When asked the common question ‘when did you start writing?’ I can pinpoint it with unusual accuracy to a summer school writing class at Marlborough College in the second week of July 2006. After that week ended, I went with my family to a cottage in Devon. The kids brought a couple of friends each and every evening ended up in the hot tub; the Textiliste did her textiley thing. And I wrote.
At the end of the course I had four story ideas that had been generated that week, one a sort of buddy story involving three men walking the Cotswolds Way – I’d done that walk with my dad and friends about fifteen years previously. I decided, not as I recall for any good reason, to run with that. It took three months to finish a first draft.
It was a right old heap of Aardvark’s aftermaths.
But… I knew
I just knew
Inside there was a book, I just had to find it.
And now I have.
Walking Into Trouble
is now in the finals throes of an edit. In the next few weeks that will be complete.
I have a cover I really rather love.
Obviously there’s still work to do on it…!
And I have a blurb…
When Chris Reyborough accepts the offer of a week’s walking with his two oldest friends, Martin Connolly and Peter Hopkins, the aim is to help him come to terms with the tragic death of his wife, Diane.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Cotswold Way as it snakes a path across the hills and vales of rural West England, we follow the three friends as the initial goodwill begins to dissipate and the ties that bind them begin to fray.
For Chris has an ulterior motive in undertaking this walk; he suspects Martin knows more about the reasons behind Diane’s ‘accidental’ death than he is letting on. In trying to persuade Martin to reveal what he knows, other deep buried and painful facts from Martin’s past come to the surface, further damaging important relationships. Peter watches the erosion of his friends’ relationship with despair; for there is something very wrong and he too needs their help.
Can their friendship survive to reach Bath in one piece? More to the point, can they?
If anyone would like an early copy, to read in these strange times and fancies leaving an honest review in the bargain when it’s eventually launched on the now knowing public, I’d love to hear from you, either in the comments or via the contact link above.
TanGental 
This looks most enticing, Geoff – unfortunately I will have to decline the offer because I’ll never get through my existing library.
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When you see a gap…
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🙂
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The cover is terrific. The blurb describes what sounds like an exciting story. Best wishes on this one.
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Thanks John
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Well, that sounds fantastic, His Geoffleship!
And you know, I’d be happy, honoured, even, to read for you 😁
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On my list. I’ll be back in touch soonish
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💜
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That cover shouts ‘British horror movie’ to me, Geoff. It’s the dark skies and silhouettes that do it. I love it. It’s the kind of cover that says ‘not all is as it seems.’
Wishing you much luck with the launch. You know where my blog is if you need more places to shout it out from the rooftops.
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I’ll take you up on that Hugh, nearer the time!
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My heavens, you dark horse – this sounds pretty intriguing! As a failed book reviewer due to such intermittent posting and so on, I shall wait to legally obtain a copy when you publish 🙂 Best wishes! ❤
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That you’ll be welcome to do. Thanks Pauline
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Wow, the next book is in the pipeline, ready to be delivered. Congratulations 🥳
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Nearly there… they do seem to be chasing each other at the moment.
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Haha, so be careful that they don’t pass you by all of a sudden… lol
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Exactly they have their own minds
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LOL!!
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This looks brilliant Geoff , but the names of the characters …not a Snodgrass Pomposity among them . I’d love to read the tome but I have a lot on my mind with the mother in law in hospital and now to add to the stress she now has tested positive for Covid19, I don’t want to let you down , but I will be purchasing a copy 💜
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Thank you Willow. You’re so right with your priorities. Care and look after yourself as well as all the rest.
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Perhaps this would be a good chance to interview you at its release?
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Love to smooth my hair and put on a tie for you Chelsea
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😀 Sounds good. How do I get a copy?
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Well… currently I’m giving it a final polish. Then i could send you a pdf or you could wait a little longer and i can sort out a kindle version or send you a pre publication of the paperback.
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Whatever you wish, Mr. LePard. I’d love to help promote it. …I ought to pick up your Mother book as well.
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Congratulations, oh prolific one! I am happy to do a review, although I can’t promise to make the deadline as I am drowning in good intentions. However, I can always be counted on to shill for you on my blog. ;0)
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I’ll let you know when I reach the reading point and if that doesn’t work then being shilled (is that a thing?’) by you would be splendid… I think
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Hmmm, not sure about being shilled. 😳 I’ll have to look that up. 🤣
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Congratulations on a major accomplishment. I’ve been writing for years and hope to one day find the courage to try a book vs a blog.
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Like a marathon, just one step at a time Brandy. Thanks for popping by
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Thank you for the reminder to keep going. Cheers
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This sounds great. Geoff. I would love an early copy and would be quite prepared to review it. Also, equally happy to wait and buy it when it comes out if you’re inundated with offers.
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Thanks George. Drop me an email at glepard@saqnet.co.uk and I’ll be in touch when it’s ready
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