Hometowns and Going Loco
A trip to the town of my youth
“That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.”
― Christopher Hitchens
Hello there,
Thank you to Dario for sending in that quote which I believe is also known as Hitchens’ razor. In these turbulent times, it’s something to think about.
Meanwhile, I have my head down, pounding out words to complete the next Devonshire Mystery. It’s turning into a long one again, and there are a lot of plot points to retain in my memory as I try to pull all the threads together.
I’m almost there, and after my reference in the last newsletter to Conan-Doyle’s killing off of his detective, I’m pleased to say that Dan Corrigan will live to sleuth another day. And Alan too, of course.
I have also been making time to record my author podcast, so there are a couple of episodes to catch up with if you wish. You can see all the available episodes, along with links to listen on other platforms, at:
vipreaders.substack.com/podcast
I try to give some insight into my writing in the podcasts, so I hope you find something of interest.
A little while ago I visited my old hometown of Pickering in North Yorkshire, so I took some photos to share. We managed to catch this fine locomotive (The Repton) coming into the station, and it brought back many happy memories. There’s nothing like the smell of the steam and smoke, and the sense of power you get when a beauty like this rolls in.
The photos are below but first a word of thanks.
Thank you!
I’m raising a mug of lapsang souchong to these lovely recent supporters: Pauline and Diane. And a special thank you to regular supporters Lara and Alonza.
Cheers!
If you’d like to join these fine people who send mugs of tea from around the world, here’s a handy button
Featured Photos
Three ways to enjoy the photos: a collage in the email, separate images in the substack app, an interactive gallery in the online post.
Book News
After a period of being in Kindle Unlimited, I’m looking at returning my books to wider distribution. I went into Amazon’s scheme with gritted teeth, mainly because I was struggling to keep up with maintaining my books on all the other retailers. I should’ve known that this was a bad sign. I am finding it hard to swallow Amazon’s restrictive practices - if I use Kindle Unlimited, they won't allow me to put my ebooks anywhere else at all including libraries.
One of the photos above - the building with brick walls above and an archway below - was home to the library I used as a child. Don't worry, it was rehoused in a purpose-built, modern building. The point is, I spent many formative hours in there, and being given my library ticket was a special moment. I was being given the keys to the kingdom, and I soon graduated from the children’s section to the room for adults where I found Agatha Christie and PG Wodehouse and many more authors.
Libraries aren’t important, they are essential, and I want my ebooks in as many libraries as possible. I made a mistake, but I’ll be putting it right as soon as possible (Kindle Unlimited has a 90 day term for authors).
Onward and upward.
What’s Next?
When I finish the first draft of this novel, the rewrite will begin. This is hardly earth-shattering news, but it’s the way it has to be. Will there be beta reading opportunities? Yes - please stay tuned. I’m reliably informed that Christmas is on the horizon, so we’ll see what I can get done before then.
Signing Off
The sun is dipping low already, and unlike the loco in the photo (sounds like a certain song), I am running out of steam.
Many of us are feeling a sense of turmoil at the moment, whether that be from politics, the cost of living, the climate, environmental disasters or the 24-hour news cycle. Maybe it’s even all of the above. My wish for you is that you are able to find at least one beacon of hope.
For me, books and reading are a resource I can call on to preserve mental wellbeing. Long live libraries and the sharing of good books.
Have a lovely weekend and happy reading.
Take care,
Mikey
PS
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Hopefully the short run on unlimited will at least bring you some new readers that will follow you to paid to continue the series. And that quote so applies in the U.S. right now.
I agree that libraries are essential. Much of my reading does come from Amazon, but I sympathize with all the independent authors. You still need the ability to make a living and monopolies are always against the individual. I thank you sincerely for allowing me the privilege of being on your ARC team. All the best, Saundra