SEPTEMBER 2020
It’s September and my latest novel ‘Back to School’ is now in the bookshops. Many thanks to the large numbers who have ordered a copy and I do hope you enjoy the latest Teacher story.
Sadly, I was unable to do my usual signing tour owing to current restrictions and this has been a disappointment. It has always been good to catch up with my readers but this year has proved the exception.
‘Back to School’ was published on 3rd September 2020 and is the 13th novel in the series. It’s a prequel set in 1969/70 when the young Jack Sheffield is appointed to a tough school in the West Riding of Yorkshire. It follows Jack’s life throughout the academic year and includes some serious drama!
Now I’m in the middle of Blog Tours and Zoom meetings . . . a new experience for me!
Recently I left my self-isolation to visit the ISIS studio studio in Oxford to make an audio recording of ‘Back to School’. For a couple of days I sat in front of a lectern and a microphone reading a hard copy in large print on A4 paper. The studio engineer was excellent and completed successfully an unabridged version lasting around ten hours. Thanks to all my partially-sighted fans out there who have encouraged me to continue recording each novel. I know this brings some relaxing entertainment to your lives.
During lockdown I completed number 14 in the Teacher series and, following discussions with my editor at Penguin Random House, the second draft has been submitted. The working title is ‘School Days’ but this may change nearer to publication next year. This new novel is another prequel and is set in the academic year 1976/77. It features the life and loves of the young Jack Sheffield during the year before becoming head teacher of Ragley School in North Yorkshire.
Along with my proposed book signings, talks are also on hold at present. This includes the Literary Lunch at the prestigious Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall. In light of current restrictions regarding dining another date is being considered for later in the year or in 2021.
One event that did take place was the invitation from the Open University to participate in an on line panel with the best-selling author Carole Matthews. It was great fun and hosted with great enthusiasm by the effervescent Cinnomen McGuigan. The audience comprised around 500 students and the questions related to our work as authors. It was definitely a lively event and can be viewed here.
Also on 9th October at 7.00 p.m. I’ve been invited to host a Creative Writing Competition on Zoom that forms part of the on line Milton Keynes Literary Festival which should be a great experience.
So, busy times!
In the meantime, best wishes to you all, keep safe and happy reading,
Jack