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 2001 to 2004 below See my 2005 diary 2006 diary 2007 diary September and October 2001 marked some huge changes in my life. I had been working as a civil servant for the last 27 years, and what I wanted was a new career, but this had seemed impossible. Then I suddenly had the opportunity to work as a freelance sub-editor, and grabbed it with both hands! I loved the work immediately. I had spent the last three years working on a book about the Adelaide Bartlett case, and submitted it to Sutton Publishing, not really expecting a reply for some while. To my surprise the response was rapid. Although they didn't find that book of interest, they liked my work sufficiently to suggest I put together a proposal for a book on the history of chloroform, saying I could devote a chapter of it to the Bartlett case. Naturally I agreed! March 2002 - the proposal has been accepted and I started work on the book in good earnest. January 2003 - the manuscript has been delivered, at last, and I am working on putting together a personal website. April 2003 - Greenlighted by Sutton on two new projects! August 9 2003 - Made a trip to get photographs for the new project. Everyone I met was extremely friendly and helpful, and I got some great shots. August 15 2003. My first experience of television. I went up to the Association of Anaesthetists in Portland Place to record comments for a forthcoming channel 5 documentary about the history of anaesthesia. It was hard at first to relax under the searing lights, but gradually I got used to it and enthused away about chloroform! August 31 2003 - Another trip to source photographs. Took the opportunity to enjoy a lovely pub lunch at the Rose and Crown Colchester. It isn't all hard work! September 1 - A short trip to take the last few pictures. Today the copies of my Chloroform book arrived and I finally saw the finished product. Very exciting! The ideal occasion to open that bottle of bubbly that's been lurking in the fridge. September 6 - when I first learned about The Old Operating Theatre Museum it was my dream to launch the book there - today it came true, thanks to Karen the curator and everyone at Sutton who helped to organise it. I gave a talk about the history of chloroform and I hope everyone enjoyed listening as much as I enjoyed talking!
October 8 - what a lovely surprise - a huge bunch of flowers from the documentary company. I am looking forward to seeing the finished product early next year. 6 December - suffering for my art - fell off a low wall trying to get a really good photo for the next book! Escaped with bruises and embarrassment. 30 January 2004 A new experience for me - I was at Bush House today to record an interview on the Chloroform book for Outlook on the World Service. Should be broadcast 3 February and also be on the World Service website soon. 2 February - Another first for me - interviewed live on the Danny Baker radio show at 6.45 a.m. 3 February - Did the chloroform talk at the British Library bookshop. Nice audience, and some good questions. 3 March My next book, on Essex Murders, is due out on 13 May and is already listed on Amazon 5 March I have become a member of the Crime Writers' Association 9 June Hard at work on my fourth book Gloucestershire Murders. Today I was interviewed on Essex Radio about the Essex Murders book, while the documentary, "Scream!" for which I recorded an interview last year, was aired this evening. 14 July CWA summer party. Everyone there is so friendly! I have the excellent news that Chloroform is to come out in paperback on 31 January 2005. 20 July I was at the Chelmsford WI to audition for the list of speakers. I did a 30 minute presentation on Classic Crimes of Essex. Everyone was very kind and really put me at my ease! 29 July Letter from the WI confirming I passed the audition. I am intending to put together a list of talks. 16 September - did an evening talk on the Manuden and Clavering poisonings at the Manuden History Society. I had a wonderful time, everyone was very friendly and welcoming My next 'event' will be my first book signing on 25 September at Ottakar's in Walthamstow when I will be signing copies of Essex Murders and will be happy to chat with anyone about the book, true crime in general or the process of research.
25 September Really enjoyed my first signing. Many thanks to everyone at Ottakar's Walthamstow. I have just heard that Whiteley's Folly will be launched on 8 November 6-8pm in the Atrium at Whiteleys Bayswater. 18-21 October, a very hectic trip to Gloucestershire to do research and photography for my book Gloucestershire Murders. Went to some fascinating places, and met some wonderfully helpful people. Also waded through a lot of mud! But came back with some superb photographs and very pleasant memories. 8 November A fantastic dream come true for me - the launch of 'Whiteley's Folly' in Whiteleys!
December I finish 2004 by delivering the manuscript of Gloucestershire Murders, while working hard on another project. |
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