Christmas 2024

Nearly at the end of another year, and I will be selling my books at two locations this coming Christmas Time 2024. Both are indoor events and well worth a visit for those who are looking for quality, or unusual Christmas presents.

Sunday 3rd November 9AM to 2PM - Fareham Christmas Market

Fareham Leisure Centre, Park Lane, Fareham, PO16 7JU.

Saturday 23rd November 10AM to 3PM - Denmead Belles WI Christmas Fair

All Saints Church Hall, Denmead, Hambledon Road, Denmead, PO7 6NN

I look forward to meeting you at either one of these events.

Books Published

Imagination - Reprint and split into 2 volumes

Imagination Volumes One and Two - Published by Paul Ludford

Second reprint

My first edition of IMAGINATION sold out during the summer, requiring me to order a reprint. However, I always felt that this book was too large with its 40 short stories over 576 pages. I therefore decided to split it into two volumes for the reprint. Apart from that, the content of each short story is the same as before. The cover is the same, with its illustration of an old fashioned typewriter, although each volume is different in colour in order to set them apart.

Books Published

Port Solent Waterside Market

Another chapter in my journey. To date I have been selling my books at Summer and Christmas Fairs. Now it is time to test the market. For the next four months I will be holding a stall at the monthly Port Solent Waterside Market.

Paul Ludford at Port Solent in 2024

2nd Sunday every month

These are held from 11am till 5pm on the second Sunday in the month and will be on the

11 August,
8 September,
13 October,
and 10 November.

If you have not seen this colourful market, apart from the many restaurants you will be pleasantly surprised with the variety of over 50 stalls. Why not pop along to enjoy the market and the variety of good restaurants.

I would love to see family, friends, and my readers at these events, so why not come along for a Sunday treat?

Find On Google Maps

Books Published

Canaries on the Frontline

Canaries on the Frontline - Published by Paul Ludford

Released in July 2024

My latest book CANARIES ON THE FRONTLINE, as described below, has been delivered well ahead of schedule. I now hold stocks (alongside my other books) and they are now available should you wish to place an order. Producing this book has turned out to be an interesting journey from the moment my finger touched the first key. It is my hope that readers will journey through the pages and find the same enjoyment that I did when writing it.

Books Published

A review of the latest developments

Greetings to all visitors to my website, both long-term and new. I hope you will find it both interesting and helpful. A review of the latest developments on my writing journey:

Some may remember that I have been working with Sabrestorm, a hybrid publishing company, who have shown an interest in my new book. They have been both encouraging and helpful in the development of this book which is entitled CANARIES ON THE FRONTLINE. (More about that, below). As time passed, I became concerned about the level of commitment that would be required in resect of publicity and promotions following publication. Eventually, I made the decision to stay with self-publishing. At my age, I prefer to regard writing as an enjoyable hobby rather than a time-consuming business.

I have therefore parted company with Sabrestorm on the best of terms, and I will be eternally grateful for their friendship and guidance as I wish them success in their relatively new hybrid publishing venture.

New book Canaries On The Frontline

My new book CANARIES ON THE FRONTLINE is now being self-published and will be available mid-July. This is a book of short stories. Each has a connection with aspects of war ranging, from the period of Lord Nelson's navy and on to WW1 and WW2. Not so much about fighting but more to do with those who are in some way affected or caught up in war. The first two stories, although fiction, are based on real events, one in Gretna and the other in Folkestone, both during World War 1.

The other stories in this book are purely products of my imagination. The retail price of CANARIES ON THE FRONTLINE will be £9.99 and will be available through this website.

I have not held stalls in any of the usual summer fairs this year, although I intend holding a stall at the Denmead Belles Christmas Market as usual, where CANARIES ON THE FRONTLINE will be available, along with my previously published books.

In an earlier News item (see below) I referred to two new books LET ME GO and LET HER FLY both to be published during 2024. These were necessarily laid aside during the preparation of CANARIES ON THE FRONLINE. I am now hoping to publish them early in 2025. This is a family story in two volumes which is an expanded reprint of my first novel MISSY.

Books Published

Craft Fair Portchester

With the 2023 Christmas on the horizon, it is time to start looking for those special gifts for family and friends. What better place than a local craft fair? This year, I will be holding a stall at the indoor Small Business Fair at Portchester where I will be selling my books. The date is 23rd September 10.00am till 2.00pm and the venue address is Portchester Parish Hall, 1 Assheton Court, Portchester PO16 9PS.

November and December 2023

On the 25th November from 10.00am till 2.00pm I will again be at a fair in Portchester, this time outdoors in the precinct where I will again be selling the same books.

On the 2nd December I will be holding another stall. This time at Denmead Belles WI Christmas Fayre in All Saints Church Hall, Hambledon Road, Denmead, PO7 6NN. This Fayre will run from 10.00am till 3.00pm. Books I will be selling at each of these venues are IMAGINATION, and IMAGINATION 2, both books of short stories. Also DON’T TAKE A LOOK A novel based on The Basingstoke Canal during WW1 (see my book list page).

I really enjoy these events where I have the opportunity to engage with the public and talk about my books. Why not come along? You will be very welcome and you may find some interesting bargains among the various stalls.

Books Published

My continuing publishing journey

Time has gone by in what started as a retirement hobby, and is now taking on a more serious note. As Summer of 2023 is drawing to a close, I am taking stock of where I have got to on this journey. I have self-published two books of short stories IMAGINATION and IMAGINATION 2. The stories are pure fiction and a product of my imagination, a mix of humour, pathos, fantasy, and drama.

I have also self-published the novel DON’T TAKE A LOOK. Set in WW1 this is the story of a family working a horse drawn canalboat on the Basingstoke Canal, and a boy they rescue from the water and who turns out to be somewhat different to first appearances. What is his story and why is he on the run?

Sabrestorm Stories Hybrid Publisher

Selling books via Fairs and Craft Markets has proved somewhat successful, but it is now time to step up in the world of marketing and self-promotion in order to reach a wider audience. I am fortunate to have attracted the interest of the Hybrid Publisher - Sabrestorm Stories. With their encouragement, I have drafted a further two books which they are currently looking at with a view to publish. It is early days for these books and I will say more about them as the project develops.

A re-write of Missy

With all of this going on, I have re-written my first novel MISSY. This will be an expanded two-volume story of a young couple coming together during a holiday, and the mystery that threatens to come between them. Volume Two continues with their headstrong daughter as she grows to maturity.

These two volumes LET ME GO and LET HER FLY are currently at proofing stage and will hopefully be published during 2024. Possible cover designs have been created and are yet to be amended and approved. The final cover design will depend upon the method of publication.

Books Published

Good news! Upcoming events

Once again, I will be manning a stall at the Waterlooville Summer Fete in Jubilee Park on Sunday 18th June 2023, also at the Springwood Fete at the Springwood Community Centre on Sunday 16th July. In addition to my self-published books IMAGINATION (a book of forty short stories) and the novel DON’T TAKE A LOOK I will be launching my new book of short stories IMAGINATION 2.

Paul Ludford selling books at local 2023 Fetes

Come along and meet Paul

Treat yourselves to these two great days out where you are sure to have fun with the interesting stalls and events. I would love to meet you on either of these two occasions.

I have recently finished writing a second novel, this time in two volumes, also a third book of short stories. The titles of these books will be decided at the conclusion of ongoing discussions with a publisher who has shown an interest. More about this development later this year.

Books Published

WI Christmas Fair at All Saints Church Hall

I'm pleased to be able to say that I had two successful days during the summer when I sold a good number of both books, firstly at the Waterlooville Fete and then the Springwood Fayre. It was both interesting and enjoyable chatting to those who love books.

Paul Ludford selling books at local Fetes

Saturday 26th November 2022

I will also have a stall at the WI Christmas Fair at All Saints Church Hall in Hamble Road, Denmead, PO7 6NN on 26th November from 10.00 till 15.00. This fair will be in aid of Age UK Portsmouth.

Books Published

My journey into published books

Paul Ludford with his book entitled Imagination

My first attempt at writing a novel resulted in a self-published book called "Missy". This was well received by those who purchased and read it. Unfortunately, I failed to properly edit the book, with the inevitable result that it contained a large number of errors and untidy areas. I learned the hard way that it is essential to pay for professional editing if a novel is to make the grade.

This book has now been re-written as an extended two-volume novel. Although a continuing family saga, each volume is able to be enjoyed as a stand-alone book. The names of these volumes are "Let Me Go" and "Let Her Fly". I am currently in talks with a Hybrid Publisher of quality books to establish the way forward for these volumes.

Subsequent Novels

My second novel Don't Take A Look was also recently self-published as a paperback and on Kindle. The editing was more thorough, although still not done professionally. The paperback version of this book is being highly acclaimed by those who have read it. At this time, the Kindle version has yet to be noticed as it sits among thousands of other titles on this platform.

I have also written and self-published a book of forty short stories called Imagination. Again, this has been highly acclaimed. I'm now in the process of building a second book of my short stories, which is currently untitled. I'm hoping the same hybrid publisher will take an interest in this book, with a view to publishing, once complete.

Books Published