About me

My name is Tony Holkham (obviously!), and I am a writer. I was born and raised in southern England, and have Hampshire (where I now live), Sussex, Yorkshire, Lancashire and a smidgin of Irish blood in my ancestry. I write fiction and verse, and non-fiction on a range of problems people find in private life, in business, and in the community. I provide a great deal of free advice in this way.

I started writing at school (Mitcham, Grayshott, Hindhead, Godalming Grammar, then Churcher's College in Petersfield - my parents were always moving), and have always loved to write, but it wasn't until I sold a short story (to the Evening News in 1977, at the age of 29) that I began to feel as though I was 'a writer'. However, I spent some years in the agricultural chemicals industry, writing regulatory documents, product data sheets and labels, and so I suppose I have been a professional writer most of my life. After leaving the industry in 1990 I wrote and published several books and provided a freelance writing and advice service to a wide range of businesses as far afield as the USA and as near as my local shop. Along the way, I have also offered advice on writing and publishing to other budding writers.

Most of my writing these days is non-fiction, although I always jot down ideas for stories or poems because one day I may well use them. Many writers almost feel obliged to attempt a novel, and I am no exception, but mine (like most others!) remains unfinished.

I have always enjoyed writing letters (and still do, though they are now mostly by e-mail) and receiving them, too. It's my belief that letter writing is a very under-rated and under-used skill, it keeps the mind active, and it keeps relationships open and fulfilling. My letters cover the full range from complaints to family news, and many will eventually be included in this site.

Am I a good writer? That's not for me to say. Read my work (fiction, non-fiction and verse) and decide for yourself. All I will say about the quality of my work is that much of it (not all) pleases me, and has pleased others, and that makes me happy. More importantly, it makes me want to keep on writing.

Please explore the site and feel free to contact me with any comments, and if I can help you with writing, in business or in private life, or with any consumer problems, we can discuss it with no obligation on either part. I often give free advice by e-mail, in order to help people get started with their writing or other problems.

In this site you will find a great deal of information - click on any underlined word throughout the site to find out more about writing help, consumer issues, business support and shop (collectables, books, magazines, coins and more) or click Search to see a list of topics covered on this site.

Or, if you don't find what you want on this comprehensive site (I am trying to make it simpler!), just contact me now with your questions or comments.

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