Blog
The writer’s relationship with landscape
A page from my “crag book” Like many writers, my work is inspired by one thing above all else: landscape and its human context. My work is historical fiction first of all, but it’s also adventure writing about mountains and mountaineers. These adventurous activities would not exist without the
“Crowley’s Rival” takes shape. Plus: cover designs!
Crowley’s Rival is my current work in progress, and I’m glad to report that I am (just about) on track for a late December release. When finished it’s going to be a short work, somewhere between a short story and novella in length, depending on your definitions;
“We should think about turning back.”
The author fighting through a drift of fresh snow It’s the last day of my holiday in Glencoe. The original plan was to get out on the hill with my brother James and Isi Oakley (now assistant manager at the Ice Factor). We used to climb a lot as
Autumn snowcraft on Stob Coire nan Lochan
Broad Gully: one of the easiest snow routes in Glencoe. It didn’t feel much like winter today as I marched up the steep path towards Coire nan Lochan. Clear and dry unlike the day before, it actually felt rather warm and, sheltered from the cold wind, I was obliged
An aquatic scramble on the north face of Aonach Dubh
Ossian’s Cave I’m on holiday at the moment in Glencoe, staying at the Clachaig. As always, returning is a strange experience; it’s been over a year since my last visit, and for various reasons it no longer feels like home (although it will always be a second
“Breaching the Fortress” by Harold Raeburn: a companion article to OGJ
This is a fictional article I wrote some years ago as backstory for The Only Genuine Jones. It features a snapshot of the extended universe I have created for the story: a second attempt at the “Great Wall” of Ben Nevis (the Orion Direct route, in reality not climbed until
“The Only Genuine Jones” is now available on Kobo books
Just a quick announcement: The Only Genuine Jones is now available to purchase DRM-free from the Kobo bookstore. Get it here for £2.29. This means that the book is now available for all ereading devices, from Kindles to Palm Pilots and everything in between! In other news, I’m
A few more illustrations
Today I’ve been busy doing some more original drawings for the paperback edition of The Only Genuine Jones. It’s a time-consuming job but luckily it’s something I love doing. Although my drawing skills can’t match those of Whymper, I have tried to emulate his style. Whymper’
Illustrating the paperback edition
I am currently in the process of converting The Only Genuine Jones into a real paperback book through FeedARead. The company, which is a print-on-demand publisher, allows authors a huge amount of freedom when it comes to designing their books; in fact, you have the option of doing absolutely everything
Ninety-four years ago…
Afar in foreign graves they lie,not here where they would wish to be,“Under the wide and starry sky,”upheld by British crag and scree.And yet we felt their spirits dwell,amidst the circumambient air,above the heights they loved so well,austere, enchanting, cloud-capped, bare.For those