October 2017

Goodness but it has been a long time since I updated this blog! Apologies. If I thought I had an eager reader waiting for the next instalment I'd have been a little more conscientious and diligent.

All I can plead (and I am a little pleader) is that I've been busy on actually creating more output which has left little time to write about the process. At this time, I can take a breath and outline the ongoing projects I'm working on.

First, an UnderTow Project called 'Pieces of Eight #1 - London Diary'. This is a Libretto type project with 8 songs and a story entwined within and around them. We have completed almost all of the recording and there are now just a few finishing touches to be made (mostly on my vocals). It should be out and ready to be heard within a month or so.

Second, my photography. I completed the qualification in photography and Photoshop at the start of the summer and now a few of us from that group are planning on regular gatherings to take photos on a theme and then get together to look at them and discuss the results. At this point I should give a shout out to Pip and Kerry; both great photographers and even better fun to be around.  

Third, my poetry. 'Reflections in the Mirror' [ISBN 978-0-9931494-6-0]is out and available for purchase and my poetry diary of 2017 is still (obviously) being written. It's title is 'Moments in Time' and I have to say, I am very pleased with it thus far!

Fourth, at last, after years of talking about it, I have three of my short stories in print. 'Dances of Friendship' [ISBN 978-0-9931494-3-6] contains three - 'Nomor & I', 'Dark & Light' and finally, 'Friends'; which was written for this collection. They are stories for the 'tween reader and above and although they are not perfect; I think they are worth a read.

Fifth, I am collating some other stories to be included in a collection for the reader of any mature age. This is taking longer than I thought it might and I hope to have something ready for a Christmas or January release.

I think I've achieved quite a bit this year, I need to find a place or two that will sell copies of my work direct to the public and this on the agenda for early next year. I believe that I have written stories and poems worth a read and even though I have no real 'audience' at this time, I recognise that it is up to me to get out there and find one.

So, if you see a tall, bearded, mystified looking older chap walking the streets with a few books under his arm, take a moment to say hello....

Stay safe, keep reading.

A R C