David L. Atkinson's Blog, page 31
October 30, 2016
Writing - 12, or 33 ways to launch a book
If you search 'book launch' in google you receive 8.5 million plus replies. They vary from 12 tips to a successful launch to 33 ideas any author can use and many points between.
I have views on these posts that offer a numerical solution to everything from how to fix a hole in your roof to making a perfect pizza. Those views are centred in a sense that those writing the posts have an arrogance that they have the knowledge. NO THEY DO NOT!Launching 7 Hours After is a matter of putting the book out there on the social networking sites, into the hands of friends and neighbours, and, advertising to all and sundry. There is no secret number or plan. If you do not tell people the book is there, how do they know its available to buy?
This is my third post about the new Steele novel and so some additional information is coming.
Who is Steele?
Patrick A Steele is a man with a history that drives him to right societies ills. He has connections with a Japanese group on the fringes of organised crime. Steele has a Japanese fiancee, a mentor from the same country and a specific skill set that helps him in his campaigns.
Where does he operate?
Steele is an Englishman with a small hub situated in a town in West Yorkshire. He was born in the north east of England and has strong ties to that region. His ill-gotten gains have allowed him to buy a chateau in northern France. He has taken 'jobs' from Japan to the USA and back.
Who are his adversaries?
Anyone who takes from the ordinary person in the street either directly or indirectly. He has made enemies of the CIA and FBI at times but has garnered support from the French Secret Service. He has the attention of the more local authorities of law and order in the form of Detective Chief Inspector Kathryn Best.
What sort of books do I write?
I write to entertain and hopefully, in a small way, to inform. Some of the books have issues of the day and some are speculative. I want my readers to enjoy the experience of reading my words but with an element of thoughtfulness.
7 Hours After
Synopsis
Patrick Steele is off crusading once again with his sidekick, fiancée Naomi Kobayashi. This time he is risking life and limb by returning to the hostile shores of the USA. He has had brushes with the authorities in that vast country on previous occasions, but now has been stimulated to return because of apparent dodgy dealings over the World Trade Centre disaster of September 11th 2001.After discovering numerous ‘theories’ concerning 9/11 and who was behind it, Steele identifies possible links between large corporations with financial interests and political parties. In a presidential election year he is concerned that those vying for that prodigious post may have links with the disaster.Has Steele discovered underhand dealing by the US security services? Did one of the major political parties have a hand in the destruction of 9/11?Will Steele be caught by the CIA or can he escape back to the safety of the UK?
What was Building 7?
Where can the books be bought?
amazon.co.uk
completelynovel.com
smashwords.com
In each case search under David L Atkinson, don't forget the 'L', and search through the available options to see all 11 novels.
God Bless
I have views on these posts that offer a numerical solution to everything from how to fix a hole in your roof to making a perfect pizza. Those views are centred in a sense that those writing the posts have an arrogance that they have the knowledge. NO THEY DO NOT!Launching 7 Hours After is a matter of putting the book out there on the social networking sites, into the hands of friends and neighbours, and, advertising to all and sundry. There is no secret number or plan. If you do not tell people the book is there, how do they know its available to buy?
This is my third post about the new Steele novel and so some additional information is coming.
Who is Steele?
Patrick A Steele is a man with a history that drives him to right societies ills. He has connections with a Japanese group on the fringes of organised crime. Steele has a Japanese fiancee, a mentor from the same country and a specific skill set that helps him in his campaigns.
Where does he operate?
Steele is an Englishman with a small hub situated in a town in West Yorkshire. He was born in the north east of England and has strong ties to that region. His ill-gotten gains have allowed him to buy a chateau in northern France. He has taken 'jobs' from Japan to the USA and back.
Who are his adversaries?
Anyone who takes from the ordinary person in the street either directly or indirectly. He has made enemies of the CIA and FBI at times but has garnered support from the French Secret Service. He has the attention of the more local authorities of law and order in the form of Detective Chief Inspector Kathryn Best.
What sort of books do I write?
I write to entertain and hopefully, in a small way, to inform. Some of the books have issues of the day and some are speculative. I want my readers to enjoy the experience of reading my words but with an element of thoughtfulness.
7 Hours After
Synopsis
Patrick Steele is off crusading once again with his sidekick, fiancée Naomi Kobayashi. This time he is risking life and limb by returning to the hostile shores of the USA. He has had brushes with the authorities in that vast country on previous occasions, but now has been stimulated to return because of apparent dodgy dealings over the World Trade Centre disaster of September 11th 2001.After discovering numerous ‘theories’ concerning 9/11 and who was behind it, Steele identifies possible links between large corporations with financial interests and political parties. In a presidential election year he is concerned that those vying for that prodigious post may have links with the disaster.Has Steele discovered underhand dealing by the US security services? Did one of the major political parties have a hand in the destruction of 9/11?Will Steele be caught by the CIA or can he escape back to the safety of the UK?
What was Building 7?
Where can the books be bought?
amazon.co.uk
completelynovel.com
smashwords.com
In each case search under David L Atkinson, don't forget the 'L', and search through the available options to see all 11 novels.
God Bless
October 29, 2016
Writing - 7 Hours After
As an impatient individual I will not wait for one launch day when the book is available on all formats, but will launch and re-launch as electronic versions and dealers come on stream. I expect the paperback launch by next weekend.
Synopsis
Patrick Steele is off crusading once again with his sidekick, fiancée Naomi Kobayashi. This time he is risking life and limb by returning to the hostile shores of the USA. He has had brushes with the authorities in that vast country on previous occasions, but now has been stimulated to return because of apparent dodgy dealings over the World Trade Centre disaster of September 11th 2001.After discovering numerous ‘theories’ concerning 9/11 and who was behind it, Steele identifies possible links between large corporations with financial interests and political parties. In a presidential election year he is concerned that those vying for that prodigious post may have links with the disaster.Has Steele discovered underhand dealing by the US security services? Did one of the major political parties have a hand in the destruction of 9/11?Will Steele be caught by the CIA or can he escape back to the safety of the UK?What was Building 7?
It is quite an achievement, in my own mind at least, to have completed 11 novels. Cessation is the odd one out, being a dystopian view of the world without power. Whatever happens next, it won't be a Steele novel, but I came upon an idea just this morning, 28/10/16 real time, that is nudging at the inspiration cell in my brain. For now keep watching for 7 Hours After.
Steele My hero was created post recession and so has no concept of how 'good' things were pre-2008. In 'I Have To Get It Right' when he began to flex his muscles he was working in an accountant's office. Then after the Gurentai took him under their wing and removed all of his financial worries, it was justice that was his major concern. He did become involved in international relations in 'The 51st State' but it was for the maintenance of a respectful distance between countries, rather than economic reasons. His trips into the USA had repercussions which can be read about in 'The Biter Bit' but then by the time things began to change in 2011 and the recession was really biting, Steele was trying to make sense of the state of the nation in 'A Changed Reality' and coming up against some really nasty people taking advantage of the shortage of money. By the time the USA are out of their recession Steele's steps are still being dogged by an unknown enemy from the same country. In 'Inceptus' we also find out more about what makes the man tick. The most recent Steele book 'Castled' where Steele is once again at risk from unseen enemies. It would seem that he has become quite recession proof!Then another addition to the Steele family is Earth plc in which our hero is concerned with political and emotional issues in this crime fighting adventure. This is followed by Grace and Favour which is a slightly cynical look into the lives of the landed gentry and the opportunity for crime. The ninth and most recent Steele novel is a look at the possible demise of the Malaysian aircraft that crashed almost two years ago and is entitled Flight into Secrecy.
All books are available in paperback or ebook through Amazon, Smashwords and all good book shop websites.
God Bless
October 28, 2016
Writing - Launch day looms
My editing team have done a sterling job and the latest Steele novel, 7 Hours After, will be available in paperback within the next few days.
As an impatient individual I will not wait for one launch day when the book is available on all formats, but will launch and re-launch as electronic versions and dealers come on stream. I expect the paperback launch by next weekend.
Synopsis
Patrick Steele is off crusading once again with his sidekick, fiancée Naomi Kobayashi. This time he is risking life and limb by returning to the hostile shores of the USA. He has had brushes with the authorities in that vast country on previous occasions, but now has been stimulated to return because of apparent dodgy dealings over the World Trade Centre disaster of September 11th 2001.After discovering numerous ‘theories’ concerning 9/11 and who was behind it, Steele identifies possible links between large corporations with financial interests and political parties. In a presidential election year he is concerned that those vying for that prodigious post may have links with the disaster.Has Steele discovered underhand dealing by the US security services? Did one of the major political parties have a hand in the destruction of 9/11?Will Steele be caught by the CIA or can he escape back to the safety of the UK?What was Building 7?
It is quite an achievement, in my own mind at least, to have completed 11 novels. Cessation is the odd one out, being a dystopian view of the world without power. Whatever happens next, it won't be a Steele novel, but I came upon an idea just this morning, 28/10/16 real time, that is nudging at the inspiration cell in my brain. For now keep watching for 7 Hours After.
Steele My hero was created post recession and so has no concept of how 'good' things were pre-2008. In 'I Have To Get It Right' when he began to flex his muscles he was working in an accountant's office. Then after the Gurentai took him under their wing and removed all of his financial worries, it was justice that was his major concern. He did become involved in international relations in 'The 51st State' but it was for the maintenance of a respectful distance between countries, rather than economic reasons. His trips into the USA had repercussions which can be read about in 'The Biter Bit' but then by the time things began to change in 2011 and the recession was really biting, Steele was trying to make sense of the state of the nation in 'A Changed Reality' and coming up against some really nasty people taking advantage of the shortage of money. By the time the USA are out of their recession Steele's steps are still being dogged by an unknown enemy from the same country. In 'Inceptus' we also find out more about what makes the man tick. The most recent Steele book 'Castled' where Steele is once again at risk from unseen enemies. It would seem that he has become quite recession proof!Then another addition to the Steele family is Earth plc in which our hero is concerned with political and emotional issues in this crime fighting adventure. This is followed by Grace and Favour which is a slightly cynical look into the lives of the landed gentry and the opportunity for crime. The ninth and most recent Steele novel is a look at the possible demise of the Malaysian aircraft that crashed almost two years ago and is entitled Flight into Secrecy.
All books are available in paperback or ebook through Amazon, Smashwords and all good book shop websites.
God Bless
As an impatient individual I will not wait for one launch day when the book is available on all formats, but will launch and re-launch as electronic versions and dealers come on stream. I expect the paperback launch by next weekend.
Synopsis
Patrick Steele is off crusading once again with his sidekick, fiancée Naomi Kobayashi. This time he is risking life and limb by returning to the hostile shores of the USA. He has had brushes with the authorities in that vast country on previous occasions, but now has been stimulated to return because of apparent dodgy dealings over the World Trade Centre disaster of September 11th 2001.After discovering numerous ‘theories’ concerning 9/11 and who was behind it, Steele identifies possible links between large corporations with financial interests and political parties. In a presidential election year he is concerned that those vying for that prodigious post may have links with the disaster.Has Steele discovered underhand dealing by the US security services? Did one of the major political parties have a hand in the destruction of 9/11?Will Steele be caught by the CIA or can he escape back to the safety of the UK?What was Building 7?
It is quite an achievement, in my own mind at least, to have completed 11 novels. Cessation is the odd one out, being a dystopian view of the world without power. Whatever happens next, it won't be a Steele novel, but I came upon an idea just this morning, 28/10/16 real time, that is nudging at the inspiration cell in my brain. For now keep watching for 7 Hours After.
Steele My hero was created post recession and so has no concept of how 'good' things were pre-2008. In 'I Have To Get It Right' when he began to flex his muscles he was working in an accountant's office. Then after the Gurentai took him under their wing and removed all of his financial worries, it was justice that was his major concern. He did become involved in international relations in 'The 51st State' but it was for the maintenance of a respectful distance between countries, rather than economic reasons. His trips into the USA had repercussions which can be read about in 'The Biter Bit' but then by the time things began to change in 2011 and the recession was really biting, Steele was trying to make sense of the state of the nation in 'A Changed Reality' and coming up against some really nasty people taking advantage of the shortage of money. By the time the USA are out of their recession Steele's steps are still being dogged by an unknown enemy from the same country. In 'Inceptus' we also find out more about what makes the man tick. The most recent Steele book 'Castled' where Steele is once again at risk from unseen enemies. It would seem that he has become quite recession proof!Then another addition to the Steele family is Earth plc in which our hero is concerned with political and emotional issues in this crime fighting adventure. This is followed by Grace and Favour which is a slightly cynical look into the lives of the landed gentry and the opportunity for crime. The ninth and most recent Steele novel is a look at the possible demise of the Malaysian aircraft that crashed almost two years ago and is entitled Flight into Secrecy.
All books are available in paperback or ebook through Amazon, Smashwords and all good book shop websites.
God Bless
October 27, 2016
Writing - It's all a matter of taste
I must congratulate Paul Beatty on him winning the Man Booker Prize which takes me into today's post being a matter of taste. As far as I'm concerned, mechanics apart, art is all a matter of taste, and as writing is an art then what I enjoy may well be anathema to someone else. It doesn't make either of us wrong.
[image error]Paul Nash (1889 - 1946)
Paul Nash was a British surrealist painter and war artist, as well as a photographer, writer and designer of applied art. Nash was among the most important landscape artists of the first half of the twentieth century.
It goes to show that you're never too old to learn. I had previously heard of Nash but was unfamiliar with his work but having seen some prints, some blew me away. Now surrealist art is rarely to my taste, but some of his landscapes are breathtaking.
[image error]The Rye Marshes 1932
The above is just one of his works and I'm sure The Rye Marshes don't really have steps and so many straight lines but I like it because it has atmosphere and gives the impression of an accuracy in reproducing the view.
Then there are others!
David Hockney's swimming pool
This painting does absolutely nothing for me. It is redolent of those efforts of under 11's rejected because of dubious perspective and yet, some of his work is outstanding.
[image error]Hockney again
I really like this view of Autumn.
The bottom line of course is that it is down to personal taste as are people's reactions to all branches of art. During his lifetime, Charles Dickens was not universally popular. He was writing to make money in an effort to pay off his father's debts. His father was in debtors prison. Critics claimed that his grammar was substandard!
The fact is all people are different, fashions change, and the person who works out a formula for gauging taste and fashion over a period of years with more than 50 percent accuracy; will deserve a specially created Nobel Prize encompassing Art, Mathematics and Science.
[image error]
So once again write from where you are at, it is not a job, it is an emotion, a collection of personal responses to the world. You cannot always predict what will be popular so trying to write for success is like predicting the lottery winning ticket.A corollary to the striving for financial success is the demotivation of the writer creating obstacles like the infamous writers' block. So if you want to write do it for you, their will be a readership out there, the size, longevity and resilience of that group will depend on what you produce. Good luck!
God Bless
[image error]Paul Nash (1889 - 1946)
Paul Nash was a British surrealist painter and war artist, as well as a photographer, writer and designer of applied art. Nash was among the most important landscape artists of the first half of the twentieth century.
It goes to show that you're never too old to learn. I had previously heard of Nash but was unfamiliar with his work but having seen some prints, some blew me away. Now surrealist art is rarely to my taste, but some of his landscapes are breathtaking.
[image error]The Rye Marshes 1932
The above is just one of his works and I'm sure The Rye Marshes don't really have steps and so many straight lines but I like it because it has atmosphere and gives the impression of an accuracy in reproducing the view.
Then there are others!
David Hockney's swimming pool
This painting does absolutely nothing for me. It is redolent of those efforts of under 11's rejected because of dubious perspective and yet, some of his work is outstanding.
[image error]Hockney again
I really like this view of Autumn.
The bottom line of course is that it is down to personal taste as are people's reactions to all branches of art. During his lifetime, Charles Dickens was not universally popular. He was writing to make money in an effort to pay off his father's debts. His father was in debtors prison. Critics claimed that his grammar was substandard!
The fact is all people are different, fashions change, and the person who works out a formula for gauging taste and fashion over a period of years with more than 50 percent accuracy; will deserve a specially created Nobel Prize encompassing Art, Mathematics and Science.
[image error]
So once again write from where you are at, it is not a job, it is an emotion, a collection of personal responses to the world. You cannot always predict what will be popular so trying to write for success is like predicting the lottery winning ticket.A corollary to the striving for financial success is the demotivation of the writer creating obstacles like the infamous writers' block. So if you want to write do it for you, their will be a readership out there, the size, longevity and resilience of that group will depend on what you produce. Good luck!
God Bless
October 26, 2016
Poetry Thursday 235 - Things that go bump
The time is fast approaching when ghosts and goblins are abroad and it stimulated me to write some seasonally appropriate poetry.
[image error]
Ghosts
I walked this Earth in times gone byand have come again perhaps to tryto right some situations awry,probably of my causing.
In silent passage I patrol the nightinadvertently causing frightto those who don’t expect the sightof a ghostly passing.
The shock encounter of travelling shadecan cause strongest resolve to fadebut demands attention to be paidin case retribution pending.
With others of my kind I have no meet,they to will patrol through house and street,their work to execute until replete,then resume their deathing.
For my part when earthly purpose done,and I have no need to be on active run,then I will gently fade and soon be gone,back to a state of resting.
But once again in one year’s time,I will stir above, in quest sublime,rising to disturb the living kindfrom their complacent travelling.© David L Atkinson October 2016
In the next poem there is a serious message with Bonfire night looming.
[image error]
Fire
Do not stand too close to me,between us, keep some space free.I will burn you in a moment,a thousand points of torment.I am a source of great pain,I can totally destroy, or slightly maim.After I have damaged you,time will pass, and my life’s through,but you will remember carelessnessand relive the dragging hours of distress,in the visible reminder daily reflected,and the memory of agony oft detected.Do not stand too close to me. © David L Atkinson October 2016
Finally, the over-hyped silly season that is purely based in commercialism.
[image error]
Tricks or Treats
Things that go bump in the night,significant at this time of year.Slightest noise stimulates frightsetting us trembling with fear.
As the sun sets, apprehension rises,shadowy forms loom in corners.What creatures lurk with surprises?Waiting for the chance to stalk us.
The dead that walk the Earth,are increasing their activity,patrolling with spiteful mirth,perhaps in your vicinity.
No rattling chains or sheeted forms,howling, moaning through Halloween,but lots of children with plastic horns,capes, hats and teeth will be seen.
Ensure a supply of all things sticky,when they knock for something sweet.The little blighters can be somewhat brainy,when creating tricks not treats. © David L Atkinson October 2016
God Bless
[image error]
Ghosts
I walked this Earth in times gone byand have come again perhaps to tryto right some situations awry,probably of my causing.
In silent passage I patrol the nightinadvertently causing frightto those who don’t expect the sightof a ghostly passing.
The shock encounter of travelling shadecan cause strongest resolve to fadebut demands attention to be paidin case retribution pending.
With others of my kind I have no meet,they to will patrol through house and street,their work to execute until replete,then resume their deathing.
For my part when earthly purpose done,and I have no need to be on active run,then I will gently fade and soon be gone,back to a state of resting.
But once again in one year’s time,I will stir above, in quest sublime,rising to disturb the living kindfrom their complacent travelling.© David L Atkinson October 2016
In the next poem there is a serious message with Bonfire night looming.
[image error]
Fire
Do not stand too close to me,between us, keep some space free.I will burn you in a moment,a thousand points of torment.I am a source of great pain,I can totally destroy, or slightly maim.After I have damaged you,time will pass, and my life’s through,but you will remember carelessnessand relive the dragging hours of distress,in the visible reminder daily reflected,and the memory of agony oft detected.Do not stand too close to me. © David L Atkinson October 2016
Finally, the over-hyped silly season that is purely based in commercialism.
[image error]
Tricks or Treats
Things that go bump in the night,significant at this time of year.Slightest noise stimulates frightsetting us trembling with fear.
As the sun sets, apprehension rises,shadowy forms loom in corners.What creatures lurk with surprises?Waiting for the chance to stalk us.
The dead that walk the Earth,are increasing their activity,patrolling with spiteful mirth,perhaps in your vicinity.
No rattling chains or sheeted forms,howling, moaning through Halloween,but lots of children with plastic horns,capes, hats and teeth will be seen.
Ensure a supply of all things sticky,when they knock for something sweet.The little blighters can be somewhat brainy,when creating tricks not treats. © David L Atkinson October 2016
God Bless
October 25, 2016
Writing - Man/Booker Awards
Where has the last year gone? It only seems like yesterday that the prestigious Man Booker Prize was being awarded and its due again this evening.
[image error]
The Man Booker Prize for Fiction (formerly known as the Booker-McConnell Prize and commonly known simply as the Booker Prize) is a literary prize awarded each year for the best original novel, written in the English language, and published in the UK. The winner of the Man Booker Prize is generally assured of international renown and success; therefore, the prize is of great significance for the book trade. It was first awarded in 1969.
I know that I'll never win the prize for two reasons, most importantly I'm not good enough (whatever that means); and, I don't belong to the London/South East celebrity set! Let's face it those two reasons will preclude the vast majority of writers from winning.
[image error]
Referring back to my whatever comment above. It is so subjective. I have read quite a few independently published books over the last seven years and there are some great writers out there that will never receive an award. There are gems in the indie published world that the snobs will probably never experience.
[image error]
My father had a rather earthy view of people who like the power they have or the celebrity they have achieved. He used to say that 'they all look the same with their trousers round their ankles'. Obviously, he was referring to the fact that we're all human and celebrity is of no great importance. He died in 1993 and I wonder what he'd think of a to z lists of celebrities and other such misplaced hero worship. There are so many unfortunate people in the world that are deserving of our support rather than us becoming all dazzled by the false god that is celebrity.
Back to the Man Booker Prize. The list below is the final shortlist from which the winner will be chosen.
His Bloody ProjectGraeme Macrae BurnetAll That Man IsDavid SzalayThe SelloutPaul BeattyHot MilkDeborah LevyEileenOttessa MoshfeghDo Not Say We Have NothingMadeleine Thien
The winner will be fortunate as they will suffer the 'Booker Bounce' almost certainly guaranteeing huge sales and increased fame.
Whatever the real benefit to all writers is that the profile of books and reading is raised.
God Bless
[image error]
The Man Booker Prize for Fiction (formerly known as the Booker-McConnell Prize and commonly known simply as the Booker Prize) is a literary prize awarded each year for the best original novel, written in the English language, and published in the UK. The winner of the Man Booker Prize is generally assured of international renown and success; therefore, the prize is of great significance for the book trade. It was first awarded in 1969.
I know that I'll never win the prize for two reasons, most importantly I'm not good enough (whatever that means); and, I don't belong to the London/South East celebrity set! Let's face it those two reasons will preclude the vast majority of writers from winning.
[image error]
Referring back to my whatever comment above. It is so subjective. I have read quite a few independently published books over the last seven years and there are some great writers out there that will never receive an award. There are gems in the indie published world that the snobs will probably never experience.
[image error]
My father had a rather earthy view of people who like the power they have or the celebrity they have achieved. He used to say that 'they all look the same with their trousers round their ankles'. Obviously, he was referring to the fact that we're all human and celebrity is of no great importance. He died in 1993 and I wonder what he'd think of a to z lists of celebrities and other such misplaced hero worship. There are so many unfortunate people in the world that are deserving of our support rather than us becoming all dazzled by the false god that is celebrity.
Back to the Man Booker Prize. The list below is the final shortlist from which the winner will be chosen.
His Bloody ProjectGraeme Macrae BurnetAll That Man IsDavid SzalayThe SelloutPaul BeattyHot MilkDeborah LevyEileenOttessa MoshfeghDo Not Say We Have NothingMadeleine Thien
The winner will be fortunate as they will suffer the 'Booker Bounce' almost certainly guaranteeing huge sales and increased fame.
Whatever the real benefit to all writers is that the profile of books and reading is raised.
God Bless
October 24, 2016
Writing - Jimmy Perry RIP
I suppose it depends how old you are but if you have passed the age of ten you will probably have been affected, favourably, by the writings of Jimmy Perry who died over the weekend aged 93.
[image error]Jimmy Perry (1923 - 2016)
Jimmy Perry, creator of one of TV's most popular comedy series, Dad's Army, has died aged 93.Working with producer David Croft, he was also responsible for It Ain't Half Hot Mum, Hi-de-Hi and You Rang M'Lord?
He drew on his life experiences for his writing, as a young member of the Home Guard during World War Two and as a Butlin's holiday camp Redcoat.
Dad's Army ran from 1968 for 80 episodes over nine years while Hi-de-Hi ran for eight years.
Perry was born on 20 September 1923 in Barnes, south-west London.
He was too young to join the army when World War Two broke out in 1939, so instead joined his local home guard.
He later based many of the characters for the sitcom on the soldiers he met at that time.
After the war, he trained as an actor at Rada, and spent time entertaining holiday-makers at Butlin's camps.
He ran the Palace Theatre at Watford, putting on a different show each week and played bit parts in TV sitcoms before he began to write them himself.
He showed his ideas for Dad's Army - initially called The Fighting Tigers - to David Croft, who took it to the BBC.
The character Private Pike was based on Perry himself.
Croft and Perry went on to collaborate on shows including It Ain't Half Hot Mum, which began in 1974 and was based around their wartime experiences in the Far East, and Hi-de-Hi, about a 1950s holiday camp.
Perry also wrote some of his theme tunes.
---------------------------------------
There is no doubt that Jimmy Perry, along with David Croft, were exceedingly successful but Jimmy wrote using one of the most frequently trotted out pieces of advice to budding writers - 'write from your own experiences'.It is my belief that using your own perspective and emotions helps to provide a foundation for your work but doesn't prevent you from stretching your imagine further.
[image error]
Jimmy Perry was also a good example of the many faceted aspects of being involved with the arts. He was a trained actor, he wrote books, screen plays and he wrote the song introducing Dad's Army. The books he produced were Dad's Army stories and he wrote an autobiography 'Stupid Boy' which was the insult frequently hurled by Captain Mainwaring at Pike who was based upon Perry himself.
God Bless Jimmy for the many hours of laughter you have given me and millions of others over the years.
[image error]Jimmy Perry (1923 - 2016)
Jimmy Perry, creator of one of TV's most popular comedy series, Dad's Army, has died aged 93.Working with producer David Croft, he was also responsible for It Ain't Half Hot Mum, Hi-de-Hi and You Rang M'Lord?
He drew on his life experiences for his writing, as a young member of the Home Guard during World War Two and as a Butlin's holiday camp Redcoat.
Dad's Army ran from 1968 for 80 episodes over nine years while Hi-de-Hi ran for eight years.
Perry was born on 20 September 1923 in Barnes, south-west London.
He was too young to join the army when World War Two broke out in 1939, so instead joined his local home guard.
He later based many of the characters for the sitcom on the soldiers he met at that time.
After the war, he trained as an actor at Rada, and spent time entertaining holiday-makers at Butlin's camps.
He ran the Palace Theatre at Watford, putting on a different show each week and played bit parts in TV sitcoms before he began to write them himself.
He showed his ideas for Dad's Army - initially called The Fighting Tigers - to David Croft, who took it to the BBC.
The character Private Pike was based on Perry himself.
Croft and Perry went on to collaborate on shows including It Ain't Half Hot Mum, which began in 1974 and was based around their wartime experiences in the Far East, and Hi-de-Hi, about a 1950s holiday camp.
Perry also wrote some of his theme tunes.
---------------------------------------
There is no doubt that Jimmy Perry, along with David Croft, were exceedingly successful but Jimmy wrote using one of the most frequently trotted out pieces of advice to budding writers - 'write from your own experiences'.It is my belief that using your own perspective and emotions helps to provide a foundation for your work but doesn't prevent you from stretching your imagine further.
[image error]
Jimmy Perry was also a good example of the many faceted aspects of being involved with the arts. He was a trained actor, he wrote books, screen plays and he wrote the song introducing Dad's Army. The books he produced were Dad's Army stories and he wrote an autobiography 'Stupid Boy' which was the insult frequently hurled by Captain Mainwaring at Pike who was based upon Perry himself.
God Bless Jimmy for the many hours of laughter you have given me and millions of others over the years.
October 23, 2016
Writing - Award or not!
Being a quite reticent person I avoid the limelight and if required to speak to a group of people keep it to the bare minimum. In the scenario where I was awarded something significant which produced a minor furore, I would take me time to respond. Would that make me impolite and arrogant?
[image error]Bob Dylan
Those are the words used to describe Bob Dylan due to his lack of response to the award of the Nobel Prize for Literature. However, if you take my scenario above and add to it the fact that Dylan doesn't like appearances where he is standing alone on stage, then his lack of response is quite understandable. Also he rarely makes interview situations and seems to prefer his music and words do the talking. All-in-all I'm not surprised that he hasn't been seen since the announcement.
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In my life I've been awarded very little and I believe that is probably true of the majority of people. Let's face it if it was easy to collect such things they would be greatly devalued. It would be nice to be recognised for something in life, but in the field of writing where millions do it the chances are low.
So if you are lucky enough to win such an award or honour, when you have the opportunity, a simple thank you will do. No speeches thanking every generation of your family for the last years; no weeping and beating of the breast; just a simple and dignified acknowledgement. Perhaps Dylan is just waiting for the appropriate moment.
Steele My hero was created post recession and so has no concept of how 'good' things were pre-2008. In 'I Have To Get It Right' when he began to flex his muscles he was working in an accountant's office. Then after the Gurentai took him under their wing and removed all of his financial worries, it was justice that was his major concern. He did become involved in international relations in 'The 51st State' but it was for the maintenance of a respectful distance between countries, rather than economic reasons. His trips into the USA had repercussions which can be read about in 'The Biter Bit' but then by the time things began to change in 2011 and the recession was really biting, Steele was trying to make sense of the state of the nation in 'A Changed Reality' and coming up against some really nasty people taking advantage of the shortage of money. By the time the USA are out of their recession Steele's steps are still being dogged by an unknown enemy from the same country. In 'Inceptus' we also find out more about what makes the man tick. The most recent Steele book 'Castled' where Steele is once again at risk from unseen enemies. It would seem that he has become quite recession proof!Then another addition to the Steele family is Earth plc in which our hero is concerned with political and emotional issues in this crime fighting adventure. This is followed by Grace and Favour which is a slightly cynical look into the lives of the landed gentry and the opportunity for crime. The ninth and most recent Steele novel is a look at the possible demise of the Malaysian aircraft that crashed almost two years ago and is entitled Flight into Secrecy.
All books are available in paperback or ebook through Amazon, Smashwords and all good book shop websites.
God Bless
[image error]Bob Dylan
Those are the words used to describe Bob Dylan due to his lack of response to the award of the Nobel Prize for Literature. However, if you take my scenario above and add to it the fact that Dylan doesn't like appearances where he is standing alone on stage, then his lack of response is quite understandable. Also he rarely makes interview situations and seems to prefer his music and words do the talking. All-in-all I'm not surprised that he hasn't been seen since the announcement.
[image error]
In my life I've been awarded very little and I believe that is probably true of the majority of people. Let's face it if it was easy to collect such things they would be greatly devalued. It would be nice to be recognised for something in life, but in the field of writing where millions do it the chances are low.
So if you are lucky enough to win such an award or honour, when you have the opportunity, a simple thank you will do. No speeches thanking every generation of your family for the last years; no weeping and beating of the breast; just a simple and dignified acknowledgement. Perhaps Dylan is just waiting for the appropriate moment.
Steele My hero was created post recession and so has no concept of how 'good' things were pre-2008. In 'I Have To Get It Right' when he began to flex his muscles he was working in an accountant's office. Then after the Gurentai took him under their wing and removed all of his financial worries, it was justice that was his major concern. He did become involved in international relations in 'The 51st State' but it was for the maintenance of a respectful distance between countries, rather than economic reasons. His trips into the USA had repercussions which can be read about in 'The Biter Bit' but then by the time things began to change in 2011 and the recession was really biting, Steele was trying to make sense of the state of the nation in 'A Changed Reality' and coming up against some really nasty people taking advantage of the shortage of money. By the time the USA are out of their recession Steele's steps are still being dogged by an unknown enemy from the same country. In 'Inceptus' we also find out more about what makes the man tick. The most recent Steele book 'Castled' where Steele is once again at risk from unseen enemies. It would seem that he has become quite recession proof!Then another addition to the Steele family is Earth plc in which our hero is concerned with political and emotional issues in this crime fighting adventure. This is followed by Grace and Favour which is a slightly cynical look into the lives of the landed gentry and the opportunity for crime. The ninth and most recent Steele novel is a look at the possible demise of the Malaysian aircraft that crashed almost two years ago and is entitled Flight into Secrecy.
All books are available in paperback or ebook through Amazon, Smashwords and all good book shop websites.
God Bless
October 22, 2016
Writing - 10 news snippets
A fine collection of b*******s this week. The items range from age related nuisance problems to rainbows in the dark - enjoy.
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1. Shanghai's Ikea frowns upon elderly daters clogging up its cafeteria.
My advice - leave them alone they will spend more in the store.
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2. It's possible to run a marathon in three hours 56 minutes at the age of 85.
I better get into training.
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3. You can't return or rescind a Nobel prize.
I find it slightly strange for people to refuse to accept awards, prizes whatever on principle. Usually they are awarded by a body that has observed you or your work favourably irrespective of what it is you do or who they represent.----------------------------------------
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4. India has Uber, but for tractors.
I tried to get an Uber taxi in London this summer and think I would have been better off requesting a tractor.
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5. School textbooks in Turkey must not contain geometry puzzles featuring the letters F and G - the initials of the out-of-favour cleric Fethullah Gulen.
Looks a nice old guy.
----------------------------------------
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6. Half of American adults are in a facial recognition database.
No mirrors at home?----------------------------------------
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7. Aggressive drivers think driverless cars will be easier to bully.
Aggressive drivers think - really!
----------------------------------------
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8. An Exeter City supporter has bet £10 on his club to win 4-1 in every game they have played since April 2008, and believes he is around £600 up.
He reckons! Spending that amount of money I would know.
----------------------------------------
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9. Buying an unfinished nuclear power plant in Alabama would cost you at least $36.4m (£29.6m).
I'll have 2 please.----------------------------------------
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10. Rainbows can also occur at night.
Great!!
----------------------------------------
God Bless
[image error]
1. Shanghai's Ikea frowns upon elderly daters clogging up its cafeteria.
My advice - leave them alone they will spend more in the store.
----------------------------------------
[image error]
2. It's possible to run a marathon in three hours 56 minutes at the age of 85.
I better get into training.
----------------------------------------
[image error]
3. You can't return or rescind a Nobel prize.
I find it slightly strange for people to refuse to accept awards, prizes whatever on principle. Usually they are awarded by a body that has observed you or your work favourably irrespective of what it is you do or who they represent.----------------------------------------
[image error]
4. India has Uber, but for tractors.
I tried to get an Uber taxi in London this summer and think I would have been better off requesting a tractor.
----------------------------------------
[image error]
5. School textbooks in Turkey must not contain geometry puzzles featuring the letters F and G - the initials of the out-of-favour cleric Fethullah Gulen.
Looks a nice old guy.
----------------------------------------
[image error]
6. Half of American adults are in a facial recognition database.
No mirrors at home?----------------------------------------
[image error]
7. Aggressive drivers think driverless cars will be easier to bully.
Aggressive drivers think - really!
----------------------------------------
[image error]
8. An Exeter City supporter has bet £10 on his club to win 4-1 in every game they have played since April 2008, and believes he is around £600 up.
He reckons! Spending that amount of money I would know.
----------------------------------------
[image error]
9. Buying an unfinished nuclear power plant in Alabama would cost you at least $36.4m (£29.6m).
I'll have 2 please.----------------------------------------
[image error]
10. Rainbows can also occur at night.
Great!!
----------------------------------------
God Bless
October 21, 2016
Writing - Comics in Cumbria and more
When I speak of comics it is not the stand up funny men that I'm referring to but the paper variety.
As a child I enjoyed well known comics, The Beano, The Dandy and Hotspur, in particular; without ever considering what went into getting them out and through my letter box. Well now there is a three day festival in Cumbria celebrating the genre and this is its fourth year.
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The Lake District might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think about the world of comics and cartoonists. But some of the biggest names in graphic fiction descended on Kendal at the weekend for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival.
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I particularly liked the Hotspur in my early years as it had a touch more than the comic strip type comic book. There were stories about soccer, ghosts and the second world war, which covered two or three pages and so required a higher level of concentration. Now of course we have the Marvel type films which are a spin off from those early comics.
I suppose the Kendal festival has been spawned in part by the greater interest and burgeoning audiences for the films, but for whatever reason this seems to be a growth industry for writers artists and illustrators. More 'grist to the mill' as the saying goes.
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As mentioned previously it is my belief that art and writing often go hand-in-hand which leads me to what is probably going to be my next project - Winston Woodlouse. At this stage it is intended for an audience of 1 - my grandson, but you never know. It will be told and illustrated by yours truly. Currently I'm practising the drawing aspect, have started the text of the story; but, I have to admit that I'm slightly panicking about the painting aspect.
The fact is when you're involved in writing it is rarely just one skill that you bring to the table.
God Bless
As a child I enjoyed well known comics, The Beano, The Dandy and Hotspur, in particular; without ever considering what went into getting them out and through my letter box. Well now there is a three day festival in Cumbria celebrating the genre and this is its fourth year.
[image error]
The Lake District might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think about the world of comics and cartoonists. But some of the biggest names in graphic fiction descended on Kendal at the weekend for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival.
[image error]
I particularly liked the Hotspur in my early years as it had a touch more than the comic strip type comic book. There were stories about soccer, ghosts and the second world war, which covered two or three pages and so required a higher level of concentration. Now of course we have the Marvel type films which are a spin off from those early comics.
I suppose the Kendal festival has been spawned in part by the greater interest and burgeoning audiences for the films, but for whatever reason this seems to be a growth industry for writers artists and illustrators. More 'grist to the mill' as the saying goes.
[image error]
As mentioned previously it is my belief that art and writing often go hand-in-hand which leads me to what is probably going to be my next project - Winston Woodlouse. At this stage it is intended for an audience of 1 - my grandson, but you never know. It will be told and illustrated by yours truly. Currently I'm practising the drawing aspect, have started the text of the story; but, I have to admit that I'm slightly panicking about the painting aspect.
The fact is when you're involved in writing it is rarely just one skill that you bring to the table.
God Bless
