The one with the yellowy eye

Inside Ed's Head 2022-12-19

Music

Redemption Song by Joe Summer:

Can’t believe Thursday will be twenty years since Joe Strummer died. Doesn’t feel like that long ago. Huge fan of his work, both with this lot and his later solo stuff with the Mescaleros, especially the posthumous Streetcore, which this comes from (the solo version without Johnny Cash). Obviously a cover of the Bob Marley tune, but it shows how universal the songwriting is.

Here’s a version that’s a duet with Johnny Cash (same source recording):

But first, an apology. I might’ve said last week that I’m a millennial. I’m not. I’m either a Generation Xer (1965-1980) or an Xennial (1975-1980). I like being an Xennial. Sorry, JP, I stand corrected.

Second, thank Dog the snow’s gone. The rain’s here:

That’s not a waxed jacket.

Last Week

I HAVE JUST FINISHED THE BOOK.

Started on the 21st November, finished the 19th December. 105,580 words. And I am absolutely exhausted!

Pretty pleased with this one. Very different to anything I’ve done before. A few plot twists and so on, but it’s got a bigger focus on character, especially Marshall and his backstory, though Shunty and the gang get a bit of a look in here too. I feel like I’m writing books now that I’m very proud of and obviously pride comes before a fall and all that. Anyway, it’ll be interesting to see how these books do. Getting some very good feedback on THE TURNING OF OUR BONES, book one, which is pleasing.

Speaking of which, the narration for that is complete and off to the editor to master etc, so that’s on schedule for a day one launch along with ebook, paperback and hardback.

Next year’s my year of Marshall. A new series with a bang bang bang release every three months. Long books too, with plenty to get your teeth stuck into. Lots of characters to love and hate. There’ll definitely be four and then we’ll see what’s what. I’ve got heart surgery in the first quarter and hope to have a lot of work done by then, but I’ll be up to schedule with May now, which is nice. A bit of editing to do, still, but ONWARDS.

(Also had my tooth fixed last week after I chipped it doing karaoke in Newcastle. There is a Light That Never Goes Out in case you’re wondering. Rushed back from the toilet and was too enthusiastic.)

This Week

NOTHING.

Well. Little bits and bobs. Got three chapters to edit from today, then about sixty little tweaks to fix – daft stuff like making sure a name is spelled consistently or punching in a missed phone call that’ll later be important. Nothing major, I seem to recall.

But after that’s done, I can BREATHE again. I’ll be taking time off until next year and then I’ll have to get back into Marshall’s head for the outline for book 3, currently entitled THE DEAD OF WINTER.

But that’s next year. This is now. I’m going to read, watch telly, play games, walk the dogs and see people.

I’ll send out one or two year review missives the next two Mondays, pre-scheduled, which will be a different format but I hope you still enjoy.

Have a great Xmas and I’ll see you next year.

Cheers,
Ed