The Topstory Story

Topstory was conceived on the 62nd floor of the Chrysler Building... it should have been the 63rd but that’s another story!

A love of writing and all things literary has its foundation in a time which precedes my memory processes.  One memory which will never evade me, however, is that of my first acceptance for publication.

These days “publication” is mostly to be found on the internet but none the less thrilling for that.  That must make me a writer through and through ... just like blurry “Blackpool” in a stick of rock.

Helping businesses to convey their unique nature to a worldwide audience is challenging and satisfying for a writer.  More importantly it should be representational of and pleasing to the client. Even more importantly it must be persuasive and inspiring in the eyes of the customer.

Upon returning from the US in 1991 clasping my First Class Honours degree in Journalism, I threw myself  into a career as a freelance journalist and writer.  I now know why it’s called a career as I have “careered” from project to project in a seemingly uncontrollable yet hugely enjoyable and exciting way.  I wrote a regular column for my local newspaper whilst also contributing freelance humorous features to assorted publications.  I  even became the unlikely Editor of a golf magazine in 1997 (having never swung a golf “bat” in my life ... and still haven’t) and I continue to retain a portfolio of clients for whom I write quirky business and advertising copy for print, broadcast and the web.  I also submit the odd short story (extremely odd!) but am still working hard to achieve my great ambition – to publish a novel.

In 1998 The Scottish Association of Writers awarded me the Marty Duncan award for Humorous Writing which was presented to me by crime novelist Ian Rankin.

Based in the middle of nowhere near Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire in the north-east of Scotland I live, what many people would describe as, an idyllic life with my three dogs.