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This week, 27 January, sees the publication of the new Inspector Andy Horton Marine Mystery Crime Novel, the sixth in the series, set against the backdrop of the Solent on the South Coast of England - Footsteps on the Shore . Friday the thirteenth begins badly for DI Andy Horton when he wakes to find his Harley has been vandalized and his boss, DCI Lorraine Bliss, has returned early from her secondment to HQ. Then, convicted murderer, Luke Felton, released on licence, is reported missing and a decomposed corpse is washed up in Portsmouth harbour. But before Horton can get a grip on either case, he’s called to a house where a woman he’d only met the day before has been brutally murdered. Is missing Luke Felton the prime suspect, or is it his body in the mud of the harbour? Horton is under pressure to get results, but things are about to get much worse for the beleaguered detective … Footsteps on the Shore is published in hardcover by Severn House and is available from books...

I wrote the following article for the Crime Writers' Association (CWA) Debut Dagger Award and thought it might interest readers of my blog.  The Debut Dagger is open to anyone who has not yet had a novel published commercially. All shortlisted entrants will receive a generous selection of crime novels and professional assessments of their entries. The first prize is £700. The 2011 Competition will close on 5th February 2011. If you fancy a stab at it, and the chance to be a published crime writer, you can now submit the opening chapter(s) – up to 3000 words – and a short synopsis of your proposed crime novel.  More details are on the Crime Writers' Association web site. Winning the Debut Dagger doesn’t guarantee you’ll get published. But it does mean your work will be seen by leading agents and top editors, who have signed up over twenty winners and shortlisted Debut Dagger competitors. Choosing a location for the setting of a crime novel  by Pauline Rowso...

I'm on the radio today talking first to Julian Clegg on BBC Radio Solent at about 7.20 am and then to Darren Gamblen on Express FM 93.7 where I'll be talking about the publication of the new Inspector Andy Horton marine mystery crime novel, Footsteps on the Shore and the search to find the UK's best young crime writer with the launch of the 2011 Young Crime Writers Competition organised by the Crime Writers Association and sponsored by CRIMEFEST . CWA For the second year running I'm delighted to be the judge for the southern region. The winner will go forward for the national prize which is being announced during National Crime Writing Week  which commences on 13 June. Participating libraries for the south are: Portsmouth, Southampton, the Isle of Wight and West Sussex. The competition is open to those under 18 years. More details on my web site.

There are different types of writing when constructing a crime novel, (apart that is from having the idea, doing some research, and working it up into an outline plot with a smattering of characters).  First comes the freeflow type of writing when I'm eager to bring the idea and characters to life by getting words and actions on to my computer screen as quickly as possible. Often these are not the correct words, the description is hazy, the characters not fully formed, the grammar and punctuation incorrect but there is something there that can be shaped later. This is what I sometimes to refer to as the brain dump phase when I wish I could simply download words on to the computer without having to type them. The aim of this phase of writing, the first draft, is to get something written as quickly as possible. Second is the mixing or shaping phase when I go back through the novel (which might not yet be complete) and I move chapters or sections...

I was delighted yesterday, before the clock chimed midnight and 2011 was ushered in, to meet my self-imposed deadline of finishing the complete first draft of the Inspector Andy Horton marine mystery crime novel, number seven in the series.  All right, so I wasn't working until midnight, only until seven p.m. when I had to get changed for a dinner engagement but I was determined to get those last few critical chapters on to the computer. Now I can begin in earnest the next phase, that of the revisions, i.e. making sure that everything ties up and fleshing out the characters personalities and motivations - really looking forward to it. I'm working towards a deadline of having the novel completed by the end of March, so I guess that's my writing New Year's Resolution, that and to continue writing throughout 2011 so I'd better get on with it. Happy New Year!

OK, so I know it was Christmas Day and I was working but when you're doing something you love it isn't work it's fun and fulfilling, as I'm sure many of you reading this who enjoy their work know.  Having spent my married life with a man who was first in the RAF as a policeman and then in the emergency services as a fireman I am used to Christmas being another working shift and have spent many a Christmas over the years on my own when Bob has been on duty, either working on my novels, spring cleaning the kitchen, sewing or doing something else constructive as well as occasionally popping down to the fire station when Bob has been working on Christmas Day. There has over the years been no real set pattern to my Christmas and that's what I enjoy.  Also having lost my dear father over Christmas six years ago tends to conjure up sad memories and makes me think of many people who are bereaved, in pain, or suffering in some way and those in poverty at a time when th...

Had a fantastic time this morning at the Julian Clegg Christmas Party on BBC Radio Solent, which was broadcast live between 6.30am and 9.30am. It was a lovely way to start the Christmas celebrations. Julian was his usual bright self, and the organisation superb as always thanks to Talia ( below), Lewis and their many helpers. Talia Slack with her clip board telling crime author Pauline Rowson when she will be on air! This year we were joined by a choir who sang a few numbers. They were delightful. Choir and some of Julian Clegg's people I met up with some of Julian's guests from last year's Christmas party, had coffee and croissants and it was great to chat to so many people and especially Julian on air, who is so keen to see my Inspector Andy Horton marine mystery crime novels televised, he hopes by the BBC!  Now wouldn't that be a lovely Christmas present.  Crime author Pauline Rowson being interviewed by Julian Clegg Below are some more photos tak...

Over seventy people attended the prize giving ceremony last night of the Wight Fair Writers Circle, Winter Short Story Writing Competition in Newport on the Isle of Wight.  Audience in waiting I was very honoured to be asked to  give a short talk at this wonderful event and to present the prizes to the adult category of the competition in the Castlehold Baptist Church and new reception rooms in Newport. I'm very grateful to Wightlink who generously sponsored my trip across to the Isle of Wight from the mainland at Portsmouth.  All proceeds from the competition, organised by Carol Bridgestock and the Wight Fair Writers Circle go to the Love Russia Charity, The Multiple Sclerosis Society and The Barely Born Appeal. Crime author Pauline Rowson giving a talk before the prize giving ceremony I was also delighted to sign copies of my novels, two of which are set on the Isle of Wight, a thriller In For The Kill and an I...

I managed to do a good chunk of writing over the weekend, in between making soup, bread, mince pies and doing a little Christmas shopping. Oh, and taking elderly mother out in the snow and ice to top up on her needs in case the snow stays around or we get more of it. Down here in the soft south, snow before Christmas is practically unheard of.  Yes, we've had the occasional flurry before the festive season but if we do get snow then it usually arrives after Christmas, sometimes on Boxing Day. The novelty now seems to have worn off, even the children aren't playing in the snow or building snowmen anymore; been there, done that, got the T shirt. But back to the writing. The new Inspector Andy Horton crime novel is coming along a treat. I'm on second revisions and it's shaping up well. For those who have asked me there is a little more in this novel about Andy's quest to find out what happened to his mother after she walked out on him and disappeared from his life wh...

Murder and mayhem is on the agenda tonight when I will be guest speaker at the Women's Institute in  Broad Chalke, near Salisbury, UK giving a talk about my Inspector Andy Horton crime novels and my thrillers. I've spoken at many WI meetings and always enjoy them. Tonight, as at other WIs, I am sure that the audience will be friendly and welcoming. Hopefully I'll be able to post some photographs from the event on the blog tomorrow. Then it's off to the Isle of Wight next week to present prizes to the adult winners of the Wight Fair Writing Circle Winter Short Story Competition in aid of charity before supping coffee and stuffing croissants at the Julian Clegg BBC Radio Solent Christmas party in Southampton on Christmas Eve. A perfect run up to Christmas.

For me Christmas and New Year is a great time to crack on with the writing. It's a quiet time of year both in terms of e mails and dealing with work related matters, plus there are no talks or media interviews scheduled.  Not having any children or a large family I can spend it quietly indulging in the two Ws - writing and walking!  The walking will help to burn off the extra calories taken on board over the festive season and it will get me away from the computer keyboard for a while, thereby helping to rejuvenate the eyes after all that screen staring, rest the fingers from pounding the keyboard and let the little grey cells relax a little. I have a deadline of the end of March 2011 to finish the Inspector Andy Horton marine mystery crime novel I'm currently writing (number seven in the series) and it's coming along well. I'm on second revisions and barring any last minute mishaps and unknowns I am on target to reach my deadline and you never...

Researching my novels is always a fascinating experience and I learn something new along the way. I'm currently writing the seventh in the series of Inspector Andy Horton marine mystery crime novels  and wondered if any fashion designers or fashion historians could help me out with a piece of research. Does anyone know of a dress designer in the late 1970s, designing floaty patterned dresses, which were sold in Bloomingdale's or any other top USA store or in their own designer store in New York in the late 1970s? I'm not going to say why I need it and spoil the plot of course. I've trawled the Internet and found a couple of top fashion designers from the seventies and one seems suitable: Thea Porter. Thea Porter designed high waisted maxi dresses with voluminous sleeves and Gypsy dresses with full-flounced skirts and colorful patterned fabrics and she sold from her own store in New York.  So she seems just what I'm looking for. Bu...

In this latest interview, just posted on You Tube, I'm being interviewed by Tony Smith of Angel Radio about the Inspector Andy Horton marine mystery crime novels and my crime thrillers novels , in particular about researching them and the locations. I've added some photographs from where these novels are based. Hope you enjoy listening and watching the video.

Part two - Location shots of the area where my new Inspector Andy Horton marine mystery crime novel , Footsteps on the Shore is set. Footsteps on the Shore   the sixth in the Andy Horton series is set around the Portsmouth area on the South Coast of England. It will be published on 27 January and you can pre order on Amazon, The Book Depository or at your local bookshop. (It's cheapest on The Book Depository with free worldwide delivery.) Part of the Hayling Island Coastal Path at North Hayling, one of the locations in Footsteps on the Shore Looking into Langstone Harbour from the Hayling Island Coastal Path Looking into Portsmouth Harbour ( where a body is washed up in Footsteps on the Shore) Friday the thirteenth begins badly for DI Andy Horton when he wakes to find his Harley has been vandalized and his boss, DCI Lorraine Bliss, has returned early from her secondment to HQ. Then, convicted murderer, Luke Felton, released on licence, is reporte...

Last week I went on location to take photographs of the area where my new Inspector Andy Horton marine mystery crime novel , Footsteps on the Shore is set. Footsteps on the Shore is set around Portsmouth, Portchester Castle and the Hayling Island Coastal Path. It will be published on 27 January and you can pre order on Amazon , The Book Depository or at your local bookshop. (It's cheapest on The Book Depository with free worldwide delivery.) First I'd thought I'd post the photographs of  Portchester Castle. Tomorrow I'll post some of the other photographs of where the novel is based. There are some great photographs of the castle and surrounding area on the English Heritage web site and this is what it says about this amazing and atmospheric place: "The most impressive and best-preserved of the Roman 'Saxon Shore' forts, Portchester Castle was originally built in the late 3rd century." Looking towards the Keep of Portchester Castle from ...

The Marine Mysteries are a series of police procedural crime novels featuring the flawed and rugged Detective Inspector Andy Horton. They're set on the south coast of England in Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight and against the backdrop of the Solent. I thought I'd post some background on Andy Horton for readers who haven't yet met him.  I've  also posted a couple of photographs of the marina where Andy Horton lives on his small sailing yacht. DI Andy Horton has had a troubled past.  His mother walked out on him when he was ten and he's been raised in children's homes and with foster parents.  He has no idea where his mother is or whether she is still alive. In the novels he reluctantly begins his search for her and the truth behind her disappearance.   His marriage has broken up after Catherine, his wife, chose to believe an accusation of rape against him while Horton was working undercover. In the first of the series, Tide of Death , Horton...

I live not far from the Hayling Island Coastal Path on the south coast of England. This path borders the eastern shores of Langstone Harbour and the top end of the path (close to where I live) is a nature reserve. Now I'm delighted to learn that the remainder of the Hayling Coastal Path which leads south to West Town on Hayling Island, Hayling Bay and the Solent is also to become a nature reserve. Not sure what the powers that be (Hampshire County Council) will make of me having a murder there!  Yes, Footsteps on the Shore , the new Inspector Andy Horton novel due out on 27 January is partly based on the coastal path.  Hayling Coastal Path, Langstone Shore looking towards the Isle of Wight Recently I did a photo shoot for The News on the shores of Langstone Harbour. Below are a couple of photos from it.  Pauline Rowson on photo shoot on Hayling Island Coastal Path, Langstone Harbour with Portsdown Hill in the background  This path was once ...

I was up bright and early this morning to be interviewed by Julian Clegg on his Breakfast Show on BBC Radio Solent.  It's always nice chatting to Julian Clegg who is such a professional broadcaster and so cheerful in the mornings, but then we'd hardly want someone miserable to wake us up. I was very fortunate to be selected as one of Julian's Peo ple a couple of years ago, which means that Julian and listeners to his very popular show have been following the progress and news on certain people from the South Coast.  This morning we chatted about the success of the CSI Portsmouth Crime and the City event on 6 November and Julian is very keen to do something around the event in 2011, which would be great.  We also talked about my forthcoming appearance in Waterstone's in Commercial Road, Portsmouth this coming Saturday (27 November) between 12 noon to 2pm and the publication of the sixth in the Inspector Andy Horton series, Footsteps on the Shore , to be published o...

The deadline is fast approaching for The Wight Fair Writers Circle - A Winter Short Story Writing Competition. The closing date for entries is 22nd November 2010 and there are some great prizes to be won as well as the winners getting their story published in the Isle of Wight County Press.  I'm very honoured to have been asked to present the prizes to the adult category of the competition at an awards ceremony on 21 December 2010 in Newport on the Isle of Wight.  I'll also be giving a short talk and will be available to sign copies of my novels, two of which are set on the Isle of Wight, a thriller  In For The Kill and an Inspector Andy Horton marine mystery crime novel, Blood on the Sand .   The Suffocating Sea (another Andy Horton crime novel) is also partly based on the Island. I'm very grateful to  Wightlink who are generously sponsoring my trip across to the Isle of Wight from the mainland at Portsmouth and all proceeds from the competiti...

This is a question I’m often asked and I have two remedies for tackling this. One is to either write through the sticky period. No matter what I write I just keep on writing, it is mainly rubbish but I can always go back and revise what I have written another day, when the words are flowing better. My second ploy is to either pick up my knitting, do a bit of sewing or go for a walk and let my mind think through where I am in the novel and what happens next. I was at this stage over the weekend. I’d practically finished the first draft of the Inspector Andy Horton I’m currently working on (number seven in the series) and I’d got stuck on who done it! Crazy, I know, but I couldn’t decide who the killer really was. And the reason for that was I didn’t know enough about a couple of the characters. So while I was sewing a new top to wear I thought about the characters and their motivations. I then returned to writing and decided to start working through the second draft of the novel. I fo...