August 2024
August 2024
This week I completed the first draft of the third novel in my ‘University’ series. It’s a story of 80k words and takes the reader on an eventful journey to Oslo, Vienna and York.
The first novel in the series, ‘University Tales’, is already out in bookshops and the second novel, ‘University Challenges’, will be launched on Thursday September 5th in Waterstones Milton Keynes. This will be followed by a variety of events including book signings in Waterstones York and Waterstones Alton along with Literary Lunches at Wentworth Woodhouse (September 8th) and RAC Woodcote Park (September 11th). I’ve also been invited to speak at several local events in Hampshire. The dates are on the Events page of this website.
Set in higher education at the end of the 1980s/early 1990s and based on my experience of working as a university lecturer during those times, these novels feature the adventures of my new main character, Tom Frith, a 33 year old lecturer. I do hope readers of my Teacher series will enjoy this new venture.
One of the highlights so far this year was my visit to the BBG Academy in Yorkshire for their Literary Festival and their Graduation Day. I was their guest speaker with an audience of 200 students, 400 parents plus staff. It was both a pleasure and a privilege to be involved and reminded me why teaching can be a great profession. The behaviour of the students at the Academy was outstanding, the ethos was excellent and the support from members of staff was much appreciated.
Earlier I was invited to give a talk to the ladies of the Chawton Women’s Institute. This, of course, is the Jane Austen village and one of the most visited in Hampshire. It was an excellent evening with superb organisation, ending with delicious lemon drizzle cake!
In the meantime, thanks to readers (and listeners) from all over the world who have purchased a copy of LAST DAY OF SCHOOL along with the audio version, the fifteenth and final novel in my Teacher series. I’ve also received many positive messages concerning the audio version of UNIVERSITY TALES which I’m told many of you have enjoyed, so congratulations to the professional reader, Geoff Leesley.
Finally, thanks to everyone who has been in touch to say how much they have appreciated both the Teacher series and the new University series and amount of enjoyment they have experienced while reading my gentle tales.
With best wishes,
Jack