ACTION! Setting the scene.

ACTION!

Setting the scene

Compass Point - bomb disposal

As documented before on the blog, my 009 layout, Compass Point is the inspiration for my series of DI Russell crime novels. Several of the tableaux I created were featured in the books. Notable amongst them was the scene where a WW2 bomb is being extracted from the mud in the estuary by Captain Valiant and Sapper Rankin.

Now that I'm well into writing the fourth in the series, I am still adding scenes that may be incorporated at some time. I'm currently building a vintage Airfix model of a WW2 'Quad' with 25 pounder gun and limber. I've got this idea that a group of soldiers, on manoeuvres, in the mid 1950s are still using war time equipment. They have lost their way, bumping down a rutted track near Shinglesea Halt, and have stopped to consult the map.

I think it's going to work on the layout, and it's given me an idea for incorporating it into Blood on the Cards, but there's just one small problem. The figures. British army soldiers, in 1/72 and 1/76 scale are readily available, but they are mainly in action poses. There are some very nice wargaming figures, but at only 20mm high they are rather too short, scaling out at about 5 feet tall. So the search goes on.

LOOK AT ME! - Making an exhibition of myself

LOOK AT ME!

Making an exhibition of myself

Following on from my last post, Publish - and hope not to be damned, I have just undertaken the launch and book signing of my third novel BLOOD on the STRAND. The Rye Bookshop were kind enough to play host and at 12 noon on Saturday 13th April, I was set up and waiting for customers.

Castle Quay

I'd taken a railway layout I'd built in an empty winebox, called Castle Quay. It was quite relevant as it features models of the Hastings net huts, which play an important part in the book. The shop was busy and it was gratifying to talk to quite a few people who were interested in the book and by 2.30pm I had signed and sold a number of copies.

I'm planning on taking part in a meet the author - and his dog - at several venues in the near future. These include The Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, The Rye Heritage Centre and The Hasting Fishermen's Museum. So watch out for announcements.

PUBLISH - and hope not to be damned

PUBLISH

and hope not to be damned

As a self -published author, I hope to be received kindly and, judging by the response from readers, it seems that people like my writing. Nowadays, it's just not possible to get your manuscripts accepted by a publisher, you have to go through an agent, first. I must have written to well over 50 agents and, when they did reply is was the 'thanks, but no thanks' email. So, still being determined to see my work in print, I set up my own publishing company, BOGHOPPER BOOKS.

It may sound grand, but basically, it's me, working in my railway carriage studio. I have to actively engage with social media, promoting and publicising my books; store my books, then package and send them to those kind enough to buy them, and send out press releases. I promote the books when I give talks to WI, gardening clubs, U3A and other groups. I have to arrange to launch the books in the local Rye Bookshop, which has been very supportive. And... keep in touch with the outlets that stock my books to make sure they have sufficient copies. 

Then, on top of all this I actually have to find time to sit down and WRITE!