I am not sure I can remember a month as busy as March 2025, and while a bit worn out (and hoping that April 2025 is quieter!) it really was an incredible time. I went to Wembley to see Liverpool well beaten by Newcastle and then had the small matter of a book launch. I have posted on that separately on this site and I remain amazed at the support that came out! So many people have said they want to do the same this time next year, so we will have to see….

The launch went well, I understand that sales were good for Northodox and that’s all I can do – compete in the arena I am in. If they are happy then I am too! It was also rather surreal that only a few days later I got my first royalty statement (they report on that twice a year) – I got paid for books sold! Now, some think I will be quitting work and earning loads, believe me that’s not true however it felt good. I am now a real author.

The 27th March saw me do my first panel appearance at a Northern Writer’s event at Leigh Library. About 30 or so guests came, the panel had a free chippy tea (beat that JK Rowling!) and I think I did alright. I enjoyed meeting the other panellists and we sold some books. I’d love to do more of the same.

The night before that was another gig, back to the Albert Hall in Manchester. My last gig till the summer I think. It was a fantastic singer called Morgan Wade (Check out Wilder Days in the usual places) who I have followed for a few years. Due to cost she can’t afford to bring her full band over to the UK (thanks Brexit, and likely to be made worse with Trump’s tariffs) so she does an acoustic show instead.

And Morgan Wade got to meet me, a newly published author! I have only once before done the while VIP meet and greet thing but couldn’t resist as she was offering a short pre show performance and Q&A. I did ask a question and she was charming. The photo opportunity was something I feared as being a bit cringey but it wasn’t, she was so friendly and remarked on my Jason Isbell t shirt. His guitarist in the 400 Unit, Sadler Vaden, discovered her and produced her first album.