Insight – Page 40

The final part of the tale has yet to be published, but the end of the series is written. I’m pleased to report that I’m now in the editing stages. I will edit, leave to rest, and edit again. The sequence will continue over the next two months, but my aim is to publish by early November.

Why publish in early November?

As I’ve drawn on the experiences I gained over a 23-year military career, I’ve enjoyed reliving many conversations and situations. I’ve recalled men who have passed on, to that big army in the sky, or wherever it may be. Some of those guys were taken too early, while I’m pleased to say, others lived beyond what was a regular life.

I’m rapidly approaching my 65th birthday (early November), which means I’ll have been out of the military for 25 years. If I use November as my target for publication it will be the 48th-anniversary of when I joined the army and will be a celebration of a story I’ve already researched and have been writing for several years.

Many of my memories of those days are enjoyable and as clear as yesterday.

Why was this an important project for me?

There are a few reasons for writing a story such as A Life of Choice. As I’ve said in interviews and in previous posts, there are hundreds of books out there which relate directly to a modern conflict and real soldiers. Life and death coexist, and graphic photography removes any doubts.

Yes, in any military story there are plenty of facts and the scenes are laced with an abundance of emotions. Having written this tale several times, I aimed to inject as much humour as possible, while maintaining the thread of the protagonist’s life and career.

Is there anything else to be done apart from editing?

I’ve decided to pay for a professional cover design for the series. I created the present covers myself using the corps colours of the Royal Signals, but when the fifth book is established, I’d like to give the series the best possible chance of appealing to a wide audience, which means eye-catching covers.

Will the series only appeal to serving or ex-Service personnel?

I’m pleased to say that from the reviews I’ve seen so far, the answer is no, which is what I aimed for from the outset. This has never been a series purely to feed the memory of old soldiers (male or female), although I’m sure many would enjoy the tale. To some readers, there might be too much detail in certain areas, but my aim throughout is to create a credible backdrop.

Imagine a life without computers or mobile phones, and when airports didn’t cater for several languages on their notices. In Part One, the miniskirt was still a statement fashion and cars didn’t come with a radio as standard. A pint of beer and a 20-pack of cigarettes would have cost … well, I’m not going there, because some of you wouldn’t believe me.

To put it all in perspective, it is the tale of a young man who left school at 15, and at 17 was venturing into the unknown. For those who have served, it may bring back memories, and for those who considered serving, but did not, it may answer questions. For those who never contemplated military service, it will provide insight.

All of the links to Amazon or BookLinker are available at my author website on the Anthologies page:

http://www.tombensonauthor.com/anthologies/4591486548

Go on, take a look …

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When the present year became a reality so too did several personal targets. As I tend to do, I had my year planner created, complete with weekends highlighted. A crucial difference to any other year was the month of October, when I’d retire from regular work.

I had considered changing from my PC to a Mac. As with all things I’d heard the positives and negatives for both systems which meant I had a lot of research to do before making such a big leap. Whatever I decided would affect my writing production.

It was my wife, Olive who suggested I should treat myself to a new look for my study. On several occasions after the idea was put to me, while working on a project I’d stop typing and stare at the wall in front of me.

We agreed it was affordable and settled on June as the month to do the makeover. I made a twenty-point plan and gave myself provisional dates for the individual phases. I’d be hoping to keep up with my writing with the exception of perhaps a couple of key days, like when the room was empty for redecoration, and assembling new furniture.

Yes, within the red boxes and behind the white doors is organisation.

Now in the first week of July the main task is completed. In the near future I’ll add a potted plant or two, but I’m now ready to learn how to use my Mac – and I’m eager to be writing again.

I took a few ‘before’ pictures and ‘after’ pictures but I believe it only needs one to demonstrate that the effort to make the changes was worthwhile.

Until I sat here with my Mac at my new, larger desk in the centre of the room I didn’t realise how trapped I must have felt previously.

The stage is set to get back to work, so what lies ahead in my personal targets for the year?
I have the final edits to perform on Highland games – 4 before publication. By the end of this year I propose to publish Highland Games – 5 and A Life of Choice: Part Five, and both books are at an advanced stage.

My next novel is underway and will continue to be developed over the coming months. However automated, updated and organised my desk feels, I enjoy the comfort of a notice board which keeps me in control.

As always, I thank you for taking the time to visit my blog, and for any comments or feedback you may leave.

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