Author

Well here we are  midway through December and still no rain on the Costa Del Sol. I think the last time it rained here was in May. No doubt January and February will bring the farmers and reservoirs some relief.

Off to see the second 'Hobbit' film this evening with my lady. We both really enjoyed the first one so hope this one lives up to our expectations. On the CDS the cinemas get the new releases either at the same time, or before, the films are released in London.

I've had a chest infection this week, and it got really bad on Thursday so we called out Helicopter Sanitarios. For those who don't know, this service is available only on the Costa Del Sol. We pay around 365€ a year, and for this, if we are ill, trivial ailment or emergency, they get to you in your house within 15 minutes. The crew in the fully equipped emergency treatment ambulance comprises an English speaking doctor, and two English speaking paramedics. It is a truly fantastic service, and a couple of years ago it definitely saved my wife's life when she became desperately ill. It doesn't matter how many call outs you make, the premium for the following year remains the same, and there is no additional charge for any call outs. If you come to Spain, join it, you will never regret it, I promise.

Wattpad is a free book service where you can read new releases from known and unknown authors via their website. I recently had two of my books banned by them for alleged 'too explicit sex scenes'. I challenged them to rescind this ban, and after a lot of toing and froing of argument, etc they have at last lifted the ban. Wattpad is a great outlet for authors such as myself to air their works and get feedback before the books are sent off for publishing. My two books are called 'The Saturday Pledge Books One & Two, and are part of a trilogy about two young men who come from vastly different social backgrounds but who become firm friends as they go through their lives in the prestigious fee paying school of Rancliffes, then university at The Britannic University, and then as they enter politics and government. It is a strong book, and not for the faint hearted as it follows their lives that are filled with drama. It is not suitable for under 18's, but there are no gratuitous sex or violence scenes in it that do not have a bearing on the story line. I am three quarters of the way through the third book of the trilogy and I hope to have the three books published in 2014. My Wattpad name is 'Raffles'. If you happen to read them please send any feedback that you might have to me via my website, which is: www.josephdickerson.co.uk.

It is my grandson Dan's 15th birthday today...........makes me feel old........and I'm only 32!!!

Placido Sabado.

My lady and I went to Barcelona for a few days to celebrate our anniversary last week. She hasn't been before. Barcelona is a stunning place, vibrant, clean, full of superb architecture, and their transport system is both clean and on time.

We travelled First Class on the AVE train from Malaga. That was an excellent experience. with the train reaching speeds of 300 plus kmh. The journey only took 5 hours, with a meal served at our seats. There was also a film on with an  English soundtrack through headphones supplied.

We wanted to view some Gaudi buildings, and La Pedrera, and Sagrada Familia were particularly stunning. We also took lunch at La Pedrera Restaurant, and it was like dining at the Ritz, but a lot less expensive. We also took the City tour bus. You can get off and on as many times as you like anywhere on the route, using the same ticket, and although it was a chilly day we still loved the experience.

The whole of Barcelona is clean and beautiful, and we found the Catalan people charming and courteous. I found the Nou Camp impressive. Messi thanked me for my autograph!!!! Las Ramblas is a must for any tourist, and was well worth a visit.

I would really recommend Barcelona as a place to visit. There is so much to see.

I reckon the whole of the Barcelona 4 day holiday only set us back about 1000 €, and was well worth every cent.

I have 'flu, but have found a semi cure.....I eat lots of chocolate. When the 'flu has gone I think I shall have to continue the therapy to prevent further attacks.........

Wattpad have now banned the first book of my trilogy, "The Saturday Pledge - Book One - Rancliffe". They join Kindle who did the same earlier in the year. Are these companies connected? The Wattpad rejection came only seconds after I submitted the manuscript electronically so they could not have possibly read it. They must have had a referral black list or something similar. The ironic thing is that my books are a lot less explicit than say '50 Shades', which Wattpad and Kindle published. Many tell me that they think my story lines are much better too. Oh well, I'll still keep at it.

Hasta Pronto.