An Introduction

The beginning of my writing journey

A little about me. I spent thirty years in the Metropolitan Police in London. Since retiring I initially found it hard to know what to do next. With the Covid pandemic ‘lockdowns’ came an opportunity to have the time to consider a new challenge. I began to write. Slowly at first, then gradually I framed a story based around the limitations placed on society by Government.

After about six months I had a story; Dysfunction. I showed it to my wife Paula and she thought it worth taking to the next level. I submitted countless literary queries but with no positive outcome. Not deterred I decided to go ahead and publish the work myself. In March 2022 I published Dysfunction. As an independent author I quickly came to understand the limitations you have of finding an audience and marketing the book.

Undaunted I embarked on a second book. There was a hiatus in the middle of the writing, as Paula and I decided to fulfil a long-held dream and move to France. Quite an upheaval, but looking back the best decision we have made. My second novel was eventually complete and I proudly self-published Indomitable in February 2024.

I pride myself on writing whatever stories come to me, not sticking to a particular genre. Dysfunction is a pandemic adventure thriller set in Scotland, Indomitable is a grand historical fiction, based on the life of my German grandfather Karl. I learned a great deal about being a writer in 2024 and consider myself to now have a better feel for the industry.

In December 2024 I published a third book; On the Beat. A collection of stories and anecdotes about my first years in the Police in London in the 1980’s and 90’s.

The publication of a third book has filled me with confidence to face the book buying public and endeavour to succeed, as I market, promote and sell my books, with the notable assistance of Paula.

I am currently in the process of writing my fourth book, which I hope to publish sometime in 2025. Back to fiction, with a gripping thriller, set in France.

I intend to produce some observations about my writing journey, to share my process. I hope to bring tales of our life here in France, to amuse and entertain. I would like to create comment and stories that engage, bring debate and elicit questions. I look forward to discussing more, with readers. I want to show that anyone can become a published author, but to help them navigate some of the early pitfalls and mistakes I made. I want to advise, assist, help and nurture any potential writers out there

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