Andrew Heasman's Blog, page 5

Book #2 in The Memoir Series is nearly here...

Book #2 in "The Memoir Series" is almost ready for publication. The proof-copy has arrived and has been checked. The book will be available for purchase within a matter of days...Both Book #1 (Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures) and Book #2 (Single-Crewed: My Life as a Police Officer) are/will be available through Amazon Worldwide in both Paperback and Kindle E-Book formats. Check your local Amazon outlet for details and prices.Alternatively, check my website at :- https://ajheasman.wixsite.com/author for a quick and simple click-through to the sales pages.Follow me onFACEBOOK and TWITTER, and sign-up to my mailing list for blog updates, news, and offers relating to these, and future book publications.

New Author Interview

For those who are interested in my motivation for writing my books, I have given an interview to The Read/Write Club which has been published to their website.If you'd like to read it to gain an insight into the workings of my mind, you can find the full interview here:-Read/Write Club.

Just another day up north...

Today was a lovely sunny Sunday, many might say it was the start of spring. A day for families to stroll in the pleasant warmth after the last few weeks of winter chill.For those in Whalley Range, Manchester, things were not quite so relaxed.For police officers covering this area, this was just another day, just another shift, nothing out of the ordinary. Little did they know what they were about to face...Shortly before 3pm, officers were confronted by a man in his early twenties carrying a 3ft Samurai Sword...!!! But he wasn't just calmly carrying it on his person, he was using this lethal weapon in an unprovoked attack on police. Unarmed, and showing exceptional bravery, officers tackled the knifeman with batons and a Taser. Even as he was taken to the ground, the offender was lashing out at the police with the sword. Two officers were seriously injured as a result...!!!Yes, this was a rare incident in terms of the type of weapon used, but ask any police officer, and they will tell you that facing those armed with knives and other bladed weapons is just part-and-parcel of the role of a police officer. Rarely do these types of incidents even reach the press unless someone is tragically injured, or the weapons used are such that they warrant special mention.During my service in the police, I faced those similarly armed - I had knives pulled on me - I had one thrown at me - I even had someone swing an axe at me - So I know how these officers feel. It is good for those not associated with the police to be aware of the bravery that officers show on a daily basis - much of which never gets reported, the general public being blissfully unaware of what is going on around them.People ought to hear about incidents like this, so a big thank you to The Manchester Evening News for their coverage, and the use of their pictures. To read the full report, and to view video footage of the entire incident, click HERE :- https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/chorlton-police-officer-sword-attack-14455623To read more of the experiences that I faced as a police officer, I'm afraid you'll have to wait a short while. Book 2 in "The Memoir Series" is called, "Single-Crewed: My Life as a Police Officer" and is currently in the editing stage. It is on schedule to be published in May of this year through Amazon Worldwide, and will be available in paperback and Kindle E-Book formats.To ensure that you stay up to date with all developments with this book, and future volumes, be sure to sign-up to my "Mailing List" on my website at:- https://ajheasman.wixsite.com/authorFor those who can't wait and who have not read Book 1 in the series, "Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures" is still currently available through AmazonIn paperback (£7.99) and Kindle E-Book (£1.99) formats, it follows my progress through the ranks of the navy, and charts my many adventures around the globe.Consistently in the top 10 Amazon rankings for its category, it is a must read.Read all three books in the series (once available) and follow me through all aspects of my life - my careers, my travels, and my various experiences.ENJOY...Follow me on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.

Flash Sale!

Advance notice of a FLASH SALE of my Kindle E-Book - "Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures."The Kindle E-Book version will be FREE on Friday 23rd February 2018 (starting 1200AM PST) for a limited period only...Spread the word - tell your friends.Available from ALL Amazon outlets or via my website athttps://ajheasman.wixsite.com/author

BBC News Crime Report

I was watching BBC Breakfast News this morning, and they ran a report on the increase in "Drive-By" crime committed by gangs of youths on mopeds in London. They target individuals walking along, engrossed in their mobile phones, completely oblivious to who, or what, is going on around them! Some of these gangs are taking things a step further by entering internet cafes in order to swipe laptops or tablets from unsuspecting victims, before making-off by bike!As the "expert" said, this is an easy crime to commit. People are completely unaware of their surroundings, making them perfect targets to be attacked. Whilst, reduction in numbers of police units, and a visible presence on the streets might be blamed by some, it is a random crime that is difficult to tackle. However, it highlights a major problem within society - namely the carrying and use of phones, computers (and the like) in public. People nowadays have no awareness of their surroundings. They bumble around, heads staring into their screens, headphones blocking-out external noise, completely unaware of the thief approaching from behind, or watching them from the comfort of their bike. An EASY target...!It might sound like the victim is getting the blame for the crime having been committed, but not really, although their actions make it so much easier. Instead of looking for excuses, someone to blame, a scapegoat, surely it would be easier for the public to take some responsibility for their own actions. Look up when you're walking the streets. Put that phone away - you won't die if you miss a text, or a message on Facebook..! Look after your own devices.I remember when I worked as a police officer, we had lots of reports of "stolen" mobile phones, especially over a weekend. It wasn't that crime increased at this time, it was more a case of people going out to the pubs and clubs, getting drunk, and leaving, or losing their phones. Of course, phone companies or insurance companies would not pay-out unless the police issued a crime number, so they'd report it as a theft, even though it was clearly their own negligence!Same thing here, put the phone away, and you are no longer a likely target for a moped gang...This type of crime seems to be limited to the London area, but street awareness applies everywhere. Locally, we have had a spate of thefts of motor vehicles recently. Due to the icy conditions, people have been leaving their cars running to de-ice, often unattended. A youth on a bike cycles by, has a look, then phones his mate further up the road. Youth one causes a distraction while number two jumps in the driver's seat and nicks the car! Be aware of who is nearby, who is watching you, or anything that looks suspicious. By doing so, you are helping the police by policing your own community. It goes back to the days of "Community Watch," looking out for yourself and your neighbours...In my new book: "Single-Crewed: My Life as a Police Officer" I touch on these subjects (amongst others). Street awareness is a skill that I developed over my years in the force, and it is something that I still use nowadays. I am aware of who is nearby, who is not resident on my street, anything that looks dodgy. It is a skill that everyone should possess. For this, and other gems of advice, be sure to read my book. It is due for release in, or before May 2018.Watch this space for further details nearer the time.....To read the full report of "Ride-By Thefts" by moped gangs, click HERE.Read my first book in "The Memoir Series" --- "Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures"Available now from your local Amazon outlet worldwide ORFrom my website https://ajheasman.wixsite.com/authorFollow me on Facebook and on TwitterJoin my Mailing List for future updates on book progress and special offers Here

New Promotional Facebook Banner

With Book #2 well under-way, I thought I'd start introducing it to potential readers.Look forward to hearing more details in the coming weeks.Andrew Heasman - Author of "Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures"Connect via:https://ajheasman.wixsite.com/authorFacebookTwitter

Latest UK Crime Figures Released...

On the day that I finished the first draft of my second book in The Memoir Series, the UK government have released the latest crime statistics. My second book focuses on my years as a Police Officer in the Lincolnshire Police Force. In it I mention crime trends, the "truth" (or lack of it) in official figures, and how statistics can be massaged to meet political ends. Coincidental??? I read a post on another site which puts things succinctly so I'll copy it here for you to see:-About 5.3 million crimes were recorded in all in the 12-month period, that's up 14%.However, the separate Crime Survey, based on people's experiences, suggests crime continues to fall...!This survey, based on interviews with 35,000 households in England and Wales, includes crimes that people do not report to police.The latest police figures for the 12 months to September from 44 forces show:68,968 robbery offences, up 29% 138,045 sex offences, up 23% 37,443 knife crime offences, up 21% 1,291,405 violent crime offences, up 20%There were 37,443 knife crimes and 6,694 gun crime offences recorded in the year to September.The number of offences involving a knife or a sharp instrument had been falling since 2011 but started rising again over the past three years, the ONS said.This contrasts with the Crime Survey which found that most crimes either fell or were at a similar level.'Police numbers at lowest for 2 decades.If police figures show such a major increase based on reported crime, and unreported crime would increase the number of crimes, how can the crime survey conclude crime is static or in decline???Does this show a vigorous massage of figures or does some moron think the public will believe anything?It makes for some interesting reading, don't you think?As Disraeli once said, "There are lies, damned lies, and statistics!"Andrew Heasman, author of "Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures" available fromAmazon.co.ukand Amazon.comOr via my website at https://ajheasman.wixsite.com/authorFollow on Facebook and Twitter

January Update

Time for a quick update on the current state of play regarding volume 2 of "The Memoir Series."1. Working title - done.2. Plan of chapters and content - done.3. Permission gained from Lincs Police - done.4. First draft currently at 78,000 words and counting.5. First edit - under way.6. Everything else - still to do...!!!!!As most will know, Book 2 will be covering my years serving in the Lincolnshire Police Force in the 90's and 2000's. It will follow a slightly different format to my previous book in that it will not be a straight chronological account of my experiences. Instead, it will incorporate some chronological sections, interspaced with chapters on specific subjects relating to the different aspects of police life, as experienced by myself.At the time of writing, I have covered my training, and all of my time spent at Boston. I have briefly mentioned the Career Break that I took, but that will be covered in-depth in Volume 3 of the series (covering my travels and adventures around the world, both above, and below, the waves, as a SCUBA diving instructor). I am just starting the section relating to my time at Lincoln, and specifically North Box. For those that know me, you'll know that I've covered about 7 years-worth of my career so far - only another year and a half still to go. I'm getting there.Then the real work begins - edit, edit, and re-edit until I am happy with the final product.Once I reach that stage, I switch to "Publisher" mode where I have to format the book for the various editions that it will be sold in (each being different).Finally, I switch to "Marketing" mode, and the sales pitches start...To be sure that you do NOT miss out on any future updates on the progress of this book, be sure to sign-up to my Mailing List at https://ajheasman.wixsite.com/authoror follow me on Facebook and Twitter.Expect to hear of future special deals first, as well as details of how to Pre-Order my latest book when it is ready for publication.REMEMBERVolume 1 of The Memoir Series is still available from Amazon worldwide in E-Book and Paperback format.Paperback - only £7.99E-Book - only £1.99Available direct from Amazon, or via my website HERE.

A New Year - Book#2 Continues...

Welcome to 2018. "HAPPY NEW YEAR"With the start of a new year, so begins the return to writing of the second book in my "Memoir Series." What with School Holidays, noisy and over-excited youths running around the house in anticipation of Santa's impending visit, and festive trips to visit relatives; my writing progress has had to take a back-seat. But that is all in the past. The kids are back at school, all is quiet again, and I am able to concentrate; reliving memories of my police days in Lincolnshire. With 52 thousand words of the first draft now complete, I have covered a lot of ground so far. Many a funny anecdote has been included. But it is not all light-reading; I am currently working on a chapter dealing with the many aspects of DEATH that police officers have to cope with.But do not worry, it is not all doom-and-gloom; the funny and interesting chapters far outweigh the darker ones. That being said, it is meant to be a TRUE account of life as a police officer, so expect the not-so-pleasant as well as the high-octane, adrenaline-fuelled excitement of life policing rural Lincolnshire (Did I exaggerate it a tad in that description??).Apart from chronicling my time in the force, I am also devoting specific chapters to individual aspects of police service. I won't go into too much detail at this stage (You'll just have to read the book once it is finished), but suffice it to say, pretty much every area of police life that I encountered will be covered to a lesser or greater extent.I am anticipating that the book will be in the region of 300-400 pages (paperback) once done, however this is flexible at the moment as, even at this stage, I am choosing to omit certain stories; and there are still loads more to add. After the first draft is complete, I'll have a better idea of its length. Then in the editing stages, I'm sure it will reduce in size still further. We shall see...As an estimate, I am looking at May 2018 as the predicted publishing date - fingers crossed.Don't forget, this is only book two in the series. Book one, "Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures" is still (and will remain) on sale. If you've read it and enjoyed it, spread the word. Recommend it to friends and family, share my posts on your Social Media pages - You'd be surprised how many people you know who are "closet fans of the RN and navy stories."Book three, to be started mid-2018, will be more of a travel journal; detailing my adventures above and below the waves as I travel and work as a diving instructor all around the world. It will certainly be in contrast to the more structured and formal stories written thus far. For details of ALL my books as they become available, and updates on those still in progress, be sure to sign-up to my mailing list at my website:https://ajheasman.wixsite.com/authorContact me via the "Contact Page" at this same address.Follow me on Facebook and Twitter

Christmas Newsletter

With Christmas nearly upon us, it seems a good time to reflect on progress made on my first book over the past 12 months.This time last year, my first book was but a seed of an idea buried in the dark recesses of my mind.By February, that seed had started to grow; the first shoots of life springing from an indistinct thought, to the first words scribed onto a crisp white page (or computer screen).From then, progress was rapid. Words flowed, chapters formed, and that part of my history came to life as the first draft of my memoir series.Months of editing followed. The first draft morphed into the sixth draft. Finally I was reasonably happy with my efforts.But what to do next? Publication seemed the logical step - Surely every publishing company would jump at the chance to sell my story!? Well, it was read by many, and feedback was fair and constructive. But mine was a niche market; not for the likes of big publishing firms. They needed to have a chance of recovering their expenses, as well as obtaining a small profit.Self-Publishing was the way forward. "Seahawk Publishing UK" was born; my own publishing imprint. And I set about adapting my manuscript for the different formatting needed for paperback and E-Book.October 3rd 2017 arrived - Publication Day. Both formats of my book became live on Amazon, and sales started to roll in - slow at first, but progressively increasing over the longer term.Two and a half months down the line, and my E-Book has just spent a week as the Amazon Bestseller for its category - fame at last (if only on a small scale).What does the future hold? Well, book#2 is well under way. There was a small hiccup as I waited on my former Police Force to confirm what was and was not allowed to be included in my second memoir; but things are back on-track, with 52K words currently completed of the first draft.Plans are that this book should be ready for publication on, or before, May next year - fingers crossed.Thanks to all who have read my book this past few months. It is thanks to you that it has reached the heady-heights of #1 bestseller in its category. For those of you who have yet to read it, or who are waiting to see if they receive it from Santa next week; ENJOY the adventure.Sign-up to my mailing list to ensure you receive updates on the progress of book number two. For those who can not wait for its publication; as a little pre-Christmas gift, I can reveal its "working title"Book #2 is currently titled:"Single-Crewed: My life as a Police Officer"This could all change over the course of its evolution. My first book had a number of different titles over the months!Merry Christmas to all, and a Happy 2018Andrew Heasman - Author of "Beyond the Waves: My Royal Navy Adventures"Available from Amazon Worldwide, and through my website at https://ajheasman.wixsite.com/author