Journey

Everybody has a book in them, or so it's said. But it's something else again getting it onto the page and to a place where it might be shared.

I have been writing since I was a young child. Always, my dream was to see my name on the spine of a book. Books gave me life, a dream to live by. Through their portals I could escape so easily into other worlds. Books also saved my life ... yes, really!

This is the story of my books and my journey as an author, including a very personal view of my journey through Life. I hope it will inspire and give hope to writers and readers young and old.

Getting published can be a waiting game. It's hard .. and getting harder. But then sometimes it can happen in an unexpected way and suddenly, we truly are living our dream. And we realise that it isn't after all the winning that is important, but the journey that is ours along the way.

I would love to hear from anyone who connects with what is written here. A signed copy of any of my books is available. You have only to write and ask:

janineharrington53@gmail.com







Friday, 1 January 2016

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Since the publication of my book on 16 December 2015 by Austin Macauley, made up of the many voices of RAF 100 Group, it has generated worldwide interest, not least from veterans who served in this secret Group during WWII under Bomber Command. It is unique in sharing often for the first and only time, secrets of their work and lifestyle on Norfolk airfields.
   The first 100 copies are 'Collectables' - signed by the author, with two templates of 100 Group veteran signatures ready to be stuck on the inside cover of the book. There are also four insert pages of veteran signatures, with their rank, service and Squadron.

Veterans around the world put their signature to 100 pages to make these books 'Collectable' for the future. Each veteran remains just as passionate as I about finally claiming recognition for the role played in bringing the war to an early conclusion and saving so many thousands of lives. Following the war, this Group received no recognition, medal or reward.

'Collectable' versions of this book together with enclosures which make them so valuable and a legacy to pass down through the family, ensure these 'forgotten heroes' are remembered. The books are priced at £20.99 + pp, which in the UK is £5 ... a total of £25.99. Please contact me direct to make a purchase at:  


But be warned, these books are selling out fast. There are only these 100 copies which come with veteran signatures. Once they are gone it is an opportunity lost. There can never be more. Each veteran put his or her signature in person to these templates and sheets of paper which accompany these books, each veteran a kindred spirit, a valued part of a 'band of brothers' which made up RAF 100 Group. Sadly, some veterans died before the book was published, never having that chance to see their words in print, to know their voice would be heard by many in the wider world, and being able to spend special moments with their family in finally sharing the secrets of what it was they were actually involved in through the war. So many loved ones still have no idea about those secret operations today, including their wives and immediate family.

Hardback and softback copies without veteran signatures will continue to be available and can be ordered direct from the publisher, Austin Macauley, through Amazon and other online outlets, or by visiting High Street booksellers.

Meanwhile, comments and reviews from those already in receipt of this publication are positive, powerful, inspirational and moving, especially those from 100 Group veterans and their families in different parts of the world:


AMERICA

Hello Janine,
My hearty congratulations to you! Job well done!! Now the veterans, their families and the world have the opportunity to savor Kindred Spirits. Again, fond congratulations to you and your new 'baby'! You've carried a heavy weight for a very long time. Now you have a most beautiful new birth to celebrate. My hats off to you for your grand and most worthy efforts.
With my best regards,
Stephen
Stephen Hutton

Stephen's father Iredell Hutton served in the 36th Bomb Squadron (the 8th Air Force's only Radar Counter Measures (RCM) Squadron) which flew in partnership with RAF 100 Group, carrying no bombs, but working with experimental and sophisticated equipment designed to identify and jam enemy Radar. Stephen has kindly written a chapter about its history and experience in my book. I remain indebted to you, Stephen, for your input.



AUSTRALIA

Janine, finally the publication of this book is absolutely great news! I want to be among the first to congratulate the proud Mum!! A nervous and anxious wait, but very rewarding in the end. Well done, Janine! You have every right to feel proud and be emotional. I guess the whole project was like a pregnancy ... with that anxious wait at the end, but with a joyful 'birth', and the opportunity to hold your creation in your hands. I understand the relief and that warm satisfaction.
Stuart Borlase
Living History Film Productions


NEW ZEALAND

Oh Janine, what can I say? 'Kindred Spirits' is a WINNER!! It arrived here (New Zealand) a couple of days back and today I had time to sit in the car and start reading. I have devoured the first fifty pages so far and declare it is the best book, by far, I have read about Bomber Command, not just 100 Group. It is a phenomenal read and must enjoy the very widest circulation. How can we ensure this happens? Who writes the surveys and reviews? How are bookshops and libraries made aware of its existence? I am sure this will have to be a best seller! Don't forget that I am a critical reader and I know what sort of books attract readers. I was stunned by the size of the book, expecting a slim, paper-covered volume, not this all-embracing, marvellously researched record of a little known section of airborne Intelligence. Great stuff!

John xx
John Beeching
veteran of 169 Squadron, RAF Great Massingham, Norfolk. 


CANADA

Janine, the book is absolutely PRECIOUS!! YOU HAVE IMMORTALIZED ME!!! Thank you and GOD BLESS YOU! I am thrilled!! What more can I say, except to see this at 4am I had to reply instantly. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yours in your 100 Group MAGIC
Always your kindred Spirit
George and Marion 
Canadian veteran George Stewart DFC, served with 23 Squadron at RAF Little Snoring, Norfolk. On the cover of the book he can be seen sitting astride the nose of his aircraft, his Squadron below.


UK

What a wonderful book! I have been scanning through it, an excellent reference source this is going to be for all. I had no idea of the sheer scale of the Project that you'd undertaken. You are to be congratulated for your determination and perseverance. Thank you for the signature plates (which make this book a Collectable). These I will very carefully install. As you said, this will make a very unique item to be treasured. Thank you again. You should be very pleased and proud of what you have achieved.

Best wishes,
David

PS I have sent emails to all my Mossie (Mosquito) contacts worldwide as well as www.Mossie.org forum telling them about this book and its availability.
 
UK

Jan, the new book arrived today. What a lot of hard work! You put into it often twelve hours a day, and I can believe it. Over 500 pages in total! You amaze me how you can get so much information, then put it into a readable format. I found the part about my Uncle, and thank you for including it. Take care ...
Rod 
Rod Vowler
RAF 100 Group Association Standard Bearer


I salute you, veterans of RAF 100 Group, and those who flew in partnership with them. This book was meant as a tribute to you all, as well as a Memorial to the many, such as my mother's wartime fiance; who did not return from war. I hope I have done justice to you, and brought your many voices out of the shadows and into the light where so many more people today, of all ages, can listen and learn from you.

Your message is clear ... there is nothing to be gained from war.

The world today needs to know how to live in peace, and become balanced, whole, One United Family just as RAF 100 Group Association stands as a living example today.

I would also add to this my thanks to all of you who helped, guided and supported me through last year, 2015. It was your many many messages, phone calls, daily emails, letters, gifts, flowers, and inspirational words which brought me through the awful aching lonely darkness to the dawn of a new day.

THANK YOU
My RAF 100 Group Association Family
xxx




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