It wasn't without problems. It was demanding and dangerous. Denver Stone and his team knew it, but did it anyway. Someone had to take the streets back from the drug runners, and his unsanctioned team of law enforcement officers stepped up. A story of action, intrigue, humor and romance. "Credible Justice."
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August 2017
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Out with the old and in with the new31/12/2016 Vertical Divider
 "We have to start somewhere," and i've discovered there is something nice about that saying, that I didn't appreciate before. No matter what age we are when we start a new venture, there is still the excitement, the worries and the nervousness that surrounds any change in the world as we live it. When writing my first novel, I wondered what was in store for me; would it be okay to publish, will people read it, will it sell?? All these things continually plagued me while I was writing, but not once did I consider, not writing! As I mentioned in my previous blog, the local media held off any features on me, my book etc, until January 2017, because I would get lost in the crowd of Christmas stuff that they needed to concentrate on. Makes a lot of sense! In reality, it has helped, because I can stroll into the new year knowing that my features would have more chance of getting noticed, or being heard, away from the madding crowds. So back to "We have to start somewhere." Wherever we live ln the world, there is normally a media base including local T.V. Radio and newspapers and magazines and of course bookshops. We take all these outlets for granted, as we look to catch up on noted local news and events. However, it is only when dealing with them directly have I realised how much work can go into getting a news feature "Out there." You suddenly see how teamwork is essential in this walk of life as well as others. A novice author, can also see, that although the writing of a novel is time consuming and by it's nature a lonely job at times, it cannot be done without a support structure. In my baby steps in the aftermath of publishing, my first contacts with the local media are bearing fruit. Bookends bookshop in Cumbria set me up first with an outlet and from there I have now appeared in the local Carlisle Living Magazine. My first author Interview in print, and no matter how far my writing takes me, there is something special, and scary about seeing yourself in print where many people know you. I have more interviews next week and more photos and still I havent found anyone who will step in as my body double. I guess what I am saying is, that I think selling yourself to a community that know you or know of you and your location, is possibly more worrying than trying to convince strangers of your worth. Added to that of course, is that writing is a competitive game, and if you can't sell yourself or your book locally, then its unlikely you will anywhere else either.
This last week, I have been joined on my social media platforms, by people all over our decreasing world. To you, I ask for patience as I post things about my experiences in my little part of the U.K. with the wish that one day I can spread my wings further. As many of you know, I am a retired cop, so at this time of year I don't have to think about keeping my wits about me, as those do who will be working through our celebrations. I thank all of the armed forces, emergency and public services for doing their thing in protecting and looking after us, our families and friends. Thank you all, for help, support and friendship as we head for a new, but challenging new year. All the best to everyone out there Stew.
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It's life! but a strange one.18/12/2016  It has been a strange few days, perhaps weeks? My book launch turned from a rush down the slipway, into a "slow ship to China." Never the less, the slow passage into a new way of being has been fascinating as well as frustrating. Being a new kid on a very competitive writing block, I have discovered many new things, from the complications of the book delivery services to the stores/outlets, to the uncomfortable ways of self promoting. Luckily because of the contract with the publisher, they do a lot of the leg work; leaving me with the tidying up. There was part of me that was dismayed about some of the press releases not getting through the system, and some local stuff not hitting the public domain until January. There is also a part of me that sighed with relief, because of the same issue? In other words, I know some things have to be done, but way out of my comfort zone. That said, because of the busy period for journalists, and for book sellers, I have been able to deal with the local media in a slow methodical way, which has allowed me to understand their needs, and has enabled me to slide into their world more carefully than it could have been. If everything works out, articles will appear in January 2017, although a local B.B.C radio Interview may happen before then. I will let you know; erm, maybe! A few days ago, I was in a photo shoot on a location close to the railway station; A relatively old part of town. Phil, the photographer, whisked me down a lane nearby to get some shots in this high walled sinister looking area, ideal for the visual impact of introducing a crime writer. There were two problems here! One was trying to keep a straight face, when all I wanted to do was laugh, especially when Phil produced the lighting umbrella and a very expensive camera and kit. The next problem was, that I was asked to stand in the middle of this narrow lane, which unfortunately at one end, had scaffolding tied to the side of a building and some rough, tough workers clambering up and down it. I just knew nothing good could come of this. Sure enough, when I forced myself into the requested stance and the flash lit up the immediate area, the comments arrived from the lads doing a real job half way up their lashed together piping. One comment was "Oy baldy!", along with other kind offerings. Phil was a pro, I dont know if he hadn't heard, or he didnt care. I know he thought nothing of stopping work vans driving through, until his job was done. In a break for equipment checking, I looked intently at the scaffolding and had a flashback to a few years ago, when as a police officer I climbed to the top of a similair structure to talk down a man who threatened suicide. When at the top, I realised I was uncomfortable and didnt particularly like being there. I persuaded the man to clamber back down, which he did, in a much faster way than I did. I wobbled, but I didnt share my new found dread with anyone. A week or so later, the same man jumped into a harbour, and was pulled out by another cop, who got an award!!! The man clearly was a serial attention seeker; ill yes, but never intended to take his own life. A cop can't take that into account of course. So this brings me back to the scaffolding in the lane. I realised that seeing the funny side of events, was far better than climbing up there to have a word with the foreman. I did something crazy this week when under the influence of a heavy cold. I coughed and sneezed so much that it appears I pulled an abdominal muscle and have ended up in agony. Honestly, in all the years of playing sport, including rugby, this is a first. It is nice to know I do have some muscle in there somewhere. It's all a bit ridiculous, but I guess its that time of year. "Stew" |
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