30 June 2019
Since the last update I have given a talk to the good people of the Denia U3A. The event was held at Denia´s Casa Cultura where the facilities are excellent. Sylvana and Ken welcomed me and the audience feedback was excellent. I will be speaking to Vall del Pop U3A and Gandia U3A in the Autumn.
Unlock These Hands continues to be well received and I´m presently working on the third element of the trilogy. Watch this space.
Although strictly nothing to do with my book work, I´m happy that my 70thbirthday project will be ready to be circulated before 17 July. I´ve compiled 70 of my poems, particular pieces which have special meanings to me. As I mentioned in my March post, a few unlucky friends will receive a copy...
Since the last update I have given a talk to the good people of the Denia U3A. The event was held at Denia´s Casa Cultura where the facilities are excellent. Sylvana and Ken welcomed me and the audience feedback was excellent. I will be speaking to Vall del Pop U3A and Gandia U3A in the Autumn.
Unlock These Hands continues to be well received and I´m presently working on the third element of the trilogy. Watch this space.
Although strictly nothing to do with my book work, I´m happy that my 70thbirthday project will be ready to be circulated before 17 July. I´ve compiled 70 of my poems, particular pieces which have special meanings to me. As I mentioned in my March post, a few unlucky friends will receive a copy...
5 March 2019
The book is proving to be a popular read. Just before we left for our Canadian adventure, we had a visit from local journalist Jack Troughton.
Jack is popular across the Costa Blanca because his work is accurate, to the point and, when necessary, challenges what has been accepted as the norm. Jack wrote an article about my time in the Service and Unlock These Hands and it appeared in the Costa Blanca News in January. The feedback has been good. Thanks Jack.
A few days ago I gave a talk to members of the Javea U3A about my time in the Service and the changes I had witnessed.I enjoyed the meeting and it gave us the opportunity to meet Doug and Dee again. At the end I asked for questions and we spent the next 20 minutes covering rehabilitation, the management of terrorists and capital punishment.
A lady asked if I would support the return of capital punishment. I replied that I would because violence and knife-related crime particularly murder was out of control in the major UK cities, especially London. Those committing murder would, if caught, be sentenced to life imprisonment. For many offenders, the thought of spending many years behind bars was a risk that they were prepared to take. Add to that is the fact that our police resources are at an all-time low, so the chances of the offenders being caught are reduced.
If capital punishment was reintroduced I believe that the number of murders would diminish. If one life was saved because the offender thought about the consequences of committing the ultimate crime, then it would be justified. My answer to the lady was YES.
The book is proving to be a popular read. Just before we left for our Canadian adventure, we had a visit from local journalist Jack Troughton.
Jack is popular across the Costa Blanca because his work is accurate, to the point and, when necessary, challenges what has been accepted as the norm. Jack wrote an article about my time in the Service and Unlock These Hands and it appeared in the Costa Blanca News in January. The feedback has been good. Thanks Jack.
A few days ago I gave a talk to members of the Javea U3A about my time in the Service and the changes I had witnessed.I enjoyed the meeting and it gave us the opportunity to meet Doug and Dee again. At the end I asked for questions and we spent the next 20 minutes covering rehabilitation, the management of terrorists and capital punishment.
A lady asked if I would support the return of capital punishment. I replied that I would because violence and knife-related crime particularly murder was out of control in the major UK cities, especially London. Those committing murder would, if caught, be sentenced to life imprisonment. For many offenders, the thought of spending many years behind bars was a risk that they were prepared to take. Add to that is the fact that our police resources are at an all-time low, so the chances of the offenders being caught are reduced.
If capital punishment was reintroduced I believe that the number of murders would diminish. If one life was saved because the offender thought about the consequences of committing the ultimate crime, then it would be justified. My answer to the lady was YES.
19 November 2018
My promotion work for Unlock These hands, in Spain, was mostly stalled for obvious reasons. During the summer period I did manage a couple of book signing sessions at Polly´s Bookshop in Javea. Big thanks to David and Eileen, Jenni and Willi, Mandy, Hilary, Lucinda and Alastair for coming along to support me. The first session was great, the second one was ´more relaxed`. Sam and Amanda were the perfect hosts. Next time you are in Javea, take a few minutes to visit the book shop. You will not be disappointed. Find directions to the bookshop on Facebook.
On Sunday 4 November I attended a Christmas Fair in Javea and had a very successful afternoon, signing copies of Unlock These Hands and my first novel Lock-Down Blues. Once again, thanks to David and Eileen for their support and for a visit from Lesley, editor of Female Focus, who reminded me to submit an article for inclusion in the December edition of this popular magazine. Also, I´m looking forward to putting together an article with Jack Troughton, respected freelance journalist on the Costa Blanca. The biggest surprise of the afternoon was meeting the present governor of a UK prison. She confirmed my fears that the Service is struggling under the weight of privatisation and an increasing shortage of properly trained staff.
Early in 2019, I will be attending a number of Costa Blanca U3A meetings to speak about my experiences in the UK Prison Service, the Service problems at present and my novels.
Unlock These Hands is available on Amazon. I also have a few copies and can be contacted by using the Contact page on this
website or at raywilcoxauthor@gmail.com
My promotion work for Unlock These hands, in Spain, was mostly stalled for obvious reasons. During the summer period I did manage a couple of book signing sessions at Polly´s Bookshop in Javea. Big thanks to David and Eileen, Jenni and Willi, Mandy, Hilary, Lucinda and Alastair for coming along to support me. The first session was great, the second one was ´more relaxed`. Sam and Amanda were the perfect hosts. Next time you are in Javea, take a few minutes to visit the book shop. You will not be disappointed. Find directions to the bookshop on Facebook.
On Sunday 4 November I attended a Christmas Fair in Javea and had a very successful afternoon, signing copies of Unlock These Hands and my first novel Lock-Down Blues. Once again, thanks to David and Eileen for their support and for a visit from Lesley, editor of Female Focus, who reminded me to submit an article for inclusion in the December edition of this popular magazine. Also, I´m looking forward to putting together an article with Jack Troughton, respected freelance journalist on the Costa Blanca. The biggest surprise of the afternoon was meeting the present governor of a UK prison. She confirmed my fears that the Service is struggling under the weight of privatisation and an increasing shortage of properly trained staff.
Early in 2019, I will be attending a number of Costa Blanca U3A meetings to speak about my experiences in the UK Prison Service, the Service problems at present and my novels.
Unlock These Hands is available on Amazon. I also have a few copies and can be contacted by using the Contact page on this
website or at raywilcoxauthor@gmail.com

19 May 2018
I will be signing copies of Unlock These Hands at Polly´s Bookshop in Javea on Saturday 26 May from 11 - 2.
You will find directions to the bookshop on Facebook.
A big thanks to Sam for making this happen.
Hope to see you there.
I will be signing copies of Unlock These Hands at Polly´s Bookshop in Javea on Saturday 26 May from 11 - 2.
You will find directions to the bookshop on Facebook.
A big thanks to Sam for making this happen.
Hope to see you there.
23 April 2018
As mentioned earlier, my latest novel Unlock These Hands was published on 30 March and is available in paperback and ebook on Amazon.. It is the sequel to my first novel Lock-Down Blues.
I am now in the position of being able to start to promote the book in Spain, initially on weekends. My last experience in promoting a book, with Lock-Down Blues, was both profitable and entertaining.
More news as it happens.
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

26 January 2018
No more news as of today. Patience was never one of my strong points.........
8 January 2018
I´m pleased to say that I´ve spent the past few days checking the latest set of manuscript proofs and, apart from a few amendments, we are almost there.
The front cover was agreed months ago so, apart from signing the completion certificate when it arrives, it´s job done.
Checking through the draft manuscript, line by line, has been a labour of love because I enjoy the whole process of writing.
I´m looking forward to seeing the finished book published and it would be great if it were ready to go on the shelves in time for Easter.
We will see.
No more news as of today. Patience was never one of my strong points.........
8 January 2018
I´m pleased to say that I´ve spent the past few days checking the latest set of manuscript proofs and, apart from a few amendments, we are almost there.
The front cover was agreed months ago so, apart from signing the completion certificate when it arrives, it´s job done.
Checking through the draft manuscript, line by line, has been a labour of love because I enjoy the whole process of writing.
I´m looking forward to seeing the finished book published and it would be great if it were ready to go on the shelves in time for Easter.
We will see.

16 July 2017
Yesterday, I finished the first round of proof corrections of
Unlock These Hands. The persons checking the manuscripts at the publishers certainly know their stuff.
Also, progress is being made with the front cover. I´m hoping that the finished work will be ready for publication before Christmas.
Yesterday, I finished the first round of proof corrections of
Unlock These Hands. The persons checking the manuscripts at the publishers certainly know their stuff.
Also, progress is being made with the front cover. I´m hoping that the finished work will be ready for publication before Christmas.

14 June 2017
The first draft of the front cover of Unlock These Hands was very close to the outline of ideas which I had originally sent to the publishers.
I showed the draft to close friends and they all agreed with the suggestions which Margaret and I had already come up with. I returned our suggested alterations to the publishers and they agreed! We´re looking forward to the next draft.
On Monday I received a long email from the publishers with the manuscript as an attachment. It was proof reading time.
I´ll be settling down over the next few days and working on a few pages at a time. My previous experiences with Lock-Down Blues taught me to take my time and not work until my eyes start crossing.
More news next time.
The first draft of the front cover of Unlock These Hands was very close to the outline of ideas which I had originally sent to the publishers.
I showed the draft to close friends and they all agreed with the suggestions which Margaret and I had already come up with. I returned our suggested alterations to the publishers and they agreed! We´re looking forward to the next draft.
On Monday I received a long email from the publishers with the manuscript as an attachment. It was proof reading time.
I´ll be settling down over the next few days and working on a few pages at a time. My previous experiences with Lock-Down Blues taught me to take my time and not work until my eyes start crossing.
More news next time.

10 August 2014
This has really been a busy few days. As I've said before, I have no illusions about being a first-time author. I know that I'm bloody lucky to have had Lock-Down Blues published. There has been quite a lot of local interest and I've been asked to sign the copies which we've sold. I've been advised that I should review the book and post it on Amazon. It will seem like marking my own exam paper. The publishers say that it's good form so I will.
Maureen, a dear friend, has posted a review for which I'm very grateful. I've had a book signing finalised for October. If I'm lucky, there should be more before then.
More news soon.
1 August 2104.
As you read on my Home Page, it all became a reality yesterday. When the courier arrived late on Wednesday evening I'd virtually given up hope of actually holding a copy of my book before publication day. But, as Margaret reminds me, patience is a virtue. Mmmmm.
Towards the end of last week I had an email from my friend John. Some of you will have met John and his wife Kate when they came to Spain, on holiday, a few years ago. You will see John and Kate mentioned in the book because, like me, he had a 30 year career in HM Prison Service. So, John emailed to thank me for a mention on the 'Acknowledgments' page in the book. John had ordered the book, in paperback, from Amazon and received it ten days before the publication date. How good was that!
Margaret's Mum wasn't quite so lucky when she tried to pre-order a copy from a well known high street booksellers. She was told that she would have to wait until publication day. This resulted in one very unhappy Mum. So, Margaret ordered her a copy from Amazon and, sure enough, it arrived four days before publication day.
I've had lots of congratulatory emails and I thank you all for taking the time to contact me. I'm also being asked for signed copies of the book and I'm using a beautiful pen which was a birthday present from Wilf and Sheila.
This is completely new territory for yours truly so please bear with me if I stumble over the answer to the question 'How do you feel?'
The book has been by my side for a long time. The initial idea came to me when I was laying in bed early one October morning listening to the rain coming down in stair rods. That was four years ago. When I had the first rough draft I sent it off to lots of publishers and got a one hundred percent knock back. I started to see the light when I attended a creative writing course. I soon realised that I had made many mistakes when drafting the first manuscript, so I listened and learned.
Early last year I told Margaret that I had done as much as I could with the manuscript and it was ready for a second go at getting it published.
Once again, the knock backs came thick and fast. Some were helpful but many were not. A number commented that it would be difficult to place because most books about prison life had been written by ex-prisoners, whereas mine was a work of fiction using my 30 years of experience in HM Prison Service to inform the story line.
Eventually, I received a letter offering me a publishing deal. I was impressed because it was actually a letter and not in email form. My publishers have been incredibly helpful and I've learned so much during the process. I know that their Marketing department have been busy on my behalf so now I have to be patient. Mmmmm.
Seriously, I'm under no illusions as to what the future may hold for me as a first-time author. I do know that I'm busy working on the sequel and trying not to make the same mistakes as before.
Thanks, your interest and comments really do mean a lot.
.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
This has really been a busy few days. As I've said before, I have no illusions about being a first-time author. I know that I'm bloody lucky to have had Lock-Down Blues published. There has been quite a lot of local interest and I've been asked to sign the copies which we've sold. I've been advised that I should review the book and post it on Amazon. It will seem like marking my own exam paper. The publishers say that it's good form so I will.
Maureen, a dear friend, has posted a review for which I'm very grateful. I've had a book signing finalised for October. If I'm lucky, there should be more before then.
More news soon.
1 August 2104.
As you read on my Home Page, it all became a reality yesterday. When the courier arrived late on Wednesday evening I'd virtually given up hope of actually holding a copy of my book before publication day. But, as Margaret reminds me, patience is a virtue. Mmmmm.
Towards the end of last week I had an email from my friend John. Some of you will have met John and his wife Kate when they came to Spain, on holiday, a few years ago. You will see John and Kate mentioned in the book because, like me, he had a 30 year career in HM Prison Service. So, John emailed to thank me for a mention on the 'Acknowledgments' page in the book. John had ordered the book, in paperback, from Amazon and received it ten days before the publication date. How good was that!
Margaret's Mum wasn't quite so lucky when she tried to pre-order a copy from a well known high street booksellers. She was told that she would have to wait until publication day. This resulted in one very unhappy Mum. So, Margaret ordered her a copy from Amazon and, sure enough, it arrived four days before publication day.
I've had lots of congratulatory emails and I thank you all for taking the time to contact me. I'm also being asked for signed copies of the book and I'm using a beautiful pen which was a birthday present from Wilf and Sheila.
This is completely new territory for yours truly so please bear with me if I stumble over the answer to the question 'How do you feel?'
The book has been by my side for a long time. The initial idea came to me when I was laying in bed early one October morning listening to the rain coming down in stair rods. That was four years ago. When I had the first rough draft I sent it off to lots of publishers and got a one hundred percent knock back. I started to see the light when I attended a creative writing course. I soon realised that I had made many mistakes when drafting the first manuscript, so I listened and learned.
Early last year I told Margaret that I had done as much as I could with the manuscript and it was ready for a second go at getting it published.
Once again, the knock backs came thick and fast. Some were helpful but many were not. A number commented that it would be difficult to place because most books about prison life had been written by ex-prisoners, whereas mine was a work of fiction using my 30 years of experience in HM Prison Service to inform the story line.
Eventually, I received a letter offering me a publishing deal. I was impressed because it was actually a letter and not in email form. My publishers have been incredibly helpful and I've learned so much during the process. I know that their Marketing department have been busy on my behalf so now I have to be patient. Mmmmm.
Seriously, I'm under no illusions as to what the future may hold for me as a first-time author. I do know that I'm busy working on the sequel and trying not to make the same mistakes as before.
Thanks, your interest and comments really do mean a lot.
.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
21 July 2014
Since my last post Margaret and I have been learning about what happens when a book is about to be published. Our contact in the publishers marketing department, Lily, is being fantastically helpul particulaly when answering my never-ending questions. We now have bookmarks and new business cards which will soon be circulated. As I mentioned on the Home Page, the book will be available in ebook/Kindle format on publication day, 31 July. Thanks for your continuing support.
Since my last post Margaret and I have been learning about what happens when a book is about to be published. Our contact in the publishers marketing department, Lily, is being fantastically helpul particulaly when answering my never-ending questions. We now have bookmarks and new business cards which will soon be circulated. As I mentioned on the Home Page, the book will be available in ebook/Kindle format on publication day, 31 July. Thanks for your continuing support.
13 July 2014
Here, at last, we are able to show you the cover. We have tried to capture the frustration of being banged up, surrounded by a guitar and prison-issue denim. The handwritten name and title shows that nothing is ever perfect in prison.
The email which we sent out earlier this afternoon wrongly identified the ISBN number as the IBAN number. Despite realising the mistake and starting to send out a corrected email, David and Sarah beat us to the punch. Thanks, and really good to hear from you.
We are in almost daily contact with the publishers so there is plenty to do and think about.
You can pre-order 'Lock-Down Blues', in paperback/ebook. It is available on Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.es
Also at booksellers W.H. Smith, Waterstones and Play.com
The reference number you will need is ISBN 9781849635820. Copies of the book will be available to buy in Spain very soon.
Here, at last, we are able to show you the cover. We have tried to capture the frustration of being banged up, surrounded by a guitar and prison-issue denim. The handwritten name and title shows that nothing is ever perfect in prison.
The email which we sent out earlier this afternoon wrongly identified the ISBN number as the IBAN number. Despite realising the mistake and starting to send out a corrected email, David and Sarah beat us to the punch. Thanks, and really good to hear from you.
We are in almost daily contact with the publishers so there is plenty to do and think about.
You can pre-order 'Lock-Down Blues', in paperback/ebook. It is available on Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.es
Also at booksellers W.H. Smith, Waterstones and Play.com
The reference number you will need is ISBN 9781849635820. Copies of the book will be available to buy in Spain very soon.

Yes, finally, we have a publication date for 'Lock-Down Blues'. Thanks for your patience, abuse and advice during the waiting time!
The next step will be when the publisher's marketing department contacts me. I've already had a document which outlines how the book will be promoted in the UK and beyond. Obviously, I will be wanting to make some special efforts in Spain so continue to watch this space.
Thanks.
The next step will be when the publisher's marketing department contacts me. I've already had a document which outlines how the book will be promoted in the UK and beyond. Obviously, I will be wanting to make some special efforts in Spain so continue to watch this space.
Thanks.
22 May 2014
We are still waiting for that email which will give us a publication date. The publishers assure me that everything is moving along nicely so 'patience' is the watch word. Mmmmmmm...
We are still waiting for that email which will give us a publication date. The publishers assure me that everything is moving along nicely so 'patience' is the watch word. Mmmmmmm...
7 April 2014
Hi,
The most recent email from the publishers informed me that a final copy of the 'work' will be emailed to me before it goes to press. Alas, no more opportunity to make amendments. Margaret says that it's a good thing because I never know when to stop. True.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank so many of you for your support and good wishes for Lock-Down Blues. When we have a publication date you will be the first to know.

2 March 2014
Hi,
This is a pic of one of those beautiful sunsets which we have to endure in this part of the world. A great stimulus to write.
I'm happy to report that I finished checking the final page proofs a few days ago. I emailed my final set of amendments to the publishers and they responded, immediately, in the affirmative. They also provided me with a document outlining what the next stages will be, both pre and post publication date. Exciting stuff. I'm so looking forward to be able to share more, here, but for the moment my hands are tied. Shouldn't be long.
Hi,
This is a pic of one of those beautiful sunsets which we have to endure in this part of the world. A great stimulus to write.
I'm happy to report that I finished checking the final page proofs a few days ago. I emailed my final set of amendments to the publishers and they responded, immediately, in the affirmative. They also provided me with a document outlining what the next stages will be, both pre and post publication date. Exciting stuff. I'm so looking forward to be able to share more, here, but for the moment my hands are tied. Shouldn't be long.

'Lock-Down Blues'.....coming soon!
I started to write my first novel, 'Lock-Down Blues' in 2009 on a rainy October morning when I was feeling at a loose end.
A week ago I received the first set of proofs which I have carefully checked and returned to the publishers. It's getting quite exciting. We spent weeks looking at designs for the cover and the publishers let us have a go at designing one. Avoiding copyright issues was difficult so we totally designed our own. With Margaret's help, Wilf's camera skills, Sheila's advice and Billy's fists, we came up with a design that, after they tidy it up, will be the one.Some of you will know the story line because I posted snippets, over the past couple of years, on my blog site www.getjealous.com/apeckhamboy
This website now takes over from that one and it wouldn't be right for me to divulge any more about the plots and characters, as we are moving ever closer to publication day.
After publication day I thought that it might be fun for you to be able to ask some of the central characters questions about their time in prison, crimes etc. I'll explain more in a few days.
9 January 2014.
I'm expecting more news in the next few days so I'll post updates then.
I started to write my first novel, 'Lock-Down Blues' in 2009 on a rainy October morning when I was feeling at a loose end.
A week ago I received the first set of proofs which I have carefully checked and returned to the publishers. It's getting quite exciting. We spent weeks looking at designs for the cover and the publishers let us have a go at designing one. Avoiding copyright issues was difficult so we totally designed our own. With Margaret's help, Wilf's camera skills, Sheila's advice and Billy's fists, we came up with a design that, after they tidy it up, will be the one.Some of you will know the story line because I posted snippets, over the past couple of years, on my blog site www.getjealous.com/apeckhamboy
This website now takes over from that one and it wouldn't be right for me to divulge any more about the plots and characters, as we are moving ever closer to publication day.
After publication day I thought that it might be fun for you to be able to ask some of the central characters questions about their time in prison, crimes etc. I'll explain more in a few days.
9 January 2014.
I'm expecting more news in the next few days so I'll post updates then.