I was educated at Churcher's College in Petersfield where I learned to love writing but
it wasn't until I sold a short story at
the age of 29 that I began to feel as though I was 'a writer'. However,
as I had already spent years in industry writing regulatory
documents, product data sheets and labels, I suppose I have been
a professional writer most of my working life. Somehow, something you enjoy so much doesn't seem like work at all!
Along the way I have produced a steady flow of stories, verse, lyrics, plays, reviews, articles, and several books. I have also lectured, discussed my work on radio and helped other writers just starting out. After leaving industry in 1990 I established a consultancy giving writing advice and training to a wide range of businesses as far afield as the USA and as near as my local printer.
Most of my creative 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. At the age of 62 I have for the first time ventured into journalism, writing for an RNLI publication. My strengths, though, still lie in business writing, something that has always given me great satisfaction.
Other interests include reading, motor sport, music, genealogy and gardening. As you would expect, I have always enjoyed writing letters
(and still do, though they are now mostly by email) and receiving them,
too. It's my belief that letter writing is a very under-rated and under-used
skill that keeps the mind active and nurtures relationships.
My letters cover the full range from complaints
to family news, and I have included a few on this site. Many of the others form a consumer help book entitled "Don't take it lying down" (available to buy as an ebook from my bookshop).
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 email, in order to help people with their writing
or other problems.
On 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.
If you don't find what you want on
this comprehensive site (I am trying to make it simpler!), contact
me now with your questions or comments.