I was walking across the yard of the Island Yacht Club some time last year when a hail arrested my steps towards the jetties and Whimbrel.
I toddled over and was met by a grinning chap who proceeded to furnish me with a flourish of praise and thanks.
What for you might ask. Well, he had just completed rereading all of my currently published books through again as a form of lockdown therapy…
‘When’s the next one coming,’ he added without a pause.
At the time I prevaricated and mentioned doing ‘some bits and pieces…’
Then, during the year I began to receive a string of emails…
One wrote: ‘I just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed reading your sailing related books. They greatly helped me keep my spirits up during the long winter covid lockdown. (beginning of 21 to end of March 21).
Three read, two saved for winter…’
The chap went on to describe playing on an old barge near South Fambridge … apparently not much left of her. I went looking with my mate in tow on one of our weekly longer walks. Neither of us could spot any signs where SSBR Barge Compendium places the vessel’s remains (William & Arthur).
From The Netherlands I had a long email filling me in on activities achieved against Dutch covid requirements: like us they’ve had lockdowns and restrictions, if not more so.
I often sail alone and the evenings on board were a good opportunity to read your book Salt Martsh & Mud.
It was a source of reading pleasure. The pleasant communication on board between you and Christobel, the nice adventures you have, the beautiful descriptions of the voyage, the attention for nature, the continuous presence of the rich maritime past of you and the sailing area and last but not least the beautiful, playful and richly varied use of words and language in which the stories are cast, made me again and again curious about the> next chapter and your new adventures.
In short, I really enjoyed it!
While reading, I kept google maps handy and it’s surprising how well your travels can be followed then. I imagine I’m getting to know the area the book is set in quite well.
I also heard from another reader and wife, both keen sailors, with a River Deben moored boat. The email was a sweet ‘checking up’ on us with news. Within the words, the writer asked:
‘I also wondered whether you have any new publications due or which might be ‘on the stocks’ for the future? I’m currently re-reading Mudlarking having just finished Rochester to Richmond again…’
I can’t remember if I told them the truth…
Perhaps I should!
There have been other communications and messages too, however it would be churlish to go on, so to all of you: it has given me huge pleasure too in reading your kind words. The mate was in tears with a couple of the messages she saw…
The covid lockdowns have not been easy for anyone. Escapism is a good medicine, as is/was walking, and last lockdown gave me the impetus to sit and write.
The book, when it comes out, will have been a product of the winter 2021 lockdown. By its end, the book was essentially completed and is now currently going through proofreading and editing…