Newsletters

I just had one of those panicked moments where I could not, for the life of me, find this email (which I had got part way through then left to stew intending to come back and finish it). After several minutes of cursing, and backwards and forwards, I came upon it by...

The Coronation of King Charles was not at the top of my 'must watch' list, therefore, when I sat down to watch it with my mother I was surprised to find there was actually much I enjoyed about the pomp and ceremony. In particular, somewhat predictably those who know...

A few days ago I was driving home from work and one of my favorite songs of all time,  "Dakota", by the Stereophonics, started playing as I drove along the waterfront. (Yep, I admit I'm old school in regards to listening to the car radio). Something that really...

I have become a little distracted deciding on a title for Hennessey's next great adventure.At the moment the working title is INTO BONE AND DUST.Other contenders include: GHOST HORSE CANYON RUNNING WOLF CANYON BLOOD AND FURY (Does this sound more like a war novel?) In...

First, I'd like to apologise for the fact this October newsletter is being sent out mid-November. After thinking I had escaped the clutches of the dreaded Covid I caught it, which has left me feeling rather ill and not at all motivated to do anything. Now, with that...

Without a doubt writers sometimes utilise artistic license and certain points in a story become . . . elastic. There can also be unwitting mistakes made despite extensive research and Beta readers.I have mentioned working on a contemporary murder/mystery novel set in...

Last week I went to an event at the Auckland Writers Festival - a fantastic annual event that attracts national and international stars -  to listen to three Kiwi writers speak. All three are either serving or ex-police officers. Of course due to their experience they...

I overthink things. Constantly. For example, if I'm changing mannequins in the window (I work in a women's' clothing store) I will dress them, position them, then walk onto the concourse to check how they look to passersby, as standard practice. Sometimes I swap their...

I read a lot, and I read fast. At least I like to think I do. Yet, even though it is only halfway through the year, I have a strong suspicion I will be beaten by my Goodreads target for 2022. By a long shot. That target is 150. That is 150 books I need to consume by...

I could spend hours looking at maps, the older the better, fascinated by the names of towns, rivers, mountain ranges and lakes. With regards to towns in the U.S. there is Pony, MT, Concrete, WA, Embarrass, MN, and Nowhere, CO. Some are clearly named after an industry,...