Invincible

Yesterday was a sad occasion for those who served on board HMS Invincible, especially for those who were on board during the Falklands War. It was a far cry indeed from when we returned home to enthusiastic crowds and tearful families. Instead of pleasure boats with their honking horns and fire tenders gleefully showering her with water Invincible's escort on this final harbour exit was a mere few tugs and police boats. Many of those who were there to wave goodbye hadn't seen each other for nearly 30 years and it was somehow fitting that this sad event bought us together once again. Apart from the war (sorry, conflict) Invincible was very special to me as a writer. Because it was during the Falklands that I wrote The Yellow, my first short story. This went on to see publication in Back Brain Recluse some years later, when I was no longer charging about the ocean. . War plays funny tricks on our minds and yet the Falklands led me along the path that I tread now. A strange gift indeed from a wonderful vessel and the horrors of war.

Bey Logan

Many years ago while I was working in Hong Kong I was also a correspondent for Combat magazine. The editor then was Bey Logan and I used to send my submissions to him via snail mail. A turn up for the books is that Bey is now living in Hong Kong while I'm back here in the UK! How bizarre is that? Bey kindly sent me a copy of his novel "The Blood Bond", which has also been released as a film. Great going Bey and thank you for your kindness in sending me the book.

News

Well, I'm delighted. My short story "A Handful Of Stars" has indeed been sold to Escape Velocity and it should be out in a few weeks. Chuffed isn't the word. In addition the editor of Combat magazine sent me the PDF's of my interviews with Darren Shahlavi and Sammo Hung and they look great.

I have to finish off the rather large interview that I'm in the midst of writing and have another two interviews booked this week. Cracking on with my novel is great fun and I really enjoy getting up at silly o'clock to write. But wouldn't it be nice to be able to do this for a living.

Thursday

Up early, as usual, yesterday morning I sent my new short story "A Handful of Stars" to Escape velocity. I was deeply saddened to learn that this is their final edition, an anthology of all their best short stories that have been published so far along with a sprinkling of others. I was delighted, however, to hear that I might have a sale as they really like it. I'm just waiting for confirmation at this moment in time.

The idea came when I was at my step daughter's birthday party. My partner's youngest son had taken a handful of table decorations and wanted a photo of them. It's amazing what can inspire us.

I've just about finished the big article that I've been writing. It ended up at 14,250 words, which is far too large and so it still needs editing. The trouble is, what to edit? The whole thing is fascinating and it really grabs you. I need to see what the editor says about it and I hope to speak to him today.

My Michael Jai White Feature is up in digital form. Take a look, it can be found under February's digital edition at:

http://www.combatmag.co.uk/