It's Published!

2011 seems to be galloping away with March almost upon us already, but spring does not seem to be in the air - well not just yet! Let's hope it is just around the corner.

Today copies of The Story of Pembrokeshire arrived, just in time to celebrate St David's Day. I am absolutely delighted with it, especially the two sets of sixteen pages of colour photographs, which have come out a treat. Well done to Myrddin ap Dafydd and his team at Gwasg Carreg Gwalch for an excellent production. Pembrokeshire is a county that has a unique blend of history, legends and notorious characters. Where in the midst of commercialism can one find peace, tranquility and a paradise for nature lovers? Where else, but Pembrokeshire; an area that rose from the sea over a thousand million years ago, and has since played host to pagan warriors, Celtic fort-builders, Welsh princes, swashbuckling pirates, Manx shear-waters and the Grey Atlantic seal. I urge everyone to explore the county and enjoy its beauty.

I spend a super evening recently in the company of Southampton Writers when I shared some hints and tips on writing and placing articles. Thank you Southampton Writers for making me so welcome and I am looking forward to a return visit on April to judge their article writing competition.

Preparations of the Stickler Syndrome Support Group conference in well underway. This time we are holding it at a Barcelo hotel in Daventry and have just returned after spending a delightful few days in the area.

This week started with a big event for any writer, the three day London Bookfair held at Earls Court. This year due to volcanic ash invading our air space there were fewer overseas stands - many left empty - and fewer visitors, which made it pleasant to walk around. Another significant difference was that most publishers were interested in talking to authors about their various projects and were very generous with practical information. What did come over loud and clear was that authors are expected to do the majority of the promotion and publicity for their book themselves through their own websites and blogs, and are encouraged to do book signings, radio interviews, and talks whenever possible. The days of the 'shrinking violet' author have gone!
Back at my desk I am working on the final draft of The Story for Gower. This was the first book I wrote back in 1992 and it has been in print ever since. Now I am working on a new edition which will be roughly twice as long with colour and black and white illustrations. Obviously this being my first book it is very special to me and I must thank my publisher Myrddin ap Dafydd at Gwasg Carreg Gwach for the opportunity to update this book.
I am also working on a new book for The History Press entitled Shipwrecks of the South Coast, which I am enjoying researching. Being born and brought up a stone's throw from the Gower Peninsula I have always had a special affinity with the sea, which can be so powerful. There are so many shipwrecks to write about that I think I will need to be extremely selective.
Next week on Tuesday 27 April I am running a Day for Journalists and non-fiction writers in London. Anyone interested in learning more or attending, please contact me.

It seems an age since I set up my blog, so I will bring you up to date on my writing news.It has been a strange couple of weeks ranging from an attack of writers block to being extremely busy with not enough hours in the day. Interestingly I have always told my students that writers block don't exist, now I know it can be very real, and frightening.
Work on my new book Haunted Worthing is progressing well. yesterday I met up with a really helpful chap, Andrew House who explained the various types of ghosts. Absolutely fascinating! I have also heard from my super Welsh publisher Gwasg Carreg Gwalch who has informed me of his publishing schedule. I'm excited to learn that an updated edition of The Story of Pembrokeshire will be out in May 2010, and a new edition of The Story of Gower has been scheduled for May 2011. A new book The Story of Carmarthenshire is planned for May 2012, so watch this space for my progress with this book.