Saturday, August 9, 2008

The Chess Players - your move, Devil!

The painting is called The Chess Players and is by the German Painter Moritz Retzsch (1779-1857). The devil is playing a young man for his soul - and despite having the white pieces - the young man is lost! The devil looks impatient to claim him and the angel ready to weep.

The moral - never play chess against the devil!

The Chess Players - your move, Devil!

The painting is called The Chess Players and is by the German Painter Moritz Retzsch (1779-1857). The devil is playing a young man for his soul - and despite having the white pieces - the young man is lost! The devil looks impatient to claim him and the angel ready to weep.

The moral - never play chess against the devil!

Is that my Dad in a Ferrari or what?

Dear England, A lifetime ambition, a few weeks ago my Dad got his boyhood dream realized - he got to drive in a Ferrari!

This took place on a F3 course, and in my Dad's own words, "I'll never buy a Ferrari, but the drive was brill......top speed on the back straight...153mph...fastest bend 92mph...I even impressed myself....and for the last 2 laps the instructor went quiet!"

Glad to hear they both made it back! Apparently the road Ferrari has an annoying design where the gear changes are not on the steering wheel - as they would be in the Formula One car. Clearly these road cars weren't made for 153mph race courses!

Watch out for those cones!


You can just see him behind the wheel in this one - next stop Beijing!

Is that my Dad in a Ferrari or what?

Dear England, A lifetime ambition, a few weeks ago my Dad got his boyhood dream realized - he got to drive in a Ferrari!

This took place on a F3 course, and in my Dad's own words, "I'll never buy a Ferrari, but the drive was brill......top speed on the back straight...153mph...fastest bend 92mph...I even impressed myself....and for the last 2 laps the instructor went quiet!"

Glad to hear they both made it back! Apparently the road Ferrari has an annoying design where the gear changes are not on the steering wheel - as they would be in the Formula One car. Clearly these road cars weren't made for 153mph race courses!

Watch out for those cones!


You can just see him behind the wheel in this one - next stop Beijing!

Thursday, July 31, 2008

First Chapter Published!


Dear England, I'm pleased to say that online publisher Word Riot has kindly published the first chapter of my novel, The Pride and the Sorrow, with a nice endorsement at this link...Very nicely laid out too. Word Riot currently have about 9000 hits a month, so it's definitely pleasing to be part of their venture!

You can also download the first chapter for free here at Bookhabit.com, the New Zealand company currently promoting my book through their website. If you really want to hear me talk nonsense about the book, there's also an interview directly accessible here and at Review Yak.


Word Riot - good writing. no remorse!


Thanks Word Riot!

My novel about painting, criminality, and the greatest art forger of the twentieth century!

My novel about painting, criminality, and the greatest art forger of the twentieth century!
Please click the cover!

My novel about London, murder, mayhem, and a female killer!

My novel about London, murder, mayhem, and a female killer!
Please click the cover!

My novel about running, Princeton University, and a conman who lost it all!

My novel about running, Princeton University, and a conman who lost it all!
Please click the cover!

My novel about love, betrayal and chess in New Orleans

My novel about love, betrayal and chess in New Orleans
Please click the book!

My semi-autobiographical novel about a very British education and becoming an American!

My semi-autobiographical novel about a very British education and becoming an American!
Please click the cover!

My novel about London, murder, mayhem, and a female killer!

My novel about London, murder, mayhem, and a female killer!
Please click the cover!