MARCH 2021
I’m writing this the day after the Budget and hoping it plots a way forward out of the global pandemic. It’s also the week before pupils go back to school so the latest Teacher novel certainly has an appropriate title. Many thanks to the countless readers who have been in touch to say how much they enjoyed this latest prequel set when the young Jack Sheffield was starting out in his career.
Currently I’m busy with a new novel, working title ‘Finishing School’, after hearing I’ve been offered a new two-book deal by Penguin Random House. This was exciting news and gives me a focus for my writing during the next couple of years. This novel will be the last in the Teacher series so it will be an emotional farewell to characters I have grown to love over the past fourteen years. Then it will be time for a new venture and a new series set in Higher Education and based on my experiences as a University Lecturer while training teachers.
Meanwhile my lockdown life continues with my writing along with breaks for coffee, meals and a walk up the hill to the local church. However, I’m in the same bubble as two of my grandchildren age 12 and 8 so I occasionally assist with the online schooling. While some of the science has been demanding my absolute favourite has been the ‘food technology’ lessons with the 8 year old, not least because you can eat the results! Last week it was chocolate chip cookies and the week before it was lemon drizzle cake so I’ll be interested to discover this afternoon’s recipe.
I ought to mention I’ve been missing libraries. Research for my novels is a huge part of my life and when I first began the Teacher series I used to visit York Library. Now most of what I need is on line or via a telephone conversation. So life has moved on. Even so, I’m looking forward to getting back into our many wonderful libraries. I’ve always considered them the cornerstone of a civilised society.
The new novel, ‘School Days’, will be published on 9 September 2021 and is another prequel set in 1976/77. The art work for the cover is terrific and you really have to admire the skill of the artist and the production team at Penguin Random House.
The current restrictions have also impacted on my long awaited Literary Lunch event at the prestigious Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall and this will no doubt be rescheduled.
In the meantime it’s back to my desk and another novel.
So best wishes to you all, keep safe and happy reading,
Jack