And finally – The Making of Meredith is done – nearly

Despite my best intentions it’s almost five months since my last visit here. That sounds like a confession – and I do confess to being distracted from the task in hand on occasion – I could give many reasons, and even more excuses, but I’m delighted to announce that the first draft of my latest novel, now entitled, The Making of Meredith, has gone off to the editor.

It’s been an enjoyable journey for the best part, as to make sure I didn’t make errors in Meredith’s development based on the snippets revealed in his later life, I had to re-read all five novels in the series, and I enjoyed rediscovering some of the things I’d forgotten about Meredith. Yes, that is possible, and it helped me understand the flaws in his character, and whether they were nurture or nature.

I’m now in need a few more beta readers, if you are interested, please let me know as soon as possible. Please remember this is not a mystery or a thriller, but the story of Meredith from the age of eight until we meet him in Misplaced Loyalty.

With editing underway, and cover in progress, I can no longer avoid working on the blurb, which for me is far worse than writing the story, I think that may be a job for tomorrow though.

I also need help choosing the cover. I put some ideas to Antony, at ebook-designs, who has designed all of the Meredith & Hodge covers, and we’ve settled on a silhouette of Meredith against the back drop of the magnificent Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol. However, I’m now undecided on the colour scheme and the size of the silhouette, and have narrowed it down to those shown below, and would be delighted to receive your thoughts on this, which do you prefer? Please leave a comment to let me know. From the left A – D

            

I’m guessing that publication will be in mid-August sometime, I will keep you posted if that changes.

I am now going to get back to the Ben Jacobs story, which will be the sixth in the Meredith & Hodge series, and I am working on a radio script with Sharon Kelly, (my long lost sister) based on our finding each other.

Not enough hours as always, so must dash, thank you for your patience and encouragement, I’d better get back to it, those dogs don’t walk themselves… and I’m sure summer is on its way……..soon!