| Dear WIWOL,
An idea has been mooted to compile a book written entirely by former Lightning pilots. Dick Pike (who has had a number of books commercially published) is the compiler/editor for this project and you are invited to participate. When complete, the book will be presented to a commercial publisher for professional production. The aim is for a high quality item, a unique and worthwhile project of interest to a wide readership. Most publishers of this genre agree that books on the Lightning will sell well. You should consider a story of some 3,000 to 5,000 words about a personal experience on a Lightning - vivid memories of take-off at dawn from Akrotiri, perhaps, or maybe an in-flight refuelling event, an aerobatic display, a QRA intercept, a low-level AI intercept at night (the mind boggles), first ever Lightning take-off, an emergency that led to ejection from one of Her Majesty's aircraft - the list is long. Tales should be exciting, fast, with a good plot and - most significant - incorporate humour. Remember, please, the need for economy of words, and try to write from the perspective of a reader who hasn't a clue about the Lightning but who is interested to learn. Yawnful nerdishness beloved by historical societies should be avoided, nonetheless factual accuracy will be important. Security should not be a problem, even so we'll contact the MOD for security approval. Photos (and plenty will be needed) should have a suggested caption written on the back together with the owner's name and address so the publisher can return the picture. A photo that shows the author will be good, though endless photos of lined-up personnel can be, shall we say, quite dull. Ghost writing can be offered to those who have a good story to tell but who lack the time/inclination to pen it. Monies from royalties can be used to cover expenses (including, hopefully, a book-launch party at, say, the RAF Club) and with luck a surplus will be available for charitable distribution. The project is going well and contributors so far include Roger Colebrook, Bill Wratten, Ross Payne, Peter Vangucci, David Roome, Clive Mitchell, Rick Groombridge, Bugs Bendell, John Walmsley, Colin Wilcock, Bruce Hopkins, Jerry Parr, Alan White, Peter Collins and John Hall. Some 50,000 words have been penned so far out of a target 65 to 70,000. Half a dozen or so more articles are thus needed and here is your chance to go down in history!! If you have a tale please email me in the first instance (address on front page). Best regards from Ed D 2 August 2010 |