Category: Author

Inside fatherhood drafts: newly reunited dad Chris Hardy

Chris knows extremes.

Indeed, he had seen the more extreme side of life at close quarters.

But he relinquished a life spiralling into self destruction and violence for the love of his son — and they’re now planning their first summer holiday together.

I recently interviewed Chis [pictured above] for Inside Fatherhood, my forthcoming book to be published by BRF in 2018.

Here’s a preview of his moving story:

“I was overcome with rage against the unfairness. I simply locked myself in my room and remember consciously declaring war on the world. I wanted revenge on my bullies — and I had it within months. I wanted to give the world a good hiding. After that, violence follows wherever you go.”

Do you have an experience of fatherhood to share? Contact me if you would be interviewed for the book.

 

A new writing group comes to Storyhouse Chester

Image: Storyhouse.com

Storyhouse opens this week.

The new arts centre is big news for Chester and already riding the crest of local support.

But it’s not just a new theatre, cinema and library. A major aspect of the project is the community programme.

That’s why I’m leading a new writing group, based at Storyhouse, from this month.

It’s called #WriteHereWriteNow and open to anyone who wants to find their voice as a writer.

THE CONCEPT

We all have a story to tell but not everyone has the opportunity or confidence to do so.

This new creative community offers an opportunity to express yourself in a supportive environment.

Expect workshop-style activities and occasional guest speakers, based around Storyhouse events.

We will look at ways of getting your story out there — from blogs to flash fiction via magazine features — and craft our work together.

Never tried a writing group before? No problem. Here’s an outlet for your creativity.

JOIN US

We meet monthly on the last Thursday, starting May 25th. It’s free. No, really.

The sessions run 7.30-9pm and we will be in the Meeting Room. Subsequent dates are June 29, July 27 and August 31.

To find us, take the cinema stairs and follow it round to the left to the meeting room. You can take drinks up from the bar, or we’ll retire there afterwards.

There’s space initially for 14 people.

Please bring your own iPad/laptop or similar device.

You will need to create an account via the Storyhouse website in advance to use the free public WiFi. No need if you have already bought show tickets through the site.

More events listed at the Storyhouse activities page.

Questions? Follow me on Twitter and DM me, or sign up for my newsletter.

 

Inside fatherhood drafts: life changes for stepdad Dom

Dom wasn’t planning to be a father figure. Hell, he didn’t even want kids.

Besides, he was too busy building a career and going on tour with his band.

But life has a habit of throwing your curveballs and that’s exactly how Dom found himself going from nought to 60 into parenthood — virtually overnight.

One day, hanging out backstage with the band. The next, a suburban house, a ready-made family unit and a dog.

I interviewed musician and entrepreneur Dom Smith [pictured above] as the latest case study for Inside Fatherhood, my forthcoming book to be published by BRF in 2018.

Here’s a taste of his experience of fatherhood:

“I’m not a stereotypical disciplinarian. But that’s what not being a dad by blood does for you — it lets you stand back and take stock more.

“We talk about video games, comic books and music. Our dynamic is pretty chilled out. He’s just a good kid with a taste for rebellion.

“I’m not always comfortable with the role but being a parent and getting him to listen to me is what I’ve got to do. Hell, I didn’t even know I had this authoritarian voice inside me.”

Do you have an experience of fatherhood to share? Contact me if you would be interviewed for the book.

Inside Fatherhood drafts: deployed dad Steve Martin

homecoming-beaver-90

Steve saw the world. He knew the freedom of being at sea as a serving sailor but his blow-with-the-wind independence came at a price.

The guilt. With a wife and two young boys left behind on shore, he found a life at sea was increasingly hard to square with his conscience as a husband and father.

Steve [pictured above at a quay-side reunion in the Eighties] has since left the Royal Navy and told me about the problem of juggling a military career with a family.

It was my latest case-study interview for Inside Fatherhood, my forthcoming book to be published by BRF in 2018.

Here’s a taste of his experience of fatherhood:

“Most of us would take ourselves off to a quiet place and sit alone with our thoughts. It sounds really girly but I used to tell the kids to look at the moon and think about how I was looking at the same moon.

“I sent them postcards from all over the world and wrote them both individual letters. In return, they would send me voice tapes. The tapes got me every time.

“Those were the moments I’d have to shut the door and put up the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign.”

Do you have an experience of fatherhood to share? Contact me if you would be interviewed for the book.