My first novel was written over the course of one calendar year and serialised online in 12 parts, as I produced them. When it concluded I was struck by the enthusiasm of some readers for a sequel, or even a series, based on the same characters and places. When the book was published this summer,Continue reading “Thoughts on starting to write a second novel”
Category Archives: Epiphanies and Robberies
Reflections following publication of my first novel
My debut novel Epiphanies and Robberies came out this summer. It tells the story of three people who find new friendships and ways of looking at things, as they simultaneously get drawn into sleuthing a series of art thefts that breaks out across their home region in south west Scotland. I have tried to writeContinue reading “Reflections following publication of my first novel”
May be or May be not
In my forthcoming debut novel and in effulgent terms, I describe May in south west Scotland, where I live. May can be the finest month in the Nithsdale year. Through the woods, bluebells nod in drifts. Along the loanings, cow parsley froths and swaggers. The lovely campion and cuckoo flowers are everywhere in the grassland.Continue reading “May be or May be not”
The interplay between reading and writing
In 2023 I wrote my first novel, Epiphanies and Robberies, and serialised it here – month by month. Whilst I’m the author of quite a few academic books, I’d never before produced something like this, an extended work of fiction, with characters and a storyline totally of my own invention. Certainly, over the years IContinue reading “The interplay between reading and writing”
Music in the spirit of a novel
Last year I wrote my first novel, Epiphanies and Robberies. I was fortunate to have the encouragement of a loyal band of friends and enthusiasts, who got behind my serialised story as it appeared, chapter by chapter, one month at a time, on this blog. This year has seen the struggle to find an agentContinue reading “Music in the spirit of a novel”
Epiphanies and Robberies Chapter 12: The Advent of New Ways of Being
Whilst Andrew nurses a bad cold, Anne-Marie and Caitlin are Christmas shopping, and Michael is discovering a new-found enthusiasm for things culinary. Meanwhile the art robbers are awaiting sentence following their guilty plea and DC Harris makes arrangements for the safe return of the stolen goods. On the night of the Winter Solstice, The MaxwellContinue reading “Epiphanies and Robberies Chapter 12: The Advent of New Ways of Being”
Epiphanies and Robberies Chapter 11: Further Revelations
Andrew, Michael and Anne-Marie are taken on an extraordinary day out by DC Harris. The amateur sleuths are getting a measure of fame and recognition for their efforts, whilst the accused are now behind bars and expected to put in a guilty plea. Esme and Michael’s divorce is also passing through the legal process, but relationsContinue reading “Epiphanies and Robberies Chapter 11: Further Revelations”
Epiphanies and Robberies Chapter 10: The Fall
The arrival of Autumn sees all our main characters engaged in enjoyable tasks and projects – picking apples, stacking firewood, making a woodland labyrinth, singing in a choir. Anne-Marie even makes a surprisingly successful Sunday visit to her mother. Andrew is also waiting to hear about the outcome of his phone call from the WigtownContinue reading “Epiphanies and Robberies Chapter 10: The Fall”
My novel gets a playlist!
My excellent colleague and friend Devi Vijay lives in India, but we keep in fairly close touch. Knowing our shared interest in music, she recently sent me an article about all the musical works referenced in the writings of a famous Japanese author. The article contained a link to a playlist, so the reader couldContinue reading “My novel gets a playlist!”
Epiphanies and Robberies Chapter 9: Closing In
News breaks of two further robberies, this time in Kircudbright, apparently back in July. Harris shows Andrew a series of images of two campervanners and sailors, taken over the last few months. It’s now clear these are the thieves, but the police are nowhere nearer to catching them. Michael, Esme and the girls seem toContinue reading “Epiphanies and Robberies Chapter 9: Closing In”
Quotidian 