From The Great Escape to Ghost Stories: Twenty Years of Writing and Research

For more than twenty years, I have balanced two great writing passions: biography and ghost stories.

I am currently researching and writing my second book about my grandfather, the oldest man to escape from Stalag Luft III during the famous Great Escape of 25 March 1944. More than eight decades later, I am still visiting the places he travelled through, uncovering new photographs, and discovering remarkable details about his life and wartime experiences. The working title of the book is Travels with My Grandfather, a memoir of historical research, family history, and the unexpected discoveries made while trying to understand him better.

My published biographies include Great War to Great Escape, All Cornwall Thunders at My Door: A Life of Charles Causley, and George Butterworth: Soldier and Composer. Through these books, I have explored military history, literary biography, and the lives of influential British figures.

Alongside my biographical writing, I continue to write ghost stories. I have recently completed my 105th tale, The Black Pillow, set in a remote Normandy hotel during a solitary cycling holiday. Readers familiar with the work of A. E. D. Smith may recognise a touch of his influence in the story's atmosphere and setting.

A final word of advice for aspiring authors: be cautious of vanity publishers offering so-called "hybrid" publishing deals. My most recent book suffered from poor editing, weak design, and ineffective marketing after such an arrangement. By contrast, my first four publishers provided excellent editorial support, production standards, and promotion. If you are seeking publication, research your options carefully and choose a reputable publisher with a proven track record.