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A SLIM VOLUME OF POETRY FROM IAN FOR CHARITY

PRESS RELEASE - April 2023

Published by The Altair Press comes this long-awaited slim volume of poetry by Ian Welland.


Round and Around (Selected Poems 1978 - 2023) brings together 50 poems  including Ian's very first poem Autumn and his most recent, C'mon you 'Orns. 


Ian said,

"I've wanted to produce a slim volume of my poetry, to raise funds for charity, for many years and finally got round to sorting the wheat from the chaff. Over the years, most of the poems have ended up in spiral bound collections and condemned to box files never to see the light of day. But, through the encouragement of fellow Watford Writers, it was time to unleash them to the world! My wife, Louise, had taken some excellent photos of Worthing seafront Ferris wheel in 2021 and kindly allowed me to use them for the front and back covers. Job done. (Don't believe the Ferris wheel is there now!)."


All proceeds will be donated to The Peace Hospice Care, Watford. 

A GRIPPING NEW CRIME NOVEL FROM PAT

PRESS RELEASE - February 2023

It’s congratulations to Watford Writers' very own Patricia Simpson, whose eagerly awaited crime fiction novel has just been published.


----

Detective Chief Inspector Justin Mortmain is bored, waiting for injuries, sustained in the line of duty, to heal. Frustrated, he goes for a run hoping to prove his ability to return to work. Near the halfway point of his route, he discovers the body of a young woman. 

Having found her, Justin feels duty bound to discover her killer. He requests permission to investigate her death and this is the focus of his first case leading a Major Crime Unit team. 

Haunted by the corruption of their former senior investigating officer, then being placed under the authority of an officer they do not respect or like has left the team disillusioned and demotivated. A difficult situation Justin must resolve.

Can he draw the team back into the successful unit it was? 

After the betrayal that injured him, is Justin prepared to make the attempt? 

The murder investigation acts as a catalyst for him and the team, but there is one deep, dark secret about Justin’s past which could blow the whole thing apart…

----


Speaking about her book, Patricia says,

“I have spent many happy hours with Justin and his team. Now I hope they will provide the same enjoyment to others.”


About the author 

Patricia Simpson is an active member of Watford Writers Group. She enjoys reading historical fiction including historical romance, and detective stories both historical and modern. Death in Waiting is her first published novel.

Death is Waiting is published by TSL Books https://tslbooks.uk/?s=death+is+waiting 

 

THE FINAL INSTALMENTS ARE PUBLISHED!

PRESS RELEASE - February 2023

The wait is over! 


It’s congratulations to Watford Writers' very own Gideon Masters, whose eagerly awaited parts two and three of the Lucifer’s Child trilogy, have now been published. 


----


Part two, titled Ovum, sees Jackie and Eve believe the second shard is hidden somewhere in the deeps of the Sargasso Sea, and that its location is in some way connected with the migration pattern of eels. Eve has embarked on a secret voyage of discovery, with the man who once tried to gang rape her, as her only human companion. Still struggling with the dualism of her transgendered body and psyche; she must find ways to extend her fledgling physical and psychic powers, far beyond their existing limits. The crushing depths of the Sargasso will not be the only barrier she needs to overcome. Dark forces and an intruding universe will also dog her steps and bar her path. Thrown like dice into the cauldron of a precarious eternity; Helen and Eve continue to grapple with the imposed reversal of sexuality in their relationship; that Eve’s transition has forced upon them. Previous boundaries of love and intimacy no longer fit the parameters, of what may now be an endless future. Through exploration and experimentation, they must learn to know and relate to each other in a new and evolving dynamic or see their love wither in the stasis of interminable longevity.


In Part three, titled Gestation, outraged at the rape of Helen the angels are in revolt. Cariel has forged an alliance with captain Baker and the crew of the Fairweather, to tie up Semayaza in a distraction attack on the cloud city, creating precious time for Baliel to rally enough forces among the fallen, to lay siege to the Lord of angels in his stronghold. Without their Goddess, however, this is a strategy of desperation and likely failure. 


In the meantime Eve is struggling soul deep, against the mudslide of obliviate transcendence, and can barely condense sufficient coherent thought, to maintain her sense of self; even in the vastness at the edge of infinity. She finds strength, comfort, and an unlikely ally, in the creature Ouroboros. Together they enter the earthly realm, but its confines are crushing her need, desperate to explode into the infinite call of oblivion. With the stricken Cariel at her side, she finds temporary relief for the expansion of her essence in the unformed void of quantum space, but its uncertain improbability is a two-edged sword that could threaten existence itself. 

With divine, demonic, angelic, and human aid, and the improbable appearance of a submissive and loyal artificial intelligence, Eve conceives a plan; to mould the probability of the quantum void, into the perception of her transcendent will, and thus create a vast sub nano space, solidified within the spiritual matrix of sentient life.


Her plan relies on the ignorance of all those who would help her, willingly or not. To some extent this includes herself. She will need to visit, draw on, and manipulate, many wonderful and surreal worlds, and many entities, if her plan is to have any chance of highly improbable success.


----


Gideon says,

“When I was younger, I was an avid reader, and loved to write. From my earliest years I remember being allowed to stay up late to watch the moon landings and loved to watch and ponder the stars at night. So, it was not surprising that I developed an interest in the sciences. I went from marvel comics to Sci Fi and fantasy fiction, Lord of the Rings, and TH White, to historical fiction and biographies, eventually widening my interest to include religious and philosophical concepts. All these interests have gone on to inform my writing. Whilst I like to write in diverse genres, it was inevitable that my speculation on the human condition over the years would soon spill onto the page. The Lucifer’s Child Trilogy is the result of several years of previously contained creativity that so overflowed from my pen, that I found myself swept away by the eagerness of my characters, who often seemed to take control of their own destinies. 

I hope that readers will find these books both enjoyable and thought provoking. I look forward with great anticipation, to receiving feedback or suggestions, as to whether I should consider expanding Lucifer’s Child into a series, or strike out in a new direction, or indeed, both.”


About the author 

Gideon Masters lives in Croxley near Watford, but was born in Shepherd’s Bush, London. Raised in a one-bedroom flat in a London still recovering from post war poverty, roaming around in small gangs, played and scrapped on old bomb sites, building sites and derelict properties. Gideon is an active member of Watford Writers group.


The trilogy, Lucifer’s Child, Ovum and Gestationis published by TSL Books https://tslbooks.uk/?s=gideon+masters


A cracking new novel from our Geoff!

PRESS RELEASE - January 2022

Cruel Deflections is the stunning new novel from Geoff Brown; which will be published on 17 January 2022 by TSL Books.


It’s the mid nineteen-seventies when Luca Vento, an idealistic young lawyer uncovers endemic corruption in Puglia in the heel of Italy. He flees his homeland before the Camorra can silence him, settling in Edinburgh and becoming a successful restaurateur.


Nearly four decades later Luca and his daughters are embroiled in a huge international police operation to nail the head of the same mafia clan and his collaborator, a prominent UK businessman. A female executive headhunter plays a dangerous role as the story unfolds. A shocking revelation sets the scene for a startling finale.


The novel chronicles a cycle of betrayal, revenge, retribution and redemption and how chance events can hijack lives and spin them away from what seemed to be their set course.


“A complex and intriguing novel. I was carried along by the compelling storyline and a real desire to know how it would all end.” Michael J Lansdown author of Adam’s Lock and The Land Beyond the Seas.


“An exciting read with lots of setting detail and insights into Mafia operations…what a tour de force.” Brian Bold author of Quota, Roadworks and The Extra Miles.


“Great pacy opening and sense of local colour, place, food and atmosphere…really compelling and unusual storyline.” Judy Mcinerney author of The Pumilio child.


“The writing is very readable and the ‘voice’ is clear and confident…” Rory Scarfe, Publisher, The Blair Partnership.


“I really enjoyed Cruel Deflections…characters, location and plot are all convincing. I recently read a Montalbano and this book more than stands comparison.” Nick Brookman, Book Club leader.


About the Author:

Geoff Brown was born in Lancaster. After graduating with an MA in Modern History from Sidney Sussex College Cambridge, he had a business management career before spending thirteen years as a partner in Heidrick and Struggles a leading global headhunting firm. Geoff is widely travelled with a particular love of Italy which he has visited dozens of times. He is a member of Watford Writers. Geoff lives with his Danish wife in Hertfordshire.

Mike celebrates his second book in the trilogy

PRESS RELEASE - 1 December 2021

This month sees the eagerly awaited publication of The Land Beyond the Seas by Watford based writer, Michael J Lansdown.


The book, the second in a planned trilogy, brings our fifteen-year-old hero William Parker, face to face with thieves, murderers and enemies of the state in a sweeping tale that travels the globe from Georgian England to Britain’s fledgling Australian colony. Following in the footsteps of Adam’s Lock published in 2017, Mike delivers a heart rendering and soul-searching story of the harshness and realities of survival in the age of Redcoats.


Mike, a member of Watford Writers, is a PGCE tutor and MA in education supervisor with the University of Buckingham’s education department, a position he has held since retiring from his second Headship in 2015. Prior to completing 18 years as a Headteacher, Mike worked in London teaching in both the primary and secondary sectors. Before this, Mike taught English as a foreign language (EFL) to adults in London and in Sweden; however, he started his career teaching geography, geology and physical education to secondary pupils.


Mike says,

“Having left William languishing in a boat, newly arrived from London, facing an uncertain future as a fifteen-year-old convict, I felt I had to go back and help him in his bid for survival! In the Land Beyond the Seas, I tell his story as he goes from callow youth to young man, negotiating the rules and expectations of the Colony, most unwritten, where the greatest dangers come not from the authorities but from your fellow prisoners. William’s story is one of stoic resistance, of knowing which battles are worth fighting, and, above all, of holding onto those things that you hold dear and believe in. I hope I leave him in a better place and that all his trials and tribulations have been worth it – but that is for the reader to decide.”


The Land Beyond the Seas is published by TSL Books 

Ten years after I published ROAD WORKS, a nostalgic travel memoir told through the prism of family car journeys over forty years, I’ve co-written a sequel, THE EXTRA MILES – on roads still to travel.


Not so many cars this time, and just ten years of travels, but lots of wry humour from my co-writer and travelling companion, Anne-Marie. For all of us, every journey is a personal experience and we relate ours together with over hundred coloured pictures.


We hope you’ll enjoy riding with us across England, Ireland, Scotland, France and New Zealand perhaps recalling some of your own visits and maybe discovering new places you want to explore. 


THE EXTRA MILES by Brian Bold with Anne-Marie Groves is currently available as a paperback from www.lulu.com and hopefully soon from Amazon too.

Long term supporter of Watford Writers is Linda Spurr who has written a super beginner's guide to writing fiction.


25 chapters cover everything from the reason to write, forming an idea and taking this right through all the important stages to editing and finishing.


Linda was a journalist for newspapers and the BBC for 20+ years, specialising in sport. Linda then became a freelance travel writer for magazines. Now she write novels and a writing blog. 


Linda's novel Pathway To the Gods was shortlisted in the Wilbur Smith Adventure Prize four years ago. Read here for details.


A Beginner's Guide to Writing Fiction is a must for all those who write fiction.

Click Here to order A Beginner's Guide To Writing Fiction

A THANKLESS CHILD

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF GEORGIANA JANE HENDERSON 

(1771 - 1850)

By Susan Bennett

Published 2020


This book provides a flavour of a period of history known as the Enlightenment through the eyes of a young girl born in 1771. Georgiana Jane Henderson (nee Keate) was known to actors, actresses, artists, naval men, emigres and even a South Sea islander and visited England's spa towns. She had her portrait painted by Angelica Kauffman RA and John Russell RA.


Susan Bennett MA is an Honorary Faculty Fellow at Brighton University; and 

Honorary Secretary of and Editor for The William Shipley Group for RSA History. 

Susan is also a dedicated member of Watford Writers . 

Wonderland by Andrea Neidle

Published in 2019

 Andrea’s poetry has been published both here and in the USA, broadcast on Radio 3, Radio London and Harlech TV. She worked as a copywriter at major London ad agencies and then moved into teaching, leading the Postgraduate Advertising course at West Herts College. 

The author of “How to Get into Advertising” (Cengage Learning, 2002) and the founder of Get Into Advertising training workshops, Andrea lives in Bushey, Hertfordshire.


www.andreaneidle.wordpress.com


Wonderland is published by TheWoodland Press.

Kelvin and Henry by John D.Ward

Published in 2019

Kelvin Williams has lived in an orphanage since his parents died in a car crash nearly ten years ago. Now, his Uncle Henry has arrived to take him out of the home, but Kelvin never knew he had an uncle or any living relative. Is Henry really his uncle? Why has Henry waited so long? He promises fun and riches, but can Kelvin trust him?

Henry introduces Kelvin to his world of bars, crooks and gamblers. It is 1963, and there is social political and racial upheaval in the southern states of America and Kelvin has to grow up fast in Henry's world.

Lucifer's Child by Gideon Masters

Published in 2019

 What do you do when you're dying? You've tried every conceivable trial and crank cure and travelled the world to do it. You've blown all your savings, all to no avail. The wife you love faces a future without you and no money. If you're a man of action, you seize any opportunity, however insane, to safeguard your wife and to take your mind off things. So when John read the crazy advertisement in the paper: "EXPERT BODYGUARD REQUIRED. HIGH POSSIBILITY OF DEATH. LEAVE FOR FOREIGN PARTS WITHIN THE WEEK. THREE MONTHS OR LESS, DEPENDENT ON ABILITY TO SURVIVE. 75,000." he, of course, applied. And when he met the gun toting lunatic who placed the advertisement, naturally he accepted the job. It was a lot of cash. His life was over anyway. How could he know it was also about to explode into a new beginning? A beginning filled with dense reality, sexuality and violence of dreams and nightmares. 

Friday's Child by Rosemary Morris

Published in 2019

London. 1822

Since the day her oldest sister entered society, Lady Elizabeth imagined the pleasures of her first London Season. Unfortunately, when she is old enough to make her debut, no member of her family is available to chaperone her in London. She accepts her Great-Aunt Augusta’s offer to bring her out in Cheltenham. Elizabeth looks forward to living at Augusta’s grand house near the lively, popular town where people drink mineral water at pump houses and enjoy the social life. Determined to be the perfect debutante, she cannot imagine creating a scandal. It is fortunate she cannot foresee the future. Modest, loving and giving. Elizabeth is blessed with beauty and a fortune. It would not be surprising if her ‘head is turned’ by admirers but she is not a flirt. When she sees Mr Yates she sets her heart on him, but she is not attracted to Sir Victor who has an exotic background, and amber eyes like a tiger’s which unnerve her. Both gentlemen made their fortunes when they served in the East India Company. Will they lead her into trouble? Will one of them be the perfect match for her?


The full list of Rosemary's published works can be seen at: http://rosemarymorris.co.uk/ 

Short but Tall Stories by Brian Bold

Published in 2019

 These very short stories offer a speculative view of the future of love, time travel and life with robots. You can't ignore the trends they suggest or can you?

 

Brian Bold's published books are available on  http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/biro 

and most on Amazon. 

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