After last week’s rather down-beat post, I have decided to approach 2016 more creatively and give this blog a bit of a make-over. I will now be running five regular strands – in rotation, though not necessarily strict rotation.

Strand 1: How to write a (crime) novel
Having now written two and published two – The Art of the Imperfect (http://goo.gl/z7HFgz) & The Art of Survival (http://goo.gl/MfMBUj) – and working on my third, I may have some wisdom to impart, or maybe not. Only you, dear reader, will be able to say. I am inspired by those magazines which come in ‘parts’ promising to build up to a full scale model of the Mary Rose or a mosaic of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Perhaps I won’t be as ambitious.

Strand 2: Author interviews
I have some great ones lined up – thank you to all who have agreed already. If you want to be interviewed by me (and let’s face it, why wouldn’t you?) and you’ve had some writing published/produced in the last year or have something coming out this year, please get in touch.

Strand 3: A writer’s life
For those of you who would miss my morose musings, never fear, they will re-surface every once in a while.

Strand 4: Word play
I’m not entirely sure how this will work, but I will be playing about with words and form. First outing will be about Haiku.

Strand 5: Cultural break
A review or some ponderings on an art form other than the written word or on a cultural event, mostly around Scarborough & North Yorkshire but sometimes beyond. If you have any suggestions of where I should go (please keep them polite and clean) then let me know.

I feel enthused about my plans and hope you will enjoy the journey with me.