When I retired I needed some sort of relatively respectable occupation to keep me off the street corners and out of the spit-and-sawdust hostelries of downtown Cheltenham Spa. So I started writing. I’d always been fascinated by the English Civil War 1642-1649.
In 2004 the first book of my series, First Dry Rattlewas published, followed by three more about the English Civil War. The hero is a young doctor from Worcester, Tom Fletcher. The series is called A Reason from the Stars because there wasn’t a reason (supporting Civil War).
The fifth book (in preparation) The Crown into the Hazardhas the Battle of Marston Moor as its climax in 1644. Before this battle, Charles 1 wrote to Prince Rupert:-“If York (near Marston Moor) be lost, I shall esteem my crown little else.” i.e. lost. But he did lose York and shortly after he lost his crown.
When you’re 80+ , your past recedes into obscure unimportance. Degree(s), Teaching, Probation—-no, not as a client! Teaching students how to become Probation Officers. Fortunately my dear white-haired old mother went to her grave, thinking I had a proper estimable job, playing a piano in a brothel.
I’m an avid reader of historical fiction and have written a slim volume of short stories, entitled Cat O Nine Tales. I’ll probably carry on until Lady Dementia claims me. Or the Grim Reaper, when I exit right grappling with him and his scythe, my son will gather up all my unsold efforts and have a Bonfire of my Vanities.
