about me

Hi folks

***Update alert****

I have had an epiphany about how hard you have to work to write a novel and let me tell you it's a lot of hard work. I learned a lot writing Chronos which has made my second book a lot easier to write. I'd even begun the process of submitting Chronos to agents and to be fair, I'd had a little bit of interest but I've realised that it just wasn't finished.

I wasn't at peace with it in its current state.There was another level; another gear; another place I needed to go to really hone this as a novel. It's hard work but as this is my first serious attempt at publication I want to be able to put my name on it and sleep easy. No delusion, no vanity or artistic deceit. Just the truth. Make it as good as it can be.

Being a good writer and being a writer who knows how to write novels are very different things.

I think the editing stops when there's nothing left for me to do but abandon it to the world. It's close now. Another couple of weeks maybe. Exciting times for me as a writer.

I've taken the Tombstone Rite down for now.

***Site Politics****

I am a writer. It took me ages to acknowledge that.

I would like to publish so I can make enough money to cut back on being a therapist. My drive is writing good, marketable fiction. I am simply committed at this stage to learning that craft. I want to write something that others will enjoy and -in the end- buy. If you can help with that then jump on board.

I'm not trying to get up some ridiculous ladder to validate myself. I really couldn't give a monkey's unlce about the editor's desk. I am more interested in conversing and learning from those credible writers around me. (I am not a fish on the HC hook or happy to be sucked into some POD marketing ploy either.) I view this site simply as a way of networking, sharing and learning wiith other writers and that is all. I'm sure if HC (and anyone else in the indusrty perusing this site) see a piece that has potential they aren't going to wait to see if you get to the desk to do something about it, so why bother.

I have corresponded with a few really, supportive and helpful writers, the views and opinions of whom are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your warmth and support. I wish there were more of you.

****PLEASE NOTE****

On NO account approach me asking me to put your book on my bookshelf or give you a star rating to help get you TO THE DESK. Messages entering my mail box that mention either BOOKSHELF or EDITORS DESK get DELETED and an AUTOMATIC ONE STAR RATING. I am not here to VALIDATED YOUR EGO. So be warned. SPAM ME AT YOUR PERIL.

I am here to focus on the art of writing through mutual interaction, feedback and support, with the aim of eventually writing something that is publishable. By all means DO approach me for CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM or to SHARE WORK or even, God forbid, to say hi and get to know me. (Are there any real writers out there who actually want to learn and grow together artistically?)

I have been here long enough and have read enough reviews/ HC reviews to know that a) work at the editor's desk is by not neccesarily of a a superior standard to work that isn't and b) that you are no more likely to be published than anyone else. If you believe otherwise then God Bless and good luck.

If you have a problem with my position, my apologies. I'm just trying to make the best use of the site that I can, in a way that helps me, without wasting anyone's time.

I offer honest, non personalised, detailed feedback. My only desire is to offer something that might be helpful and never to cause harm or distress. However, If you don't want to hear it and you're not open to literary criticism then move along. I don't want to get some abusive rant becuase you believe either:

a) Stephen King has a lot to learn from you.
b) That your novel about anal experiments aborad the egg mother ship qualifies as a profound work of literay fiction.
c) That I failed in my cultural duty to alert the world to your mesmerizing talent.

I am NOT interested in looking at the following:

1) HARRY POTTER IMITATIONS. Sorry. Seen bundles and bundles of those. There is only one J.K.Rowling. Move on.

2) 'Christian' narrative.



RJU

favourite books

Just a few from my bookcase...

The Last Temptation
Dracula
Shogun
Far From The Madding Crowd
Demons
Birthday Letters
The Green Mile
Scipio
The Big Sleep

my websites