Last week, I released the third book in my historic fiction series. It was exciting, especially the part where I got to hold the proof copy in my hand for the first time. Even so, the life of an author is not as full of adventure, intrigue and vast wealth as many people think. Top bestselling authors may have lives like that, but my experience (and I suspect theirs) is very different. If you’re thinking of writing a book, read on to understand the reality.
Continue reading An author’s life
Twelve days before Christmas 2021, Kim and I were wrapped up against the cold, up to our ankles in mud and taking photographs of yet another cross country race. Meanwhile, the media were doing their best to whip up a storm about the new COVID variant, Omicron. It was spreading like wildfire, but everyone I knew who’d had it described it as a mild cold. Most only knew they had it at all because they’d taken a routine test. Some had no symptoms other than a positive test result. Even so, there was plenty of hype about cancelling Christmas and locking the country down again.
Continue reading An Omicron Christmas
Five thirty in the morning is no time to be getting out of bed. Even less so when you have to run around like an ant being chased by a magnifying glass to get showered, dressed, made up, have breakfast and get out the door by seven. This was what it was like on turnaround day in the summer when we had ship visits. There never seemed to be enough time and I always ended the day exhausted. Nevertheless I’d love to be still doing it now. Continue reading back on board for an emotional day – first published 24 July 2013