APRIL 2020

When I wrote my early March news page the Coronavirus was just taking effect. Now I’m in self-isolation and the world is a different place.

My thoughts go out to everyone out there who may have lost a loved one. These are very difficult times and a situation I have never experienced before in my long life. I know we shall all look forward to the day when life returns to normal and we can thank all the people who have helped us in our hour of need from those brave souls on the frontline of the NHS to the van driver who leaves a bag of food on my doorstep.

For my part, I spend my day at my desk writing number 14 in the Teacher series and working in my garden. I’ve found social media helpful and this has helped me keep in daily contact with family and friends.

My next publication, ‘Back to School’, number 13 in the series and another prequel set in 1976/77, is due to be published on 3rd September 2020 with a launch in Waterstones Milton Keynes. So far further signings have been arranged for Waterstones York on 5th September and Waterstones Alton on 12th September. However, much will happen before then and we shall have to wait and see if these events take place.

Likewise I have a number of speaking events in the diary including a Literary Lunch on 29th September at the prestigious Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall so I’m hopeful life may be back to some form of normality by then. Either way, like everyone else I’ll be taking advice and following the government’s instructions.

On a lighter note, many thanks to the readers who have been in touch since the ‘stay at home’ directive came into force with news that they are enjoying my novels. Some have even gone back to the first in the series, ‘Teacher, Teacher’ and intend to work their way through each novel. Good luck with that!

Also sincere thanks to the countless readers, particularly those from Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, and France, who have emailed me saying how much they enjoyed the latest novel. I've received a number of emails from partially sighted readers who are enjoying the audio editions of the Teacher series. So thank you . . . it is rewarding to think my stories are providing some relaxing entertainment in your lives.

In the meantime, best wishes to you all, keep safe and happy reading,

Jack