Ah, yes, I started as a wee babe, 13 as it were. Not. :-) About the BBC discovering that Gene Hunt has this appeal to women. Not sure if you watched the old NYPD Blues? (I think that's the show) where Dennis Franz became the guy the women fans swooned over? I think the writers in both shows were able to show a chink in the armor of these men, and women immediately zoned in. Anyway, it'll be interesting to see how they pull it off with out the more cerebral Sam Tyler as a foil. And thanks for the intel on the show, Tom!

Hi Tom: While I am in law enforcement (sort of, I work in the prosecuting attorney's office and most of the heavy lifting is done by police before the case gets here), my route to it was circuitous.

I've worked as a radio journalist, newspaper reporter (later editor), flack for a member of congress, hospital community relations specialist (read "Flack for Hospital"), high technology sales (I pushed TVs at a Radio Shack), and finally tenure here as a victim advocate/public information officer/custodian of records, etal.

Thanks for the add Tom. Reading some of the posts below, thought I'd share a great term for the fantasy casting of films in case you haven't hear it - casturbation!

Hot cop babes ... who knew Crimespace would be so exciting?

Life on Mars in the 80s? I'm definitely tuning in. I started as a cop in 83, so it'll be like old home week. Actually, that's one of the things that drew me to Life on Mars to begin with. The paradox of police work then, vs. police work now. So much of what was shown in the show was still going on in the 80s when I started. I loved Sam Tyler's attempts to modernize the department, and then have the guys look at him like he was nuts.

Thanks for the invite, Tom. And BTW, Life on Mars, see it over there as one of your faves. Mine, too. I chaired the committee for Best TV Episode for the Edgars, and Life on Mars won this year. Awesome show. Unfortunate that it is only two seasons.

My understanding is that this is a pretty common theme amongst writers. I hear it again and again, writers who look at their own work and think it's crap. It's actually comforting to think that others feel the same. The best advice I've culled from writers is to ignore the crap, continue on, because you can't fix a blank page.

Just added the Secret Follower to my list. But it made me think ... is that just a fancy modern way of saying 'stalker', like a rat-catcher is a rodent disposal executive? I guess I'll know if I start getting anonymous messages ...

Hi, Tom - nice to meet you. Yes, everyone loves Emmylou. I'm not a country fan but she's so good, she isn't stuck in that category. I like her later work as much as the earlier stuff - all great. Best of luck with your new book!

I woke up this morning (hmmm... sounds like the beginning of a 12-bar blues), anyway, I woke up to find three messages, hope it's okay if I reply in one go. So ...

Lois ... you may live to regret adding Premiership soccer to your TV cable deal because you'll never see your men again. On the other hand, plenty of women I know would conider that an advantage!

Margot ... Tragically, I will have rpecisely zero control or influence over The Accident Man Movie, a fact which seriously pisses me off, but which is, sadly, completely normal for authors in hollywood, unless they are JK Rowling or Michael Crichton. Clooney's an interesting choice, because he can do that whole world-weary thing (he was great, for example, in Out of Sight), but Carver's both younger and British. Then again, Edward Norton or Matt damon could both do the part - if Damon wasn't already Jason Bourne, of course.

And LJ, all I can say is, forget the other 799. Put my baby to the top of your list!

Well, first I'd have to read your book. Is it listed on Amazon? But then know that I have over 800 books in my TBR stock.

I liked your discussion about friends on here, as I'd wondered also. And I've learned more about the EPL this year, as my family added a soccer channel to our cable, and the guys watch whenever possible.

I'm not as far in this process as you are, but I enjoyed reading your thoughts on it. I really do LOVE meeting people and talking about writing in general. You mentioned your US book cover. Is it available to see? I'd love to catch a look.

Sounds like a plan!

This whole thing seems surreal, especially since I haven't even seen a cover yet. And I'm not one to celebrate, believe it or not. This week, however, I'll cut loose with friends and family for the first time. I really want to be a working writer and can't fathom the promo side of this business. Thanks for swinging by my place. Your book sounds really awesome and I love the cover. Best wishes to you, Tom.

I don't get to play on crimespace as much as I'd like, Tom. But I'd be pleased to be your friend! Blessings--Laura

Tom--Save the bended knee begging for foreplay. Here, we're all easy and a sure thing. Dive in, my friend.

Good seeing you here - beers in Harrogate methinks

Best

Ali

Can I just ask a question here people? Call me an old fart who's completely in touch with modern technology, but is friendship on here a two-way street? By which I mean, if I accept someone as a friend of mine, do I become a friend of theirs, too? Or do I have to go down on bended knee and plead to be put on their dance-card?