THE PILLBOX MURDER

THE PILLBOX MURDER

A few days ago I wrote about my new 'work in progress', BLOOD ON THE CARDS  and mentioned that it was starting in a WW2 pillbox. So, as part of my research, I visited the one I had in mind, on the bank of the Royal Military Canal at Appledore, over the border in Kent. I wanted to get a feel for the location, imagine what it would be like for the police conducting a fingertip search for a murder weapon. Also, I wanted to see what the atmosphere was actually like inside.

It was, as I expected, pretty grim, but not as bad as some I've been in. There was the usual scattering of rubbish - cans, broken glass and litter and, of course, graffiti. Now, as my books are set in the 1950s I don't think it would read PUNKS, maybe, YANKS GO HOME or BAN THE BOMB or maybe nothing. After all, it was only ten years after the war so perhaps it was still relatively pristine.

Anyway, the visit was most fruitful and I can now write about it confidently. 

THE FORTUNES OF WAR - a writer's inspirations

THE FORTUNES OF WAR

a writer's inspirations.

Last week I finished writing BLOOD ON THE STRAND, book three in the DI Sonny Russell series of crime novels. Hurrah! and Oh dear! I felt a sense of satisfaction for sticking to something for over a year coupled with a strange sense of loss. I've felt this before and the best thing, I find, is to get on with the next project - straight away. But what to write?

I've long had an interest in the esoteric, particularly Tarot cards and the germ of an idea featuring them had been lurking at the back of my mind for some time. But how to use them in a story? I remembered I'd come across an actual unsolved case known as The Wirral Pillbox Murder where the body of a prostitute was found in a WW2 pillbox in 1955. Despite a huge manhunt, which saw 40,000 people being quizzed across the country, her murder still remains unsolved. 

Now, if that didn't start my imagination rolling, nothing would. Obviously, I wouldn't use the story - I write fiction, after all, but a fortune teller and a body in a pillbox? A rotten cold has meant an enforced rest from anything physical but pounding a keyboard isn't physical - is it? So, I'm happy to say that BLOOD ON THE CARDS has seen the light of day and is now well underway.

THE LONELINESS OF THE LONG-DISTANCE SELF-PUBLICIST

THE LONELINESS OF THE LONG-DISTANCE SELF-PUBLICIST

The trials and tribulations of the self-published author

A bit of a mouthful of a title but it seemed to fit. After a long, exhaustive search for an agent, which so far, has proved fruitless, I set up my own publishing company,

As a self-published author, I am also in charge of publicity. This entails finding retail outlets then ensuring they have enough books. Also promoting the books on social media, forums and through this blog. In addition I have to keep and eye on Amazon where the paperbacks and kindle copies are available. Then, when orders are placed it's me who puts the book in an envelope, addresses it then takes it to the post office. But, to generate more sales I attend various functions.

I exhibit Compass Point, my narrow gauge railway layout that inspired the characters and the stories in my books, at occasional model railway exhibitions. Primarily I am there as an exhibitor so enjoy that aspect of of it but I usually sell a few books, which is gratifying. I have launched my books at The Rye Bookshop, who have been very supportive, and keep a stock of copies. At the weekend I took part in an Arts and Crafts Fair in the Sailing Club at Rye Harbour. Not much to do with books, you might think, but the harbour is thinly disguised at Compass Point in my stories, so there's a strong local connection.

It's the second time I've done it. The other exhibitors - painters and makers - are really nice people so it's a pleasure to take part. I set up my layout as a static exhibit, which acts as a talking point. I can then explain how it has influenced my writing and then maybe sell a book. In fact, I sold a couple of dozen books over the weekend (it might have been more but the weather on Saturday was atrocious).

That might sound like a healthy sales figure but... When I take into account the printing costs and the cost of the pitch, it doesn't leave a great deal. Profit? I don't think so. Like most authors, I write for fun, not profit. So, if you can think of another way to increase sales, I'd be delighted to hear from you.