (2022) I did the conceptual design for the cover by sourcing a photo and making a layout before having it digitalised professionally. Book was printed, I held a launch, and that as they say, is history. Oh, and I did receive some very good reviews for the book, and was very happy to read them.

And now? I am preparing for the release of a third book, my latest novel Mrs Forsythe, and it is getting to the chewed fingernail end of the process. My publicist is working on media publicity, and I have been given the go-ahead to publicise my new book online. So it is my pleasure to present the front cover of Mrs Forsythe, which is due for release on the 3rd March. It will be for sale after that date.