More Charlie Bristle

It seems unbelievable that it is over a year since I started this Blog. There are now 2 books available about my alter ego Charlie Bristle. The second one, 'Line Up Quietly', published last year by www.belvederepublishing.co.uk is the sequel to 'Now Just Listen' published by www.miradorpublishing.co.uk and follows more of Charlie Bristle's outlandish adventures during his marriage to George. A third one will follow in due course.

It seems to me to be very difficult these days to promote one's work. I have no illusions about my books being great works of English literature, but they were considered good enough for a publisher to be prepared to put their name to them and offer to publish them under their imprint. The problem seems to me to be one of availability of outlets now that so many high street bookshops are closing. The only real outlet now is via the internet and e-book marketing. This has its drawbacks in limiting accessiblity to people who have access to computers or other internet connected devices. This is obviously a disadvantage for many people over the age of 60 I would suggest and yet I would also presume this group to be the largest section of the public reading books on a regular basis. I could well be wrong about this but have still to be convinced that the lack of ability to be able to pick a book up from a shelf and browse through it is denying people part of the great experience of purchasing books. However great a piece of literature is it is not the same reading it from a Kindle or tablet as it is thumbing through the pages. I have recently taken to finding books in second hand stores, charity shops and from market stalls and reinvigorating my love for the book itself as well as its content.