Good morning folks, December is here. So what I would really like to know is, where the hell the year went. I mean, seriously, it’s almost 2016. With Christmas just around the corner, there is something I would like to talk about before I get to other things.

CALM

In the UK there is an organisation called CALM. It’s the Campaign Against Living Miserably. A campaign to bring the issue of mental illness to light. Here are a few stats for you:-

42% of UK men aged 18 to 45 have considered suicide.
32% of men who contemplated suicide “Didn’t want people to worry about them”
41% of men who contemplated suicide, felt they couldn’t talk about their feelings.
Only 20% of the UK know that suicide is the most likely cause of death for men under 45.
76% of all suicides in the UK are men.

During my twenties and early thirties, I suffered from depression which culminated in two suicide attempts. But I am one of the lucky ones. I survived. I am not overtly religious, but as I rapidly approach half a century on this earth I have never felt so alive. The old saying ‘Here by the grace of god’ springs to mind.

Depression kills you from the inside, outwards. It’s an invisible illness. But you are not alone, there are people out there who have gone through what you are going through, people who can help you. Drop by www.thecalmzone.net to show your support.

You Know Nothing Jon Snow

Well apparently he does. By now I am sure you have all seen the poster advertising the new Game of Thrones series (6). I for one can’t wait. I suspect he is going to kick someone’s arse, and it won’t be pretty.

Dance with the Devil (Book 2)

OK, it would be really useful if there was an equivalent to IMDB for book titles. Originally my first book was to be titled ‘Retribution’, but I discovered a book already existed by that name. I then called it ‘When Destinies Collide’. A few weeks before it was due to be published, yep, I discovered a book by that very name already existed. Now I find, there are already five books titled ‘Dance with the Devil’. So I best re think the title then.

I have been thinking of a few ‘sub plots’ to book 2. One for a new character, the other for somebody returning. I am excited about the second one especially. But you will have to wait to see who that is.

Submissions

I am still pushing hard to get an agent. It’s a slow, painful process, but I am confident it will work out in the end.

If I don’t post again before Christmas, have a good one, and I will see you all in the new year.

CALM

Gordon Atkins

Chapter 1 - When Destinies Collide

Prologue - When Destinies Collide

The world of the self-published author is an interesting one

Lets get this show on the road