Wednesday 15 September 2010

Hooking up, with a trio of writer buds...

Recently I took a hard-earned break and headed up to Scotland to spend some time with my long-time writing bud, David Barber. It was great to finally see where Dave and his lovely family lived, and to take in the stunning scenery up in 'the heart of Scotland'. The snapshot (top left) was taken a stone's throw from Dave's home. And, despite Dave positioning himself, on that rock, to look taller than I, we all know the truth. The cool dude at the front is my lad. It seemed fitting to celebrate the finishing of my crime novel and the good news on the agent front, with my old school pal. We had a damn good laugh, 'chewed the fat' about writing, and I sampled not only a few bottles of a dark Scottish ale, but also Dave's age-old whisky. Needless to say, I can't recall much else of my trip!However, one place I couldn't forget was Loch Lubnaig, where Dave says he beat me at skimming stones. Funny how every time I did a 'sixer' or 'niner' he seemed to be looking away, so it didn't count. Dave 'n' Lisa took us all over the place during our short stay... to several lochs, water falls, castles, a wildlife park, and Rob Roy's grave, to name a few. And our kids got on just great. One thing's for sure: we'll be back again next year.
On our return I couldn't possibly miss out on hooking up with a man who's been not only a great mate, but also an inspiration to me, and many other aspiring writers... thriller author, Matt Hilton. We met in Carlisle and, as a thank you for all his support, I bought him 'dinner'. We celebrated my recent good news in true northern style... with a cappuccino at McDonalds! (The champagne's on ice - just hope it dunt melt).
Then we were off again, eastwards, to a family wedding in Lincoln, which was thoroughly enjoyable. However, since the kids wanted to see The Humber Bridge, and I wanted to meet up with another writing bud, we took the scenic route home, and headed for Hull... Nick Quantrill territory...
Hands up if you've ever played football on the shores of the The Humber with a crime novelist... Yep, Nick, me lad 'n' I did just that, as we had a good old chinwag about this writing lark and the (mis)fortunes of our respective footy teams: Hull and Manchester City. At 1.4 miles long, the Humber Bridge is mightily impressive, akin to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. But I think that's where the similarities with Hull end! Nuff said.

It was great to see Dave, Matt 'n' Nick, three better lads you couldn't wish to meet.

Ps. 'Stuff' is happening re' the novel, but I'm frankly too scared to tempt fate. It's somewhat surreal, as I'm at the 'wondering' stage in a kind of torturous limbo...

10 comments:

Lee Hughes said...

A much well deserved break, glad you had a great time feller.

Alan Griffiths said...

Sounds like you had a great time and a well deserved break, Col.

My fingers are firmly crossed that further good news is on its way to you about your forthcoming novel and richly deserved.

Kind regards.

Paul D Brazill said...

What a dodgy bunch! Good on yer, cobber!

Sean Patrick Reardon said...

Great recap of your trip Col. The pics and your narration are so entertaining. Your "lad" is a lucky kid. Seems like you really needed a well deserved break. Go get'm man!

Unknown said...

Cheers, chaps.
Three more geezers I'd love to have a few beers with!

Unknown said...

Oops... make that FOUR - soz Sean, n thanks, fella.

Lily Childs said...

Glad you had such a great break and mini Author fest.

We will await your ongoing news with baited breath :)

Joleen said...

You're having fun with the drunken writer stereotypes by the sound of it, disgraceful stuff altogether, hehe! Meeting up with other writers and discussing the craft is always great fun.

David Barber said...

Who's that bloke you're with on the first picture. He looks short and sober! HA! You positioned yourself well on that rock, mate.

It was great having you and your lovely family stay with us. Hey, maybe my "Two Blokes" will remember what we were talking about after our many beers, wines, food and whisky and they'll let me know so I can write it up! :-)

Fingers crossed for whatever comes up regarding your novel. If anyone deserves the rich fruits of success, you do mate. You've stuck at it and helped others on the way (ME) and kept your family life going as well. Huge hat tip, bud.

Let me know what happens.

Love to your clan. x (That's not gay is it, that little "kiss"? I aint bothered anyway. I'm a Manc!!)

Unknown said...

Lil, Joleen - thanks for your kind comments.

Dave - cheers, bud. You've really stumbled across summat with those two blokes in a pub. And here's me thinking you were tee-total :)

Same again next year, eh?
x (down boy!)