If there is one thing I have learned from a lifetime of interest into what is labelled as the paranormal, it is that people do somehow feel such things in ways we can neither explain nor understand. Almost everything you come across that is claimed to be ghosts, ESP, or whatever, can be put down to wishful thinking or fantasy, but beneath it all lies some element of truth, even if it is quiet and hard to find.
Thank you. I like David too. When I sat down to write Oliver’s Voice 15 years ago, I didn’t even know who David was. He just sort of appeared as the story progressed, and now he has his own series.
Oliver also became more than just a character in the first book, but to find out how you need to read books that are not even published yet. Oliver is not the quiet character you may think he is.
What I like is that David has an insane skill set yet is still an everyman. There are layers to his life that blend into the man he is when we are in the story (I say with a bit more knowledge - and giving no things away to anyone reading).
David would definitely work on television. There is nothing even slightly similar out there. Maybe one day, but I do not even know how to send him out into the world in books yet, never mind on the screen.
If I may be so bold…and I will be…it sounds like a confidence issue. I have read ‘Destruction of Faith’. It could easily be a Summer best seller at Waterstones - even for people who don’t read the genre it is one that you could pick up and take on hols. And not be disappointed.
I’m sure a pro editor would make a few suggestions but it is so close to publication level anyway that you could tout it to agents/publishing houses.
You may be so bold sir, and your boldness is appreciated thank you.
Funnily enough, Destruction of Faith was the hardest to get right. I really struggled to get that one to read the way I want it to. It took months to get from the first draft written about 5 years ago, to the way it is now. I had the right story in my head, but not in words, so I had to teach myself to overcome that. It may sound bonkers, but that is basically what I had to do.
I learned so much from that work of insane devotion that I then went back and rewrote both Oliver’s Voice and Gate in the Shadows, because they looked unfinished by comparison. I am now happy with all three, just waiting for some more kind people to read and give their thoughts before I hit the big P button.
I intend to take the plunge with Gate in the Shadows before Christmas, so I am getting there slowly. The amount I have learned since I dug out the draft of Oliver’s Voice almost exactly a year ago is mind blowing, and I have loved the journey.
I am writing this, not to blow smoke up my own arse, but hopefully to be read by others who may be struggling with writing and think it is all a bit too much. If you really want to do it, then you will, so just keep pushing through the hard days and the hard weeks and months.
Nigel this was so beautiful! Any writing that makes one feel is special. Particularly this part hit me: "It was such a happy memory. A mother doting on her son, proud of her little boy. How much time and love had she lavished on that boy who now sat next to her, fiddling with his phone, waiting for the time when he could go back home, or back to the office?"
I love how readers dont even need to have read your other David pieces and this one works as a standalone too because you've made the world so lived in and true to life, if you know what I mean. Very gentle and relatable with the emotions of the words
I have seen people badly hurt by this sort of unfairness in families, yet they still do their best, hold things together, and just seem to accept it. Some people are made of much stronger stuff than I am.
Love it. I love the idea that one can know what another feels, and therefore engage with them to comfort and care.
If there is one thing I have learned from a lifetime of interest into what is labelled as the paranormal, it is that people do somehow feel such things in ways we can neither explain nor understand. Almost everything you come across that is claimed to be ghosts, ESP, or whatever, can be put down to wishful thinking or fantasy, but beneath it all lies some element of truth, even if it is quiet and hard to find.
Thank you for putting this up. I like David - and this fills out more of who he is my head.
Thank you. I like David too. When I sat down to write Oliver’s Voice 15 years ago, I didn’t even know who David was. He just sort of appeared as the story progressed, and now he has his own series.
Oliver also became more than just a character in the first book, but to find out how you need to read books that are not even published yet. Oliver is not the quiet character you may think he is.
Strange how these things work out.
What I like is that David has an insane skill set yet is still an everyman. There are layers to his life that blend into the man he is when we are in the story (I say with a bit more knowledge - and giving no things away to anyone reading).
I stand by my ‘it should be a tv programme’ :)
David would definitely work on television. There is nothing even slightly similar out there. Maybe one day, but I do not even know how to send him out into the world in books yet, never mind on the screen.
If I may be so bold…and I will be…it sounds like a confidence issue. I have read ‘Destruction of Faith’. It could easily be a Summer best seller at Waterstones - even for people who don’t read the genre it is one that you could pick up and take on hols. And not be disappointed.
I’m sure a pro editor would make a few suggestions but it is so close to publication level anyway that you could tout it to agents/publishing houses.
Take the plunge…
You may be so bold sir, and your boldness is appreciated thank you.
Funnily enough, Destruction of Faith was the hardest to get right. I really struggled to get that one to read the way I want it to. It took months to get from the first draft written about 5 years ago, to the way it is now. I had the right story in my head, but not in words, so I had to teach myself to overcome that. It may sound bonkers, but that is basically what I had to do.
I learned so much from that work of insane devotion that I then went back and rewrote both Oliver’s Voice and Gate in the Shadows, because they looked unfinished by comparison. I am now happy with all three, just waiting for some more kind people to read and give their thoughts before I hit the big P button.
I intend to take the plunge with Gate in the Shadows before Christmas, so I am getting there slowly. The amount I have learned since I dug out the draft of Oliver’s Voice almost exactly a year ago is mind blowing, and I have loved the journey.
I am writing this, not to blow smoke up my own arse, but hopefully to be read by others who may be struggling with writing and think it is all a bit too much. If you really want to do it, then you will, so just keep pushing through the hard days and the hard weeks and months.
Get a move on! I'm waiting to say I know a famous author :)
A gentle story that really lets us into David Hammond's character. Nice one, Nigel
Thank you. David's life was fairly gentle in those days. He had no idea where he was heading.
I feel a little akin to David. Never was very close to my own family either.
David is based on somebody I think I know.
Me.
Ah no wonder I feel akin 😂
Nigel this was so beautiful! Any writing that makes one feel is special. Particularly this part hit me: "It was such a happy memory. A mother doting on her son, proud of her little boy. How much time and love had she lavished on that boy who now sat next to her, fiddling with his phone, waiting for the time when he could go back home, or back to the office?"
I love how readers dont even need to have read your other David pieces and this one works as a standalone too because you've made the world so lived in and true to life, if you know what I mean. Very gentle and relatable with the emotions of the words
Thank you so much. That means a lot.
I have seen people badly hurt by this sort of unfairness in families, yet they still do their best, hold things together, and just seem to accept it. Some people are made of much stronger stuff than I am.