Friday April 11th, 2008.

Hi. I'll be back later to let you know what's been happening but, for now, here's some info that might be of interest to those living in the North West of England.

A major national music festival is coming to Liverpool for the first time next week.

La Linea- the London Latin music festival- visits Liverpool next weekend for two concerts celebrating Latin music.

It is the first time the festival has travelled outside of London and it is part of the Philharmonic's unique April line up.

The Ipanemas will appear on Thursday 17 April with Paco Pena and Nishat Khan taking to the stage in a unique performance on Friday 18.

Friday's concert sees Flamenco legend Paco Pena perform with sitar guitarist Nishat Khan.

Andy Wood, director of La Linea, said: "We are delighted to be bringing La Linea to the Phil this month- Latin music has had a huge influence on music in Britain for the last hundred years.

"It is very appropriate that we should be presenting events in the Festival for the first time outside of London in the UK's most musical city. "

The Ipanemas revive classic Brazilian styles and the glory days of Copacabana's hippest 1960s nightspots and the band combine swinging Afro-Brazilian bossa nova grooves and classic samba-cancao (vocal samba).

Support on the night will come from Zuco 103 an outfit who have pioneered their own electronic sound at the point where samba and bossa meet drum and bass.

Paco Pena and Nishat Khan celebrate the emergence of Flamenco music in the 15th century and pays tribute to the bohemian spirit of this gypsy culture in a fierce and sensual improvisation.

Gavin Sharp, programme director at the Philharmonic said: "We're so excited to be bringing the La Linea festival to Liverpool for its first trip outside of London - it's a great coup both for the Phil and Liverpool and the two gigs will certainly be something special.

"April is a key month in terms of Philharmonic Hall's Capital of Culture programme, it's a very eclectic month showcasing a host of different music genres from all over the world.

"In additon to the La Linea events, April highlights include a gig from legendary soul diva Mavis Staples and Balkan music from the Gypsy Queens and Kings- 'the new salsa'- for those in the know!"

Tickets are available from Philharmonic Hall box office, 0151 709 3789 or www.liverpoolphil.com

Speak later,

Chris

Friday February 8, 2008

Hello Good People, hope you're well?

It's been an interesting week or so, but nonetheless crammed full for all that. I was asked to cover British Dance Edition for a few magazines and, although the experience was sometimes surreal, it was however also highly enjoyable and one I'd love to repeat.

I was also lucky enough to attend Anima, Momentum Dance Company's latest production, which was absolutely spellbinding. A review will be coming soon.

On top of that, I also managed to secure an interview with the legend that is Willy Russell, writer of Blood Brothers, Shirley Valentine and Educating Rita, prior to his newer version of Stags and Hens going onstage at The Royal Court here in Liverpool. What a fabulous experience that was, to be in the company of one of the most highly regarded writers of his generation and to find him such an accomodating and informative guy was a sheer delight. The interview - and a review of the show - will be posted here shortly. Thanks to Iain at The Court for arranging it all.

I also attended The Munich Air Disaster commemoration at Old Trafford on February 6th. A moment that defined my club's history was poignantly remembered by all who attended - some six thousand where I was standing alone - and quite made the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. Let's just hope the Derby game on Sunday is better observed in its respect than the mindless minority displayed on Wednesday for the England game. The disrespect and selfishness of some morons is quite beyond belief at times, so why all such tributes are not done by applause rather than silence is beyond me. Yes, it might be buckling under to the idiots, but who cares. The mindless probably won't even consider that anyway.

Okay, things to look forward to. Limehouse Lizzy, who appeared on Arena recently, Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis, Testing The Echo and La Traviata. I'm also hopeful of an interview with Alan Bleasdale soon and Claire Sweeney. Nothing if not diverse, that's me.

There's also a two-part adaptation of War & Peace coming up. I'll take sandwiches and and flask to that one I think. Most of all though, I'm looking forward to Matthew Kelly perform in Noughts & Crosses at the end of the month, and listening to Andrew Motion in Liverpool.

Okay, think that's about it for now.

Later all.

Chris

Monday January 28, 2008

Blimey, doesn't time fly. Sincere aplogies for not being more pro-active in keeping this section up to date. In my defence ( as bad a defence as Liverpool Football Club's almost), things have gone a bit mad here. Theatre, books and dance are all coming thick and fast - as this is Capital of Culture year - and I've been out and about pretty much every day.

One of the best things I've been involved with since we last "spoke" is to be able to interview Ruth Gruber, the photo-journalist who was more or less responsible for instigating the State of Israel in 1948. What a quite amazing woman and, hopefully, the interview will be posted here very soon. There's a small review in this month's History Today magazine, written by yours truly.

Of course yesterday, Liverpool hosted Hollocaust Memorial Day, which was such an emotional experience.

Another tremendous privilige was speaking with Bill Kenwright, owner of The Empire Theatre here in Liverpool, as well as being one of the country's most successful Producers. Again, the interview will be online at www.chrishigh.com very soon.

Okay, Culture Year 2008 is off and running and, as far as the events have gone, things are off to a flyer. The Number One Project was just WONDERFUL as was The Supercross on Saturday night, at the tremendous new Echo Arena.

Of course, there was the debacle of Super Pratt, Ringo Starr on The Jonathan Ross show a couple of weeks ago, but let's be fair its hardly a surprise. Ringo - of all 4 Beatles probably has contributed least to Liverpool and so continues to do his best to do the place down. Liverpool I left you, but I never let you down? Rubbish. The bloke hasn't even been here since 1992 before standing on St George's Hall roof for a massive fee. Hopefully, it'll be another eighteen years before he comes back. In fact, it's a pity he didn't jump.

Right, what's coming up? Stags & Hens at The Royal Court, Three Sisters On Hope Street at The Everyman and also Metamorphosis at The Playhouse to name but three plays. There's also The British Dance Edition starting at The Empire and running throughout late January and February. As well as this, 100 Heads Thinking As One, an artistic representation of Liverpool and its people, will be moving about the city. It's currently at The Daily Post & Echo building on Old Hall Street.

Personally, the biggest thing is the fact that my book is being read by an agent. I'll keep you informed as to progress. I've also been asked to do some filming for BBC Online on a regular basis, The Stage will be getting more stuff from me, as will Writing Magazine and Writers' News.

I'm also hoping to organise a theatre festival JUST for 08 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd also like to say a HUGE thank you The Stage newspaper for inviting me down to their New Year's Party. It was such a fantastic afternoon and a wonderful experience.

There is also a BRAND SPANKING NEW RADIO STATION, launched to day from St John's Beacon in Liverpool. City Talk is well worth a listen for all things theatre and arts, especially between 3 & 4 in the afternoon and the City Cafe part of Dean Sullivan's show.

I think that's it for now.

Chris

Tuesday October 9

Hi all. How's it going? Me? Oh, as manic as usual. Loads of shows and interviews taking me here, there and everywhere which is great, but a little worrying as its taking me away from The Book. Never mind, though. I'm not complaining and I'm on the last lap with Frank as we speak.

I had a superb day out last week, thanks to Ian Pepper at Teeside University. Margaret Murphy and I were invited to a tour of Ian's Forensic Science Department, where we were shown how to find fingerprints and what goes behind being a modern CSI (but without the sunglasses & designer suits). It really was an exceptional experience and one that I will be writing an article for in Writing Magazine, hopefully.

Interviewing the mighty Fish was also a great experience. The guy's a legend and, despite feeling under the weather when we spoke (forcing him to cancel that night's gig in Manchester), was still very responsive and welcoming. If you've not yet been to see him, get those tickets booked ASAP.

It was also great interviewing Sonia, who was just a delight to speak with. Her enthusiasm and zest are really infectious and, having seen Good Golly Miss Molly in Liverpool last night, I'm pretty sure this will be the first of many more dramatic roles for her.

Its a great honour to be included in the third Mersey Minis collection, Longing. The whole idea of encapsulating the heartbeat of Liverpool in words is a fantastic initiative and to be placed alongside writers in the calibre of Nicky Allt, Roger McGough, Margaret Murphy and Ramsay Campbell - great Merseyside writers all - is a huge thrill (though the story I have written is about, without doubt, one of the worst experiences of my life).

Right, plug time. The CWA are taking entries for the 2008 Debut Dagger Award. The biggest and best Crime Fiction award for unpublished authors, this is the competition that has started the careers of many great writers, including Ed Wright & Louise Penny. Check out The CWA Website for more details.

I'll have some information about another exciting competition coming soon, so keep on coming back.

If you haven't done so already, go and buy Foo Fighters new album Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace. It is without doubt THE BEST album they've done in my opinion, from a band who just roll on from strength to strength.

Right, that's about it from me for now.

Take it easy, right?

Chris.

Wednesday September 5

<Hi All,

Well, here's an offer you don't see everyday. The chance to win tickets to see the Premier of David Gilmour's new Live DVD - and get to see ther man himself perform one song live from Leicester Square in London AND answer questions - from Picturehoue at FACT in Liverpool.

Here's the details.

David Gilmour - Remember That Night (15) September 6, 2007.
Special HD Cinematic Premiere The cinematic premiere of David Gilmour's new DVD, 'Remember That Night - Live at the Royal Albert Hall', featuring Richard Wright, Phil Manzanera, Guy Pratt, Dick Parry, Jon Carin, Steve DiStanislao, and special guests David Crosby, Graham Nash and David Bowie. David Gilmour will also be performing one song live on electric guitar and taking your questions, in an exclusive, one-night-only event, transmitted live via satellite from Leicester Square.

Picturehouse at FACT have very kindly donated 2 tickets to see this event to anybody who can make it to Liverpool in time (bearing in mind it is this THURSDAY NIGHT, it may be as well to consider your access to Liverpool city centre). to collect the tickets from the Box Office prior to the 7:30 start.

To win, all you need do is tell me the name of David's last solo album and why you think you should go in an Email marked Gilmour in the subject line to chris@chrishigh.com by two o'clock on on Thursday afternoon.

I will select the winner and will notify them via return Email.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Picturehouse at FACT is a state of the art cinematic experience that offers the very best is sight & sound facilities.

Get scribbling and good luck. For more information on the event Click HERE

Chris

Wednesday August 29th

Well, after far too long, here we go again. Hope you're all well and fine and dancing? It's been a hectic few weeks (months) to say the least, what with one thing and another. All of which I'm about to fill you in on.

So, firstly, a story of mine entitled No Escape has mde it into an anthology of stories about Liverpool. The Anthology itself is called LONGING and is a part of the wonderful collection of Mersey Tales Mersey Minis I can't tell you I am to be included in this collection, especially as the book was launched yesterday - the anniversary of Lverpool being granted its Charter by King John in 1207.

The launch took place in the Saint Nicholas Parish Church, one of the city's oldest places of worship, where writers - such as Nicky Allt, Ramsey Campbell and Margaret Murphy and actor Brian Parr, told some of the stories included, met up and swapped anecdotes over wine and canapes. All very nice and a HUGE thank you to Arabella McIntyre Brown and Fiona Shaw of Capsica Publishing for inviting me along

To order your copy, please click on the link above.

As some of you may be aware, my main ambition is to become a published author. In fact, ambition doesn't really do it justice. It is more of a driving force. Anyway, in July, I was very honoured to have my novel manuscript to be read by an agent with, all being well, a view to her representing me and it in future. I got loads of helpful feedback and am in the process of rewriting at the moment, to resubmit in the middle of September. So, fingers crossed please.

What else has taken place? Well, of course there was Harrogate. Sadly, due to an operation o9n my back three dats before, I could only make the Saturday this year. However, it was still as much fun as ever. Despite there being one or two absentees due to the appalling weather, those writers who were there stepped up to the plate and all performed miracles.

It was a pleasure and a joy to spend so much time with C J Carver, Chris Simms, Simon Kernick, Harlan Coben, Mark Billingham, Margaret Murphy, Colin Campbell, Lee Child, Martin Edwards, Laura Wilson, Natasha Cooper, Richard Burke,Val McDermid and SO MANY other writers, as well as the organisers and experts. Harrogate is THE place to be every July and I urge you to book your place for 2008 ASAP.

One major thing to come out of Harry this year was that I also met forensic scientists Ian and Helen Pepper. The upshot is that I, along with Margaret Murphy, have been invited to spend the day at the University of Teeside's Forensics Department, which will include a fantastic tour around their "Murder House". I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to that.

Another big deal, to me at least, is that I am going to get to meet the great man that is FISH !!! As a long standing fan of the man and his music, this is going to be just fantastic I know it. I'll be posting the interview here, too, so you'll see it for yourselves soon. Fish, the former frontman of Marillion, will be performing some of his fabulous solo work as well as the Entire and utterly fantastic Clutching At Straws album, which somewhat scarily is twenty years old this year.

If you want to see where Fish is playing near you, click the link above and check out his site for details and, also, to see how to get hold of a copy of 13th Star, Fish's latest album.

Theatre's "Go Dark" during the summer. However, its nearly time for the season to start again and there are some great shows coming up, starting with Lost Soul by Brick Up The Mersey Tunnels co-writer, Dave Kirby, this Monday at The Liverpool Royal Court Theatre. Of course, a review will be going straight up and details of the show can be found by clicking the link above.

I also have an interview with actor, Eithne Browne, star of the show, on BBC Online which is just great. Keep checking the site for other interviews, as and when they appear.

I'm also looking forward to Intemperance, a Made In Liverpool production at the Everyman Theatre on September 26. I'm particularly looking forward to this play, as it is more or less the subject on which I based my Liverpool Hope Dissertation ... the needy being ignored by the rich whilst they built big monuments to themselves on the back of slavery and sugar.

One other thing, I have an interview going into October's issue of Writers' Forum Magazine featuring the American poet, Janet Hamill. This is my first piece with WF. Hopefully, the first of many. Thanks to them for giving me the opportunity.

Okay, Helen and I go away for 4 nights on the Pride Of Bilbao cruise ship on September 11. We can't wait, to be honest. It'll be good to recharge the batteries and I've promised not to take any work with me (well, except for some books).

On a personal note, Helen and her family are still trying to pick up their lives and are getting their bit by bit. Thanks to everyone who has enquired.

Okay, that's it for now. Speak soon.

C

Tuesday June 19th

Hello again and my apologies for being away. I hope, after reading this, you'll understand the reasons why.

Helen's Uncle Peter passed away, suddenly, last Monday (June 11) and, after an illness lasting twelve months, John, Helen's father, passed away last Saturday (June 16). This, of course, means that Helen and her family now have to endure a duel funeral as a result of - and believe me it grieves me to say so - NHS Neglect.

Now, I know a lot of people will either feel this is axe grinding OR that I might have a hidden agenda OR that this is simply an outpouring of grief on the behalf of those closest to me.

Rest assured, this is message comes from nothing other than anger at the way two very fine, proud and respected men have been treated by a hospital that is quite clearly unfit to carry the name.

Following recurring stomach cramps throughout Spring 2006, John was admitted to Arrowe Park hospital on Wirral to have a stent (tube) inserted between his Gall Bladder and his small intestine, when a blockage was discovered. All went well for a short while and we thought (hoped) he would make a full recovery. This was not to be.

In August of 2006 John was told, this time at The Royal Liverpool hospital, that he was suffering from Pancreatic cancer and that he would need life saving surgery. In fact, the chances of his actually pulling through the operation were estimated to be as little as 20%.

John was 67 at this time and a former PT instructor attached to the Paratroop regiment. A very fit and active man throughout the time I knew him, which is just coming up to 12 years.

The operation, taking place in September and following keyhole surgery and tests to ensure that the cancer had not spread to any other organs, lasted 9 hours but was deemed a success, though the family were told that, after examination of the removed Pancreas head, the juodenum and the gall bladder it was discovered that only the gall bladder was infected and was all that needed to be removed ... a much more straight forward operation, apparently.

In November, John went for a check up and was relieved to be told that he was all clear from the previous tests he'd had following the operation. IE: Secondary cancer had NOT been found.

However, in February 2007 - with John suffering from intermittent stomach ache and the appearance of a swelling in his stomach - was then told that there were some doubts about this prognosis, though the hospital were "sure" that the stomach ache was the result of John's hernia.

A further scan in March also came back clear and added further to the belief that John's hernia was the cause of the problems. An MRI scan was arranged to dispel all doubts and an appointment for a harness to be fitted to the swelling was set up, both for for up to 6 weeks later.

And still John's discomfort - not to say anxiety - grew, until at last he was in such a state, Cath, his wife and Helen's mum, was forced to ask his GP to admit John into the Royal Liverpool once again for treatment and care.

However, this did not happen. Instead, John was admitted into Arrowe Park (where the stent was fitted) but on to a different ward, Ward 43 in the first week of May and it is here where everything goes so badly wrong.

John waited eleven hours for his bed without medication. When a bed was found, his treatment and care can be described as to being little short of appaling ... not to say negelectful.

John is registered as blind, with around 5% vision at best. However, his medication - including tablets,food, drink, food supplements and medicines - were constantly left on the table beside him. Not being able to see, he couldn't take them.

When staff were approached about this and when we told them he was blind (in size twelve fongt at the bottom of page 12 of his dossier),only was it pointed out that he was in fact Visually Impaired.

PAGE 12!!!!!

John, by now, was in severe discomfort. The syringe driver to which he was fitted containing his pain relief was discovered not to be working - nor had it ever worked - for 3 days. When he asked for oral medication to be administered he was told "no. You have medication being supplied from the driver" and so was not receiving anything.

Hospitals are always warm and, with feeling nauseous, John's food and liquid intake became all but non-existent and so he became frail and weak, drifting in and out of consciousness more and more easily.

We asked constantly for a drip to fitted, for supervison of his medication whils being administered, for his bedsores to be treated, for food and water to be given - literally - to him. All to little or no avail.

A Catheter was incorrectly fitted, making it extremely painful for John to pass water. It took 36 hours (staff said it could only be removed and reinserted at midnight) for this to be altered. The procedure took place at 01:10 AM (what was so important about midnight?).

John also became constipated and bloated, further adding to his lack of appetite.

Nursing staff were constantly unavailable (when Helen went in search of the nurse in charge of the ward so as to ask what the 3 different types of medicine were doing left on John's table, she found her cleaning the toilets ... in her uniform, without gloves) and, at times rude and uncaring. In fact it became quite obvious that some staff had deemed John as to being a terminal patient despite the family NEVER BEING TOLD EXACTLY WHAT IT WAS THAT WAS WRONG WITH HIM.

Only when the hospital's Macmillan nurses become involved - and despite their wonderful efforts - did things improve, if only marginally.

Remember ... the scans and tests (with the exception of a blockage) had all come back clear.

The MRI scan was cancelled and John was transferred to the Hospice (a word that strikes fear into many people's hearts) at Clatterbridge hospital on June 6th. Here, he received the very best of care but still showed little sign of improvement, because there was still no understanding of what was actually wrong with him.

I'll leave John's story there for the time being and tell you about Peter, who felt ill enough, on May 5, to attend his GP feeling dizzy. He was sent to Arrowe Park for blood tests which, a week later, came back all clear.

Peter nonetheless still felt "terrible".

4 days later, Peter telephoned the out of hours GP and asked for a visit to his house. He was refused and told to take paracetemol and fluids, which he did but still without effect. On June 5 he went back to Arrowe Park complaining of dizziness and insomnia and, again, was told to go home and take parecetemol without anybody checking him over.

At 1 pm on Monday June 11, his neighbour could not rouse him and paramedics broke into his house and discovered him collapsed at home. The paparamedics took him to Arrowe Park A&E where he was left on a trolley waiting for a bed.

Cath & Helen, having already spent the afternoon in Liverpool with John, decided to call into Arrowe Park to ensure that Peter (Cath's brother, Helen's Uncle) was setteled in okay and were told he was still waiting for a bed at 7pm. They were also told he was suffering from a lung infection and irregular heart beat and that he would be kept in for observation.

At 9:45 on June 11, Peter suffered the first of three cardiac arrests in front of Cath and Helen, and subsequently died, still on a trolley in A&E. Peter, a former serviceman himself, was 62.

The family were told he was deeply dehydrated and suffering from kidney failure, whereas a post mortem revealed he was actually sufferering from an arterial clot.

John was transferred from the hospice to the Royal Liverpool on June 8, where his treatment improved, but was still far from ideal. Medicine was still being left on his bedside, his food and liquid intake were still not being monitored and his weight was still falling away.

When admitted to Arrowe Park in early May he was around 10st 4lb. By now, he could be estimated as to being somewhere close to 8st.

THE FAMILY WERE ALSO TOLD THAT THE STENT WHICH HAD BEEN FITTED THE PREVIOUS YEAR - AND WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN REMOVED DURING HIS MAJOR OPERATION OF 2006 - HAD SHOWN UP ON HIS LAST SCAN RESULTS.

On Thursday 8th June, during a conversation with one of the nursing staff, the nurse said "Yes, we understand John's in a lot of pain, but a lot of it will be because of the kidney stone, probably".

Helen and Cath were both amazed. Nobody had EVER mentioned a kidney stone, which had apparently been discovered at Arrowe Park weeks previously.

John was now feeling almost constantly sick and was taking little in. His span of consciousness was also diminishing, thanks to his medication, pain and general weakness.

Still, no diagnosis had been confirmed.

On the evening of Thursday June 14 - and after almost constant asking - a drip was fitted to John so that he could at least become hydrated and, almost miraculously, on the following afternoon, he had seemed to have rallied. His voice was much stronger, he was managing a little food and was generally brighter.

Again, on the Saturday afternoon, things seemed better. John was sitting up in bed (though still very weak) and talking for decent lengths of time.

Cath & Helen both began to feel that they had turned a corner and were delighted that John, at 6:45 that evening, felt able to go to the bathroom for a wash and to clean his teeth.

However, whilst slowly using a zimmer frame, John became overcome with panic, was escorted back to his bed (by nurses convinced he was having a panic attack and who were trying to take his blood pressure) where - again in front of his wife and daughter - he died at 7 pm on Saturday June 16.

On Monday June 18th, the family were infomed that the primary cause of death in John's case was pneumonia, with a secondary cause being cancer of the gall bladder.

WHY WAS HE NEVER TREATED FOR PNEUMONIA? IF HE WAS BEING TREATED, WHY WERE THE FAMILY NEVER TOLD HE HAD HAD IT? AFTER SO MANY BLOOD TESTS etc. SURELY IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED MUCH EARLIER? AND HOW COULD HE POSSIBLY HAVE DIED FROM GALL BLADDER CANCER WHEN HIS GALL BLADDER WAS REMOVED 9 MONTHS PREVIOUSLY?

There are so many questions we want answering, but these are the first FEW that come to mind.

To say that the family are upset is such an understatement it does not become me to say so. Angry. Devastated. Destroyed. These are all better words to describe the loss they are suffering. Not 1 but 2 deaths inside of 1 week and both of which - WE ALL FEEL - were so very avoidable.

These are not the only cases we have since heard about and, so insensed are we, the family have decided support t a campaign bringing not only Arrowe Park under the spotlight but ANYBODY who has suffered so badly at the hands of an underfunded, badly staffed, ill-managed, ineptly governed NHS that should and could be the envy of the world if the money grabbers involved in its running could be banned.

Health care - for which we all pay taxes - CANNOT AND SHOULD NOT BE RUN LIKE A BUSINESS, FOR THE SAKE OF THE FEW INVOLVED WHO MAKE PERSONAL PROFIT. (IE: The Suits).

No matter what their respective Death Certificates say, John and Peter - two very fine men in their own right - died as a direct result of NEGLECT.

If you have similiar stories, please drop an Email nhsneglect@hotmail.co.uk We hope that some good can come out of John & Peter's suffering and the people at NHS Neglect have assured us that they will compile all of the entries they receive and present them to the relevant parties as appropriate.

Once again, I would like to say that NOT ALL HOSPITAL / HOSPITAL STAFF ARE TO BLAME. We know that there are a great number of success stories out there and we are delighted for those involved. There are those who work incredibly hard with incredible dedication and care on many of the wards around the UK. Their's is not a job I could ever contemplate.

The problem is on a WARD TO WARD basis and all such problems are easily monitored by independent bodies within the Health Service ... IF ONLY THE MANAGEMENT COULD BE BOTHERED TO STOP COUNTING PROFITS AND BEGIN CARING FOR PATIENTS AS THEY SHOULD DO.

Cath and her family are not seeking compensation. They are not even looking for "sorry". What they want is for people not to suffer in the way their family are suffering at this moment through any further wanton neglect.

John & Peter, friends for 48 years and brothers-in-law for 45, will be cremated together later this week.

Cath & her family would like to thank The St John's Hospice at Clatterbridge Hospital, The Macmillan nurses, Sue Porter Funeral Directors, Roger Philips and his team at BBC Radio Merseyside and the very many people - old friends and new - who have passed along their condolences for their very great kindness and support.

Tuesday June 5th

Hi all. Back again with an update. Firstly, commiserations to Liverpool FC on losing in Athens. For what it's worth, the best side on the night actually lost, but if you don't score you don't win and all that guff. The recent report about LFC supporters being the worst in Europe is, in my opinion, nonsense too. Take a look at some Italian or Turkish clubs and see what they're like.

Anyway, moving on. Its been busy, busy busy here. I had a fantastic meeting with playwright Stephen Sharkey and have had the pleasure in being (if only slightly) involved with pushing the fabulous Wall Talks play. The first night is tonight and a Review will hopefully be up in the morning.

I was lucky enough to be invited to the launch party last Thursday, which just gave a taste of what to expect, and now I can't wait to see the full thing.

Also at the launch was Arabella McIntyre-Brown. Arabella is the owner of the Liverpool publishers, Capsica, who are about to launch the third installment of Mersey Minis anthologies. These collections of short stories are non-fiction accounts of what Liverpool means to the people who have either lived, live or who have visted the city and the impressions it has left on them. For more information click HERE to see how you can submit a story and be included.

This week, well, I've already had the pleasure of interviewing Dave Kirby and Nicky Allt, the writers of Brick Up The Mersey Tunnels which last year packed out the Liverpool Royal Court Theatre. I never got chance last year, so I'm going to be making up for it in July. Everyone assures me its not to be missed.

Tomorrow is the Everyman Miniatures event, with 5 twenty minute plays by new writers being performed at The Everyman theatre. I'm very much looking forward to this, as it was from the Every Word initiative that May Queen and Electric Hills came, as well lots of others. I also get to interview Arabella properly, too, for Writers' News.

Then on Thursday, its Dean Sullivan's Birthday Party in Liverpool. 800 guests (including myself and Helen). I can't say how much I'm looking forward to this, but hopefully - from a practical point of view - something concrete for my writing will emerge. Fingers crossed and all that. A full report will be psoted here ASAP.

Oh, and as to THE BOOK, the end is in sight!!!!!!

Best for now,

Chris

Tuesday May 22nd

Hiya. It's been quite a quiet few days recently. Good in one way (I get to work on THE BOOK), but bad in another (I DON'T GET BILLS PAID). Still, can't have it all (though why is mystery to me. Plenty of others seem to).

Last Monday (13 May) we wnt off to see Derren Brown at The Empire. Good grief the man's amazing. The trouble is, having seen him once, it was sort of expected that he might be and, somehow, this took away a little of the "magic" off the show. A review will be online soon, so I won't spoil it (I don't in the review either, by the way), but suffice to say that if you've not seen DB before then go. You'll have a great time.

The reason for the delays in reviews and stuff going online?

On Tuesday, Steve (My Web Man Who Can) Emailed to tell me his wife,Claire, had been taken into hospital to have their first child and - sure enough - in the early hours of Wednesday morning, MAY 15, Niamh Nicole Bennett put in an appearance at a bonny eight pounds.

Congratulations to both Steve and Claire on getting their little bundles of joy ... whites, whites and more whites ... and on receiving their little Princess, around whom their world is now sure to delightfully revolve.

On Wednesday I was commissioned by The Stage to report on quite an innovative play that is going to be staged in Liverpool from June 5. I can't say too much here (simply because I don't know a great deal myself) but its something called Wall Talk and its going to be set at the site of the old Liverpool Heritage Market site, taking the audience "on a journey of memories, shadows, dreams and half seen pictures of the past, where ghosts are unleashed from the ancient walls of the city and allowed to retell events they have witnessed from the city’s past."

Luckily I am interviewing the cast and writers on Thursday. As soon as I know more, I'll let you know.drama unfolds against the backdrop of the arehouses at the Stanley Dock Market; scally chosen for the richness of its un

I also met with May Queen writer, Stephen Sharkey, on Friday night and arranged an interview for this Friday lunchtime. Hopefully, it'll be the cover story in a future Writing Magazine, but time (and space) will tell.

I also started a film making course on Friday, but it's unlikely I'll be completing it. Firstly, their are quite a few jobs coming up on Fridays which have just come in and, secondly, I have a thing about being taught by an arrogant Dickhead who goes out of his way to make pupils he deems less "smart" than himself appear foolish.

Then of course it was The FA Cup Final on Saturday. I won't dwell on the fact United lost (Champions has a mystical ring to it, after all) but I will say the game as a whole was a disappointment for such an occasion with both sides looking knackered to be fair.

Big game for Liverpool coming up tomorrow and the excitement for it in these parts is understandably tangible. Fingers crossed for the right result then (which is a suitably ambiguous wish, don't you think?).

Have a good day all.

Friday May 11th

Hi. Well, what a hectic few days. The week started as all good weeks should, with the mighty Manchester United winning the league. Naturally a celebration was in order, so it was somewhat wearily that I managed to interview authpr Joanne Harris on Monday. What a pleasure THAT was. She's so accomodating and easy to talk with. The interview will be available soon and later in the year in hard copy, probably Writing Magazine.

Tuesday saw me attending Gormenghast at the Liverpool Playhouse, which was hugely enjoyable - if a little weird. The effort the cast put into the show is awe inspiring.

Wednesday saw me attend The May Queen at The Liverpool Everyman. I'd been looking forward to the play for quite a while, but what was presented still took me by surprise. What a truly wonderful and thought provoking piece this is and I advise anybody who can get to see it to do so. A review will be posted in the next few days.

So, Thursday I was on BBC Radio Merseyside giving my views on the play. Simon O'Brian (formerly Damon Grant in Brookside and No Limits host) asked the questions and it was great to do. I just thought I was going to read a review out, not analyse the play which caught me on the hop a bit, but it was still great fun. I hope to do more in the future

I was interviewed yesterday by a team of LIPA students yesterday, too, as a part of their final MA project in TV and Drama. The piece was about my thoughts (like they count) on Liverpool being Capital of Culture next year. They're sending me a copy of the finished article on DVD, so I'll ask kindly Uncle Steve at some pint if it can go online here so you can see me make an idiot of myself for yourselves.

I also got to speak with Richard Montanari by telephone last night. He's delighted that Broken Angels is doing so well, prior to its release as Merciless in the US. Here's an author who deserves great recognition if ever there was one.

So, today I'm trying not to panic as I get ready for tonight's Scouseology Awards. A Black Tie event, I'm going to be surrounded by people off telly, theatre, film and radio and all the people who make such stuff happen. This is my first such event and am REALLY nervous, but nontheless grateful to have been invited.

Its a good job I bought that new camera. And as for the trauma of getting a dinner suit!!! Still, its all sorted now and I'll let you know how it goes, here.

Take care for now!!!

Friday May 5th.

Hi all. Note to self: remember that you now have a Blog and that it needs keeping up to date.

Okay, that's done. Now. What have I been up to. Well, I've had two pieces in The Stage, which is good. One an interview with Suzanne Collins about her appearance in Bully I've also had a lot of nice feedback from Active Drama's creator, Brian McCann, who wrote the play, and from Mickey Finn, who also stars in the piece.

The second Stage article came out yesterday, an interview with Mona Lisa and Band Of Gold star, Cathy Tyson, prior to her performance at The Everyman Theatre, Liverpool in The May Queen. She was really lovely to speak with. A real joy to interview. I'll be reviewing the show next week, which will also be going into The Stage.

What else? Oh yes, I've been invited to next Friday's Scouseology Awards in Liverpool. The world and his wife will be present, and I'm looking forward to it immensely (despite having to dress like a penguin). Arthur Johnson Associates invited me, the creators of Twopence, which is really nice of them. Chris de Burgh became an honourary Scouser around three years ago and this was the ceremony he attended then.

I was invited down to The Big Smoke yesterday to watch a performance of The Kiss Of The Spider Woman at The Donmar Warehouse. I won't say too much about the show here as it is touring to Liverpool, Bristol and Salford soon. Suffice to say that if you get chance, go and see it. The performances are breathtaking. Rupert Evans (who played Richard Rivers in Fingersmith on TV) and Will Keen were both brilliant to talk with, as well. An interview will be made available soon.

I'm currently enjoying Joanne Harris's latest novel, The Lollipop Shoes, prior to interviewing her on Monday. I'm REALLY looking forward to that and a review, obviously, will be here shortly afterwards. Writing Magazine asked me to do that, so it will be published sometime towards the end of the year, I would think. The Lollipop Shoes is a follow up to the incredibly successful Chocolat.

My full interview with Tess Gerritsen will be in the July issue (August) of Writing Magazine, too, and I've submitted interviews with Mo Hayder and Penelope Evans to My Weekly. I'll keep you informed.

Helen's currently in Wales working hard in the garden. She's been there for a week now, but is home tomorrow and I can't wait to see her.

What else? Oh yeah, the football. Nightmare scenario of Liverpool actually winning a 6th European Cup. Watching the Chelsea game in town was hard work, I can tell you. What else can I say. I'll have to console myself with what looks like another Premiership title IF we beat City away tomorrow. Then there's the FA Cup back at Wembley, too.

Enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend.

Chris

Friday April 20th.

Hi All. Been a while I know, what with one thing and another - a poorly back and being rushed off my feet (as much as has been possible) - being just some of the reasons. Anyway, here we go again.

Can somebody please explain to me how is it I know so much more about the the lunatic who shot dead thirty two students in Virginia, yet know nothing about any of his victims? What possessed (I used the term literally and metaphorically) NBC news to broadcast the video (other than money / ratings, of course) and would that have been permitted here in the UK? Its doubtful, but who knows. Perhaps, if there is any good to come out of such a tragedy, the USA will now look at their gun laws and reverse them or, at least, revise them and stuff the their beloved Constitution.

Meeting Marshall Karp in London was brilliant. The guy is such good fun, even though the time together was short (around an hour) he was more than generous. It isn't too many authors who bring journalists gifts and "order" champagne for them. Thanks to everybody at publishers, Allison & Busby - especially Chiara Priorelli, his PR - who made it all possible. Hopefully, we'll get together again soon.

Another development to have taken place over the last few days is that I've been commissioned to write for The Stage. I hopefully have my first piece going in next week, with another two to follow shortly afterwards. The Stage is pretty much the actors Bible, so its quite an honour writing for them. Hopefully, it will be a regular gig, too. I could certainly do with it.

I conducted two interviews in person this week. One with Cathy Tyson, who played Carol in ITV's Band of Gold and also Simone in the movie, Mona Lisa with Bob Hoskins. What beautiful lady she is and so passionate about the play she is about to appear in, I can't wait to see it.

The other interview was with Brookside stars, Suzanne Collins and Ann Marie Davies (Nikki Shadwick and Katrina Evans, for those of you who used to watch the show) , who are appearing in Birkenhead from next week in a musical drama called Bully. Again these were two extremely lovely actors who made the job of interviewing them a pleasure. The play is set to be a thought provoking piece, guaranteed to make audiences stop and think.

Ann Marie and Suzanne now run a company called High Horizons which helps children from Merseyside aged 8 to 16 through drama workshops. Its a great initiative. Take a look at the Website to see more.

Short transcripts of both interviews will be online shortly.

Finally, the football is hotting up. How United can lose so dismally against Portsmouth then stick 7 (that's SEVEN) past one of the best teams in the world (Roma) three days later, is astonishing. The semi-final vs AC Milan is going to be tough, but at least one British team will be in the final. I just hope its the Red Machine from Manchester either Liverpool or Chelsea play.

Finally, congratulations to Charlotte Perry, daughter of regular site vistor and dear friend, Diane. Charlotte passed her driving test at the first attempt last week. Well done, you. I tried four times and gave up.

That's it for now. I'll try not to leave it quite so long next time.

Thursday April 5th

Busy day already, so this will just be a quick one I think. Just got back from physio, so I'm a bit stiff and sore but otherwise okay, if still reeling from the events of last night's football. In retrospect, United did extremely well and I'm quite confident of going through to the semi-final where it looks like we'll meet our old adversary, Bayern Munich.

The game was good to watch - despite the scares - but of course the main talking point is the trouble inside and outside the ground. Though not entirely blameless, United fans were attacked and goaded every step of the way to the ground by gangs of masked Italians (I won't use the word supporter. They're not. They're scumbag hooligans no matter which country they are from).

Inside, the Police, in their wisdom, decided it was only a good idea to "guard" the United supporters - who have to buy tickets through the club and ARE supporters - so when the Italians kicked off having scored, the police waded in on United fans - both those who bit back, stupidly, and those who didn't, wielding batons indiscriminately.

Now, I know the Italian police have recently lost a memeber of the force during a football related riot BUT the tactics used were more fitting of a revenge mission than crowd control. A total loss of discipline - and I'm going off what people have told me who were there, not just by what was shown on TV.

The Italian game, with its recent match fixing, corruption and violence problems, MUST take a long hard look at itself before sanctions are brought from UEFA that sees their clubs suffer the way English clubs did in the 1980's. If what happened last night had taken place at any English ground, sanctions would be swift and merciless ... guaranteed.

On a lighter note, its looking pretty good for me to interview Liverpool actress Cathy Tyson (Band OF Gold / Mona Lisa) which I'm very much looking forward to. She's in Liverpool rehearsing for The May Queen at The Everyman Theatre which starts, strangley, on May 7th.

ALSO, its really good to see the 15 British hostages back in the country, safe and sound isn't it.? Their families must be so relieved and despite the song & dance the Iranain President made of the whole thing.

Right, back to work for me. If I don't add anything else beforehand, I hope you all have a good and peaceful Easter.

Later.

Tuesday April 3rd

Okay, this is just a quickie. For those of you who aspire to write, The Daily Mail are organising a competition for new, unpublished authors. The closing date is July 2nd and the entry needs to be a completed work complete with a synopsis. For full details go to www.dailymail.co.uk/books and the very best of luck.

I'm theatre attending again tonight, which means I'll miss the Liverpool game vs PSV (shame, eh?). Look for my Review online tomorrow. I've also just posted a Review of the wonderful Richard Montanari's new book, Broken Angels.

Later all,

Chris

Sunday April 1st.

According to T.S. Elliot, April is the cruellest month. From where I'm sitting, it certainly looks okay. The sun is shining and the air is clean and holding just the right amount of Spring promise. Okay, so I'm sitting on Wirral and not on the banks of one of the Great Lakes but, hey, its nice out. Why quibble?

So, on with the show. First up, Publishing News. My interview with Marshall Karp, author of The Rabbitt Factory, as is Margaret Murphy's feature on The CWA Debut Dagger Awards, are in this week's (Friday March 30th) edition. I have to say that there's nothing quite seeing your name in print, especially when its with a "new" magazine and especially when its presented so well.

One thing that wasn't presented so well were The British Book Awards as done "live" by Channel 4 last Friday evening (held the previous Wednesday). Billed as Britain's Literary Oscars, judging by this presentation it was all very shoddy. Okay, its long been my belief that awards of all types go to people in the know, but for books and authors to be nominated, you'd have thought that the people at C4 would have had somebody at least reading a synopsis of the book out OR a biography of the author? This was just a list of names and titles.

Ian Rankin won Crime Thriller of the Year with his Rebus novel The Naming Of The Dead. Children's Book of the Year went to Ricky Gervais for Flanimals. Peter Kay (?) won Biography of the Year for The Sound Of Laughter. Steven Gerrard won Sports Book of the Year for Gerrard: My Autobiography. Victoria Hislop (wife of Ian) won Necomer of the Year for The Island. Do you see a theme developing here?

One award I did applaud was that of John Grisham's Lifetime Achievement Award. Though not always to my taste, those that I have read and enjoyed include The Firm (so much better than the film), The Client (see brackets earlier) and The Rainmaker (see brackets earlier). The guy can certainly write.

Okay, so its official. Kids want everything NOW! To amke more money oout of this, the producers of board games have redesigned some of the most famous boardgames in the world, including Monopoly and Scrabble, so that they now take around 20 minutes to play. According to one source, "People today like games with a resolution". I was forgetting that there are no winners in Scrabble or Monopoly. Players simply either fill in a board or do laps of it for sheer excitement purposes. Oh please! The idea of such games is to get family and friends together to, what's that word? oh yeah ... SOCIALISE. Apparently though, Hasbro and the rest are deeming it fit to bow to "popular demand" and are catering to the PS3 generation in order to Monopolise their profits. Perhaps the publishers of War And Peace will do the same soon. Something like "There was a war, quite a long time ago, when people got killed and one side won. Roll the dice and see which side it is here. Now, off you go and read the new Dan Brown novel."

England. Won against Andorra and drew against Israel. Okay, these games for Euro 2008 were both away and, normally, any result away is a good result ( he says trying to sidestep Clicheville). However, given that one of these "nations" can fit into Kent whereas the other hasn't even managed a draw at half-time (until the other night), we might have hoped for a little more. Something like "style" or "purpose" maybe?

10:00 AM. Time for The Archers.

Later.

Tuesday March 27th - 1:50 AM

Hi again. Nice to be back. Or, in this case, nice to see that my back has gone away. Sorry I've not been around for a week or so. Anyway, there's lots to ctach up on, so here we go.

The Cricket World Cup and the Murder Mystery that is the sad death of Pakistan coach and former England player, Bob Woolmer. Proof if ever it was needed that corruption is rife in every sport from Synchronised Swimming to Dominos. If people can make money out of it, somebody will place a bet and in vast quantities. Unfortunately, it appears Mr. Woolmer has got in the way of that in the same way as Andreas Escobar got in the way of the drug cartels of Colombia in 1994 (he missed a penalty and saw his team get knocked out in the first round qualifiers in USA) who was shot dead in front of his wife and children by a gang of drug selling lunatics. The only way to stop the corruption is to ban greed and, sadly, that's an impossible situation to be in. If there are rewards, people are always going to cheat (drugs) or try to make a quick buck (gamble).

What I have had chance to do over the last few days is read and, luckily, I've had a plentiful supply of good stuff. Most notable have been Richard Montanari's latest, Broken Angels (Wiilian Heineman), which comes out on April 5th in this country (June, in America), Robert Crais's The Watchman (Orion) a review of which can be seen here and also Jesse Kellerman's Trouble (Little Brown) which will also be availalble from April 5th.

I'll be travelling to meet Marshall Karp in April, too. Now that is something I'm really looking forward to. I also had the opportunity to correspond with Penelope Evans recently, who has written a book out in paperback this June called My Perfect Silence (Allison & Busby). If you've not read her work yet, do yourself a favour and do so. On this evidence she's superb.

Thanks to those of you who have written to me about the Cover story of this month's Writing Magazine with Gillian Flynn, by the way. It's much appreciated. I also have a feature in this week's Publishing News with Marshall Karp, and copies can be seen in libraries or you can subscribe by hitting the link. Hopefully, I'll get a few more bits and pieces in hard print soon, too.

I also read with interest in The Times Books supplement on Saturday, the article by Peter J. M. Wayne, a man who has spent half a lifetime behind bars, writing about how reading has transformed his life. He has written articles for the TLS and is set for release in August. What I found most interesting though (other than for the hope that this stretch inside will be his last) is that he personified the reasons to read above watching TV, for example. Books are a means of escape (though perhaps not literally in this case) from anything that is getting to you OR keeping you "prisoner". No matter what you're going through, books are an alternative that never fail in my opinion to provide a sense of release and more power to Mr. Wayne for highlighting the fact.

Later people. I'd better get some stuff done now, I suppose. It is 2:30 in the morning after all.

Tuesday March 13th

Heard the phrase "Once I picked it up I couldn't put it down"? How about "Once I put it down I couldn't pick it up"? As a recipient of around 30 books per week, sadly this is true in a lot of cases. Get to chapter three, realise it isn't going to float the boat and pick up another. I'm lucky. I have a lot to choose from. However, what about those who fork out their hard-earned on hardbacks? Are they all read avidly or are they merely status symbols or dinner table chat-points? You know the type of thing. "Darling!!!! I simply LOVED your book ... erm ... about the Spanish sailor and his violin." Answer: That would be an Italian soldier and his Mandolin, by the way.

A recent survey has managed to pick out the top ten fiction and non-fiction books that have been started, but not finished. Top three of the tree for fiction? Ulysses (James Joyce), Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire at number two and topping the chart, Vernon God Little by D.B.C. Pierre. That won the Booker Prize only three years ago and STILL only the judges have read it, apparently. I have to confess, I was surprised to see Ms Rowling being mentioned anywhere in such a list, let alone at number 2.

The Non-fiction section was possibly less surprising. Swinging in at number 3 was My Side, "written by" David Beckham (which details life at Manchester United and Real Madrid, but strangely NOT in the bedrooms of the likes of Rebecca Loos or whatever her name was. My Side, apparently, is one-sided). Blowing for tugs at number 2? My Life, by Bill Clinton and, blinding his readers with gobbledegook, David Blunkett's The Blunkett Tapes sitting at number 1 and not with the author at number 10 as he may have once envisaged.

The survey also unveiled that the average Brit spends £4,000 on books during their lifetime, yet leaves half of what they buy, unfinished.

So, the question is, which book have YOU bought recently and not even got a third of the way through? Perhaps Jade Goodie's Biography or Jordan's tome about love life and politics in the modern world? Whichever it is, drop me a line and let me know which to avoid. Go to the FEEDBACK page to leave suggestions.

The Cricket World Cup starts today. England, as usual, are banging on about how they "might" be in with a shout in much the same way as Wales are "in with a shout" of qualifying for the football World Cup. They're in it, after all.

So now you know what to do. Buy Beckham's My Side and read it when England are playing. Just have a box of tissues handy, either for the standard of play in the bookOR for when England are bowled out for 37 again. The pain will be the same.

Later all.

Monday March 12th

Well there you go. I've finally managed to get something onto the front cover of a magazine. I can't tell you how much of a buzz it gave me, personally, and despite knowing it was going to happen, to see something on the cover of a national magazine. No only that, its great that its the piece I did with Gillian. Her book, Sharp Objects is a great read and she is just lovely to talk to. Very down to earth and fun. Hopefully, the Gillian story will be one to rise and rise.

So, I hope you've all had good Weekends? Me? I watched United struggle Vs Boro in the FA Cup and saw the Match of the competiton yesterday as Chelsea fought back from 3-1 down Vs Spurs. I'm also wondering what sanctions might be brought against City after 3 fans ran onto the pitch at Blackburn to argue with players. Chanting "You're Not Fit To Wear The Shirt" is one thing. Confronting players, quite another.

I'm at the theatre again tonight. Acorn Antiques - The Musical. I'm not sure what to expect. i didn't really watch the TV series, but I do like Victoria Wood. I'll post a Review tomorrow. I know it had good reports in Manchester, recently.

My mate Martin went to see Peter Kay in The Producers last week. Apparently it was superb, though I'm STILL waiting for his Review. I'm going to see Acorn with him, tonight. Helen is at Raiki this evening and can't make it.

Later, all.

Friday 9th March

Can't believe I've just typed that date in at the top. MARCH? ALREADY??? Where's it going?

Anyway, so impressed was I with Joseph on Monday, I took Helen to see it last night. Press tickets mean you sit halfway back in the stalls, which offers a superb view of everything that's going on on stage. For Helen though, its like looking through thick fog from that far away so we had to sit in the front row (virtually playing the guitar, as it goes, so close were we to the pit).

It's amazing how the show differs depending on where you sit. The show was still brilliant, but wasn't helped by being able to see "the wires", as it were, coming from microphones or the make-up at close quarters.

There's also the probelem of the fact that there's so much going on at one time that it's difficult at times to keep up from so close.

There was a different narrator too from Amanda Claire. Harriet Shore, it has to be said, was very good, with an excellent voice and a really comanding stage presence.

The audience loved it though and the company received a well deserved standing ovation at the end. The future dates are at the bottom of the Review. If you get chance, go and see it.

The Champions League Quarter Final draw has just been made. Afetr a load of nonsensical preamble by the organisers, UEFA, (why can't they just stick the balls in a bag and draw them out?) the draw is as follows. AC Milan vs Bayern. PSV vs Liverpool. Roma Vs Manchester United. Chelsea Vs Valencia. Ties to be played on April 3rd & 4th.

They also drew the potential semi-finals. The winner of Match 2 plays the winner of match 4, so its possible Liverpool & Chelse could meet in the Semi, assuming they both win.

United have a toughie. We've never played Roma before and don't have a particularly good record against Italian sides. However, I prefer facing European opposition to English opposition in the ECL everytime. There's something REALLY speacial about the games abroad.

For me, though, its all about being Champions of your own league. Hopefully we can do another Treble, but if we win the league I'll be delighted.

On another issue all together, The Harrogate Crime Writing Festival is looming fast and promises to bigger and better than even last years event. Lee Child, Harlan Coben and Val McDermid will all be there and a full diary will be posted here very VERY soon. To make a reservation, click the link and go to the HCWF Home Page.

Thursday 8th March

I've just heard that John Inmann has died from Hepatitis A at the age of 71. He's been ill for some time, apparently. Though I was never a particular fan of Are You Being Served, the death of its star performer brings into the spotlight - not the we ever need reminding - that we're all getting older. Like I say, I was never that much of a fan of the show, I was 6 when it started, but I do remember watching it because on the other side - ITV- there was probably some documentary on the other side. The family liked it, though. My mum used to love it and would burst out laughing at aome of the sketches, so it must have had something. I've seen the re-runs, of course, but it looks SO dated now. I believe the show is a massive hit in the USA, too, and still gets huge audiences on BBC World over there. Weird !!

Anyway, good results for most of the Brit sides in Europe. Pity about Arsenal and Celtic. I'm, obviously, not a fan of Arsenal and even less an admirer of Wenger, but they are English and it would have been great to have had 4 English sides in the last 8. Same with Celtic, though I do like Gordon Strachan. For them to lose like they did in extra time must be heart breaking.

I've just finished a book called My Perfect Silence by Penelope Evans and what a cracking read it is too. I'm not going to say too much about it here. The book isn't out until June. I'm just mentioning it so that those who do can make a note of its title, now. Its not Crime (though there is a crime involved) and its not a Thriller (though it is a thrilling read). What it is, though, is beutifully written with superb and original characters. Definitely one to order for the holidays.

Joseph was so good the other night I'm taking Helen to see it tonight. She was away Monday and I'm sure she'll love it.Anyway, good results all round for most of the Brit sides in Europe

Tuesday 6th March

Yesterday, I think I had one of the most productive days I've had in a long time.

For those of you who don't know, I'm attempting to write a book that - judging by some of the feedback - has some kind of potential. No, I'm not going to say what it's about. You'll have to wait and see. What I will "talk" about is some of the method I've adopted in writing it.

Because of the amount of calls and Emails I receive during the day, when I can I go to bed at 5:30 or 6 in the evening and get up at midnight to work on the book. Work Through's I call them and I do it because I don't get phone calls. I don't have to walk Duke (my dog) and Email all but entirely stops. In short, there are fewer distractions.

Anyway, I normally start off editing for the first couple of hours, then rewrite or completely write new chapters. Yesterday I managed 2 hours of editing and collated over 1,700 words of new material that, even having looked at it this morning, looks pretty much okay.

The thing is, I started the new stuff at around 3 AM and finished writing at noon, for "lunch" and to take my cross-legged mut out. What amazes me most about the process, however, is that when I'm "there", so to speak, the time zips along. A bit like when I saw Swan Lake On Ice, it felt as though I'd only been at my desk five minutes.

That's why I write. To slip out of this world and into one that's mine for the making.

This might all sound like pretetious nonsense. However, I think that if you were to ask any artist -writer, actor, painter, singer ... whatever - why they do what they do, the answer would be the same. They love that sense of control, that sense of "being" something or someone else, just for a moment.

I certainly do.

Anyway, it was another trip to the theatre last night. Sometimes I love my "job". Joseph was an incredible night of song, colour and enthusiasm that has to be seen to be believed. Not only that, but I bumped into one of my fellow students from the MA, Michelle Greer. It was lovely to catch up before the start and made the night even more memorable. Check out the Review of the show from the link on the Home Page.

Helen is back from her two week holiday in Benidorm today, with her Mother, Cath. She's had a great time, apparently, and has needed the break after what has been a hectic and worrying year for her and her family. I'll be glad when its 5 pm though.

Finally, for today (my dog's all cross legged again), tonight's a big night in Europe for British football sides. Let's wish them well. Yes, even Liverpool.

Monday 5th March

So, had a good weekend? Mine was pretty hectic. The opera on Fiday night followed by 2 days of football, interspersed with some of that writing stuff I do. Oh, and a good night out Saturday celebrating United's (admittedly lucky) superb victory over Liverpool.

John O'Shea ...Goal Machine is not something I'd ever envisaged saying BUT there you go. I don't care when they come or who gets them. As long as they're winning goals, the ball boy can be the scorer. Pitty Chelsea won too though. Never mind. You can't have everything.

Spurs, my second team, had a good result. Never the less, it was such a shame seeing West Ham being almost certainly resigned to The Championship. Although its not just this result that's almost certainly sealed their fate, The Hammers surely deserved something from this game. 2-0 up then 3-2 up, only to lose 3-4. Blimey, what a match.

Okay, the dates for the gig of the year have just been announced. If you want to see The Police playing in the UK, here are the dates.

Birmingham NEC - September 4th

Twickenham Rugby Stadium - September 8th

Manchester MEN - October 15th

Cardiff Millenium Stadium - 19th October

Tickets go on sale 9:00 am This Friday Morning (September 9th). Good Luck !!

Friday 2nd March, 2007

I've just turned on the news and discovered that Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed has won a High Court battle for the inquest into Princess Diana's death to be heard by a jury. About time too. If nothing else it will lay some of the bizarre conspiracy theories to rest, hopefully. There may well be something in what he says BUT not to the extent of the Duke Edinburgh hiring hitmen. That's far too Hollywood, surely? The news also said he is likely to ask for Prince Philip and Prince Charles to give evidence. Now that would be interesting. The Queen can't be called to trial, but the heir to the throne being asked to swear on the bible would certainly be something to see.

I also see that a Bull went on the rampage in Hereford, injuring several people. I can sympathise with the terror of this. My father got charged by a rampaging boar in the Welsh market town of Mold. The boar went nuts when going for slaughter and charged down the main street, colliding with dad and sending him spinning through the air. Luckily, all that he picked up were a few bruises but it could have been so much worse.

I'm doing a bit of a first tonight. I'm attending an Opera. Its Aida at The Empire and I'm not really sure what to expect but I'm looking forward to it, nonetheless. I'll post a Review online tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow, the Big Game. Liverpool V Manchester United. A Championship decider in many ways. United win and, I believe, we are Champions. Liverpool win, they guarantee third place and a Champions League place. A draw and United are ten points clear with Chelsea having 2 games in hand, so will still in the box seat. Whatever happens, it certainly won't be dull. Come on United.

Thursday March 1st, 2007.

Well, here we go. The very FIRST entry into MY BLOG and it is taking place on World Book Day. Just a coincidence, I assure you ... NOT. Anyway, the idea of this is so that I can have a place to vent my spleen, as it were, about things in general that make me angry, sad, uplifted and joyously happy. In short, a place where I can tell you - the most important people of all - the visitor to the site, what I'm up to and what I'm "thinking" and what's in the pipeline.

Right, on a personal note, I think it's only fair to say a few Thank You's at this point. Steve Bennett, without whom this whole shebang would still be drifting off in hyper-space somewhere, is a guy of IMMENSE talent and foresight. If you don't believe me, check out his other site www.findmeanauthor.com and see how good it is. Cheers Matey. You're a star.

Next up, is a lady who Mo Hayder called an "underated writing Goddess", Margaret Murphy. It is absolutely no exaggeration at all when I say that without Margaret's help I would not be doing what I'm doing with the publications I'm doing it with. Neither would I have been able to meet with the manywonderful authors and artists I have been lucky enough to interview and get to know as Friends. Margaret is an obscenely talented and generous person to whom a mere THANK YOU is quite insufficient. www.margaretmurphy.co.uk is where you'll find all you need to know about Margaret's stunning work.

Next, Diane Perry. What a TRUE friend and supporter you have been throughout this adventure. Love you to bits Missus P and all the other "P's" that come with you.

Next, Martin Maloney. The steadfast councellor of all things rational who I was lucky enough to be thrown against whilst at Hope University and, with whom, have shared ups and downs in equal confidence ever since. Rare is it that such friendships exist, let alone continue, and I'm very fortunate indeed to have him onside.

Last, but not least, Helen Ryan, my partner in life. Like all couples we have our moments but, when push comes to shove, I know she's always going to be there. Helen, you're my island in an ever changing sea. Love you loads, Princess.

So, without further ado, let's get off and running.

Like I said, March 1st is World Book Day and as a voluntary teacher of Creative Writing to the visually impaired on Wirral, what I find absolutely staggering is how few books amongst the thousands published each year actually make it to either Braille or Talking Book status. A little more than 5% in total!!! Surely there is an initiative somewhere that will improve this situation? If you know of one, let me know via the Feedback link and I'll chase it up.

From my own experiences, people who suffer from Blindness and Visual Impairement want to be INCLUDED not EXCLUDED, yet their efforts to be so are STILL, and despite the Disability Discrimination Act, being undermined in the most basic of ways. It's incredible how many people I know who have been on college courses only to fall behind simply because the Tutor has "Forgotten" a VI is in the class and so have not brought the necessary resourses along to the lesson. Not all blind or visually impaired carry a White Stick or have a Labrador by their side, yet these still seem to be the only signifiers for those who should know better. Let's change that as quickly as possible though, eh?

On a lighter note, it has been my great privilige to be have been in communication with a debut author from America by the name of Marshall Karp. Marshall's first novel, The Rabbitt Factory, is set for publication on April 6th by Allison & Busby and is an absolute DIAMOND of a book I can't recommend highly enough. A Review will be posted closer to the time. Marshall is also heavily involved with the eradication of Blindness in children via the global charity, Vitamin Angels. Check out www.vitaminangels.org to see how you can help OR click the icon halfway down my Home Page on the left.

That's it for now.

C.