Francis Wait answers Twenty Questions.



Francis Wait

Francis is author of The Survivalists – Getting There which is being launched on Friday 6th September. You can find this book on www.franciswait.com/ Francis has already had two of his intriguing short stories published as one of nine authors calling themselves ‘The We’re Not Dead Yet Writers’ in the much praised ‘Twists in the Tales’ (available on Amazon or through http://www.fantasyadventurebooks.com/).

1 When did you first start writing? I always wanted to write from an early age, and started when I was twenty but my writing was all in longhand and I wasn’t very successful.
 

2 How did you come to write your first book? I purchased a computer in 1995 and ideas I that had been floating around in my head suddenly became possible to get down on paper easily and quickly along with editing and changing the story line.

3 What’s the best thing about being an author? I like the power I have over the story line, if someone I speak to gives me another insight into a character I might change it to make the tale better, or I can do it myself if I wish.

4 And what’s the worst? The worst has to be editing, especially quotation marks. I had to take lessons on how to place them with the correct stops or commas.

5 Which was your favourite book as a child? I have no special book that was my favourite, but I liked the Biggles books when I was a child.

6 What do writers groups offer? Writers groups offer so much to budding writers with gentle criticism or praise it help them. Although I have both face book and twitter, I don’t tend to use them much.

7 Tell us about you working experience I have had several jobs, I worked as a storeman in an off licence, a re-upholsterer, I worked as a plasterer for most of my life and latterly as a builder. I was in the army in the 60’s for two years on National Service. I worked in Belgium for ten years and at that time I worked in France and Holland. In between I did several professions too numerous to mention. I did anything to bring money into my house to support my family.

8 Have you ever had an embarrassing moment?  Yes, many times. Probably the worst was when I was 17 and got caught in a garden shed with a girl, by her father.

9 What do writers need most? Experience; nothing can replace that. I use many of my life’s experiences in my books.

10 What are you reading at the moment? Books by an author called William Stuart Long, although I suspect he is probably a woman.

11 Who is your writing hero? My writing hero is Wilbur Smith, I think his books are the best read that I have ever had.

12 What did you want to be when you were twelve? When I was twelve I wanted to be a tennis star. I was quite proficient at it, but at that time it was quite a snobby pastime and I came from the wrong side of the tracks. Also there was no money in it as it was all amateur.

13 What is your proudest achievement? I gave up smoking about 25 years ago. I was on about 40 a day then. I bought my first brand new van with the money I saved.

14 What would you like to see happen in the future? There are too many to list here. My top desires would be to see immigration stopped, and make all immigrants pay for two years into the NHS before qualifying for free medical treatment. I’d like golden pensions to civil servants to cease. I’d ban all foreign aid to despots who buy 747’s to travel in and siphon off the money into private bank accounts.

15 What are your fondest memories? My fondest memories are going to my uncle’s farm for the summer holidays; I helped gather the harvest on hay wagons, milked cows and worked all summer. There is no greater pleasure than going down to the hen house in the morning and bringing back eggs for breakfast.

16 What do you think of other writers and authors? I like other authors and writers because they have a great deal of expertise in their chosen profession. I like their imagination and dedication in what is probably one of the poorest paid pastimes to have, yet they rarely give up.

17 Tell us about your hobbies away from writing. I live in sheltered housing where I organise entertainment for the other residents. I also try in my daily life to help as many people as I can.

18 Where do you hope to be when you’re 70? LOL. I’m 74 now. I want to be a really successful writer ASAP although time goes on.

19 What was your dream holiday? My dream holiday was a month in Australia marred by the fact that I was prosecuted for importing fruit into the country. Full story is in my book with changed characters.

20 What superpower would you like to have? I would like to have the superpower to change the world to make it a better place, but that would require too many different powers so it would be impossible.

 

 

Back to writing about ponies

The intrepid pony rests after a jumping session

After fun cruising the waterways and blogging it's back to other forms of writing. While I am waiting for Tony Flood my editor (also author of my life with the stars) to finish the professional edit I am working on book 2 of the intrepid pony series.
Last year I joined several writing groups where I met with writers and heard talks and did workshops and they were so fruitful that I'm renewing membership this year. Thanks to them my writing has matured and improved and I hope it will continue to do so this year. On line author friends are great and have recommended useful websites but nothing beats face to face discussions with helpful club members.

tail washing is hard work- for the owner

Soon I will be interviewing writers about their experiences and posting them on this blog. hopefully every two to three weeks. I will also track the progress of my book as it heads into the great world outside. When I set off on that journey I had no idea how much work went into publishing and have still got loads to learn. Then there's the small matter of promoting my book. Having attained the target of writing a novel the promotional mountain seems huge, but others have led the way.

Restormel Castle



Perfect circular curtain wall

The inner walls

The day of our departure we decided to visit Restormel castle with a picnic as it was nearer Devon, cutting half an hour off our journey home later. It was a hit with the grandchildren as they hadn’t been to a castle before. A couple of older children played on the grass with toy swords pretending to be knights. in spite of the high season the castle didn't have too many visitors. I guess holiday makers were mostly on the beaches soaking up the sun. 

upper walkway

The castle had a round keep with a circular walkway high in the ramparts. The girls made a beeline for the upper walkway even though the steps were huge to the 2 year old. We explored the roofless rooms and a narrow passage half way up but the girls returned to the upper level again and again and again. After locally made ice creams we said our goodbyes in the car park and set out for home. They should sleep well tonight.

Up and down

When we looked at our previous photos of the castle we found the upper walkway had been out of bounds. At some point English Heritage had put in safety railings a wooden access steps and made the upper walkway safe without spoiling this lovely ruin. I'm so glad they did as the children loved that aspect of the castle and the views from the top are wonderful.

War time bomb explodes

On our penultimate morning our daughter prepared a picnic and we set off for the beach. There was no space in the car park and it was too hot to wait around with the dog and children so she led the way to a village green to eat the picnic. I asked a passing cyclist for directions to the nearest park and we ended up driving past a parked police car to the far side of the village where there was a superb playground with unusual play equipment. The children enjoyed the picnic and made the most of the park. As we were preparing to leave there was a mighty bang which echoed heavily round the valley.

surf

“Thunder?” I asked.

“Oh that will be the bomb,” my daughter replied casually. That night the safe detonation of an old war time bomb featured in the local news. I had to smile, fancy heading for a village with an unexploded bomb for a picnic with 3 under 4's. The report explained this was the site of a war time air force base which had been heavily bombed for weeks so there could be more bombs still undetected in this sleepy village.

sandy beaches

The beach car park was still full but people were leaving when we returned and we managed to park. The grandchildren waited patiently while we blew up our small boat and then we trekked down the beach lugging boat, dog and trying to keep an eye on two grandchildren clad in wetsuits and life jackets as they wandered in different directions at varying speeds.

The boat was a success as the children hadn’t been in one before although used to the beach. Paul and I took turns in floating the boat before the waves, giving the girls a rough water ride. Lottie wanted to go out in the boat but was kept away from the action. Rubber boat and sharp claws don’t go well together.

Newquay and Truro

Rocky cliffs

After the cruise we booked a hotel in Newquay to visit our daughter and grandchildren. Paul bent over and hurt his back so we won’t be visiting the boat in the near future, but we set out for the town with 11 magnificent beaches as the hotel was paid for. The first day we drove down taking several diversions as the traffic was gridlocked and survived torrential downpours in Devon. It was during that deluge that we realised we had left our waterproofs on the boat and had no coats whatsoever. The heat wave had lulled us into setting out without an umbrella too. However the sun emerged by the time we reached Cornwall. As always our grandchildren gave us an enthusiastic welcome making us delighted just to be there. Later we arrived at the Headlands Hotel to a warm welcome, complimentary champagne, and preparations for an international surf competition which would commence as we leave. In spite of the bustle the hotel was calm and relaxed inside.





Headland near Bedruthan

Next morning I walked Lottie past the newly erected marquees along Fistral Beach where she let off steam. We had breakfast with Lottie in the lounge overlooking the beach. The Headland is the perfect dog friendly hotel, relaxed, friendly with historic features.

Our trip out today was to the Truro, a tiny city with an impressive cathedral, to buy a pink bike for a nearly 4 year old. She came away with a big smile having tried out several pink models but the bike won’t arrive until we have returned home.

Truro

Truro Cathedral

Our evening dinner was a complimentary 3 course dinner which came as a freebee when Paul booked. Fortunately his back is improving swiftly as he does his back strengthening exercises.

Fradley Junction

on the river section



Alrewas Lock

Moorings at Fradley

Cool weather greeted us with rain threatening so we set out promptly. We passed the super slow boat moored up and headed for the river section. The rain fell as gentle mist and cleared up as we reached Fradley. The locks here are tricky to operate as they have minds of their own and various gates open at random. At one lock I closed one gate then the self opening one and Paul reversed the boat back to keep it shut while I ran to the far end to let the water in. We moored up at the visitor mooring in the middle of the flight. It is a good place for boat watching as there is always a lot happening there as the Trent and Mersey canal meets the Coventry canal in the middle of the flight of locks overlooked by a handy pub.  


By the time we had eaten lunch the sun was blazing but Paul had moored in the shade. Eventually we set out on the final set of locks back to base. They were busy but the queue was moving slickly. We returned to the marina in sun and again found it a beautiful place to moor. While Paul was busy hoovering I walked Lottie (who hates the noise) round the marina and found it had lovely carvings of dragonflies on the green spaces. We spent the afternoon cleaning and tidying the boat for our next voyage, whenever that may be.

Lazy cruising

 

Canal art behind on line moorings

Shobnal Fields

The hot weather is back but accompanied by some cloud cover and a welcome breeze. We cruised to the last wide lock at Stensen a few minutes behind yesterday’s companions, but they were ascending as we arrived. Paul went up to help work the lock while I made coffee and took it up to him. By the time the lock was ready another boat had joined us making the 12 foot ascent easier as the boats don’t move around much. We let them go first as Paul had to walk Lottie all the way round the lock to get back on the boat. He helped the boater behind raise the paddles and we left the last of the wide locks behind us. By the time we reached the next lock they were on their way up but another boat had pulled out between us. I worked the lock and a keen miniature cyclist helped open the gate with his dad. We stopped midday at Shobnal fields which had lovely shady trees and Paul sought out provisions while I wrote this blog.

Looking back at Tatenhill Lock

We moved on in lovely weather. At the first lock we came to a hire boat was ascending as we arrived. I was amazed how slowly it disappeared. We had emptied and entered the lock before it went round the corner. I had thought we were one of the slower boats on the cut as Paul hates creating a wash, but we caught them up in a mile. At the next lock they hadn’t even dropped the crew off as we arrived. Paul decided it would take hours following such a slow boat at 2 lock miles per hour and moored up at the visitor mooring in sight of the lock. It took them half an hour to disappear so the decision was wise. We have some road noise here but it isn’t took disturbing. Tomorrow we will reach our base if we don’t end up behind a super slow crew.

Lottie Lurcher

Lottie likes hiding under her blanket

Lottie was terrified in the night as the storm raged so I put her bed in the narrow corridor next to me and stroked her as I dozed. She lay shivering so I pulled the blanket over her so she could hide under it. When its cold she likes to sleep with her head covered with not even her nose protruding. Paul took her out to do her business in heavy rain but she was scared by distant thunder. She even refused her breakfast for only the second time in her life. With all the rain we’ve had the Soar is sure to soar and surge so we did the right thing by cutting our trip short. The morning was thundery but Lottie braved breakfast after it died down. Late morning the storms rolled away so we had early lunch and set off, catching another boat up as it was entering the lock. The lock slave kindly went around and opened the gate for Paul so I worked the near side as it was easier with Lottie Lurcher in tow. As we cruised on it became hot and sunny but storm clouds started building again. As we reached the third lock storms broke out on either side of us. We took on water and moored, then enjoyed a cool shower while Lottie stayed close to whoever was in the lounge area hiding under her duvet.

Old crane at the water point

The River Soar

the weir where the Trent meets the Soar

We cruised to the junction of the two rivers and filled with water. Then we turned past the giant weir onto the River Soar. The sun came out and it turned out to be a winding rural river with fields filled with cows. Lottie barked at two calves that were up to their chests in water, determined to return them to the bank where they belonged. She succeeded. At the first lock we caught up with a local couple on their way home and shared the next 3 locks with them. 



peaceful moorings

Filled in lock with gates still in place

One lock was so deep it provided slide poles for the ropes, and another had the ruins of a second filled in lock alongside the first. At the deep lock a boater heading towards us told us he was getting off the river quick as big thunder storms had been predicted and the Soar is notorious for shooting up into un-navigable strong currents when it rains. Paul decided we might head straight back after lunch to avoid being caught. By the time we moved off the sun was beating down, but the sultry weather and rapidly dropping thermometer suggested a storm was overdue. Cowardly or wise we turned back for the safety of the Trent and Mersey canal. On the way we passed herons fishing, but one took a dislike to our boat and flew off, looking rather like a pterodactyl in the air. At the deep and slow to fill lock we had a long delay as boats passed. Those coming up were speeding to their home moorings and two were leaving the Soar to cruise before they were trapped. 

flying heron

I worked the locks using an umbrella as a sunshade as the heat was intense but the cruise back was pleasant as I had a breeze and shade under the umbrella. We moored after six in Shardlow beyond the flood gates. A couple of hours later it poured with rain. The people on the next boat charged back to it screaming as the rain pounded down, then couldn’t find their boat keys. The thunder banged directly overhead and sheet lightening lit the sky up. Lottie was terrified and curled up in the bathroom, a place she has never bothered visiting before.


weir stream and main channel

Adrift

plenty of room to drift

The morning was cool and damp as we pulled away from the water sports centre. We had to weave past the scullers who were out en bloc practising for this afternoons competition. A mile from the lock into the Nottingham canal Paul lost power and the engine cut out. We were adrift in midstream with speedy scullers likely to appear any moment. Paul lifted the rear deck and undid the weed hatch. The water was clear and he could see a thick rope wound tightly around his prop. Paul couldn’t budge it so resorted to attacking it with his leatherman multi bladeknife.

Return to Nottingham

Castle mound from the canal

Fellows and Morton historic canal haulage

Meanwhile the boat had turned to face the bank and slowly drifted towards it. Two scullers speeded round the corner. As they scull backwards they were unaware of us blocking their path. Normally powered boats keep out the way but they kept up the pace. I yelled and waved and one realised we were in the way and warned the other who was bearing down on us fast. Lucky had nosed onto a silt bank but the sculler squeezed between the bank and boat giving us a snooty look as he passed. At least he didn’t damage his boat by ramming into us.


a Nottingham canal bridge

Paul shifted the rope, nylon canvas bag and other smaller flotsam and re-secured the weed hatch. Deck back down the engine started first time and seemed non the worse for the obstruction which turned out to be a rescue rope that they used in the Water Sports Centre. Paul reversed off the sand bank and straightened the boat before the next bunch of rowers appeared. We cruised past the county hall and Trent Bridge cricket ground then headed for the lock as it started to drizzle. We put our coats on but the rain had stopped by the time I prepared the lock.

peaceful canal near the centre

A small cruiser joined us as our boat entered the lock and the children worked the lock with expertise. They were local and gave advice on where to moor on the river Soar where we might visit on our way back. We moored near the castle so Paul could top up our provisions. As we carried on we passed the boat we had towed near Castle Marina. Shortly afterwards we met the friend of the stricken boat on his own narrow boat heading out to get parts to repair the broken gearbox. At least they made it onto the canal section before it finally died. We had a peaceful cruise down to the Cranfleet cut just short of the junction with the river Soar. The only other boat heading in our direction was a canoeist who swiftly overtook and disappeared into the distance.

Return to White Water

north of Nottingham

After lunch Paul took Lottie for a walk across the fields in case we have trouble finding mooring again. Soon after we set off we came upon a narrow boat close to the shore on the left. With a sense of déjà-vu I saw a lady was crossing and uncrossing her arms in the air. This is obviously the code foe lady in distress as the men each time stand watching. The engine had failed and they had drifted onto a sandbank. The engine had restarted, though it sounded terrible as though a handful of bolts were rolling around in a washing machine, but they were stuck fast.

Turning round the gate

This rescue was more difficult than the last. We had to get close enough to pass ropes over but without getting stuck ourselves and our boat is only 40 foot, not ideal for pulling a larger vessel out of the mud. Paul tried pulling the stern off first but nearly got sucked onto the sand too. He then tried pulling the front at an angle to keep Lucky in deep water. With the other boaters pushing away with their barge pole we managed to pull them free. We then followed them through the next two locks. We moored up at the National Water Sports Centre and they carried on hoping to reach Nottingham where a friend would have transport to get parts for the repairs.

At the centre canoes were tacking the white water slalom course, and competition heats were under way on the rowing lake. It was interesting watching not only the races but also how each boat had to warm up by working up to the start. Some boats took it gently, others practised their sprint starts. Each race was accompanied by a power boat which seemed too close to the race it was following.

Singles heats

Paul thought he’d be exhausted by the time he reached the start with nothing left for the race but rowers are fit. As each race unfolded ardent supporters would hurtle down the cycle track screaming encouragement at the boats. Could the competitors hear the encouragements meant for them amid the uproar? Amazingly the pairs chatted about tactics as they headed to the start and the coxes of the fours bullied their crew about stroke length as they headed to the start. Although nearby our boat was insulated from the noise by a bank so we enjoyed a quiet dinner.

Rowing boats reign



The gate bridge over the lock

Large weir

the Power station- functional not beautiful

We set off at 7.30 to beat the heat and I worked the first lock. As soon as I inserted the key a booming voice came over the loudspeaker announcing WARNING STAY AWAY FROM THE LOCK CROSSINGS. It kept repeating this regularly to a solitary passing walker. As the lock divided the town it is used as a bridge by the locals so a warning system is needed to prevent someone stepping onto the walkway as it moved. Once we left the town the only blot on the landscape was the power station. Instead of warming up the morning grew cooler and we dug out our fleeces for the first time this trip. As soon as I took the helm I rounded a tight bend to find a rowing 4 stationary ready to start a timed run so I slowed up and headed for the shallows until they got under way. They soon picked up speed and shot round the next bend chased by their coach in a power boat. By the time I negotiated the next bend they were disappearing but other rowing boats appeared. I went wide round a rowing pair and the 4 reappeared storming towards me. I had to throw power on to get out of the way. Shortly afterwards I ran into shallow water avoiding another rowing boat. The beaches go out a long way on this river. I steered for deeper water as the boat dragged on the bottom with interesting clicking noises from the stones on the bottom. Rivers can be tricky but fun. We had a pleasant cruise up to Hazleford lock but there was no mooring left on the steps and the wall towered way above our roof so we locked up and carried on cruising. The small craft were

Speedy rowers

now canoes moving at a leisurely 

Lottie

pace, much easier to pass. We reached Gunthorpe lock and a boat emerged but the lock doors closed again. The keeper hadn’t seen our tiny boat under the 20 foot high wall. Paul braved the ladder to inform the keeper we were there while I tried not to be swept away by the powerful current. At last the light went green and I locked up alone, controlling the boat on the centre rope. When the boat had risen Paul climbed down the 8 rungs back in the lock wall to rejoin me. We moored against the lowest wall which was level with the roof of the boat. Lottie was desperate for the loo and launched herself into the air and somehow managed to reach firm ground. To make her life safer Paul took the inside front step out and lined it up so Lottie could jump onto the roof then hop down onto the gas locker and bounce onto the step then onto the deck. Lottie soon got the idea but it could be dangerous in wet weather as the roof could be slippery.

 



to the tidal Trent and back

Village Church near Newark



Paul decided to cruise down to Cromwell lock which starts the tidal section of the Trent. The day was even hotter than yesterday and the heat wave seems set to stay. I persuaded Paul to put the sunshade up on the back deck and cruise in its shade as there was no wind to blow it over. Our trip took us between two communities divided by the river which has

cooling off

few crossing places because of its width. On one side the square church tower dominated and on the other a spire pierced the sky, both beautiful English architecture. The cows in the riverside fields made the most of the sandy beaches and cooled off in the water. One was eating water reeds while chilling in chest deep water.



We didn’t venture beyond Cromwell lock as we didn’t fancy hours of cruising in the oppressive heat to reach sanctuary at Torksey and there might be nowhere suitable to stop for the dog. Yesterdays toilet stops were

castle gardens

bad enough for her. When we arrived at the lock our friends from the night before were filling with water ready for their long cruise, so we waited  floating around on the river for about 10 minutes. When they moved off we filled up but as we finished 3 narrow boats came out of the lock wanting water so we had to cast off. The low mooring pontoon was full so we cruised back to Newick without stopping. The lock was worked slickly for us and we moored up on the

Newark town

half full pontoon. Within an hour it was full and people had moored on the other side that we had vacated in a hurry yesterday.


The first hour was uncomfortably hot but after a while the breeze picked up, and the trees overhanging added shade bringing relief. After it had cooled down we went for a wander round the town with Lottie. First we found her a path down into the water of the weir stream so she could cool down, and then we walked along the towpath opposite the castle.


Castle at night

We crossed the lock and walked back inside the curtain wall of the castle. It had several interesting features and the wall fronting on to the canal was an eleventh of a mile. After dark we wandered around again and found the castle took on a different
 character lit up against the night sky.



Tricky toilet trips for Lottie



Honk honk wake up

Cows cooling down

Sandy beaches

Lottie Lurcher woke us up at 5.30 when the Canadian Geese were making a racket. We filled with water and headed for the lock to join 2 full time live aboard boaters. She worked the lock while I watched. Instead of using the bollards at the top of the lock we put the rope round a sliding pole that ran vertically into the lock. At first the cruise was blessed with cool air but the day grew hot. At Gunthorpe lock we had to wait for the lock keeper but Lottie wanted to relieve herself. Unfortunately the lock moorings were against a massive wall. We encouraged Lottie onto the gas locker and then onto the roof. From there she had a 3ft jump onto the lock side but she missed her footing and I had to shove her bottom up while Paul pulled her up. No mean feat with a 32 kilo dog. I managed the lock alone and let the other boats leave first as I had to go against the currant to pick up Paul and Lottie from a low pontoon. I couldn’t drive the boat over as the rush of water was so great so I winded the boat and approached the pontoon towards the lock. I still couldn’t get over but I threw a rope and 2 CART men helped pull it over. Lottie jumped straight in. This part of the river has very high banks which tower over the boat making it hard to get off. People use the ladders provided and carry small dogs. So it was a problem.

Newark Castle

We moored up after the next lock which had high banks but there were steps up to a fantastic playground for Lottie. Paths had been made through a wilderness inhabited by rabbits. She loved it but got too hot. We couldn’t stay there as we had to seek the pump out again, so at 2.00 we set off in search of a marina with services. The river was quiet and tranquil but it was hemmed in by high banks blocking the views apart from the massive Stanthorpe power station. The breeze cooled us down but when we stopped it was baking. Paul had to do the pump himself in scorching temperatures.

The curtain wall

Leaving the power station behind we entered the Newark Dyke. Around the first bend there was a cruiser drifting through the reeds with a lady waving frantically at us. Paul slowed down and drew alongside to find out they had broken down and needed a tow. Fortunately they were only a mile from their home mooring and we were headed that way. The Hubby passed the bow rope over and I secured it to the bow and then he looped the stern rope round Lucky’s hand rail. Paul cruised slowly on and we chatted to the couple who had interesting tales of the river to share. At their home mooring I released the front rope, the man pushed off the back, and they glided the cruiser neatly back to their mooring.


Typical high walled moorings on left

We arrived in Newark town lock on a green light but there was no sign of life but the lock keeper materialised from his paperwork and worked the lock for me. The mooring in Newark had high concrete walls towering above the boats roof, no good for a hound even though Lottie is good at jumping. The pontoon was full but there was a short space behind the live aboard boaters who were heading for the Chesterfield canal. We had moored a few minutes when the lady told us they were moving off as a small but rowdy group had started up a barbeque on the tiny patch of grass. Already they were drunk and phoning friends to join them. We followed them when they assured us there would be mooring below the next lock. I worked Nether lock, what a joy it was in such oppressive heat to insert a key and push buttons to fill it, and open the mighty gates with one finger. The river level below was lower than expected so the wall was very high again, but there was plenty of grass for Lottie. Paul used our interior front step on the back deck and the extra 18 inches made it possible for Lottie to enjoy the facilities.