My Writing World

Hello all. Yes, it’s been a while since I last posted a missive, but here we go . . .

Unfortunately, I have no news on the You’re Manuscript Has Been Accepted For Publication front, but Lyn, my literary agent, has told me she is on a mission from God to see my latest manuscript, Testing Patience, published. I have a lot of faith in Lyn. She will succeed.

On another front, Chris Heuston, a favourite indie author of mine has a new book out soon. I have a very close understanding of Mr. Heuston (much like Stephen King’s understanding of Richard Bachman. Nudge, nudge. Wink, wink). This new novel, Dudded, a crime heist in the Western Suburbs Noir genre (I invented that genre BTW) is out on Kindle on 18th February. You can find the book on this link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GND81773?ref=sp_email

It’s also available as paperback.

I went and saw Canadian band, The Tea Party in concert on Thursday night at Anita’s Theatre. A bloody awesome show.

Here’s a selfie the band took at the end of the gig:

Last night a friend invited me along to a stage adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. Um, it was . . . interesting. The play’s characters were represented by various props. eg. a top hat for Mr. Darcy, a pair of red gloves for Elizabeth Bennett and whichever actor picked up that prop became that character. So all the actors, 7 of them, each played all of the characters. As I say, an interesting idea, but I didn’t really see the point. The concept detracted from the plot. Any hoo, it’s good to see people putting on live theatre. The audience – me included – enjoyed themselves and that’s main idea.

All right. That’s it from me. Bye for now. Bye bye bye.

2023 has proved quite a challenge for this writer-postman. Not a lot of writing done. Not a lot of postmanning done either.

I can usually produce a polished manuscript in twelve months. It’s true that the twelve months of 2023 aren’t up yet, but the odds of me offering a completed crime novel manuscript are not good.

The reasons for this are neither writerly or postmanly. They are deeply personal – but I am willing to share them with the cyber world. I’m not giving away state secrets or deeply buried feelings. They are real.

After a protracted illness, my beloved Father died in June 2023. He was a humble man with a great sense of humour and a warmth and love for others that I only hope I can aspire to. I don’t think I ever heard him swear or speak ill of others. Even when he was dying he wanted what was best for everyone else. I love him and miss him greatly.

I underwent two surgeries. A hand operation in May and an emergency appendectomy only last weekend. These have seen me off work at the Post Office since May.

My wife also underwent surgery. Throughout this year we have acted as each other’s carer. I have learned from these experiences that ours is a very very special love/relationship/friendship and I cherish it deeply.

But not all distractions from writing/postmanning were not sad or painful. Far from it. In September I was blessed to become a grandfather again with the birth of my first granddaughter. A bonny sister for my grandson. I cherish them both. They bring light to my gloomy world.

To writing: My novel-in-progress Mule sits on 52,000 words. I am amazed I have that many words down. The manuscript progresses slowly, but surely. I am pleased with the narrator’s voice – a 17 year-old young man from Sydney’s western suburbs – who gets caught up in a drugs deal gone wrong thanks to his feckless father, a broken-down ex-footballer. I think, if I can ever finish it, that it will be snapped up by publishers. Crime fiction authors (and their publishers) continue to stain the streets of rural Australia with blood. I’ve moved crime back to the city, but to the seldom used working class suburbs out west.

And now Christmas and a new year looms. I can only hope for good health for myself and family and that the words continue to flow for Mule.

What I’m listening to when I write (or recuperate) . . . ‘The Car’ by Arctic Monkeys. Do yourself a favour and have a listen . . .

As for postmanning? I may have delivered my last letter and the Post Office and I may be parting ways, soon.

Until next time . . . bye bye bye.

The weather is a major factor in the day-to-day exploits of the modern writer-postman. Sweltering heat, torrential rain, cyclonic winds. And sometimes all at once.

Such conditions can detract from the plotting process of works of fiction when house roofs are being lifted, cars are being washed away – right there in front of you!

A little rain had fallen- All right, a LOT of rain fell. Everywhere in the whole city. Flooding, distress, disorder. But there was no wet mail delivered by me. Oh no. I am a professional and I care for my customers’s mail, always.

Anyway, let’s move on to the writing part of this post. Two points to cover: My manuscript tentatively called Corruption is currently under consideration at Hachette. So, it’s fingers crossed for a YES. Secondly, I’m currently – yes, I’m very current – polishing my manuscript-in-progress called Squeezed (don’t like the title) and will be looking to email it to Lyn, my agent at Australian Literary Management, at the end of this week (today is Sunday. I’m giving myself to Friday afternoon to fine-tooth comb my words).

Below is a pic of my current editing suite . . .

Well, it does the trick. There’s plenty of natural light and fresh air. It’s comfy, roomy, close to the kitchen. Every writer-postman should have such a room.

That’s it, I’m out of here.

At the moment (didn’t want to type ‘currently’ again) I’m reading:

‘The Glass Hotel’ by Emily St. John Mandel

‘Vacuum in the Dark’ by Jen Beagin

‘Sweeney and the Bicycles’ by Philip Salom

At the moment (really didn’t want to type ‘currently’ again) I’m watching:

‘Truth Be Told’ Apple+ (5/10. Cliche dialogue – plus characters who don’t listen to one another. They have their info dump (plot information/backstory) to deliver (rather clunky) and just go for it. The main character didn’t make sense. Can’t see she’s destroying the lives of her loved ones and always put herself first).

‘Vera’ ABC (Australia)

‘The Weekly with Charlie Pickering’ ABC (Australia) Comedy gold about the news.

And ‘Poirot’ on DVD. My wife and I are rewatching every case in episode order. We’re up to number 60.