October Book Release: In Other Words. Commentaries on Writing Craft, Life and Music

E. Mark Windle 4 October 2024.

In Other Words. Commentaries on Writing Craft, Life and Music is a collection of short articles, opinion pieces, and industry press releases originally published in print and online between 2021 and 2024.

The aim of this project is to present a sample of works on a variety of themes that fall outside of my usual book writing activities, but which should appeal to readers with similar interests as mine. Some pieces were published while the world was in the midst of dealing with a global pandemic and war. Covid, or rather the political mishandling of it, is addressed here. As is the ongoing crisis in Gaza. A year ago, at the beginning of the latest escalation in conflict, I highlighted concern over the development of a man-made famine in Gaza. Tragically, that has now been realised.

Lighter themes are also represented. ‘Writing about writing’ is a natural peripheral activity for authors. My motivation to do so comes from the frustration shared with other freelance ghostwriters: non-disclosure agreements and living in the shadows are major barriers to providing prospective clients with full resumes. Having the opportunity to reflect on the profession and provide a little guidance from personal experience provides some relief in that regard. Ghostwriting is only one element of the day job though. Self-publishing, non-fiction commissions and indie book selling present their own unique challenges, and none of these themes escape comment.

Inevitably, music also features, given that soul music has pretty much been a life-long passion of mine. Interest in exploring the history that surrounds it started, oddly enough, with a former 25-year career in health care. After producing a number of clinical papers and a commission from the British Dietetic Association to write part of their core reference book, I was hooked on scientific inquiry. By extension, that notion of objective curiosity and systematic research skills obtained along the way proved invaluable when applied to uncovering and documenting US music history. Relevant projects presented in this latest book include articles written for the soul music community, as well as biographies, press releases and liner notes for the record industry.

In Other Words. Commentaries on Writing Craft, Life and Music is available to order via A Nickel And a Nail, at https://a-nickel-and-a-nail.myshopify.com/collections/books/products/in-other-words-commentaries-on-writing-craft-life-and-music-e-mark-windle

(Copyright 2024) E. Mark Windle is a freelance writer and biographer. He has also worked as a senior writer for Story Terrace (London, UK), and as a ghostwriter for Sheridan Hill / Real Life Stories LLC (North Carolina, USA).

Follow Mark at https://www.facebook.com/windlefreelance