Guest Post by John Raynor
John S. Raynor is a blind writer based in Cheshire who has achieved a lot and who I already admire very much. He has very kindly provided me with a guest post for my blog which I hope you enjoy reading.
The snail’s pace path to publication
Like you, I am also a lover of books. After losing my sight in the late seventies, I read nothing for over thirty years. In 2011, I registered with the RNIB’s Talking Book service and bought myself a specialised MP3 player on which I could read many of the superb books available. Since then, I have read about forty books each year and can not imagine life without a book to read.
I also enjoy crime, thrillers and supernatural themes. My favourite authors are Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Tom Clancy, Harlan Coben, Tess Gerritsen, Dan Brown, Lee Child and James Herbert.
I started writing in the early seventies using speech synthesis and, more recently, screen reading software on my computer. I have self-published two novels, two autobiographical works and three children’s short stories.
Recently I have completed a thriller and, after an editorial analysis from Cornerstones Literary Consultants, I am currently modifying the text to make it more presentable to a Literary Agency. It is so difficult to be accepted by a recognised Agency/publisher these days, but I am hopeful that I can join the ranks of the “Published authors”.
I totally agree with Tim Baker about research. I have carried out extensive research, with the aid of the Internet, for all my works in an effort to make the plots more plausible. I notice that Tim has an interest in Guide dogs. Although I do not have one myself, I have had a great deal of experience with them over many years and have actually included Elsa, a German Shepherd guide dog in this latest work, titled “See All Evil”.
You can visit John Raynor’s website at www.jsraynor.co.uk
Twitter – @J_S_Raynor
A Lover of Books 