tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81943860652990022502024-03-13T17:46:10.041+00:00Andrew MilnerAndrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-58922964543924478552021-11-12T09:14:00.000+00:002021-11-12T09:14:00.173+00:00BETWEEN THE TWO<p>Between the Two is now available. I wrote this book at the start of the first lockdown, a time when great uncertainty was met by a strange excitement of the country going into what was believed at the time to be a lockdown to last only a couple of weeks. We haven't experienced anything like it, certainly in my life time. The three week lockdown didn't happen and still now, over eighteen months later, it is headline news pretty much everyday. I am sick to death of hearing about it to be honest and whether you are vaccinated or unvaccinated, I really couldn't care less. Live your life and don't worry about things out of your control.</p><p>I have to confess, as a writer, I don't read that many books. The number one rule as a writer is read as many books as you can. I fail at the first hurdle! This week BETWEEN THE TWO is finally available. Not sure why it took me so long to get it ready other than I felt a bit territorial about it. I really love this book, the thought that went into it and the whole process of writing it. I hope people enjoy reading it as much I did writing it.</p><p>I have been very busy lately and I am surprised that the long lasting light bulb in the Andrew Milner Books office is still alive. I have a big project that I am working on at the moment but will tell more of that when I can. I am working on a detective series which will be five books (three are finished) whilst also planning the next non-detective book so, it is busy busy....... Oh and I am working full time as well !! (I don't know how I find the time).</p><p>So whilst I spend my life in front of my computer forgive me for not getting excited about vaccinations and restrictions, but my brain is already over loaded.</p><p>News of the projects as well as my books can be found on my website <a href="http://www.andrewmilnerbooks.com">www.andrewmilnerbooks.com</a></p><p>Keep smiling and keep reading because as long as you do I have an excuse to write. </p><p>#andrewmilnerbooks</p><p>Take care</p><p>Andy</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-orF20WRj_NI/YY4uAm1HKZI/AAAAAAAAbbk/GsIXWCDQ-z0KzXMAuHrTOqa4_06CHYW8gCNcBGAsYHQ/s1920/OUT%2BNOW.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-orF20WRj_NI/YY4uAm1HKZI/AAAAAAAAbbk/GsIXWCDQ-z0KzXMAuHrTOqa4_06CHYW8gCNcBGAsYHQ/w113-h200/OUT%2BNOW.png" width="113" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Between-Two-Andrew-Milner/dp/B09LGJRC3T/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=between+the+two&qid=1636707915&sr=8-4" target="_blank">Between the Two: Amazon.co.uk: Milner, Andrew: 9798740435084: Books</a></p>Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-66954814105116806312021-03-05T21:55:00.004+00:002021-03-05T22:01:40.654+00:00POST-COVID. A whole new world.<p> I have never known the news only focus on one subject. I am coming up fifty years old and have seen this country go to war, and get involved in other conflicts across the globe. But I have never known the news for a whole year only report on one issue. It scares me that there are things going on in this world that we do not know about. Whatever your views on COVID, please look after one another. Mental Health is the biggest threat to this country at the moment. We need to be kind to each other, not attack people for having a differing view to our own.</p><p>I often ponder things as I sit and look out of my office window. I wonder what other people are doing right now. One thought excites me, what if someone somewhere in the world is reading one of my books right now? How amazing is that? Like Queen playing Wembley. 1986; thousands of people clapping at the same time to Radio Gaga.. can you imagine how Roger Taylor felt? playing his own song and everyone joining in.</p><p>I have recently updated the covers of my first two books, A FAR REACHING DREAM and THE HIDDEN PATH HOME. I just wanted to have more involvement with my own books. I honestly spend hours in my office writing. I have many ideas and switch between them all making sure I still think it is a viable idea for a book. Right now, I have put everything else on hold whilst I concentrate on my crime series. My friends who have been kind enough to read my first two books of the series have good things to say, so hopefully one day they will find their way onto your bookshelves.</p><p>Covid believer or not, please don't become one of those nasty people that this virus has created, you all know what I'm talking about. We have freedom in this country to believe what we want and express it. Let's not lose sight of that. </p><p>Hopefully one day life will be normal...I can't see it happening just yet, but get a brew and a book and chill out. And in the words of Jerry Springer, 'take care of yourself, and each other'.</p><p>#andrewmilnerbooks</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HbysBshetHk/YEKox7HyJ_I/AAAAAAAAa5Q/JBo94LLoX2kmuDk31OPBHFnpZUGr0flPQCNcBGAsYHQ/s800/ANDREW%2BMILNER%2BBOOKS%2BLOGO.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="800" height="69" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HbysBshetHk/YEKox7HyJ_I/AAAAAAAAa5Q/JBo94LLoX2kmuDk31OPBHFnpZUGr0flPQCNcBGAsYHQ/w200-h69/ANDREW%2BMILNER%2BBOOKS%2BLOGO.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RxVShgrcOY/YEKnbIpCGvI/AAAAAAAAa4w/3S4oo4AtHIU2GLIkWY6RAQVTYG_LwsveACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/A%2BFAR%2BREACHING%2BDREAM%2B-%2BFRONT%2BCOVER%2B06022021.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1283" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RxVShgrcOY/YEKnbIpCGvI/AAAAAAAAa4w/3S4oo4AtHIU2GLIkWY6RAQVTYG_LwsveACPcBGAYYCw/w125-h200/A%2BFAR%2BREACHING%2BDREAM%2B-%2BFRONT%2BCOVER%2B06022021.png" width="125" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSA9c67yruc/YEKndl7jQdI/AAAAAAAAa40/cs_geic_SaoSO_dXpRPeKjVV0Oa3siihQCPcBGAYYCw/s499/411G4LMRmLL._SX311_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="313" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSA9c67yruc/YEKndl7jQdI/AAAAAAAAa40/cs_geic_SaoSO_dXpRPeKjVV0Oa3siihQCPcBGAYYCw/w126-h200/411G4LMRmLL._SX311_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="126" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-27468326153790442352020-12-28T22:29:00.000+00:002020-12-28T22:29:14.493+00:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rFk-aO_41-k/X-pW6mfguZI/AAAAAAAAZUI/pbTadOnrv-QObspRCl-NxbU4WyaWoz1bwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20190326_152151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rFk-aO_41-k/X-pW6mfguZI/AAAAAAAAZUI/pbTadOnrv-QObspRCl-NxbU4WyaWoz1bwCNcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/20190326_152151.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />So, 2020 is drawing to a close. I have never been thankful for something so much, however, 2021 seems as though it will be more of the same. <p></p><p>I don't want to talk about Covid because quite honestly, I'm sick to death of hearing about it. The news is anything but the news now, I cannot believe there is nothing else happening in this world right now that we have to fill every single news bulletin with Covid related items.</p><p>So there I am banging on about it without intention.</p><p>Charlie and Poppy, the Andrew Milner Books mascots have been working hard and as you can see they have taken some time off to rest.</p><p>I have just finished planning my next book so the first two words that seem so far from the end have been put in place; <i>Chapter One. </i>I am hoping to write this book within the next couple of months as the planning is the hardest part, I think. </p><p>I have three books currently finished which are finding their way round a few agents, so fingers crossed there. It is very hard to get an agent these days as firstly there are so many writers now who bombard the poor agents with hundreds of submissions each and every week; and secondly, in this world of uncertainty, it is easier to stay with their list of current writers who are proven in the world of book sales. But then. you never know, JK Rowling was rejected several times by agents and publishers who must have kicked themselves severely since firing that, <i>not for us at this time </i>letter<i>.</i></p><p>Anyway, I have a book to write which I will blog about more towards the end. Also, look after each other; one thing I have come to realise in this odd existence is that people's mental health is getting worse and on top of the access to help being restricted, we can't even go to the pub with our friends for a drink and a chat, this is cutting off essential help for people. Last week a lovely man who I know through work decided he'd had enough. It is so sad to know people get so low without reaching out; so keep an eye on each other.</p><p>Time to write now.</p><p>I wish you all a very happy new year from the Andrew Milner Books office. #andrewmilnerbooks</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eIr6iyFXeYI/X-patEdvp-I/AAAAAAAAZUU/tF2XDdeonsEN9gcQPqe3-W4rPNXpSfkrgCNcBGAsYHQ/s800/ANDREW%2BMILNER%2BBOOKS%2BLOGO.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="800" height="69" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eIr6iyFXeYI/X-patEdvp-I/AAAAAAAAZUU/tF2XDdeonsEN9gcQPqe3-W4rPNXpSfkrgCNcBGAsYHQ/w200-h69/ANDREW%2BMILNER%2BBOOKS%2BLOGO.png" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-12746100267995385882020-11-24T18:44:00.007+00:002020-11-24T19:43:07.163+00:00So, what's been happening in the Andrew Milner Books office?<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br>So, what have we been up to at the Andrew Milner Books office? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">In June, I blogged about writing a book in five weeks during the first
lockdown. This book is called ‘Between the Two’. Currently this book
is being sent out to literary agents so that is why it is quiet on that front
at the moment. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I also had my first ghost writing assignment which had been a four-year
project. It’s Just a Phase! Was Angie’s story about being born in the wrong
body. The story of her life up to and including gender reassignment surgery.
This book is available on Amazon and is well worth a read. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">From there I decided I wanted to create my own detective series.
Everyone has an opinion on which literary detective is the best one, and which
one on TV is our favourite. In truth, we all remember watching them, Taggart,
Frost, Agatha Christie. there is far too many to name. I am not suggesting that
my detective will be in that calibre of crime solving sleuths, but I have
enjoyed doing this. I am aiming for five books in the series and I am currently
writing number three; again, another reason why I have not been too vocal about
what I am doing. I am also in the process of sending the first book <br>of
the series to literary agents.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">So, whilst it appears that I am not doing anything, I can say in all
honestly, I am in the office far more than ever before. I have never written so
much!!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Just remember, there is no safer place on earth than having your head in
a book.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Stay safe everyone and keep smiling.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Take care<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Andy<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br><br></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">#andrewmilnerbooks</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">www.andrewmilnerbooks.com<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><br><p></p>Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-16467943364217624472020-08-23T23:12:00.000+01:002020-08-23T23:17:20.459+01:00IT'S JUST A PHASE!<p> So, my first ghost writing project has been completed.</p><p>I have to say, I have enjoyed it and learnt a lot along the way. It is hard writing someone else's words in the way that they want them writing. We all say things differently. Thankfully for me, I have known Angie pretty much all my life. It was my idea to write a book on her experiences, thoughts and feelings when she was a he and trying to find the person within.</p><p>Can a person really be born in the wrong body? I don't know, that would be to say that God made a mistake, however knowing Angie as I have, from being a boy called Andy playing football in the street to the journey to full surgery in Dec 2019, I would say - read the book. Make you own mind up. In the notes, diaries, phone calls and messages, Angie has been extremely open and honest, and I have to say I have left no stone unturned getting the information to turn her life into a book.</p><p>A part of me feels sad that it is over. That book was written over four years, however, I have plenty of ideas for my own books. </p><p>I completed a book during lockdown which has been sent out to agents so more on that later, suffice to say, it will be called 'BETWEEN THE TWO.'</p><p>I am also back on track with a detective series and another one set in a Yorkshire pit village in 1923. So the sound of typing away will be heard in the Andrew Milner Books office for some time to come.</p><p>Loving writing at the moment. </p><p>Anyway order yourself a copy of Angie's book from Amazon in paperback or eBook, it's worth a read.</p><p>Plenty of books to come - keep reading. Andy</p><p><img height="200" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41mShSRJ-pL._SX311_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="126"></p><p><br></p>Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-85536200024969952562020-07-12T12:32:00.006+01:002020-07-13T00:21:33.279+01:00Busy times in the office!<div>It has been a strange few months for the country, not to mention the whole world. We have all coped with an extreme change to our way of life which will effect us for years to come. Queuing at shops and supermarkets has become the norm. Missing out on the Wetherspoons breakfasts and Costa coffees when we pop into town has become a way of life, although these are back now! </div><div>People can start moaning again about not wanting to go to work now that they're actually at work.</div><div>At Andrew Milner Books, lockdown for me hasn't really been an issue. My job has carried on as normal but due to the lack of the breakfasts and Costas, I haven't been going into town so I spent the time writing. My next book is finished and aside of the final edit, it is ready to start finding its way to agents. I wrote the book in six weeks from planning to final draft. That for me is amazing as I get so easily distracted.</div><div>I will keep putting out updates when I have more news but 'BETWEEN THE TWO' is finished and I am really pleased with it.</div><div>I have also had the opportunity to fulfil my first assignment as a ghost-writer. This is not writing about ghosts but writing a book where someone else is listed as the author. The formatting and editing was a learning curve for me but I am happy with the results and IT'S JUST A PHASE! will be out on the 24th August. This is the story of Angie who realised she was born in the wrong body. The book is written from her diaries and conversations between us and tells how her struggle formed her into the person that she is today. I am really proud to have worked on this book and I know Angie is extremely happy with the results.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I9GNofRMjXQ/Xwr0QpqC3dI/AAAAAAAAWLU/sLcv9obtx-Ul6Z2SAzvnNlrDramVwEOEgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/front%2Bcover%2Bonly.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1306" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I9GNofRMjXQ/Xwr0QpqC3dI/AAAAAAAAWLU/sLcv9obtx-Ul6Z2SAzvnNlrDramVwEOEgCNcBGAsYHQ/w127-h200/front%2Bcover%2Bonly.jpg" width="127" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V0njwKsTO5Y/Xwr0fh5IV1I/AAAAAAAAWLY/L4ZWHE9EjbQGRz8Nl6o5b5lf6_NByachACNcBGAsYHQ/s800/ANDREW%2BMILNER%2BBOOKS%2BLOGO.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></div><div>Anyway, I am back to other book ideas and will no doubt tell you when 'BETWEEN THE TWO' is going to make an appearance.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stay safe.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V0njwKsTO5Y/Xwr0fh5IV1I/AAAAAAAAWLY/L4ZWHE9EjbQGRz8Nl6o5b5lf6_NByachACNcBGAsYHQ/s800/ANDREW%2BMILNER%2BBOOKS%2BLOGO.png" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #0066cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="800" height="69" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V0njwKsTO5Y/Xwr0fh5IV1I/AAAAAAAAWLY/L4ZWHE9EjbQGRz8Nl6o5b5lf6_NByachACNcBGAsYHQ/w200-h69/ANDREW%2BMILNER%2BBOOKS%2BLOGO.png" width="200" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-36053057317542336302020-06-26T13:26:00.004+01:002020-08-23T23:12:57.513+01:00Writing during lockdownThis is something that we never expected. To be locked away in our homes is something none of us have ever experienced before. I was lucky enough to continue my life as normal with my job so haven't been hit as hard as others. It has only affected me on my rest days. However; I took to writing and actually finished my next book in 5 weeks! As yet I don't have a title but as soon as I do I will be sending it out to a few carefully chosen agents. I have also completed a ghost writing assignment which I have done over about three years. This book is an autobiography about Angie who had a male to female sex change believing that she was born in the wrong body. This has had its final edit and is now completed.<br />
<br />
Ghost writing is a strange concept for me as I know I will get no credit for the time and effort I put into the book. Although the work is mine, the words however are not. The book was written from telephone conversations and diary entries<br />
I have read the book a few times now and have enjoyed it. It should be out in the next month or so and it's called 'IT'S JUST A PHASE!'<br />
<br />
I am now back writing my own and have loads of ideas.<br />
<br />
I have a detective series already on the go. The first book is finished and the second one is being written now and I also have another story of a young girl living in a 1923 Yorkshire village.<br />
<br />
The Andrew Milner Books office is a busy office at the moment and one which I hope will continue to be busy.<br />
<br />
I will keep the updates coming as I go.<br />
keep reading and I'll keep writing!<br />
<br />
Andy<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRo2a6felyc/XvXo9CzoMiI/AAAAAAAAVmE/6mWp2eJ6LVkvKBbsJjs1X5Y6kDW6ZH6oACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-20200621-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="1065" height="76" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRo2a6felyc/XvXo9CzoMiI/AAAAAAAAVmE/6mWp2eJ6LVkvKBbsJjs1X5Y6kDW6ZH6oACNcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG-20200621-WA0000.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-75947390550234524012019-11-07T13:18:00.003+00:002019-11-07T13:20:30.266+00:00Taking it on the chin.I haven't visited this blog for a while but here I am !!! I have been pondering something which I want to share with you.<br />
<br />
Being a writer is hard, well for me it is anyway. Some people churn books out like there is no tomorrow, others, like me have to spend time to come up with ideas. Often I can think of an plot but when I start to develop it, it fades away; I think this is the characters telling me it's not their time yet !<br />
<br />
My fourth book was called NOTE TO SELF. I made a mistake with this book. What's the best thing to do when you make a mistake? Put your hands up, admit it and move on. Well I actually made two. Firstly, the blurb on the back has a character called Kevin...well in the book he is actually called Dan. My second mistake which I didn't realise at the time was this: This book is a light hearted 'chick-lit'. I wrote this book in the first person as a women. Difficult for some men I'm sure but as I have been told a few times that I am in touch with my feminine side I found it fairly easy and fun.<br />
My mistake came when I read the reviews for this book. I think people missed the point. It was meant to be light hearted. People's reviews, which I must say to an author are so important, seemed to be deep, picking it apart. It was meant to be a light hearted read when you're on holiday on a beach and don't want anything too deep. It talks of her mum getting a Cappuccino mixed up with Al Pachino, taking the huff so that Emily thinks she's dead and ringing the police who go screaming round.<br />
I know people have views and as much as they're welcome, I think they missed the point. This leads me on to my next mistake. One review said as it was written by a man, this read like what a man expects a fifty year old woman to think !! Would the reviews have been so critical if I had written it under a female pen name? I don't think so.<br />
<br />
Things are sent to teach us. Should a writer who writes in more than one genre use different writer names? Absolutely. The reviews have taught me something which I will keep in mind for next time.<br />
<br />
Anyway back to the story board. Keep on reading and I'll keep on writing.Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-66317484862603241582017-03-01T22:14:00.001+00:002017-03-01T22:28:01.378+00:00Dipping ones toeMost authors have one particular genre that they write. My first choice would be paranormal, something a little spooky I hope with a twist at the end. My first two books A FAR REACHING DREAM and THE HIDDEN PATH HOME were just so with a romance built in. CARD SCHOOL book number three was just paranormal. A boy stuck at a boarding school discovering a few secrets of the building where he lived. However for my next book I entered the world of chick-lit. I wrote as the first person, a lady called Emily who takes us on a journey of dating at 49 after 20 years of marriage. This book will be released soon, I promise. I have talked about it long enough. The pipeline is a long one for me with a vast range of books in the idea stage and some being written as we speak. After NOTE TO SELF will be a biography about one of my oldest friends Angie as she makes the difficult and emotional journey as a transgender person in today's society.<div>I have also written two different series of children's books with my wife Jade who is an early years teacher. So I will leave the single genre writing to the professionals and I will continue to dip my toe into the many genre ponds.!!</div><div><br></div><div>You keep reading and I'll keep writing.</div><div><br></div><div>www.andrewmilnerbooks.com<br><div><br></div></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zXQf6F5bOFI/WLdH13CMVcI/AAAAAAAABRQ/nWWV1X5QFAw/s640/blogger-image--1372944115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zXQf6F5bOFI/WLdH13CMVcI/AAAAAAAABRQ/nWWV1X5QFAw/s640/blogger-image--1372944115.jpg"></a></div>Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-47295504889554536862016-09-08T09:05:00.002+01:002016-09-08T09:05:48.978+01:00Oh, It's hard work !!The best thing ever as a writer is when someone says something positive about your work. It's so easy sometimes to get disheartened when things don't go as planned... Trying to get an agent for a start it's not just hard but damn impossible. Nobody is interested in taking a gamble on an unknown writer. <br />
<br />
Also finding your genre is hard. My first two books were both paranormal romance, the third was paranormal yet my next one which will be called NOTE TO SELF is a chick-lit. Written as first person it follows Emily as she approaches 50 and her husband leaves her. She has to get back into the dating game and after dating some strange men, she has a decision to make. Hopefully its release will be by the end of the year... I have also written children's books and I am now about to embark on a biography of a male to female transgender patient... I'm not sure sticking to one particular genre will suit me because writing gives me an opportunity to be whoever I want to be whenever I want.<br />
<div>
<br />
I am also a trustee of a charity called Purple Owl which raises awareness of Epilepsy, a true honour as my wife founded it.<br />
</div>
<div>
Anyway back to my original point someone said to me the other day; I have read loads of books, some fantastic, some not but yours are just as good as most. Compliment? I certainly think so.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Keep reading, I'll keep writing !!</div>
Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-22708764198429920742016-09-08T00:19:00.001+01:002016-09-08T09:01:12.205+01:00Oh, It is hard work !!!!The best thing ever as a writer is when someone says something positive about your work. It's so easy sometimes to get disheartened when things don't go as planned... Trying to get an agent for a start it's not just hard but damn impossible. Nobody is interested in taking a gamble on an unknown writer. <br />
<br />
Also finding your genre is hard. My first two books were both paranormal romance, the third was paranormal yet my next one which will be called NOTE TO SELF is a chick-lit. Written as first person it follows Emily as she approaches 50 and her husband leaves her. She has to get back into the dating game and after dating some strange men, she has a decision to make. Hopefully its release will be by the end of the year... I have also written children's books and I am now about to embark on a biography of a male to female transgender patient... I'm not sure sticking to one particular genre will suit me because writing gives me an opportunity to be whoever I want to be whenever I want.<br />
<div>
<br />
I am also a trustee of a charity called Purple Owl which raises awareness of Epilepsy, a true honour as my wife founded it.<br />
</div>
<div>
Anyway back to my original point someone said to me the other day; I have read loads of books, some fantastic, some not but yours are just as good as most. Compliment? I certainly think so.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Keep reading, I'll keep writing !!</div>
Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-33610385510299612852016-08-09T22:18:00.001+01:002016-08-09T22:18:25.477+01:00Helping others<span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Well it's been a while since my last blog.. About a year actually. I have finished my next book but just having issues with the cover... It'll be out soon enough... However, that is not the reason for my blog. I just wanted to share with you how wonderful my wife is. Despite being poorly, she has epilepsy, she works near on full time and has set up her own charity. Purple Owl is to raise awareness of epilepsy. She's wonderful, determined and clever as well as focused and funny.. I love her immensely. I'm proud to be a trustee of this charity and will do everything to support her in it. If anyone knows someone who suffers from epilepsy tell them to get in touch to see how we can help. Email -Charitypurpleowl@yahoo.com or text/call <a dir="ltr" href="tel:+44%207752%20128212" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">+44 7752 128212</a></span><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Funny how despite having loads of issues themselves, people still want to help others. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F5nAQIJbmHc/V6pIn0UYI_I/AAAAAAAABOE/wIpw9VbSlfg/s640/blogger-image--1943402947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F5nAQIJbmHc/V6pIn0UYI_I/AAAAAAAABOE/wIpw9VbSlfg/s640/blogger-image--1943402947.jpg"></a></div></div>Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-34872066693940330982015-08-02T11:19:00.000+01:002015-08-02T11:19:05.061+01:00Little things please little minds
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I say in the title Little things please little minds and
this was confirmed for me when I got a follow from Sian Reeves on twitter. To
have followers is a compliment in itself but a famous one is amazing. I am one
happy boy.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I make no secret from enjoying writing books and although the
search for a literary agent continues I still enjoy creating characters and
stories in my head. Granted not everyone will like them which is why as most
authors do, I have rejection emails filling my inbox but my enjoyment is what
keeps me going. If I didn't enjoy it I wouldn't do it. The feeling when someone
says "I really enjoyed that," when they have read one of my books is
amazing.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Currently I am deciding whether to re-release my first two
books as one book as when I wrote A FAR REACHING DREAM I had no idea that THE
HIDDEN PATH HOME would be written. Although the books were written as standalone
books I have to concede that The Hidden Path Home does refer to A Far reaching
Dream a little bit.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have started writing a script for A Far Reaching Dream as
I would like to approach a drama maker as I think it would make a good two part
drama and I must continue with this as it's so easy to get side tracked by
life.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">NOTE TO SELF which will be my next book is a new genre for
me but more will be said in the next few months as I prepare that one for
publication and in the mean time I continue to write another one following a
lovely chap who is trying to rebuild his life after the death of his wife.
Everyone loves a little bit of doom and gloom sometimes, however a happy ending
usually helps to combat that.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you keep reading I'll keep writing</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Andy</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLewBVBtdAU/Vb3uKnkqNYI/AAAAAAAAAMI/ndcZdESb6a8/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLewBVBtdAU/Vb3uKnkqNYI/AAAAAAAAAMI/ndcZdESb6a8/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="277" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<a href="http://www.andrewmilnerbooks.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.andrewmilnerbooks.co.uk</a><br />
</div>
Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-30680665994609700662015-07-01T18:02:00.001+01:002015-07-01T18:02:24.302+01:00 What gives someone the right to take another life?<div class="MsoNormal">
What gives someone the right to take another life? We are
all human beings put here to look after this beautiful world created for us to
live in. It's not hard, it's not rocket science, you don't need to be super
intelligent to get this concept. No matter what colour your skin is, what
country you were born in or what religion you choose to practice, you are no
better or worse than I am. I am more than happy to live my life side by side
with my fellow human beings without question. Why then do some people live
their lives to hurt other people, to force their views on others, to make other
people live to their beliefs. Look, here it is plain and simple. Live your life
as you want to live it without hurting one another. Plain and simple, then we
can all just get on and enjoy this lovely world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's a privilege to be an author, an artist or a songwriter
in which you create a world safe for people to absorb themselves into and feel
safe. Sure, we all get upset when reading a sad book or listening to a sad song
or laugh at the comedy book written to entertain us but these are safe worlds
created for us to enjoy just like the real world was created for us to enjoy.
Maybe if we think of this world as a book and we just mere characters we might
enjoy it more. Yes there's always the bad guy in a book but the good guys
always win in the end.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More about my next book in my next blog.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Keep reading and I'll keep writing...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Andy</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.andrewmilnerbooks.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.andrewmilnerbooks.co.uk</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-56466964662942851202015-06-14T21:20:00.000+01:002015-06-14T21:24:27.128+01:00There's always someone to help with the book.Sometimes it's hard to know which direction to take the books you are writing. My concern is that I don't want to be one of those authors who people say things about like - "It's the same as his last book". <br />
I've seen reviews of successful authors where it has been stated 'same plot as last book'. I let the idea come and then I listen to the characters because it's them who know what the story is about. Don't ever be scared to step back a bit and let the story develop, this is where you will find the best inspiration. <br />
<br />
My fourth book has just about had its first full edit and has now been sent to an agent so fingers crossed. The character who is called Emily Matheson has led me through a difficult time in her life and I now feel that I have a friend for life with her. She is approaching her fiftieth birthday when her husband leaves her. She has had to start her life again after twenty years of marriage.<br />
<br />
Emily made me laugh, she made me cry and left me feeling honoured that she shared her thoughts and feelings with me.<br />
<br />
<div>
I will keep you updated with the progress of this book. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Keep reading. I'll keep writing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Andy<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.andrewmilnerbooks.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.andrewmilnerbooks.co.uk</a></div>
Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-65750377125294387922015-04-23T07:04:00.005+01:002015-04-23T07:20:53.048+01:00It's all in my head !<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I sometimes wonder how I manage to write books, not because
I think I'm not capable of such things but because life seems to run at a
certain pace which is sometimes hard to keep up with. Work takes up a lot of time and then there's time to spend with family and friends and then the general day to day living. However when you feel compelled to write you have to write and the early morning call of 6am is the time for me to write.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have read my books after completion of thought to myself,
"Did I really write that? That's really good." There are so many
people out there writing books and if you search you can always find an author
promoting his / her book. It's a tough world out there but that is the case
with most industries. You just have to keep going.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why do I write books? I certainly didn't set out to be a
writer and sometimes I wonder why I carry on but It's like I have characters in
my head battling to be heard. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have recently finished what will be my fourth book and am
at the reading through stages before parts are edited and changed if need be.
This brings me to think what next? I usually start writing about anything or
one of the ideas that I have but without any sense of direction as I believe if
the characters need their story to be told they will tell it. This has worked
and from an idea I have started to write a chapter and planned a few more. I
write because I like it and it is such a compliment when someone reads a book
that was created in your head and says that they liked it.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My childhood in Pudsey in Leeds played a big part in my life
and in A Far Reaching Dream and The Hidden Path Home it features heavily. It's
lovely to have grown up in such a beautiful place and be able to tell others
about it in my books. I will return there in future books.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can take the boy from Pudsey but not Pudsey from the boy
!! </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You keep reading and I'll keep writing.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Andy</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">http://www.andrewmilnerbooks.co.uk<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p> </div>
Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-48627739939843977752015-04-09T07:48:00.000+01:002015-04-09T07:48:02.461+01:00THE NEXT CHAPTER
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So I have finished writing my fourth book. It will be called
NOTE TO SELF. It is about Emily a soon to be fifty year old. After twenty years
of marriage her husband left her for another woman. She not only had to deal
with that but the loss her dad who she worshipped. I have tried to capture
every emotion in writing this book. So as I start my first read through and
editing session of which there will be a few, I now start to think of another
idea for my next book. I have characters in my head all the time but trying to
find where they will fit into stories is another matter. I enjoyed so much
writing about Fulneck and Pudsey which are in Leeds in A FAR REACHING DREAM and
THE HIDDEN PATH HOME that I may return there for my next one. Indeed in CARD
SCHOOL there are elements of Pudsey in that too. Pudsey was my childhood and a
place where I feel at home when I visit. It has everything and in THE HIDDEN
PATH HOME I relived the old tales told to me as a child about Greenside Tunnel.
There are other myths and tales from my childhood which may get a mention or
two once I have found the characters to do them justice.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I tried hard to make NOTE TO SELF amusing alongside the
serious emotions and once you read the sort of things her mum and friends come
out with I hope you'll agree. It's hard to leave characters behind when you spend
so much time with them but new ones have to be born.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You keep reading and I'll keep writing.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Andy</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here's a picture over Fulneck taken from the Bankhouse Pub, Pudsey.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xzz2H5uqHh4/VSYgFQFqYGI/AAAAAAAAAL4/IDPhMBWZuKQ/s1600/Fulneck.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xzz2H5uqHh4/VSYgFQFqYGI/AAAAAAAAAL4/IDPhMBWZuKQ/s1600/Fulneck.png" height="254" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<a href="http://www.andrewmilnerbooks.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.andrewmilnerbooks.co.uk</a>Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-322547404905517592015-02-26T07:00:00.000+00:002015-02-27T07:05:35.514+00:00Childhood<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had a great childhood despite my dad leaving when I was about 7. My mum did a fantastic job of bringing up me and my sister. She worked
part-time and sacrificed a lot to provide for us. I would only see my dad on a
weekend. The thing for me that stands out in my childhood is the area where I
grew up. I lived at the top end of Pudsey in Leeds, West Yorkshire and a five minute walk from
Fulneck. We would play in the countryside all day disappearing first thing and coming
back in the evening. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We played football, cricket, hide and seek or just chilled
out at the side of the Fulneck golf course. There was a farm at the top of our
street that had a mini railway and we would go up in summer and have rides around
the fields which would then go under a tunnel. There was a horse in the field
called Dandini and a donkey called Patrick. We would do beck jumping down
Fulneck valley of which I write about in A FAR REACHING DREAM and THE HIDDEN
PATH HOME. Even in CARD SCHOOL I write about playing frisbee down Fulneck
Valley something which I did with my own children.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know I was very lucky to live my childhood where I did and
feel sadness for others who had a bad childhood.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We only get one crack at life so why don't we enjoy it?
There are some true hidden gems in this country and Fulneck was mine. It will
stay a huge part of me for the rest of my life.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.theaa.com/walks/tong-fulnecks-moravian-settlement-421280"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.theaa.com/walks/tong-fulnecks-moravian-settlement-421280</span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will blog next time about my new book that I am writing.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep reading and I'll keep writing.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
Andy</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.andrewmilnerbooks.com/">http://www.andrewmilnerbooks.com</a></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.andrewmilnerbooks.coma%20view%20over%20fulneck%20valley/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DaQpVZcuX1s/VO7FfYdnYnI/AAAAAAAAALU/s7vvP0InjKg/s1600/Fulneck.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DaQpVZcuX1s/VO7FfYdnYnI/AAAAAAAAALU/s7vvP0InjKg/s1600/Fulneck.png" height="254" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view over Fulneck valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></a><a href="http://www.andrewmilnerbooks.coma%20view%20over%20fulneck%20valley/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">
</span></a></div>
Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-33275425440244511042015-02-03T19:50:00.000+00:002015-02-03T19:50:21.983+00:00Learning lessons<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For most of us our aim in life if is to be good at what we
do whether it is being the President of a large organisation, a playgroup
leader, an author or a student. The majority of us strive to be good, not
necessarily the best but good enough to put us above our peers. As a business
leader you want your business to be the best and offer the best service to your
customers, the playgroup leader who strives to make the children happy and the
parents confident in your leadership, the student who wants straight grade As
and the author who wants to have the best seller.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I write a book I have to like the story first before hoping
that the reader will like it too. How can I expect people to read and like my
book if I don't like it? How can I expect people to believe in my characters if
I don't believe in them?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I'm not brilliant at writing books by any stretch of the
imagination and will probably never see my name up there with the world's best
sellers, Agatha Christie, Barbara Cartland, William Shakespeare and J.K
Rowling. Val Wood's book <span style="color: #141823;">The Doorstep Girls </span>has
made it onto <span style="color: #141823;">The Guardian paperback book chart at
No.9 a fantastic achievement which I can only try to emulate.</span> However
they all started somewhere and were not born the best, they had to work at it
just like I will try to. It is the most highly paid compliment that I have ever
received when someone says they enjoyed one of my books. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I take my hat off to people who work hard to be good and I
learn lessons all the time from my girlfriend who pushes the boundaries of
being epileptic to run her own business and along with athletes and politicians
changes people's misconceptions of what Epilepsy is.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Life is a lesson and I learn all the time. My dream is to
have 10 books published. I so far have three published and a few more in the
planning stage.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Having the compliment of people enjoying my books is like a
compulsion to write more, and write more I will ! </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks, keep reading and I'll keep writing.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Andy</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/andrew.milner.355?ref=hl"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">https://www.facebook.com/andrew.milner.355?ref=hl</span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/milnerad"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">https://twitter.com/milnerad</span></a></div>
Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-8242888428457201742015-01-23T06:47:00.000+00:002015-01-23T06:47:43.085+00:00First professional book review
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I'm sure by now those who make new years resolutions have
mostly quit them. What is it that makes us so sure that we can do things and
change our lives just because it is a new year. I always try to be a nice
person and help people not because it is January but because I am a human being
and we have been put on this planet to look after it and help each other. It's
not hard to be civil to each other.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This week I have received my first professional book review
and was very pleased when the reviewer said it kept them hooked from the first
page. Every author tries to grab hold of the reader and pull them into a world
created in the author's head. I am no exception to that. The world of Michael
Dawson is not a happy one, unwanted by his Aunt after the death of his parents
and very much alone in the world he relies only on himself to get through in an
environment alien to him. It is a huge compliment when someone believes in the
world and characters that you create.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To watch the project come together is a truly amazing thing
as ideas from my head transfer onto paper or word document and become part of a
story that people will read. I am so grateful to people who buy my books and
take time to read them.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep reading and I'll keep writing.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Andy</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<a href="http://beckvalleybooks.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/book-review-card-school-by-andrew-milner.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://beckvalleybooks.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/book-review-card-school-by-andrew-milner.html</span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-14069211177945386102015-01-06T00:22:00.001+00:002015-01-06T00:22:03.712+00:00New yearWell it's here again.... Another new year, another year older but another year wiser. Another world is being created in my mind and new characters are being born. Anyone of my characters could be real as when I write my books I try and create dramas in their lives. We all know someone who is just like that.. Going from one drama to another.... Just be grateful it's not you. If you want a drama, read a book, it's easier to let someone else have the drama, crisis, call it what you want... You enjoy the peace, let me create the drama for you to enjoy.<div><br></div><div>Keep reading, I'll keep writing.</div><div><br></div><div>Happy new year </div><div><br></div><div>Andy</div>Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-33731909663271654452014-12-04T08:09:00.000+00:002014-12-04T08:32:55.766+00:00Christmas<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So that time of year is amongst us again. Love it or hate it
there are serious consequences to this celebration. Do you know that suicide
rates go up at Christmas? People suffer more depression at Christmas and this
is the time of year that loneliness takes a much more leading role in people's
lives. I am lucky to have a family as most of us are, but there are people who
through no fault of their own do not have that luxury. Relationship break ups
always seem harder to cope with when the neighbours are having fun and when the
'happy' programmes are on TV. Laughter can be heard in the streets from office
parties and family get-togethers. The curtains don't block out the loneliness.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes we need to spare a thought and just keep an eye on
the people who are around us all the time who's lives exist side by side with
our own but yet we have no interaction with them. It's supposed to be a time
for caring and sharing but how many of us actually do?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will be working, writing, cooking, baking and cleaning,
pretty much like I do most weeks</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My next book is well under way and hopefully over the
festive period I will be able to give it some time and crack on with it. It's
around summer time in the book that I am writing at the moment so I will try
and enjoy the sun a bit whilst I have the heating on and will be digging out my
scarf.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have a wonderful time people and keep an eye out for the
lonely ones.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep reading and I'll keep writing.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Andy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Andrew-Milner/e/B00CDA8MWI/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1417681805&sr=8-1">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Andrew-Milner/e/B00CDA8MWI/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1417681805&sr=8-1</a><br />
</div>
Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-35596073952603536582014-11-20T09:29:00.001+00:002014-11-20T09:29:33.795+00:00Our futures and fears
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If I could go back twenty years I wonder if I would have
seen myself in the place where I stand today. My life was going down a straight
path there were no corners, no roundabouts, no junctions, just a plain old straight
road. It's funny how we come away from that straight road sometimes without
planning to. We do however we find a way, whether it be through mucky fields or
going the wrong way down a one-way street we will come back onto the road to
our future. It is maybe not the same one as before, but it's a road going
generally in the right direction.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My third book Card School has now been released and as I
approach my next project I imagine where I want to be in the future. I want to
be happy and successful, don't we all? I enjoy writing books in the knowledge that
people read them; that people will read about my characters and get to know them
and that the things that happen in my books will be understood and accepted.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A boarding school is not always
the first choice for parents or children but Michael Dawson did not have the
luxury of choice. At ten years of age he had to deal with the loss of both
parents who had been abroad on a church mission. He never had the chance to say
goodbye only see you later. He believed when they went, they would return, but
they didn't. Not only having to contend with the biggest loss known to a child
he was thrust into the full time guardianship of his uncaring Auntie who he had
been staying with but only until his parents came back. Now they were not
coming back his future had to be decided. Learning that he can only trust
himself, and faced with a dark secret in the boarding school where he is
placed, he sets out to unravel the answers and find questions to fit. He has no
intention of getting too close but ends up being in the direct firing line. When
all hope is lost, the person he expects least of all to be there comes to the
rescue, but is it all too little too late?.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael is a ten year old boy who loses his parents in a car
accident whilst they are abroad. He didn't say goodbye, he thought he would see
them again so said "see you later." All too often people are taken
from us without a chance for us to say goodbye. We should remember this when we
fall out with people over silly things and remember - Never go to bed on an
argument.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So as people read my new book CARD SCHOOL I will be writing
my next book safe in the knowledge that soon my characters will be alive in
someone's living room.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I'll keep writing if you keep reading.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.andrewmilnerbooks.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.andrewmilnerbooks.com</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8OHnvgeCxnY/VG2z9GLyLVI/AAAAAAAAALA/BFJAjIfcRG0/s1600/3.%2BCARD%2BSCHOOL%2BFRONT%2BCOVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8OHnvgeCxnY/VG2z9GLyLVI/AAAAAAAAALA/BFJAjIfcRG0/s1600/3.%2BCARD%2BSCHOOL%2BFRONT%2BCOVER.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="221" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Card-School-Andrew-Milner/dp/1326022989/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416475735&sr=8-1&keywords=card+school+andrew+milner" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Card-School-Andrew-Milner/dp/1326022989/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416475735&sr=8-1&keywords=card+school+andrew+milner</a>Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-67276437553160403812014-08-29T01:07:00.001+01:002014-08-29T01:07:47.301+01:00Fact Or Fiction, It's All The Same, Isn't It?
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Sometimes real life and fiction are not that far
apart. When I write about a character I get to know them, they become a real
person with thoughts and feelings and interact with the other characters. They
live, they feel, they work, they have success and failures and on top of all of
those they suffer hurt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I am the person that inflicts that hurt on them. I
am their creator. I give them the thoughts, memories, things to say and do, I
like the characters that I create and I want you to like them too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">When my characters get hurt, whether it is physical
or emotional hurt, it is me that inflicts that hurt on them. I do it without a
thought and there's no come back. They just accept their fate and get on with
it. Sometimes by the end of the book the pain has been forgotten and they come
out on top.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">In real life, we inflict hurt on each other and
sometimes it's not intentional. We have things to say which may come out wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Even if it is you who hurts someone else you still
experience some sort of hurt </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">yet your feelings are not considered because we
tend to sympathise more with the victim. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Usually we hit out at others because we are hurting
ourselves, maybe in a different way but hurting all the same. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I try and analyse people the same way that I do
with my characters because I spend a lot of time with them. I also put myself
in the spotlight a bit too often and analyse myself way too much under
interrogation. A nice quiet and peaceful life seems so easy to achieve, yet we
have the ability to destroy others people's feelings all too easily.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">My aim
when I write a book is to give enjoyment, to draw people close and share my
thoughts with them and for them to spend a part of their life in my world. I
don't put myself on a pedestal by any stretch nor do I compare myself with God
in any shape, way or form, but I am a creator. I give life and I take it away. I
make people happy and sad, I hurt people and I heal them. In real life I am a
mere person living in the world created by a far better author than I am.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Come and
share my thoughts and live with them for a short time.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Keep
reading and I will keep writing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br />
<a href="http://www.andrewmilnerbooks.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.andrewmilnerbooks.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194386065299002250.post-56941559686243895082014-08-19T00:25:00.003+01:002014-08-19T00:34:19.560+01:00JUST DOING MY BEST<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Where to take my ideas is the question asked by me. I
sometimes find it hard to think of myself as a writer as I just think of myself
as me. I don't particularly think I'm clever and I don't particularly think I
have a talent. I like to tell a story and I like those stories to come from my
own imagination. I love it when people say they like reading them and I try to
take on board any criticism offered. Authors say that you should write a book
for the reader and not for yourself which I find hard because you might not
want to read the stuff that I want to and vice-versa, however I hope we like
the same stuff as I want to please and satisfy the people who read my books.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have started to do something today never attempted before.
I have started writing a script of A FAR REACHING DREAM. I believe that this
along with its sequel would make a really good TV drama (yes I know I am biased
therefore maybe my opinion probably doesn't count) and the people at the TV
companies won't read a book and say "Yeh it's good," however they
will read a script. This is my mission alongside writing my next book. No
pressure then. !!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway enough ramblings, my third book will hopefully be out
in October for which the title will be revealed shortly, and I hope that it is
good enough for you the reader as I know you like a good read.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hope one day that you will watch a good TV drama and say,
"I have read the book."</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep on reading and I'll keep on writing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.andrewmilnerbooks.com/">http://www.andrewmilnerbooks.com</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Andy</span></div>
Andrew Milnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14778279317774063905noreply@blogger.com0