2010
JMF Just back from Brighton, where I tend to kick off my summer season each year. As always I had a fantastic time. Brighton is a very vibrant and interesting place, and seems to offer something for everyone - from its grand Regency hotels and squares to the popular beaches, piers and marina. I caught up with my dear old friend Peter James (who vividly paints a picture of the darker side of his beloved hometown) and attended the launch party of his latest bestseller 'Dead Like You', browsed for clothes, books and antiques in the wide range of individual shops and The Lanes area of the town. And when the sunshine got too much for me I found shady corners, hotels, bars and restaurants for ice-buckets full of wine, menus full of tempting dishes, and innumerable cocktails. The very nice staff of the former Royal York hotel were hugely helpful and fun company during my days there too.
JMF You can read an interview with me by fellow horror writer Simon Bestwick, to promote my new novel, here.
JMF Much as I love travelling the world, the current state of the skies is keeping me grounded and I'm always more than happy to explore our own Kingdom, and especially my beloved corner of it here in the East. Recently I enjoyed a lengthy trip to Hintlehsam Hall in Suffolk, as part of the extensive celebrations for my beloved's birthday, where along with some delightful food and wine we were also given an extensive tour of the house itself, from the grand rooms open to the guests of the hotel on the premises right through to the forgotten and secret areas not normally seen by most people. My guide - I'm pleased to say - was particularly interested in the ghosts of the house, and had many tales to share of spectral children and ladies who are still reported to this day.
JMF 'Those Left Behind' is my latest release, an epic supernatural novel set amongst the foreboding Yorkshire moors, and I'm particularly pleased to see this one into print at last. Folk who know me will know this one's been a long time coming. You can find more details about the book here. We celebrated its release on a gloriously happy and sunny Mayday at Blickling Hall, in Norfolk, which stakes its own claim for being one of the most haunted houses in the realm (especially at this time of year).
JMF It was a delight to see so many of my old friends, family and loyal readers on my recent progresses throughout the north of England. Great book sales always make me think favourably of a visit, but this one was also helped by surprisingly good weather, an array of food and drink, wonderful company and interesting conversation. My base during my days in Manchester became the exclusive venue 'Room', a building that I had last set foot in on the night of my first ever book launch, back in February 1999, when it was under different ownership. In Victorian times this used to be the city's own Reform Club, and the structure, both inside and out, is still striking - matched only by that of one of the barmaids. Special thanks on this trip go out to Adam, Kath, Mike, Michael, Ann, Simon, Phil, Andrew, Martin, Jane, Pat and Lynne.
JMF I escaped the latest bout of chaos caused by the snow in England this February to spend some time in Paris. I have to say that whenever I've visited, I become convinced that this must be the coldest place on Earth - but none the less beautiful for it. My latest visit began with a night-time cruise along the river Seine. I also looked out from the top of the 56 storey Tour Montparnasse, feasted in a 14th century food hall, threaded my way through the Louvre, and strolled the Champs Elysses. Visiting the Eiffel Tower is always a pleasure - a structure far more beautiful than a pile of girders has a right to be. Whilst exploring the Montmartre region, I was thrilled to climb the narrow spiral staircases of the Sacre Coeur, and cross the precarious walkways across its roofs to the main dome, from where an absolutely breath-taking (but not for the faint-hearted) view of the city can be had. The architecture of Paris is amongst the finest in the world, and the detail and majesty of the structures make this a city never to be forgotten.
JMF Another year, another novel to write. This time it's 'The Cold Heart Of Summer', a vast supernatural epic which has been growing in my mind now for a good many years. As with last year's novel, 'Vermilion Dawn', I've set up a page where you can keep up to date with the progress and where I will add any notes, research and other related material. On to publications: The major release for this year will be my novel 'Those Left Behind', in March. As usual, I'll keep you informed on new releases nearer the time, but do remember to keep checking the books individual pages in the 'writing' section, as new stuff is added throughout the year. In the meantime, I hope you all had a great festive season. Thanks for dropping by, and for your support. Keep in touch!
