Thriller writer, archaeologist and traveller
It is said that as soon as you accuse someone of being like Hitler you have lost the argument. The word ‘fascist’ is thrown around carelessly in political debate and can mean essentially any decision the speaker disagrees with. Nevertheless, a number of heavyweight publications from Der Spiegel to The Atlantic have asked the question... Continue Reading →
#10 in an occasional series on writing non-fiction This week's blog looks at creating a Style Sheet, which is something authors of both fiction and non-fiction books should consider. It is worth creating a Style Sheet as you begin drafting your book. Some publishers will have their own which they will supply, but you should... Continue Reading →
#9 in an occasional series on writing non-fiction Your book may have no illustrations beyond cover art, but much non-fiction relies on illustration to support the text. In cases of say a book on fine art or photography, the text can be there largely to support the illustrations. The book may require photographs, maps, diagrams,... Continue Reading →
No.8 in an occasional series on writing non fiction You are going to carry out the sharpest, most comprehensive research you can. You are going to write to the best of your ability and follow all the stylistic rules to make the book entertaining as well as informative. So, here’s a question; have you done... Continue Reading →
The biggest drawback of the online world is fighting a daily battle against hackers and scammers. In a previous life I worked in risk and compliance and even 20 years ago my staff passed on so many attempted scams they had blocked I was able to fill two A4 arch files with examples to use... Continue Reading →
It was a pleasure to be invited to the UK Crime Book Club Live event in Leeds this weekend. The convention was a consistently jolly affair, with plenty of laughs considering the grim topics under discussion. In thirty years of writing I've only spoken on five panels, so it was a double pleasure to be... Continue Reading →
It's quiet...too quiet. Yes this blog has been silent for the last month because I've been away from home and didn't want any of the cat burglars or nervous insurance underwriters who follow it to know. On the first of May, Dig Alderney's team of volunteers started to excavate a large Roman building. We'd explored... Continue Reading →
No.7 in an occasional series on writing non fiction You’ve established the scope of your non-fiction book, you’ve spent months or years amassing research and now all you have left to do is write it. With your head full of your subject and a heap of reference material at your fingertips, the book could simply... Continue Reading →
#6 in an occasional series on writing non-fiction. If you are writing a book that is essentially creative, the crucial thing is that it works. If you are writing Teach Your Child to Swim! Or Build Your Own Microlight Aircraft, it is vital. Cookbooks are a less extreme example; you should have made all the... Continue Reading →
March means the Alderney Literary Festival, an event loved both by islanders and by the authors who fly in to participate. This boutique festival concentrates on historical writing, both fiction and non-fiction, giving it a coherence some festivals lack. Another feature is that authors get whole hour slots to themselves, either giving a presentation on... Continue Reading →