Writers Abroad - Online Conference

The Writers Abroad writing group, of which I am a member, regularly convene online and using Windows Messenger system we chat away online like long lost friends.

Which in a way we are - few of us have actually met face to face but sharing common writing aims and using our own group social networking site we critique each others work and share some musings.

The group is currently compiling an anthology to support the UK National Short Story Week so we have a call out for submissions - more here

But please follow the guidelines - we are getting non-fiction subs and over the maximum word count! Thanks.

Sony eBook reader

As many of you know the traditional world of book publishing is under siege from new technologies including the eBook reader.

There are many different types on the market, following the trail blazing electronic footsteps of the Amazon Kindle device.

With a greater market choice and more sales has come the inevitable price war. So having recently received a cheque for my literary efforts I have decided to invest in a Sony eBook reader.

It does not display photos, play videos or have a keyboard - great - because I just want to use it to read books.

I will post a users review when I have had the opportunity to give it a thorough appraisal, so more to follow.

Now Blogging on Expatica

My first blog (other articles have already appeared, see below) as Costa Blanca Doyen (see earlier blog on this site) is now posted onto Expatica

Entitled 'Eating Out in Spain' it covers the 3 'F's'

The site covers a number of topics on Expat life and I will be blogging on their monthly theme.

Articles posted earlier on Expatica are here:
Looking for work on the Spanish Coast

Going to the Butchers

From Bovril to Champagne

Is the rather unlikely title of a new book by Matthew Eastley to which I have contributed. Matt emailed me sometime ago asking if I could supply any memoirs etc from the 1976 FA Cup Final when the mighty Manchester United were humbled by my team - Southampton F.C aka Saints.
 I was glad to oblige and my contribution sits alongside 100s of other football fans recollections of the golden 1970s era of FA Cup finals. The title comes of course from the then tradition of drinking a warming cup of Bovril at half time and maybe sampling some champagne after an FA Cup final win. It really is great stuff capturing the whole culture of the era. I will writing a review when I have read the final chapter. BTW Matt is appearing today on CoolFM Countdown Cafe football chat show with my old mate Ken Scott, himself a great football fan.
For More see here

Buddies, Book Launch and TIM

Just back from a hectic long weekend in England. I attended the monthly 'Writing Buddies' meeting in Southampton - a group formed by Penny Legg and now a highly successful gathering of writers of all types of genres. It was great to to meet so many interesting and talented people.

But the main reason for my visit was the launch of Penny Legg's book -

Folklore of Hampshire

The launch venue, Brushmakers Arms Upham, is featured in her book and was ideal for such a gathering of both writers and readers who were happy to purchase a copy of Penny's first book (she has commissions for four more) published by The History Press.


Back to my Spanish writing activities and TIM August is out now - with my regular Bibliomaniac Page (see pg 10) and the 3rd part of my Spain Going Green series of articles - this month - Spain's high speed train - The AVE is featured. (Pg 22) For more see below.

Open publication - Free publishing - More tim