TheGrifter

Does anyone with a boat moored at or near Oxford wish to rent it out as accommodation-only to a writer this winter? I am keen to do this in order to research the third of the Jumping Jack Flash series of crime thrillers which are set across Britain's canal network. The first is published next May 2019 and is called Canal Pushers. I would now like to do some research for the third book which will be set on Oxford's canal and rivers. I will pay a reasonable rent to stay on a comfortable mooring for one to two weeks this winter. Can anyone help?

You are correct and may have a discounted signed copy for spotting the deliberate mistake! Doh.....?

Thanks very much. Yes, but it'll be hardback at first. More details after Christmas.

Delighted to share that Canal Pushers, the first novel in The Jumping Jack Flash series of thrillers set on the UK's canals and waterways will be published on May 25th 2018 by Orphans Press of Leominster. Many thanks to Victor Vectis, zenataomm and Matty40 for responding to my appeal on this forum to be my expert group of boating advisors. More details nearer the launch but grateful for all and any ideas from Forum members on how to promote and sell the book to the canal community.

Many thanks for time and trouble taken.

Thanks - very helpful

I had a look at C&RT websites as I thought the number of active licences would give a clue - but can't see any data.

Anyone any idea how many narrowboats there are in the UK or how to get a reasonable estimate?

That’s great - many thanks Peter. I’ll be in touch once the publication deal is in place. best Andy

Dear Zenataomm, Having thought about this a bit more, it seems more than a bit daft on my part not to take advantage of more than one kind offer of assistance via the forum and you certainly seem to be very experienced! If you are still happy to proof the boating aspects of my 2nd draft, I would be very grateful. Do you have an email address that I can use to send you the Microsoft Word document so that you can make comments using the Edit/Review function and return it to me? Many thanks in anticipation Andy Griffee

Hi Laura I hope it will be Orphans Press of Leominster... Andy

Will do - probably in the Spring by Orphans Press of Leominster - however, I shall try to promote it on The Forum. Thanks very much for swift reply Ian. I've been inundated with offers, some from experienced writers, but I shall let you all know when it is to be published. best wishes, Andy

Apologies - new to forum and trying to work my way round it! Dear Zenataomm, Many thanks for your swift reply. I have been inundated with offers of support - some from experienced journalists and writers. However I shall alert everyone when the book is to be published and hope you will enjoy it. There seems to be a dearth of good books about life on the canals!? best wishes Andy

Hi Laura, It's likely to be Orphans Press of Leominster but have no fear, I shall be promoting it on the Forum! best Andy

I am trying to find a very experienced/knowledgeable narrowboat owner/expert to double check the boating aspects of my debut crime thriller which is due for publication this Spring. It is about 95,000 words and called The Canal Pushers. No fee I'm afraid but a generous acknowledgement to someone who can turn their attention to this asap and take approximately a fortnight to do so. All help gratefully received Andy Griffee

Hi. I'm an ex-BBC journalist, 55, father of 2 living in Worcestershire and just completing my first novel after publishing a children's book last year. It's a romance/crime thriller and I need to do more research on Stratford Canal and The Birmingham & Worcester. Can anyone offer me passages on either in return for lock labour and/or contribution to costs?? andy.griffee@live.co.uk