After I finished writing SWITCH/BLADE, I really struggled with what to write next. I started an indirect sequel called DRAGONEYE, about a divorced Hong Kong detective investigating murders down in the slums of the city. Then there was WOLF'S HEAD (still like that title!), LIVE AND DIE, THE SEVEN and DEAD MAN. At the time, I remember the indecision being quite a block to actually doing any writing. However, maybe the problem was just that the ideas weren't that good.

After all I never struggled when I started SWITCH/BLADE and once I hooked into HE WHO FIGHTS, that progressed at quite a pace.

Anyway, here I am, in the same position again. I started on DEAD MAN again and abandoned it. I've been trying to write a sci-fi spy thing but can not get past page one. Maybe someone's trying to tell me something. Maybe the ideas aren't good enough. Maybe I need to stop over thinking things!

I really want to start writing again. I need to start writing again. I've made a few attempts but its been pretty discouraging if I'm being honest. Maybe it's because I've got too much on my mind. Maybe it's because I allowed myself to get out of practice. Either way I need to get back at it.

Stories to tell. Made up people's lives to mess up.

So stuff's happening. Exciting possibilities. Every now and then I think about it and imagine what if one of the possibilities pans out and my mind almost explodes with excitement. But really all I can do is be patient, keep my fingers crossed and get on with life. The doors that are now open may close and nothing may happen - in fact, experience says that will be the case — but the hope is there. All I can do now is wait.

And maybe get on and write the next book.

I've talked before about how I like to make fake book covers for my novels. Somehow they seem to make what I'm doing feel more real.

I've been playing around with SWITCH/BLADE again because of some movement with it again and I'm really happy with this one. I think it's the blood over the title. When Frank Miller did it for Ronin, I remember freaking out at how cool it looked. I haven't changed much in the 30 odd years since.

Its been a few weeks now since I sent queries out into the world to various agents. I got my first rejection about 30 seconds later! I must admit, I hate this part of the process but it is necessary.

In the mean time, I'm on holiday back in the UK with my family, happy to escape the heat of Dubai. The house we rented off airbnb is right next to some woods so I've been able to get out for a run or two again. There's something really magical about running through the trees with no one around. It makes me feel alive.