A new memoir – Flying Free on Rainbow Wings.

A couple of years in the making.

For the past couple of years, I’ve been writing my latest memoir, Flying Free on Rainbow Wings. There was the first draft, the self-editing and rewrite, the reading on the draft by some friends, getting some feedback and again rewriting the manuscript. Finally it was ready for the editor. Ann is my editor – she is such a good friend that she is kind enough to rip my work apart and make great critical suggestions. I trust her and another rewrite follows. And now it is ready, as much as any manuscript is ever ready. I’ve started querying agents and have solicited Beta readers to get another layer of feedback so I’ll again tweak my memoir. Are you interested in being a beta reader.

So, what’s my memoir about?

TAGLINE – When that longed-for journey takes you on a bumpy but glorious ride to find what you’ve been searching for all along. Yourself.

And here’s the blurb.

When his beloved Mum tells him “Your life isn’t a dress rehearsal,” Steve decides it’s past time for him to emerge from the closet. He summons his chutzpah and packs his bags , burning a few bridges on the way, not least his career as a school principal .

With his mother’s words ringing in his ears, he spreads his rainbow wings and soars high in search of the creative life he’s longed for.

Touching down on the Island of the Gods, Bali, Steve plunges  into a  thrilling – sometimes hilarious – ride, filled with equal helpings of joy and delight, heartbreak and disappointment. He learns a new language and discovers a sensuous culture where beauty and smiles are in endless supply.

At last able to wield his paintbrush, he teams up with the (in)famous American artist Symon, who, between cigarettes and Scotch,  grudgingly helps Steve’s talent  flourish.

But this new life comes at a cost and when Steve discovers his funds are perilously low he’s forced to call on all his skills to survive. Fortunately, his team of loyal Balinese offer the support he needs to bring his myriad money-making schemes to fruition.

Best of all, he finds love and his Happy-Ever-After.

Steve’s memoir is an incense-scented journey  through  the Bali of twenty-five years ago; a fascinating, heart-warming glimpse  into a fast-disappearing world.

So I quit my job as a school principal and moved to Bali to paint and have a full creative life.

Here’s a sample of my portraits.

A sample of my flower pieces.

A sample of my mural paintings.

Are you interested in being a beta reader?

I’m after a few more beta readers. Beta readers, read the manuscript and send me constructive criticism so I can consider it and perhaps make some improvements. They might tell me any sections that are boring. They could tell me if the sex scenes are too detailed or not detailed enough. They may suggest I quit writing and find a new hobby, but I hope not.

If you are interested in reading my manuscript, please email me and I’ll send it to you.

Tags: #memoirs, #writing, #writinginspiration