Clearwater Companion: Bible Notes: Andrej

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Andrej Borysko Yakiv Kolisnychenko (Fecker or Fecks) is one of the most enduring characters of the Clearwater and Larkspur series, and he began life as someone else.

As part of my online Clearwater Companion, a guide to the series with notes and other material that I didn’t use in the books, I am putting up a transcript of my bible notes. My ‘bible’ being the main notebook(s) in which I record character and other details so, in theory, I don’t contradict myself later. Today, I’m going to share my notes on Fecker, as he became known in ‘Deviant Desire.’

He started out as Andy, an East End lad, an Artful Dodger to Silas’ Oliver, but I soon realised that a) he wasn’t an Artful Dodger (if anyone, that was Silas) and b) he shouldn’t be an Eastender but an immigrant, and he shouldn’t be gay but straight. There were so many nationalities living in London’s East End at the time of the story, (1888) that the chances are, Silas’ best mate would be from abroad. So, I made him Russian, then German, then settled on Ukrainian, because it was slightly more unusual. As the stories progressed, so did his background because he was a character that formed as I went, rather than being one who arrived on the page fully formed. Creating as you go like this necessitates a well-kept bible, and I’m not always very good at keeping notes, so some of Fecks’ details got lost in my memory, which is one reason we never know exactly how old he is.

As the series progressed, so I wanted to understand more about him and Silas and how they met, and that’s how the prequel, ‘Banyak & Fecks’ came about. Now, after finishing two series during which Fecks goes from fleeing the Russian army in Ukraine, to moving into Academy House as an Austrian Baron, I realise that he is the backbone of both series. All 18 books are really only about him, except they are not, and he is only in the distance in some, while at the forefront of others. He’s my shadow character, the one whose life changes in an epic fashion though mainly in the background as we follow the lives of the others.

Still… Enough rambling. Below are my basic notes, and there are not many of them.

Andrej when he believed he was descended from the Cossacks, hence the long hair. This is one of the depictions created by my cover designer, Andjela, and it captures Fecker’s nobleness and stature.

Andrej Borysko Yakiv Kolisnychenko (Fecker or Fecks)

I have to admit that Fecks always had a vague timeline, and no-one is sure of his exact age, including himself. I wrote an outline of his life when writing ‘Banyak & Fecks’, and some of the dates below do not now correspond with what is in the books. However, what is in the books is as accurate as it can be. In Fecks’ case, there are notes from my bible and from other files.

From the bible.

Andrej Borysko Yakiv Kolisnychenko, “Fecker” or “Fecks” nickname.
Born 1867. Ukrainian. Born around Easter.
In 1888, is 19, fix-foot-two (later six-foot-four), blond, long hair, built like a docker.
Strong, Blue eyes, on streets since 14 (1883), straight, quiet, loyal, wars a greatcoat, generous, dopey, doesn’t swim.
Can understand English and speak it okay, but chooses not to.
‘Big everywhere’ (massive dick).
Silas’ stone, taken from burnt house, was Danylo’s.
Khanjali, Fecker’s knife.
Shuska, Cossack sword.

From my other notes:

Born in March 1867

He thinks he is about 19, as does Silas, but he is actually 21 in 1888, and doesn’t know his exact birthday. He thinks it is around Easter as he remembers celebrations near his birthday and thought they were for him.

He was born inland from Odessa, towards Kiev, in the Mykolaiv region. (Serbka.)

Family

Parents                        Father Borysko 1840 to 1878 (Turkish War)                                    Mother 1842 to 1869 (childbirth)
Poor farmers with five children:
Danylo                        1859 possibly still alive
Vladsylav                    1861 to 1879
Alina                           1864 to 1876
Andrej (Fecker)          1866 (?)
Daria                           1869 possibly still alive

His Names and meaning.

Andrej                         Andrew, manly, masculine
Borysko                      Fight/Battle
Yakiv                           James, Jacob, supplant
Kolisnychenko            The longest Ukrainian surname I could find, lol.

Mykolayiv Region

The boundless fields of Pobuzhzhya and Ingul River region, green vineyards and wonderful flowering gardens under bottomless blue sky is Mykolayiv land.

The agriculture is the leading industry of the regional economy. Mykolayiv Region makes significance payment in strengthening of the country, producing almost seven percents of cereals and sunflower, three percents of gross milk production. The production of cereals and sunflower per capita in the region exceeds the proper indexes on average in Ukraine by three times as well as milk – 10 percents. (wiki)

 YearAge Real ageEvents
1867 0Fecker born Andrej Borysko Yakiv Kolisnychenko Danylo aged 8 (1859), Vladyslav aged 6 (1861) Alina aged 3 (1864)
1868 1 
186902Daria born – mother died in childbirth Compulsory education introduced in Russia
187013Father remarried much younger girl, Fecks considers her mother
187124 
187235 
187346Fecker compulsory schooling. Farm working. Horses a particular love
187457Poverty
187568Danylo general conscription
187679One sister died (Alina, aged 12 at hands of Russian soldiers)
1877810Vlad general conscription
1878911Fecker taught fencing by older brother Danylo and other military roles – tough life, local land skirmishes, learnt to look after himself. Father died, mother left with younger sister Daria, brother away so Fecker left alone to cope with farm.
18791012Vlad killed in a battle in Turkish War/Balkans; dad dead, step-mum and sister gone, other sister dead and then Danylo goes missing after Turkish War. (Possibly to turn up later in a story?)
18801113Fled Ukraine made his own way across Europe, through Austria-Hungary (Moldova, Romania) Working where he could, fighting off abuse and mistreatment when he joined a traveling group of circus horsemen. Killed a man who was trying to rape him and fled towards Hungary
18811214Across Hungary and Slovenia, working, looking after horses, taken in by an older woman and family Left there when woman’s husband returned from war, mad and angry.
18821315Arrived Italy. Crossing towards Med coast, had first experience of sex for sale. Stowed away on a ship not knowing where it was bound. He probably caught the ship in Genoa, but can’t remember the name of the place. Was discovered at sea and able to stay thanks to sexual favours; learnt his trade. Arrived in London in the autumn
18831416Met Silas (book one) Renting
18841517Renting/dock work
18851618Renting/dock work
18861719Renting/dock work
18871820Renting/dock work
18881921Deviant Desire – moves to Clearwater House

Feck appears on more than one cover:

Fecks & Banyak
On a charger on his way to rescue damsels in distress.
Fecks is 2nd from the right, between Prof Fleet (centre) and Will Merrit.

WIP: Chapter 15. Again.

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Follow the Van

Today’s update: I am just about to rewrite chapter 15. I started the story with a draft outline that gave me a beginning and some idea for the middle, but no ending. I thought, ‘I’ll come back to that later,’ and now is the time to come back to it. However, along the way, I have set up some events for the middle which now won’t work if I go down the preferred ending route. In fact, I think I have too many ideas going on and need to weed some out.

That’s what chapter 15 seems to be about: the moment when my main character will go one way or the other, and I’m not 100% sure which way he should go. I think I was origin he’d make up my mind for me, but he hasn’t yet. So, I am going to start rewriting that pivotal chapter and see what happens, because I am still undecided about which way the ending of this story will go.

I know what I mean! Lol. It will all come right in the end. The problem with Follow the Van has been interruptions. First, by writing and putting out ‘1892’ which, I am pleased to say, continues to sell and is doing well, and then by Christmas, then by New Year, and then by this flu which still hasn’t left me alone and keeps coming back.

So, this week’s output has been low-level, but I am aiming to pick up the pace now that I have no other distractions, apart from trying to find some new freelance work so I can make some real money, and then there’s the music and piano lessons, and building my model, and trying to get back into walking, and…

Right! Back to chapter 15…

The British Music Hall

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Hi, all. Today, I wanted to draw together some info about the British Music Hall, because that’s currently where I am with ‘Follow the Van,’ the third Delamere mystery. I have Jeck Merrit investigating a theft and finding himself at the Gaiety Theatre, Strand, London, in 1892. As soon as I’ve posted this post, I am going to take a quick walk around my village while I put together some of Jack’s father’s backstory and then, when I return, I’ll write out the chapter. Meanwhile, here’s a quick summary of the history of the music hall, and of the Gaiety Theatre. (Photos from Arthur Lloyd.)

The British Music Hall

The British music hall was a popular form of entertainment in the United Kingdom from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century. It was characterized by a variety of performances, including music, comedy, dance, and theatrical acts, typically held in large public venues known as music halls.

The music hall at Roman Road, London

The music hall tradition can be traced back to taverns and coffeehouses where live entertainment was provided alongside food and drink. As the popularity of these performances grew, purpose-built music halls began to appear in cities across the UK. Music halls were large, typically ornate venues that accommodated a diverse audience. The architecture often featured balconies, galleries, and a stage at one end. Some famous music halls included the Alhambra, the London Pavilion, and the Empire.

The variety of acts in a music hall show was one of its defining features. Performers included singers, comedians, dancers, magicians, acrobats, ventriloquists, and more. The diverse lineup catered to a broad audience with different tastes. Comedy played a significant role in music hall performances. Comedians often delivered sketches, monologues, or slapstick routines. Some well-known comedians of the time included Marie Lloyd, Dan Leno, and George Formby.

Live music was a staple of the music hall, with performers singing popular songs of the day. The songs ranged from sentimental ballads to humorous tunes. Many music hall songs became hits and were widely known. Music hall shows often encouraged audience participation. Sing-alongs and call-and-response interactions were common, creating an engaging and lively atmosphere.

The Gaiety Theatre, Aldwych, London

The music hall was a significant cultural phenomenon, serving as a popular form of entertainment for people from various social classes. It played a role in shaping popular culture and influencing later forms of entertainment. The decline of the music hall began in the early 20th century, influenced by the rise of cinema and changes in popular entertainment tastes. The decline accelerated after World War I, and many music halls were either converted into cinemas or demolished.

While the traditional music hall format largely disappeared, its influence can still be seen in modern forms of entertainment, and some elements of the music hall tradition have endured in contemporary variety shows and live performances.

The Gaiety Theatre

The Gaiety Theatre, located on the Strand in London, was a prominent Victorian-era theatre known for its contributions to musical theatre and light entertainment.

Inside the Gaiety when it opened in 1869

Opening and Early Years.
The Gaiety Theatre opened on December 21, 1868, on the site of the former Lyceum Theatre. The early years of the Gaiety were marked by a mix of drama and light entertainment, but its focus shifted more towards musical productions as time went on.

Management by John Hollingshead.
The Gaiety gained fame under the management of John Hollingshead, who took over in 1868. Under his direction, the theatre became synonymous with musical burlesque and operettas. Hollingshead aimed to provide light and humorous entertainment, catering to a wide audience.

Musical Burlesque and Gilbert and Sullivan Collaborations.
The Gaiety Theatre became famous for its musical burlesques, which were satirical and often featured humorous parodies of popular operas and plays. In the 1880s, the theatre hosted a series of successful productions by W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, including “Patience” and “The Mikado.”

The Gaiety Girls.
The Gaiety became particularly associated with the “Gaiety Girls,” a term coined to refer to the chorus girls who appeared in the theatre’s productions. These young women were known for their beauty and vivacity, and their presence added to the overall appeal of the Gaiety’s shows.

Architectural Features.
The Gaiety Theatre underwent several renovations and changes over the years. Architect C.J. Phipps designed the original building, and subsequent modifications were made by other architects. The theatre had a distinctive horseshoe-shaped auditorium and a lavish interior.

Later Years and Closure.
The Gaiety continued to be a popular venue for musical productions into the early 20th century. However, like many other traditional theatres, it faced challenges from changing audience tastes and competition from newer forms of entertainment. The Gaiety closed in 1939 and was eventually demolished in 1956.

Legacy.
The Gaiety Theatre left a lasting legacy on the London theatrical scene, particularly in the realm of musical theatre. It played a crucial role in popularizing musical burlesque and operettas, influencing the development of the genre. The Gaiety’s focus on light entertainment and the “Gaiety Girls” also left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Victorian and Edwardian London.

You can find more about the Gaiety at Arthur Lloyd .co.uk.

2024 Starts in 1892

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Hello everyone. I hope you had a good holiday season and New Year and are back ready to give 2024 all the attention it deserves. I am. We’ve been away, as you probably know, so there’s not been much writing going on, but I am, today, getting back to it. I left ‘Follow the Van’ at 41,000 words, which is only a slight worry because it’s only about a quarter of the way in – but that means there will be lots of juicy bits to cut when I get to draft two. I’m back at the desk now and will be ploughing on and getting back to…

1892

One of the main reasons for us going away was to see the Greek National Opera’s production of Sondheim’s ‘Into The Woods’, my favourite of his musicals. This, we did before I got ill (I had to miss our trip to the National Ballet later in the week), and what a production it was. I have always been mesmerised by the way a simple stage, lights and humans can transform a space into a world and tell a story; like putting together a good book and making something special from nothing. A fabulous New Year’s Eve treat followed by a dinner with our godson and his mum with whom we were travelling, fireworks over the Acropolis viewed from our dinner table, and generally, a great time had by all.

It included trips to the barber, a music store, a model shop, a musical instrument museum, various restaurants, a shopping mall, a proper cinema, a bowling alley, and many other treats and fun times. You can read more about them on my other blog this week; click over to my personal life blog at www.symidream.com and you’ll see many more photos.

So, I am back to work, and the work-in-progress blog will be here every Wednesday while the other general chat and research blog will be here every Saturday. Normal service can now be resumed as we steam ahead into 1892 during 2024.

I know what I mean.

Merry Christmas from the Clearwater Family

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For those who don’t celebrate Christmas, here’s wishing you a happy holiday, a sensational solstice, or simply, a pleasant break. To finish my posting for 2023 (as I will now be away until January 8th), I’ve put together a few notes on the kind of Christmas some of the Clearwater characters would have enjoyed. Many of the traditions we still use in Britain today began in the Victorian era, so there’s a little information about them too.

If you’ve read three Clearwater books, ‘Fallen Splendour’, ‘The Larkspur Legacy’, and/or ‘1892’, you will have already read a little about how Earl Clearwater celebrates Christmas at Larkspur Hall. Because Clearwater is a benevolent and philanthropic fellow, he invites everyone from his estate, from his top man, Tom Payne the estate steward, to the children of his tenant farmers, and he gives each of them a special gift. These are usually bought on his behalf by his housekeeper, as Archer is actually pretty bad at buying gifts for people. Larkspur has seen three housekeepers during the time we’ve spent there in the novels; Mrs Baker, Mrs Kevern, and now, as Sally Kevern went to housekeep for her best friend, Lucy, Jasper Blackwood, making Jasper the country’s youngest, male, piano-playing-genius housekeeper. I like to keep things eccentric at Larkspur.

Christmas at Larkspur? (Pst! It’s actually Chatsworth House.)

However, not everyone would have enjoyed the huge tree, the feast, gifts and warmth offered by Larkspur Hall. Let’s not forget the poor and homeless of London and other cities, who had very little, if anything, to celebrate. We know that Archer and Silas’ mission in Greychurch would have taken care of its boys, and Archer’s other charities would have looked after their charges, but for the general poor public, times were hard. Not only because of the weather and lack of money and food, but because they would have seen and heard about the lavish celebrations organised by the better off, and yet, there would have been nothing they could have done about it. According to Dickens in ‘A Christmas Carol’, the poor got on with it, suffered, were grateful for what they had, and made the best of a bad job. That’s something of a sugary coating if you ask me, but a lot of how we now feel about Christmas and the generosity some show to the poor at this time was inspired by Dickens and his novel.

Back to the details. Here’s what I cobbled together from various places on the net. A short breakdown of the traditions of a Victorian Christmas.

Christmas in Victorian London was a time of both traditions and transformations. The Victorian era, which lasted from the early 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century, saw significant changes in society, industry, and culture. During this period, many of the Christmas customs we know today were popularized and became integral to the holiday season.

Christmas Decorations

The Christmas tree was introduced to England by Queen Victoria’s German husband, Prince Albert, and became a popular Victorian Christmas tradition. Families adorned their trees with candles, ornaments, and small gifts.

Holly, ivy, and mistletoe were commonly used for decorations. These evergreen plants symbolized renewal and were believed to ward off evil spirits. (Inspired by pre-Christian solstice celebrations.)

Christmas Feasting

Christmas feasts were elaborate affairs with a variety of dishes. Roast turkey or goose was a popular choice, accompanied by side dishes like plum pudding, mince pies, and Christmas cake.

The Christmas pudding, a dense and rich dessert, became a staple of Victorian Christmas celebrations.

Keel Hall, UK, but not unlike Larkspur?

Gift-Giving

The Victorians embraced the tradition of gift-giving during Christmas. Handmade gifts and small trinkets were exchanged among family and friends.

Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol,’ published in 1843, contributed to the popularization of Christmas as a time for generosity and goodwill, emphasizing the importance of charity and compassion.

Christmas Carolling

Carolling gained popularity during the Victorian era. Groups of singers would visit homes and entertain with Christmas carols. (Again, based on a much earlier tradition of mummers and wassailing, I believe.)

Familiar carols such as ‘Silent Night’ and ‘O Holy Night’ were sung, and new carols were composed during this time.

[By the way, my favourite carol/hymn of the season is ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ with words by Christina Rossetti (1872). The poem became a hymn when published in the English Hymnal in 1906, with a tune by Gustave Holst, and that’s my favourite of the various tunes composed to accompany the words.]

The Royal Family at Christmas

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Christmas Eve was often a time for family gatherings and festive meals, as happens at Larkspur Hall. The opening of presents and the exchange of gifts also occurred on Christmas Eve in some households.

Christmas Day was marked by attending church services in the morning, followed by a festive meal and various forms of entertainment.

Street Celebrations

Public celebrations in the streets were common, with markets selling seasonal goods and treats. Streets and shops were decorated with festive lights and greenery. They still are.

Victorian Christmas Cards

The tradition of sending Christmas cards became popular during the Victorian era. The first commercial Christmas card was produced in 1843, the same year Dickens published “A Christmas Carol.”

There’s a reference to Christmas Cards and the post in one of the early Clearwater books, but I can’t remember which one. James Wright, when a messenger, complained about the amount of post now being sent… It might have been another character, but at least it got a mention.

Despite the emphasis on festive celebrations, not everyone in Victorian London experienced a joyous Christmas. The disparity between the wealthy and the impoverished was stark, and charitable efforts during the Christmas season aimed to address the needs of the less fortunate. The Victorian influence on Christmas traditions has left a lasting legacy, shaping many aspects of how we celebrate the holiday today.

However you celebrate, or even if you don’t, I wish you a peaceful Christmas and New Year period during which, if you’ve nothing else to do, you can explore the Clearwater back catalogue and any of my other novels you’ve not yet read. [Click for the full list]

A heartfelt thank you to all my readers, particularly you, if you have left a review or joined in on my Facebook pages, shared links and done your bit, or even if you’re a silent reader… Everyone! Happy Christmas and I will see you next year. Remember, as I always say, if you keep reading, I’ll keep writing.

All the best!

Jackson Marsh – James Collins
Professor Fleet – Husband Neil
Mrs Norwood – Jenine the PA
And the whole team.

The Last WIP Update of 2023

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Hi folks, I’ll be posting something on Saturday, and then heading off into the holiday season straight after that. I will, though be on Facebook as usual, and if you keep an eye on my page there, you should see some shots of our madcap family Christmas and a trip to Athens we have arranged for the week after.

Meanwhile, a quick update on my work in progress: Follow the Van.

I have managed to move things on a little since my last post, when I was focusing on the release of ‘1892’ which, I am pleased to say, is doing well and has already gained several five-star rates and a couple of excellent reviews around the world, Canada and Australia, actually, which is excellent.

As for ‘Follow the Van’, that’s now up to 35,000 words and I am having one of those moments when the story is flowing, lots is building up, and I am approaching a halfway mark and yet… Oops! There’s a lot to set correctly in this one and I seem to be taking the time to construct a lead-in to the untwisting of the mystery. That’s not a problem, though, because when it starts, it’s going to unravel pretty quickly and, with strong foundations laid, it should be a fast and furious ride to the end. I shouldn’t read too much into that. It will probably all change when I get back to writing after my holiday.

Until then, I am still writing away, although today, I must also see about a kitchen light, write a review for one of my companies, play the piano a bit, and meet a friend for Christmas drinks tonight, but in between all of that, there will be some typing on ‘Follow the Van.’

Btw, part of the plot involves a song and a clue to the mystery is contained within it, so I have set about writing a late-Victorian music hall song in the appropriate style. I’m basing the lyrics on the song from which the book gets its title, ‘Don’t Dilly Dally on the Way.’ (The ‘way’ perhaps being a reference to Jack Merrit finding his feet and falling in love in ‘Fining a Way.’) The original song wasn’t written until 1919, but I’m only using the scansion and rhythm, not the words, so I think that’s fair. Also, I wanted a song that the reader might know, so that they could more easily imaging the song being sung, and I’m pretty sure most British people at least would have heard the song:

My old man said “Foller the van,
And don’t dilly dally on the way”.
Off went the van wiv me ‘ome packed in it,
I walked behind wiv me old cock linnet.
But I dillied and dallied, dallied and I dillied
Lost me way and don’t know where to roam.
Well you can’t trust a special like the old time coppers
When you can’t find your way ‘ome.

I’m not sure if that’s the original spelling, but you know what I mean.

Now, I must find my way home, pop the kettle on and settle down to do some writing. See you on Saturday!

1892 Review

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The news today is that ‘1892’ is now available in paperback. Here’s the link:

At the moment, Amazon is only showing the Kindle version, but the paperback link should appear with it soon. It is also available in 11 other Amazon countries, namely: UK, DE, FR, ES, IT, NL, PL, SE, JP, CA and AU.

What’s even better is the review left by Anthony Pisacano. Titled, A Wonderful Christmas Gift!, this is a great review because it gives a succinct outline while not giving anything away, and I couldn’t have put it better myself. Here’s what the review says in full:

Jackson Marsh has gifted his readers another treasure from his Clearwater Tales.

On a train bound for the Christmas Eve festivities at Larkspur Hall, a Baron, housekeeper, detective, antiquarian and a professor, relate to each other tales from their past.

A priest is also in attendance but not for the same reason. He is made welcome to their first-class coach, and becomes privy to their personal stories.

Each story gives us a closer look into the background of the characters we have come to know through the previous stories associated with the Clearwater Mysteries.

I especially enjoyed the Professor’s tale as his background was not divulged when we met him during the Larkspur Mystery series.

I thoroughly enjoyed the tales especially the final “priest’s” tale, which left me with a lump in my throat.

I am so glad I discovered Jackson Marsh’s books. His storytelling is expertly detailed, keeps you interested and wanting more, and he has a great sense of humour that he instils into his characters.

1892 (The Clearwater Tales) is a must-read, and I strongly urge familiarizing yourself with Jackson Marsh’s other books.

I can’t think of a better gift than this!

What can I say but thank you! Hopefully, this review might inspire other readers to follow suit, if not with a review of ‘1892’ then with a review of any of my books. Such things are always useful, because I can do what I’ve done here and pull quotes (or the whole thing) and use them to attract other readers.

As for other news, we are gearing up for a Christmas break which, for me, will begin next weekend and run to the 6th or 7th of January. This year, I shall be closing down next Saturday and giving myself a rest, or at least giving my back a rest from constant desk-sitting and typing. My imagination will not rest, and I’ll be taking a notebook with me when we go to Athens just after Christmas. I’ll post pics and posts on my Facebook pages while we’re away, so you can also enjoy Athens at New Year.

There will be a work-in-progress update on Wednesday and a final blog post of the year next Saturday. In the meantime, thank you to everyone who downloaded the free copy of ‘1892’, and to everyone who continues to support my little writing endeavour, which, as Jackson Marsh, now stands at 30 titles. Eek!

Our sitting room is ready for Christmas!

WIP: 1892 Published in Kindle

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Good morning. The news this Wednesday is quite simple. My recent work in progress, 1892, is now out in Kindle format and on KU. The paperback version will be a little while longer because we needed to adjust the spine and its text (my fault), but hopefully, it will be with us within the week. This means I can get back to my other work in progress, ‘Follow the Van’ which I have started revisiting after a few weeks away.

It’s always a good idea to keep notes as you’re writing a first draft, and I have a book beside me with the notes I make when writing or rereading a chapter. This is particularly important with a mystery or a detective novel because there are so many tiny facts which have to be consistent. I reread my notes, put them in order again, transfer them to the main, larger notebook on my writing table, and then completely forget what I’ve just noted. Each time I go through the draft chapters to refresh myself, I make more notes, until I have all manner of lists and ideas, details and pointers hanging around beside me.

Another thing I’ve started doing with the Delamere series is to make some notes within the manuscript. I use footnotes to remind myself to check I have tied up a thread or answered a question. Put another way, when I write something I know needs explaining later, I put a footnote to remind myself ‘Make sure this is explained later’ kind of thing. Then, when I read the draft back, I check the note, and if I’ve explained later, I delete it. If I haven’t, I leap forward to where it needs to be explained and make the change. While I am doing this, I am also going through my book, crossing out what’s been done, and preparing a separate list of what still needs to be clarified, cut or developed.

For now, I am going to work on ‘Follow the Van’ up until Christmas, and then take two weeks off – we’re all going to Athens for New Year; more about that another time. More about the WIP and other matters in time too. I’ll have my usual Saturday and Wednesday blogs up until 23rd December, and will then be away. So, if you’ve not downloaded your copy of ‘1892’ yet, here’s the Amazon.com link, though the book is available in other Amazon stores.

A Free Copy of the first Clearwater Tales

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Members of my private Facebook group will be able to take their free copy of my cosy Christmas short story collection, ‘1892’ on Monday and Tuesday of next week,

Here’s how you can claim your free copy of ‘1892, The Clearwater Tales, Volume One.’

Head to my private Facebook group, Jackson’s Deviant Desires and if you haven’t already joined the group.

You must do this by Monday when it will be possible to download a free copy of ‘1892’ from a post within the group.

The copy of the book will be in the Files section, found at the top of the group page.

The files will only be available on Monday and Tuesday, 11th and 12th December. I will take the files down on Wednesday morning, European time (GMT + 2).

1892 will also be on sale from early next week, on Amazon, in paperback, Kindle and on Kindle Unlimited.

Queer Reads

While you are waiting for that, don’t forget that three of my books are included in the Queer Reads book promo on BookFunnel. There are lots of titles there, each with a gay lit theme or story of some sort, and some are on offer.

The titles I have on promo there are Deviant Desire, Guardians of the Poor, and Finding a Way, the series starters for all three of my Victorian mystery series.

Welcome to New Readers

Here’s a quick hello to everyone who has joined our group and discovered my titles thanks to a promo in LGBTQ+ M/M Euro Book Banter that I was involved in last week. The group is running an advent calendar all through the month with a new author every day, and each author giving away a copy of one of their books. Fellow author Barbara Alsborg won my giveaway and claimed a copy of Deviant Desire, and there are still plenty more days to go on the advent calendar, so plenty more books to claim.

1892

If you miss the giveaway on Monday/Tuesday, look out for news of where you can pick up a copy of ‘1892’ from Amazon, or head to my author page and check there. I aim to upload the files and release the book on Monday to coincide with my private giveaway, so it should be available in plenty of time for you to curl up with a cosy and sometimes amusing read, as five favourite characters tell their stories.

I’ll be back with an update on Wednesday.

Promos and Giveaways

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I am almost ready to give away a copy of 1892 to every member of my private Facebook group, Jackson’s Deviant Desires. I have the second proof in, though I’ve yet to check them, but once I have, I’ll let you know the days on which you can collect a copy of the first in a new series.

Not to be confused with the Delamere Files which is also my new series. The 1892 collection will be the first in an ongoing set of short stories set in the Clearwater world, and other volumes will be set in other years. There’s no time structure for producing these, I will write and compile them as and when, but I certainly envisage more of them.

If you’ve not started on one of the series before, each of my series starters is being featured on a promo page at Book Funnel right now. That’s Deviant Desire, Guardians of the Poor, and Finding a Way.

This week, I’ve also been involved in an advent calendar on the Facebook group page of LGBTQ+ M/M Euro Book Banter. They are running this fun promo all the way until Christmas with a different author every day, and each one giving away a giveaway. I have done my day and will soon be announcing the winner. I mention it, because I thought you might be interested to see the group and find new authors who are, presumably, Europe-based, or who write novels and stories set in Europe.

There will be more news about the 1892 giveaway on Saturday. I will put it on my blog and on my FB group page, so make sure you have joined the private group before then.