Novels demand more than ideas—they require structure, persistence, and the discipline to see a story through. These posts explore the full landscape of long-form storytelling: writing, publishing, marketing, and the realities of bringing a novel to readers, whether examining others’ work or my own.
Mitchell gives Natasha control of the yacht for the first time. She watches the shoreline, nervously monitoring the boat’s drift. He knows it’s not moving—but gives her this task to build trust. It matters to her. She wants to prove she can sail with him, belong with him. The engine hums. Mitchell disappears below, leaving
Dressed Like Memory Read More »
Mitchell calls Tony with a demand: fake an urgent counselling session this afternoon. Tony protests—he’s about to leave for a family trip—but Mitchell reminds him of their dark history and the leverage it holds. Cornered, Tony agrees, alters his records, and forges an appointment for 2 pm. His wife, Sophie, believes he’s doing something noble.
The Calm Before the Breakage Read More »
Sunday begins like any other. Sam tends her tiny garden in pink gloves while Mitchell barbecues on the balcony. From a distance, their lives appear perfect—normal. But beneath the ritual lies resentment. Sam speaks through her plants. Mitchell speaks through bacon. Their conversation spirals. A warning about leaning over the rail becomes an argument about
Echoes in the Tunnel Read More »
My book, SEETHINGS 2, will be featured in Smashwords’ Annual Summer/Winter Sale this July, offering readers discounted prices. The promo starts on July 1, and I encourage everyone to share it with fellow readers. Thank you for your support, and happy reading!
How to Catch the Smashwords Summer/Winter Ebook Sale Each July Read More »
Mitchell helps George install radar on Kiwi Sea, hoisting him up the mast while swapping jokes with Mike—another gadget-obsessed sailor. As Mitchell listens to stories about hidden shipping containers and forward sonar, it’s clear: everyone here prepares for the worst, even if it never comes. The conversation shifts to sailing beyond the bay. Mike talks
What the Bay Knows Read More »
Mitchell and Natasha awaken to a quiet dawn aboard Surly Mermaid. A light breeze ripples the bay. Natasha, still sore from the previous day, teases Mitchell about it while sipping tea in the cockpit. But their morning calm is broken when they spot a strange white float drifting nearby. Curious, Mitchell investigates in the dinghy
Tangled Beneath the Surface Read More »
Mitchell and Natasha lounge on a quiet beach at sunset, Lucinda Bay glowing gold behind them. She curls into him, playful and warm, asking about the weather, photography, and what it’s like to be a muse. Mitchell, flattered, indulges her curiosity and affection, describing how the best days—like this one—arrive unannounced. Their conversation dances between
Where Their Sky Meets Their Sea Read More »
Using the alias Cyrus, Mitchell meets Jane beneath a violent night sky. Their photography expedition conceals deception, flirtation and darker intentions. As lightning exposes the beach in stark flashes, Jane believes she has found adventure. Mitchell is hunting something else—and the approaching storm will hide what follows from everyone.
A Spark In The Storm: Romance and Lightning Read More »
Mitchell hauls Surly Mermaid down the coast for maintenance but gets swept into an unexpected voyage when Gary, a friend with a casual approach to sailing, invites him to join a group heading south. Among them are Paul and Emma, new sailors on their handmade boat. Mitchell hesitates, then joins. The forecast is ominous. Winds
Drifting Toward Blame Read More »
Mitchell returns home to a warm light and a well-prepared meal. To outsiders, he and Sam are the perfect couple—courteous, considerate, and quietly content. But under their practised pleasantries lies a cold truth: there is no intimacy, no connection, only cohabitation. A minor disagreement over friends and family planning ignites old tensions. Sam shuts him
The Lie They Lived Read More »