September 2024
September 2024
It’s been a busy month with the launch of the second novel in my University series, UNIVERSITY CHALLENGES.
Many thanks to Steph and the team at Waterstones Milton Keynes on 5th September when a large group of readers came along for the official launch. This is a wonderful bookshop and perfect for an event such as this.
On Saturday 7th September I was signing in Waterstones York and this has always been my spiritual home where I was a headteacher for so many years. Meeting up with old friends is always welcome. Once again the organisation and support was excellent.
The following day was particularly special – a Literary Lunch at Wentworth Woodhouse, a magnificent stately home in South Yorkshire. Particular thanks must go to Dame Julie Kenny for the invitation to give an illustrated talk following a superb lunch. The work she does to preserve and develop this magnificent Yorkshire building is now legendary.
On 10th September I was a guest on BBC Radio Yorkshire and thanks to Sam for the lively interview!
Yet another Literary Lunch followed on 11th September in the magnificent setting of RAC Woodcote Park. This really is the perfect venue and, once again, the events manager, Emily Pike, ensured all the guests enjoyed a wonderful lunch followed by my illustrated talk.
Finally, I returned to Hampshire on Saturday 14th September to my local market town where manager Kirsty hosted my book signing in Waterstones Alton.
Meanwhile, I have now completed the first draft of the third novel in my ‘University’ series and forwarded it to my editor and literary agent. It’s a story of 80k words and takes the reader on an eventful journey to Oslo, Vienna and York. As always, I’ll be interested to read their responses.
The first novel in the series, ‘University Tales’, is already out in bookshops. 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.
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