So, here I am writing my new website and blog - so where does one begin - I know, my writing.
I began writing some time ago. I had started to write a book on 'How to grow orchids'. I'd been growing these fascinating plants for some years by then. But I was not entirely sure on how to proceed with my writing, so I enrolled on a writing course at my local college. The course continued for about three years, with different topics being dealt with each year.
During this time I got my orchid book published. It sold well, but as with many books of none-fiction genres, the publishers are always looking for new titles, and so only print a certain number of copies.
So - what now I asked myself?
A few years passed, until I enrolled on a creative writing course delivered by a 'school' in Manchester. The course was a 'distance learning' or 'Home studies' course.
I thought it useful with constructive criticism and hints coming from it. Following this I have had articles published in magazines and of course my novel writing has come on in leaps and bounds.
Rufus Tremayne's first case is published and his second investigation is in the final stages before I publish this later in 2014. His third investigation is being written. I expect you'll be able to read this 2015. Follow the links on where to buy the books.
Thanks for joining me, speak to you soon.
Well things get put back and changes had to be made to the second Rufus Tremayne story and so publishing had to be put back - but I am now back on track and hope to publish soon.
December 2015.
Two Rufus Tremayne novels are now available from feedaread, and soon you will be able to order them in hard-back which is great news. I am currently writing the third in the series called A Long Wait. I'm hoping that this will be available in mid 2016.
Writing is a long process. The initial idea gets onto the page fairly quickly but then the editing and rewrites begin. I read once that a writer should expect to complete 10 drafts of their work, so one can appreciate why a novel takes so long in its preperation. As a writer I want the reader to enjoy my work and so I need to make sure that what is published is right, and I know - mistakes can still be found.
What's so good about about living in France?
by Keith Marshall - 15:25 on 27 July 2016
We live in Brittany, in the countryside where the locals describe it as Calme and tranquille. Maybe it's too calm, too quiet for some but we love it. The sound of the birds singing, interupted by the occasional tractor, that's fine. The roads are empty compared with what we left back in blighty. We drive to 'big town' of combourg for our Friday shop. On the way we might pass 10 cars, spare a thought for the poor drivers back home - yes, I do.
Of course it's busy in towns, just as anywhere in the world.
As I say it's calm and relaxed here. We always stop for a coffee in the square, we chat and read the paper, nobody hurries, it's surprising how long a petit cafe can last. The French like to chat, the drink is secondary whether its a coffee a glass of wine or beer, just a small drink, conmunicating with friends is the important thing.
What's also important is eating. Lunch is the main meal of the day. And we all like to partake of the French cuisine. But where to eat - that's the question. A simple, single dish in a touristy place can be expensive. Get out of town, that's my advice.
Out of combourg on the D974, after ten minute or so, you'll come to St Leger des Pres. A small restaurant, outside you'll see quite a few vans, inside it's plain and unsofisticated, but the food is good. And it's very reasonably priced. For just under €11, you'll be offer cold hors d'oeurves, a main course, cheese and desert with drinks - coffee's extra, but not much. Check the blackboard outside these places for today's menus. There are usually only two or three main courses offered, it's what's best priced that day.
good valued food is on offer throughout France in restaurants such as this - just get out of the touristy places - you don't have to travel far to see the real France.
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