A New Year & A Good Read

Two weeks into January already. 2012 has arrived and I have now stopped using 2011 every time I write a date! Festivities are over and it’s back to reality.

Or at least it is for most people.

Me? I’m lucky. I can live in a world of my own making, my own choosing where the good guys win and the bad guys have a rotten time.

I also find that bad weather is conducive to writing. I can stay in my study, coal fire burning and escape to anywhere I like. For instance, the new Nick Hunter I am now editing has him chasing the bad guys in Switzerland over the New Year. Though I have to confess that even as I am writing it I wish I was there, enjoying the skiing and especially the apres ski.

I have just found a great site called Goodreads for book lovers. I have rated the books I have enjoyed as has Dorothy. If you register with the site be sure and “friend” us by selecting our names. That way you can see what books we love (and hate!). As we are both avid readers it will also be great for us to see your recommendations.

I have to start working on another national tour around the country soon. It does actually take a lot of planning to travel the UK, agree book-signing dates and find suitable places to stay that don’t cost an arm and a leg.

What a dreach (my favourite Scottish word) winter we have had. My son and his family were over from Switzerland and for 2 weeks it didn’t stop raining. And a couple of massive storms thrown in for good measure. Still, with television at its usual level – aimed at 12 year olds (I’m being generous when I say that) – a good book is a great way to spend an evening. Vince Flynn never disappoints. Or you could try A Million Tears or one of the Nick Hunter thrillers. Mayhem is still under a £1 for Kindle readers.

I hope 2012 is a good year for everyone.

To all new Kindle Readers

Welcome to everyone who has joined the world of Kindle. You can buy all the books (Turmoil coming soon). A Million Tears and Mayhem at 89p! What a bargain.
We have found it very liberating when you see a book to be able to do a quick download and you have it automatically. We still love books and always will but there is no doubt Kindles are here to stay.

Christmas and Status Quo

Christmas is approaching, and approaching fast. The time gap between last Christmas and this is shorter than in previous years. This fact I have become aware of each year for about the last ten. Is there anybody else who has found the same? Which means, come this Christmas, Christmas 2012 will be around Easter time.

Still, our grandson of 2 years will be visiting and isn’t it wonderful how the kids inject life into us? And as we all know, we can enjoy having them, enjoy the wonder and awe they will be feeling over the Christmas period and then, joy of all joys, having borrowed them, we can give them back! Just about perfect.

Those of you who use electronic gadgets to read books may like to know that TURMOIL will be available through Amazon – Kindle within the next week or so.

I have also written another Nick Hunter in record time. I have chosen a subject which is highly topical yet we don’t think has been written about up until now. That is one heck of a claim. So watch this space. If I am wrong no doubt somebody will correct me!!!

Finally, last Saturday we went to see the Status Quo concert in Glasgow. It was a packed audience. The music was excellent (especially the Roy Wood Band). However what spoiled it was the intensity of the flashing strobe lights. It is a while since I have been at a concert but in my time I have seen the Beatles, Cilla Black, Cliff Richard, Freddie and the Dreamers and a number of others. Of course they didn’t have the technology in those days but the concerts were brilliant because we were there to see the performers. The little I have seen of the X factor (trust me that is VERY little) the lighting and special effects are way over the top. That is fine – these youngsters are not experienced performers and probably need the effects. But Status Quo? Do the bright and overpowering effects enhance or detract from their music? I’d love to know what you think. Dorothy saw them at Knockhill a few years ago, without a massive stage production, and said the experience was far more enjoyable than on Saturday. So if anyone from the Quo’s management team are reading this…….

Have a great Christmas and New Year and, hopefully, I’ll see you next year as I travel the country visiting towns I would normally speed past while racing down a motorway.

Paul on BBC Radio Wales

Guest appearance on BBC Radio Wales Roy Noble Show. Click here if you missed it

Paul Henke author : a quick update

Our big news is that Methuen Publishing is now publishing Paul’s books and we are both delighted to be working with such a prestigious company.

Paul is now in the middle of writing THE BIG ONE – the fifth and final Tears book. As his biggest fan I am really looking forward to that. We had a fantastic trip to Hungary and stayed at the world famous Gellert Hotel in Budapest.

Paul did the first part of his summer book-signing tour round Waterstones throughout England in July. Just started the second part where he travels the length of the country from Wigan to Eastbourne.

If you wish to order direct, as well as Paul personalising and signing, I will also gift wrap and send to the recipient.

You can also purchase most of Paul’s books on KINDLE

To order the books you can pay by PAYPAL. Just click the box next to each book OR you can complete the order form. Remember and enter any personalisation details. If left blank, Paul will sign and date each book.

Also we are always pleased to take telephone orders (01360 440737). Paul and I really enjoy speaking to you when you call. It is nice to get to know his readers a bit more.