EDITOR, EDITOR!

 EDITOR, EDITOR!

As previously announced, I finished book seven in the DI Sonny Russell series of crime mysteries at the end of last year. Now comes necessary but the arduous task of re-reading, editing and generally improving the manuscript.  

I am exceedingly fortunate in having an inhouse editor. My wife, Greer, was a journalist and reporter from when she left college then spent 25 years as a sub-editor on the prestigious Daily Telegraph. She has been going through my book with a fine-tooth comb, picking up on all the mistakes and omissions I've made and making valuable suggestions to further enhance the narrative.

My current job is to input all her hard, detailed work so the story not only flows, but makes sense.

In addition, we've been discussing the final title of the book. While I've been writing it the working title has been BLOOD ON THE NILE, as some of the narrative revolves around stolen Egyptian treasures. However, as much of the book, in line with the previous titles, revolves around Rye and Rye Harbour, we thought it more appropriate to reflect this and it seems probable that it's going to be changed to BLOOD ON THE RIVER BANK, or something similar. Hopefully we will have decided by the end of the editing process. 

MORE RESEARCH

 MORE RESEARCH

CARAVANSERAI

Now that BLOOD ON THE DUNES is - almost - done and dusted, I've started thinking about the next book. Blood on the Tide was inspired by my narrow gauge railway layout, Compass Point, Blood on the Strand by Castle Quay, my Rock-a-Nore based layout in a winebox. So as I'm currently building Caravanserai, an Egyptian themed layout, my thoughts turned towards North Africa.

SUEZ CANAL

I've mentioned in the previous books that DI Russell spent time in the East when he was in the army during WW2 although I didn't specify where precisely. However, I did say that was where he found an interest in Eastern philosophy and vegetarianism, so I doubt it was Egypt. But, I'm wondering if he might have had a colleague who stayed on and joined the Egyptian police. My thoughts are turning to the possibility that ancient relics are being looted and smuggled into the UK. This would allow the narrative to swing between England and the East.

Obviously he'll need to be able to get there easily so another part of my research involves looking at means of travel and, it seems, British European Airways may well have flown there in the 1950s. The other thing which has piqued my interest is the Suez crisis, which could provide a rich seam of information. Although that was over by 1957, I'm sure I could include some of it on the book.

Anyway, it's early days yet so there's lots of fun ahead.

Putting plants into the story.

 Putting plants into the Story

Bewl Ridge House

So far, in my books, I have made occasional passing reference to plants and flowers. These references were used to establish the place and the season. In my current work in progress, BLOOD IN THE GARDEN, the fifth book in the DI Sonny Russell series of crime novels, I am trying to incorporate more of my plant knowledge. (I've made a living as a garden designer for some years now so hopefully I know what I'm talking about.) 

Battery Hill seaside garden

David Peters, one of the main characters in the book, runs a large nursery which supplies plants to garden centres and Woolworths (this is the 1950s) so plants can play a major part. His home is based on a place I used to work. It had a very large garden that I maintained for 10 years. Sadly I was never asked to use my design talents on the rather plain borders, so I decided to fill them with beautiful flowers in my book.

Chick Hill vegetable beds

Peters' wife has disappeared and DI Sonny Russell is tasked with finding where she has gone. He thinks this is a waste of time, believing that she is just a little flighty, and will return soon. However, things take a decidedly sinister turn when WPC Nettie Sharpe fails to turn up for work.

Rye Harbour

At every opportunity in the book I have tried to mention plants, so hopefully the reader will be informed as well as entertained.

Sovereign Harbour

All the picture I have incorporated in this post are of gardens I have designed.

RUST

RUST

Continuing the theme of interesting photographs I've been looking back through my files and thought a sequence of rusty pictures might be fun. It might seem strange but I love old rusty objects, whether abandoned machinery, or just objects accidentally left to decay. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

 

CHEERY PICS

CHEERY PICS

As the rain hammers down on the studio roof I thought I'd post a few more of my 'arty' pictures from a cheerier times.

SKY & SEA

SKY  & SEA

As my last blog, SEA CHANGE, was well received I thought I'd post another set of photos from my library. This time featuring the sky. We get some fabulous huge skies here on the edge of the Marsh, every day is different and there are regular, wonderful sunsets.

SEA CHANGE

SEA CHANGE

Almost every day I walk by the sea. 

When I'm working in my studio I can see it in the distance. 

When I go on holiday - it's almost always near the sea.

You could say that salt water runs in my blood.

So, instead of rambling on, here are some of the hundreds of photographs I've taken with the sea in all its seasons and some of its moods.