I had a bit of bad news late last week. It seems the television programme about me, which I was expecting to happen soon, has been postponed until the autumn. There is no date for it to be shown. Sky apparently needs more time to think about publicising the Battle of Wills series, so I suppose that means the programme might have a bigger impact when it finally comes. But this is the third time they have postponed, and I am beginning to get tired of always living in anticipation.
Meanwhile, as if fate were offering me a small consolation prize - I always remember that saying of Maria von Trapp, "When God closes a door, he opens a window" - I have been journalised by a gentleman called Len Port, who stood me a nice alcoholic lunch. He is about to publish an article about me on his blog, and from there hopes to sell the story to various papers, for one of which, at least, The Daily Mail, he is a stringer.
Anyway, he is apparently a senior and respected journalist. I suppose it is unconventional for a criminal on the run to be giving his story to all and sundry, but my chief interest is in becoming known as a writer, and for that publicity, nowadays, is essential. I take myself less seriously as a criminal, and only hope the police share the same attitude. They are very short of money now, I am told, so they can only afford to go after the Mr Bigs. I am a Mr Small.
So I sit here in the internet cafe of this dull but noisy corner of southern Europe, blogging into the blue, checking lulu.com to see if anyone has ordered "The Olinda Angel" (no one has yet), checking the blog itself for any comments (there are none).
My feet are hurting terribly, and I am told I may have gout. Well, I can try anti-inflammatory tablets. They may do good, and cannot cause harm. One must not complain, or repine, and one is safe in the arms of God. Whether I write a blog or no blog, he is leading us thankfully to the land where no blogs are. Or might there be a Great Blogger in the Sky?
Meanwhile, as if fate were offering me a small consolation prize - I always remember that saying of Maria von Trapp, "When God closes a door, he opens a window" - I have been journalised by a gentleman called Len Port, who stood me a nice alcoholic lunch. He is about to publish an article about me on his blog, and from there hopes to sell the story to various papers, for one of which, at least, The Daily Mail, he is a stringer.
Anyway, he is apparently a senior and respected journalist. I suppose it is unconventional for a criminal on the run to be giving his story to all and sundry, but my chief interest is in becoming known as a writer, and for that publicity, nowadays, is essential. I take myself less seriously as a criminal, and only hope the police share the same attitude. They are very short of money now, I am told, so they can only afford to go after the Mr Bigs. I am a Mr Small.
So I sit here in the internet cafe of this dull but noisy corner of southern Europe, blogging into the blue, checking lulu.com to see if anyone has ordered "The Olinda Angel" (no one has yet), checking the blog itself for any comments (there are none).
My feet are hurting terribly, and I am told I may have gout. Well, I can try anti-inflammatory tablets. They may do good, and cannot cause harm. One must not complain, or repine, and one is safe in the arms of God. Whether I write a blog or no blog, he is leading us thankfully to the land where no blogs are. Or might there be a Great Blogger in the Sky?
Good day to you I must confess I have no idea who you are and only found you via twitter through a friend who gave you a tweet. I am going to read up on you and come back and maybe say something with less gibberish. However, you now have a comment all be it of little value content wise.
ReplyDeleteGout, I have heard acupuncture helps a lot.
Julie.x
Dear Julie
ReplyDeleteThank you for being my first commentator,and I look forward to us being in touch again.
Best wishes,
Charles
Hello Charles, Good afternoon to you , may I suggest you open a twitter account this way you will have followers and a good way to PR your book .
ReplyDeleteI read an article about you by your good friend Jason Cowley.
Julie x
Dear Julie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your further message, and for reading the article about me by Jason Cowley. Did you know that some of the pieces I wrote for Prospect are available free of charge? They are all quite short and give a good idea of my style.
I will certainly consider Twitter. I have been gradually finding my way further into the Internet for some years now, and although I hanker for the old days of face-to-face contact and pen and paper, it is no use shutting yourself out from the world that now exists. So if you find me tweeting you one day soon, don't be surprised.
Best wishes,
Charles
Good morning Charles,
ReplyDeleteI have just read the superb article about you on the blog of Len Port. I think twitter is a must these days as the world is moving so fast and we are all pretty fed up with the 'main stream' media and their idea of the truth which is not the truth at all.
I have also found Prospect, again via twitter LOL.
I wish you all the best Charles and shall certainly purchase your book. I hope you have a very good week-end and that the sun shines for you always.
Julie x
Dear Julie,
ReplyDeleteI have just read your very pleasant third comment. I too liked the article by Len Port. He is a most conscientious and experienced journalist. He gave me the opportunity to look at his copy and suggest improvements, which was most generous of him. In a way, the final result is a sort of cooperation between myself and him, although also basically his interpretation.
My little book was written when I was obsessed with the idea of murder. It is therefore very strange and perhaps unpleasant in parts. I hope you might like it, but will be fully prepared if you do not. I felt I had to publish it because excerpts are being read on the television programme about me and I wanted to profit from this in some way.
I am certainly contemplating Twitter. But you perhaps need to give me a little time. I get the impression that you are a young woman, although I do not know much about you, and I am a slightly elderly gentleman who needs to think about every faltering step he takes. Joking? It's half a joke.
I do thank you for your interest in me. Do you write yourself?
Best wishes,
Charles