Alex Willis the Author of the DCI Buchanan series and other literary works.

This little cuddly fella keeps me company through the many hours that I sit here being creative. Up till now I've been calling him/her "Lonely Bear".  I think it is time he/she had a real name, one that reflects his/her real character.  To this end, starting today, I am running a competition to name said bear.  The winner of the competition will receive a signed copy of the latest book in the DCI Buchanan series titled, The Jockey's Wife. To enter, simply post your name suggestion in the comments section of this blog.  The name I find to be the most appropriate  will be the winner. Competition ends on my birthday 18th March. No offers of bottles of wine, whisky, bars of Cadbury's chocolate ,will sway my final decision.

The office is getting a complete makeover. This view is of where the desk will sit when I am done. The back of the office is in a mess with shelving and boxes.  I normally don't mind doing a bit of re-decorating, but since I have been without my place of creativity for a week, I am about to pull out whatever hair I have.

1 Castles, kilts, and gravestones. W e’d travelled half-way round the world, my suitcase and me, and now we were at the end of the beginning of a journey I never realised I’d one day take. I was home, and this time, come Hell or high water, I was here for good. I took in a deep breath and rolled my shoulders as the flight attendant announced that we would soon be landing at Inverness airport. I put my seatback up, removed my unread magazine from my seat tray and duly locked it in the stowed position. A passing attendant nodded to the window blind and smiled as I reached to slide it up. I wasn’t prepared for what I saw below. For most of my adult life, when flying, I was used to taking off or landing at West Coast airports, such as John Wayne, or Orange County in Southern California or Oakland or San Francisco in the North. I’d slept most of the way across the Atlantic with no thanks to my doctor who’d refused to write a prescription for Zolpidem for fear I would decide to

 In 2021 I attended many craft fairs to sell my books. The above photo was taken when outdoor at the Manor Barn craft fair in Bexhill. I attended several of these well presented outdoor events. A fantastic event put on by  New Style Events  and Manor Barn , thanks Jo for such a great show. This venue was the Friends Meeting room in Brighton. A really excellent venue for a craft fair. It was organised and promoted by Chris Lau of Brighton Craft This event was held at Bexhill college at their talent show, such talented performers at the college. This was the Christmas craft fair held inside at Manor Barn. And after much anticipation, I was back at Michelham Priory for their annual Christmas Craft fair.

  Council of war All well, Jack,’ asked Greyspear. ‘Yes, all is well.’ ‘Did you say yes?’ asked Markham.’ ‘Yes indeed, but with provisos.’ ‘Dare I ask,’ said Markham.  ‘When will you go?’ ‘That depends on who will watch the shop while I’m gone.’ ‘Who do you suggest, DI  Hanbury?’ ‘No, while I’m gone, I’d like DS Street to stand in for me – as acting Detective Inspector Street.’