Last night, I dropped in on an author talk, given by two very engaging women: Maureen Shaw and Helen D. Millgate. Maureen, as it happens, is what is often described as a ‘war orphan’. Her mother was widowed during the Second World War, and Maureen was eager to find out more about the plight of such women in the UK. But, as she and Helen discovered, not a single written word had been dedicated to this group. It seems these women had been given a meagre pension and then forgotten. Helen, an experienced author, decided it was time to research this part of UK history, and hence their co-authored book, War’s Forgotten Women: British Widows of the Second World War, was written and published.

Now, I have to say, I’m not a massive fan of war … and I don’t think the two authors are, either. But I do like the ‘living history’ approach they took to their research in order to gather many moving accounts from family members of how life changed for them as a result of losing a wage-earner while in active service. What’s more, it was just such a treat to hear authors talking about their work, their process, their involvement. There’s always something to learn.

There’s a film called SHAME doing the rounds at the moment, and it’s obviously a film we at THE WiTTING PRESS need to watch.

In 2010, we published a book by D.E. Stafford called TURNED ON: INTIMACY IN A PORNIZED SOCIETY. It seems as if this book might cover some of the same issues as the film. And for this reason we are not sure it’s simply coincidence that book sales are currently very ‘lively’. We’re certainly keeping an eye on the stats. Meanwhile, for anyone needing help with porn/cyber addiction, might I suggest a visit to the Porn Recovery UK blog.

Santa left me a Kindle for Christmas.

Now I’m in ‘compare and contrast’ mode, and I’m truly torn. Books are wonderful. Independent book sellers are wonderful. And it’s no mean feat to eke out a living being independent in this day and age. But, for on-the-go, get-it-and-read-it-quick, I can see where Kindle is coming from. As is true in many other facets of life, it’s all about balance.

Happy New Year from the Witting Press. Let’s hope it’s a good one for all of us.

Another gorgeous painting by Natasha Hesketh. Which reminds me, we’re still working on FAIRY TALES FROM THE FAR EAST, which will feature Natasha’s artwork on the cover.

Thanks to those of you who took advantage of our special offer on TURNED ON.

This particular offer has now come to an end. That said, anyone still wanting to purchase the book can do so through Amazon.co.uk. We will be running a special offer on WORDS FAIL ME in the new year. So look out for that, too.

We have a working title for Duncan E. Stafford’s new book: TURN OFF.

Essentially, this will be a workbook that will help a number of people: those addicted to pornography; partners, family members and friends whose lives are affected by those addicted to pornography; and professionals who may need to support anyone involved with pornography or cybersexual addiction. It is intended that this new non-fiction book will work in tandem with TURNED ON, which is Duncan’s fictionalised account of living with cybersexual addiction.

We have another project … in its infancy. Don’t ask me how we managed, but we’ve ‘persuaded’ author Duncan E. Stafford to write a non-fiction companion to his book TURNED ON: INTIMACY IN A PORNIZED SOCIETY (published by THE WiTTING PRESS in 2010).

Don’t worry, though; just because it’s non-fiction doesn’t mean it will an academic slog. It will be a practical, useful, non-judgemental approach to, basically, TURNING OFF. More news as we have it.

Since writing his book TURNED ON: INTIMACY IN A PORNIZED SOCIETY, D E Stafford has become well-recognised for his work in the field of porn recovery and cybersexual addictions.

His balanced position – neither pro- nor fully anti-porn – means that he is able to present an exceptionally rounded picture of this particular area. For more information about his work, you can follow him on Twitter and read the blogs that he regularly contributes to Porn Recovery UK. And, of course, you can buy the book – either directly from Amazon UK or by emailing THE WiTTING PRESS. The PRESS is running a special offer on this title until the end of November: £12 per copy INCLUDING UK P&P. Cheques only (details will be given in a confirming email). Contact info@wittingpress.co.uk for details. Sorry, we cannot despatch internationally, but we are trying very, very hard to get the title into the American market.

It’s another fabulous creation by the highly talented artist Natasha Hesketh.

Yes, we are just a little bit proud of her work!