My new play based on the extraordinary true story of prizefighter Tom Molineaux will be on a short tour in May, Engagement activity will run alongside involving boxing clubs, schools and other local groups.

​Full details: http://www.tom-molineaux.uk/

Tour dates

17-18 May: Wandsworth Fringe, Putney
19 May: Library Theatre, Darwen
23 May: Woodville Theatre, Gravesend
24-27 May & 31 May-3 June: Jack Studio Theatre, London SE4
30 May: The Tramshed, GLYPT, London SE18

A second great day in Blackburn and Darwen with writers from Action Factory. More movement, more writing and a chance to perform at the Fit2XL boxing club. Thanks to everyone who took part (including those who also made the trip to London for the rehearsed reading), and I look forward to continuing working with you in the coming months.\

Read their poems here (pdf)

Thanks to everyone at Double Jab in New Cross for their assistance with the R&D process - it's such a friendly, positive and inspiring place.

​These are the films made by Timothy Stubbs Hughes / Grey Swan that we spliced into the rehearsed reading performance of the play, bringing  a contemporary take on boxing. 

Had a great first session in Blackburn and Darwen working with Action Factory and a group of very talented people who didn't realise how much they knew (or cared!) about boxing - all part of the Tom Molineaux R&D. Next week we will take the work they created to the local boxing club.

A great week of R&D at the Jack Studio with Joseph Black and Brendan O'Rourke, directed by Kate Bannister. Very useful time spent in the rehearsal room including with fight director Ruth Cooper-Brown from RC Annie, and two trips to the brilliant Double Jab boxing club in New Cross.

All photos by Tim Stubbs Hughes / Grey Swan

Had a great few weeks of writing and drama workshops in Gravesend with the Red Cross Young Refugees project - thanks to everyone who took part. Here are some of the characters we created...

I'm researching and developing a new play about the American boxer Tom Molineaux who fought for the national title in England in 1810 in front of more than 15,000 people. Over the next couple of months I will be working on the with Kate Bannister from the Jack Studio and two actors to develop the script with a little help from the Double Jab Boxing Club. I will also be running writing sessions for young refugees in Gravesend with the Red Cross and in Blackburn/Darwen with Action Factory. The R&D process is supported by Arts Council England, Jack Studio and Counterpoints Arts. More details to follow. 

Co-written by me with Kevin McCann,  "Get Started in Self-publishing" has been published by Hodder as part of their Teach Yourself series. 

Details: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1444198033

Here's the blurb:

"If you've been considering self-publishing, whether in print or in digital media, this book will be indispensable. It covers absolutely every aspect of self publishing, from the different options avaliable to the practicalities of ebook technology. It takes a creative look at the self-publishing process, encouraging you to think out of the box, as well as giving you inspiration and advice for the writing process. You will recieve practical advice on manuscript preparation, editing, cover design and other production issues, along with successful strategies for marketing, distributing and selling your book - and writing another. With 'Try it now' exercises, key facts and case studies, this book is all you need to realise your dream."

We've tried to make it very practical, about both the mechanics of self-publishing for print and ebook (including marketing etc) and about doing the actual writing. It's been a real pleasure to work on, and I'm particularly grateful for the contributions of self-published writers to the case studies chapter.