A coach's guide to writing

Why I've created this site.

I didn’t want my Tombstone to read, “Here lies James, he wrote some books.”

Reading is consuming rather than producing. Five years ago, I decided I was reading too much and wanted to try writing. I joined a local writing group (thanks Jenny Kane) and submitted a piece every fortnight.

I’ve been writing constantly since. Another writing group (thanks to Ian Ayris and Pen to Print), more submissions, a trickle of positive feedback and a flood of rejections.

I won a short story competition (you can read it here), wrote my first novel and joined another writing group (Gotham Writers’ Workshop) that I attend almost every week. I was asked to judge a short story competition and give feedback.

I am currently mid-way through the second draft of my second novel. It will be published in 2024 because it was shortlisted in a competition.

Newberry Beach, Devon. A great place for paddleboarding.

My day job is as a sports coach. I plan sessions for our athletes, deliver them and then review them. Giving feedback is an essential part of coaching. So are goal setting, planning, motivating and organising.

I wanted a space to share some ideas on dealing with the trials of writing and life. I shall share some books I have enjoyed and some flash fiction I have written.

I might include some thoughts on athletic development and coaching children (this might be useful to parents navigating the industrial-sports complex and the physical education wastelands).

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