Wednesday 23 April 2008

An Apology, An Explanation, A Warning and A Thank You!

Esteemed Readers

I'd like to begin by apologising to those of you who stuck with Harry McFry through the ups and downs of his investigation during 2007.

Anyone who ploughed their way through the 150,000 words that were posted last year might have had every expectation that the story would, by now, have reached its conclusion. So what went wrong? Well, from a technical point of view writing a novel 'on the fly', and developing the plot along the way, wasn't easy. Particularly since the first few chapters were only written as a spoof, and benefited (if that's the right word!) from some characters and plot-lines that were penned by my brother, and which set me up for a mighty challenge as the story unfolded. (Thanks, Bro!).

You may also know that the story was written to aid my recovery from a quite serious depression which engulfed me towards the end of 2006, from which recovery has been slow, and sometimes painful. Harry held my hand through this, and through a divorce and redundancy too (although he wasn't alone in that - I have many friends and family to thank, too).

Now, though, I have decided to re-write the whole story - hopefully to improve its plot and characterisation - with a view to getting it published in print. I've started that process, and the ending will be much different from the one I was originally working towards.

All of this is leading up to a HUGE THANK YOU to all those readers who encouraged me in my writing last year. I won't name them here, but every comment I received spurred me on to write more. Without you, I wouldn't have got past half a dozen chapters before the story fizzled out. Should it ever be published, there'll be a long list of credits!

Finally, this post is also meant as a warning to anyone who stumbles on this blog and is tempted to start reading Harry McFry. If you do, you might enjoy yourself along the way, but you'll end up in a small kitchen in a bungalow in Telford, wondering how the hell you got there, and how you'll ever get out!

I've decided to keep the blog live, though, and am happy to accept any comments and criticisms on the story, as I am sure they will help in my re-write.

Thanks again for all your help along the way.

Thomas Hamburger Jnr

16 comments:

jan said...

Wow Thomas/Paul
NO APOLOGY NEEDED

I think your amazin! Go for it, your a star. Been a tough time for you but just look at where you
were and where you are now.

U are a true inspiration, depression is awful so to hear about your recovery and the tools you have used to get you here today(fabulous writting)is so good.

Thank you for sharing this

jg

70steen said...

Look forward to the re write P.
I have enjoyed the journey with you on this plus you encouraged me to get on the blog train, for that I thank you. Also well done in posting this aside, as by now there are only skeletons in the kitchen in Telford.... the bourbon creams ran out months ago :-)

Unknown said...

So glad to see you back! Good luck with the rewrite. Looking forward to buying the book.

Chaffee Street Cafe` said...

My dear Thomas,

I am so glad to read anything you write. Please keep at it as I have been blue from holding my breath. I do so love your Harry McFry and all of the characters that you have developed.

Toodles for now and hope to hear more soon. Take care my friend.

sylvie d said...

I am looking forward to the next chapter, even if it comes in the shape of a totally different book!
You take good care of yourself, you are a wonderful writer and a true inspiration to us all, you will get there no doubts :)

Anonymous said...

Good to find you again Paul, and so very sorry to hear of your problems. Good luck with the book ...
Say Hi to BigCol from me.
from RC Lydart

Chaffee Street Cafe` said...

July 21st. Today is Claire's birthday. The Domestic Minx. I miss her very much. Miss you too, Thomas. I want to read the ending, please.

Enumerator said...

The return of bigcol to RC prompted me to search you out, belatedly. I'm really pleased that you plan to finish the story (even if some rewriting is required). I too look forward to buying the final version LOL

Enumerator said...

Given the centrality of the Spanish Civil war to this story, you may want to reflect on the news that Spain is offering International Brigade survivors (dual) citzenship - http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/oct/11/spain-military

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Enumerator - a very interesting news item, which I had missed!

Theresa111 said...

I have to have an ending. Please keep writing. Please.

Anonymous said...

Happy Holidays!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Theresa H Hall said...

Hey there, Three years later and I still want to read the end. You gotta stop hiding your talent!

LSBF consultant said...

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Theresa H Hall said...

Paul,

I'm still hopeful of that ending. It's a brilliant tale. I'll even purchase a tub of vanilla ice cream to eat while I read.

Theresa