Nerve Centre

When I began renovating an old boat some years ago, I had no idea it would become the Nerve Centre for the Hornet Books Writing Emporium. 

Last night, publishing guru David Roberts and I sampled Co-op tinned stew while we discussed the plot of the forthcoming Mister Tap. 

I explained how "once upon a time Mister Tap lived in an old chateau and that an elephant escaped the circus and ended up squashing Brigadier Breach in the hallway."

All very plausible after a little wine had been consumed, and the added dumplings were delicious.

Back On Track

After years in the estuary wilderness, my Boat For My Potplants (currently aka Boat Without Any Potplants) is coming back to flourish.

Today I had a solar panel fitted by Paul, The Caravan Van. Good chap. In fact, Very Good Chap.

So, I'm nearly all up and ready now for 2019 and whatever it will bring.

Looking into my crystal ball, I see 'The World's Smallest Pirate Radio Station' striking again once more, now that I have facilities for a record player.

I see parties at night, now that I have lights.

I see the writing of my third novel, 'Mister Tap' on board, now that I have a power socket for a laptop.

I see a few glasses of wine, and some tinned curry from Tesco.

I see a gorilla in the midst of some potplants.

HERALD NEWS - read all about it!

In Adrian's wine shop

How extraordinary.

An article appeared about 'Florida Key' and its author (that's me) in Joliet, Illinois' newspaper, with the headline featuring the Folger Adam manufactured prison key that inspired me to write the story.

Resulting from that, I was contacted by two individual ladies, both of whom had direct connections with the company.

Susan Carlton very kindly sent me a copy of the rag to me while I was in France recently - and I had pleasure in reading it in the best place in town - Adrian's wine shop.

Ralph Luebs

Barbara Carnaghi sent me a sketch of her late father Ralph Luebs, who had been the Vice President of Operations at the time of his passing in 1982. She recounted her memory as a child visiting the prisons with her dad in which the Folger Adam locks were utilised.

What a fascinating journey I have been privileged to journey on since beginning this writing mullarkey.