The Awkward Squad
A Readers' Group by Michael Campling
Hello
“It's not because things are difficult that we dare not venture. It's because we dare not venture that they are difficult.”
― Lucius Annaeus Seneca
I went looking for quotes about starting new ventures, because I generally find it quite unsettling when I've finished writing one book and it's time to begin another. For a start, I have to pick a project, and I like to choose wisely because I'm going to be immersed in that work for months to come.
But do I give in to the allure of the shiny and new, or do I stick with what I know?
In the past, I've filled these gaps by writing a short piece or a different type of story, e.g. the story by email, Death at Blackingstone Rock (still available, and I made a new and easier signup page here: Death at Blackingstone Rock).
This time around, I toyed with an idea for a completely new thriller, and I then started a sequel for DC Spiller, but I finally settled on another Devonshire Mystery for Dan and Alan. It's coming along, despite a bumpy start, and I think it will work out OK. I certainly hope it'll please fans of the Embervale duo, and there's a repeat appearance for Marjorie from Valley of Lies.
Meanwhile, I'd better get on with the newsletter, but first, as always, some words of thanks:
Cheers!
A heartfelt thank you to these lovely people who have sent me a mug of tea. I'm raising a mug of Ceylon tea in honour of these recent supporters:
Lisa, Susan, Karen, and a couple of anonymous supporters
plus regular supporter: Lara.
Thank you all for your kind words and support.
Want to join them?
PS
On my ko-fi page you'll now see two options: one-off and membership.
The membership option is for anyone who wants to provide regular support. In return, members get to see very advanced snippets of my work in progress, hot off the presses, so to speak. This is material from my first draft and that's something I've never shared before.
Join Other Readers who get Weekly Updates
You can now get weekly summaries from my website. They're simple but they're free and you can unsubscribe at any time:
Featured Photos
Another trip to Teignmouth on the Devon coast. An unseasonably stormy day, but it can be fun to watch the waves crashing against the sea wall. Not so great if you have to put to sea in the lifeboat, I imagine, but for a landlubber like me, the sound of the waves makes an excellent accompaniment to a stroll.
The above are taken from a larger collection on my website, and the images there are larger, so they're worth a look.
The First Devonshire Crime Thriller is Now Live:
Lawful Duty
A Missing Woman. A Race Against Time. The Shadow of Corruption.
Lynsey was just 23 when she disappeared, and DC Spiller suspects foul play.
But there's someone else looking for Lynsey, a ruthless killer hired by her father.
Who will find her first?
Find out in Lawful Duty.
Buying direct from me supports my work, because you can be sure that every penny goes to me rather than to a multi-national corporation. And it works for you too, because to me, you will never be just a customer.
What's Next?
I hope to add more titles to my store, and I'm always thinking about ways I can provide more to readers and generally make things interesting. I very much want to revamp my podcast. It has been rather sporadic, and my chats are probably of limited interest, so I want to upgrade it and make it worth listening to. I'll do some readings, turning it into a serialised fiction podcast. I haven't decided what series to start with. I have enough books for several podcasts, but we'll see how it goes.
New ventures, new things to try, new stories to write - I think Seneca would approve.
All the best.
Until next time, happy reading and take care.
Mikey C
PS: would you like more content or to get in touch?
Please visit my website and comment there or join our Facebook group. Alternatively, you can reply to this email. I read and appreciate every email, but you'll get a much faster response on the site or in our Facebook group.
My website: michaelcampling.com
The Awkward Squad group: facebook.com/groups/awkwardsquad
Thank you.
NB: I have never sent spam
If you no longer want these emails, please click here to unsubscribe
or use the link at the bottom of this email. Thank you.
0 comments