JULY 2021

Busy times! My wife and I have moved back to Hampshire so I have just said a fond farewell to my study where I have worked over the past years. All my resources were around me and these will need sorting once again. Meanwhile I’m pressing on with the new novel, working title ‘Finishing School’, number fifteen in the Teacher series.

Currently number thirteen, the prequel ‘Back to School’ is in the stores and on line. Thanks to the countless readers who have been in touch to say how much they enjoyed this latest prequel set when the young Jack Sheffield was starting out in his career.

The fourteenth novel in the series, ‘School Days’, will be published on 9 September 2021 and is another prequel set in 1976/77. I’m hoping face-to-face signings may be restored by then. The art work for the cover is terrific and you really have to admire the skill of the artist and the production team at Penguin Random House.

Following the offer of a new two-book deal by Penguin Random House I’m busy again with a new novel, working title ‘Finishing School’, and set in 1987/88. It will bring the Teacher series to a close prior to moving on to a new series set in Higher Education and based on my experiences as a University Lecturer while training teachers.

I’ve mentioned it before I’m still missing libraries. Research for my novels is a huge part of my life and when I first began the Teacher series I used to visit York Library. Now most of what I need is on line or via a telephone conversation. So life has moved on. Even so, I’m looking forward to getting back into our many wonderful libraries. I’ve always considered them the cornerstone of a civilised society.

The current restrictions have also impacted on my long awaited Literary Lunch event at the prestigious Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall and this will no doubt be rescheduled.

In the meantime it’s back to my desk and another novel.  

So best wishes to you all, keep safe and happy reading,

Jack