Government change of position: authors’ copyright CAN’T be stolen by AI companies to train their LLMs. Well done @societyofauthors.bsky.social.

(3) ‘Er Indoors said “Yes” and we’re getting married. I was down on one knee (I’d dropped a fork under the table) and my intentions might have been misconstrued. But that still counts, right?

(2) The publishers must have looked at the #CharlesHolborne series, because they’ve now offered a multi-book contract for a present-day legal crime series set in the US (Charlie goes to America). And then…

(1) The start of 2026 has been special. After years of rejection of my spec fiction title What’s Left of Us (on the query letter and synopsis alone) two publishers read the full MS and both offered. 2 from 2. (Note to self: must improve pitching skills.) And then…

From today, the Crime Writers Association will no longer be posting on X. The safety and wellbeing of our members is always our priority, and following ongoing concerns around user safety, privacy, and recent AI-related issues, we’ve decided to step back from active use of this platform.

I'll be appearing at the first ever Cheshire Crime Writers Festival - 2 days celebrating all things crime, literary, murder mystery, police procedural and cozy. 7- 8 Feb 2026 at Best Western Hotel, WA6 6HH. Discounted rates available until 31.10.25. thecuriouscatbookshop.co.uk/cheshire-cri...

@thedecentbrief.bsky.social just finished NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH. Brilliant read as always #booksky

Hope you enjoyed it Mr Curnow!

Congratulations to Simon Michael (@thedecentbrief.bsky.social‬), whose absorbing courtroom drama, The Fall Guy, is out now! Visit our blog to find out more. #LegalThriller #CourtroomDrama saperebooks.com/blog/congrat...

Just a simple “Thank you” to those who’ve taken the trouble to review “The Fall Guy.” Less than 3 weeks since the audiobook came out, and over half a century of 5* reviews. You’re all lovely!

Several lovely listeners have asked when the next #CharlesHolborne books is available on Audible. The answer is: NOW! shorturl.at/5xuqO.

It'll be National Crime Reading Month in June, and most UK crime authors are involved. I'll be at the Lymm Literature Festival. #readingcrime

Thank you @saperebooks.bsky.social!

When you come back from a fab few days in Paris, and find this over your garden. “There’s no place like home… there’s no place like home.”

I found this very persuasive. Put simply, expecting reason to work with Trump is a waste of time. He will say anything - and be perfectly happy contradicting himself - to justify his actions. Emmanuel and Keir are on a hiding to nothing. www.nytimes.com/2025/02/23/u...

Audio drama is to be cut from Radio 3, the only platform for 90-minute full-length radio plays. Write or love radio drama? Then sign the petition supported by Equity, the Writers’ Guild and @societyofauthors.bsky.social Many great playwrights & screenwriters started on BBC drama. chng.it/RQhtxfyVK4

Off tomorrow to newwritingnorth.com/event/screen... to meet TV movers and shakers (and many wide-eyed naïfs) armed with option promises, “The Brief” pitchdeck, an elevator pitch and unrealistic hopes. Wish me luck!

We get some gorgeous sunsets up here, but this one’s particularly lovely. Time for a G&T methinks.

getabookdeal101.com/chfbinsider/?

This reminds one of 1939s Germany. www.nytimes.com/2025/01/22/h...

Thinking about a new T shirt. What do you think?

Published and Unpublished authors are invited to enter the Margery Allingham Short Mystery Competition. With a £500 cash prize, what do you have to lose? Deadline: 6.00pm February 28, 2025. Details here: https://buff.ly/4gN0sfG

Oh, yes! I’d give a year’s book royalties to charity if @kitharringtonig.bsky.social were to play Charlie. Imagine Rumpole meets 1960’s Michael Caine! (But can he do Cockney?)

Just caught Radio 4’s ‘Crossing Continents’ when the OH announced that she dislikes it or, more specifically, it’s title. “What’s the matter with it?" I ask, puzzled. “I feel sorry for all those cross incontinents. You wouldn't want a show to highlight your incontinence. No wonder they're cross.'

For those who asked (you're so sweet!) book 10, provisionally entitled "The Fall Guy", is finished, with @saperebooks.bsky.social and due for pre-order on Amazon on April 7th. And TV series hopes still alive.

Elon Musk is inimical to democracy and I can't in conscience continue using his platform. I'm off to bsky.media, handle thedecentbrief.

Hi. Elon and I are no longer on speaking terms. I give the bros 3 months max.