AUGUST 2020
It’s mid August and it’s hot!
Sitting at my desk with the fan blasting away provides some relief. I’ve been sending out reminders to family and friends telling them that my signing schedule for the next Teacher novel has been postponed. This is a disappointment but, along with many other authors, book signings have become difficult.
‘Back to School’ will be published on 3rd September 2020 and is the 13th novel in the series. It’s a prequel set in 1969/70 when the young Jack Sheffield is appointed to a tough school in the West Riding of Yorkshire. It follows Jack’s life throughout the academic year and includes some serious drama!
Last month I left my self-isolation to visit the ISIS studio studio in Oxford to make an audio recording of ‘Back to School’. For a couple of days I sat in front of a lectern and a microphone reading a hard copy in large print on A4 paper. The studio engineer was excellent and completed successfully an unabridged version lasting around ten hours. Thanks to all my partially-sighted fans out there who have encouraged me to continue recording each novel. I know this brings some relaxing entertainment to your lives.
During lockdown I completed number 14 in the Teacher series and have submitted the first draft manuscript to my editor at Penguin Random House. Submission wasn’t due until October but my self-isolation meant I spent more hours at my desk. This new novel is another prequel and is set in the academic year 1976/77. It features the life and loves of the young Jack Sheffield during the year before becoming head teacher of Ragley School in North Yorkshire.
Along with my proposed book signings, talks are also on hold at present. This includes the Literary Lunch at the prestigious Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall. In light of current restrictions regarding dining another date is being considered for later in the year or in 2021.
One event that did take place was the invitation from the Open University to participate in an on line panel with the best-selling author Carole Matthews. It was great fun and hosted with great enthusiasm by the effervescent Cinnomen McGuigan. The audience comprised around 500 students and the questions related to our work as authors. It was definitely a lively event and can be viewed here.
During lockdown I’ve received excellent support from my editor and literary agent so many thanks. Also I’ve noticed an increase in readership during the lockdown including readers abroad and I’ve replied to every email that has come in from Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, and France.
So, busy times!
In the meantime, best wishes to you all, keep safe and happy reading,
Jack