Last month, someone famous died suddenly.

You won’t have read about his passing in the papers. There wasn’t a mention of it on the national or local news. It’s unlikely you were moved by one of the many tributes on Facebook. He wasn’t a movie star, a pop star, a writer or a TV celebrity. He was a colleague.

I have two jobs. One is writing and the other is cabin crew for a well-known airline. This airline employs so many people we are each assigned (and identified by) a staff number. In my department alone there are thousands of us. Every time I go to work I introduce myself to co-workers for the first time. I work shifts with no fixed pattern, flashing my welcome aboard smile alongside complete strangers. Sometimes, years go by before I see the same face a second time. I wear a uniform and I’m required to behave with decorum, so I often feel my true personality is diminished. Names and faces blur into one. ..... Read more

Nowadays, it’s not often I get so sucked into a book that I take hours off work to finish it, but that’s exactly what happened when I fell into this fabulous story that spans all ages. Readers to date have been reaching for the superlatives when reviewing this enchanting parable. There is so much to like about this post-traumatic society that author, Graham J. Sharpe has conjured up, but I’m not going to spoil the plot by disclosing the whole synopsis.

No need; with Purple you’ll just drop into the story, in safe hands, and find yourself laughing out loud, nodding your approval and sighing blithely as you follow the richly painted characters on their mission.

I’ll say it again: don’t imagine that you are too old to enjoy this wonderful novel. Trust me; Stef wouldn’t steer you wrong.

Stef Mcdaid – editor in chief @WriteIntoPrint ..... Read more

This week Purple was reviewed by Jennifer Goehl at Can’t Put It Down~A Book Reviewer’s Blog. Thanks, Jennifer, for your support

The Perfect Tale!!!! ..... Read more

Warning! I’ve tried to keep this post succinct, but it’s longer than usual. Basically, I think a ghost followed me from Denver International Airport to my hotel room, but I can’t prove it. If you want to know more, read on.

A few years ago, after a long and busy flight from London to Denver, I decided to take an early night. The seven-hour time change had me in its spell and sleep came quickly and deeply. (I know that’s indulgently poetic for someone trying to be succinct…so I’ll get to the point.) I must have been out for at least an hour when my phone rang. ..... Read more

When I was ten years old I lived in a small village in the north of England, the year was 1976.

I loved Curly Wurlies, Texan Bars and Arctic Roll. I also loved The Incredible Hulk, The Six Million Dollar Man and Charlie’s Angels. I imagined my two best friends, Brad and Matt (that’s not their real names), loved them just like I did. One day they asked me to name my favourite Charlie’s Angel. I didn’t need to think about it because I already knew the answer. “If I was going to be one of Charlie’s Angels,” I said with an enthusiastic smile, “it would definitely be Sabrina.” I realised immediately (expressions of horror followed by howling laughter) that my answer was dreadfully wrong. “Not which one do you want to be!” Brad said, struggling to control his breathing. “We mean, which one do you fancy?” Matt said. I felt my face turn redder than Farrah Fawcett’s famous swimsuit, and I did my best to backtrack and make jokes.

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A purple storm rampages around planet Earth in minutes, stealing everyone between the ages of eighteen and sixty-five. Purple begins six months after this eerie event.

In chapter four, Ellie, who is living alone in London, finally remembers the details of that day. She remembers the storm tearing along a South London high street with the ferocity of a dragon.

When I was in Hong Kong this week I got to see dragons on the street.

According to the Chinese zodiac, 2012 is the Year of the Dragon. It begins on January 23rd, 2012 and ends on February 9th, 2013. The oriental dragon is the ultimate symbol of power. It represents success, happiness and good fortune (must be just us pessimistic westerners who think dragons are bad news). Those born under the sign are regarded as innovative and passionate, often achieving great success because they are fearless. ..... Read more

I want to be a writer. No, I am a writer. Trouble is, lately, I can’t find the time to write. I thought…once the first book was finished…I’d pop the champagne cork, phone all my friends (the ones who thought I’d died several years ago) and tell them it’s for sale…then make a start on book number two. Wrong.

With Purple selling on Amazon.com in the USA I discover I need an ITIN. ITIN stands for individual taxpayer identification number. Yawn. Having one will prevent me loosing 30% in tax in the USA before I’ve paid tax here in the UK. Big yawn, but it’s definitely one of those things I have to do. ..... Read more

My job is great! I really love my job! Well, sort of.

When I was a kid, my mum’s cousin worked for a well-known British airline. He travelled round the world and came home wearing T-shirts that said ‘I love NY’ and ‘I’ve been to the Seychelles’. I’m talking 1970s so, back then, this was totally cool! He had friends in cities like San Francisco, Hong Kong and Cape Town. He had a million fascinating stories to entertain us with.

You have to know…in those days…air travel was really expensive and Paris was considered far-flung and exotic. ..... Read more

If you want to read the first four chapters you can download them for free at either Amazon site. But just to whet your appetite, the first chapter is available on this site…just click the button above.

Purple is selling strong on both sides of the Atlantic…and in Australia too…and I couldn’t resist sharing some of your 5 Star reviews.

A modern Roald Dahl, 26 Nov 2011 By Spruce

Really loved this mysterious, humorous and entertaining story. The characters and the witty writing style remind me of a unique, modern take on a Roald Dahl story. Great debut novel, now I’m ready for part II!

Colours Of The Rainbow, 11 Oct 2011 By Mem ..... Read more

Purple is now available to download from Amazon’s Kindle Bookstore. You can also download a free sample (the first four chapters) from my Amazon page. If you buy the book, a massive thanks. Please tell me what you think. If you’ve read the ‘About Me’ blurb you know I have a day job. When I’m not writing, I’m flying. I’m cabin crew (flight attendant), for a well-known airline. I do long haul, so I’m often high in the sky or rummaging through a suitcase. Once I’d decided to publish Purple, I started to think about getting it noticed and making some sales. (I think this is what the business people call marketing.) Turns out, the day job could give me an excellent opportunity to try something unique. ..... Read more