Martin Lake

Martin Lake lives in the French Riviera with his wife. After studying at the University of East Anglia he worked as a teacher, trainer and company director.

A strangely serious accident (he claims it was caused by cage-fighting but he actually slipped over) shattered his arm and meant that he had to rein back his work. He decided to concentrate on writing and is now writing full-time. He writes a wide range of fiction. His main interests are historical fiction, short stories and fiction for young adults.

Martin has a series of novels set in the years following the Norman Invasion of England. The first two are: The Lost King: Resistance and The Lost King: Wasteland. He has also written short stories for adults and for children.

His latest novel is called Artful and follows the adventures of the Dodger after he has been transported to Australia.

Martin is currently working on a novel set in Jerusalem in the twelfth century.

Martin’s work has been broadcast on radio. He won first prize in the Kenneth Grahame Society competition to write a story based on 'The Wind in the Willows.'

Martin has taught creative writing as well as having been a student on several courses.

Facebook: Facebook profile
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/martin-lake/32/7a4/48a
Blog: http://martinlakewriting.wordpress.com

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• Time and Again on June 12, 2011
  
  TIME AND AGAIN IAN WEAVER This novel is an entertaining and intriguing mixture of action, war, romance and science fiction. It reminded me of the work of Christopher Priest. Weaver lives up to his name by weaving a complex narrative which ranges over time, space and personality. The characters face challenges and change because of them. I liked the fact that both his heroes and villains are entertaining and multi-dimensional. The first chapter gives a lot of technical detail. Personally, this is not what I like but soon Weaver's narrative gusto took over and I was as caught up in events as much as his protagonist. I shall look forward to his new novel: Frozen in Time. Martin Lake Author of the following books on Smashwords The Lost King: Resistance Pick and Mix Nuggets
  
• Let's Get Digital: How To Self-Publish, And Why You Should on July 22, 2011
  
  A Safe Pair of Hands. If I were to recommend one person to guide you on the adventure of self-publishing, David Gaughran is the one. His latest book 'Let's Get Digital' is a collection of articles from his must-read blog together with advice from successful indie writers. It shows David's thoughtful, creative and inspirational approach in an easy to read and enjoyable way. As with his blogs, he gives lots of links to other resources, including blogs, books and software. I read it on a short train journey. I've never put so many bookmarks in one book before.
  
• Trafficked: The Diary of a Sex Slave on Sep. 03, 2011
  
  Sibel Hodge should be applauded for tackling this difficult and emotive subject. Trafficking is one of those things which everyone knows takes place but few people want to face. This novella relates the experiences of Elena, a young woman who has been snatched from her village and taken into a life of sexual servitude. Hodge avoids sensationalism and sentimentality by writing in a restrained and controlled style. This serves to heighten the brutality and squalor of Elena's new life. Slowly but surely we experience a terrible atmosphere of claustrophobia, hopelessness and despair. For a male reader, the most disturbing thing is the collusion of the many men she comes into contact with, whether users of her sexual favours, taxi-drivers and even policemen. I would have liked for the control and restraint in the writing to have been relieved at the height of the story as Elena's heroism is in danger of getting a little lost in the objectivity of the prose. I also thought that the character of Jamie would have benefited from a more in-depth analysis of his character and motivation. However, I am aware that this may have removed the focus from the objective description of the dreadful life which Elena has been condemned to live. This is an honest, tough and unremittingly recital of the inhumanity which some men descend to. All is not hopeless, however, and this well-judged and nuanced book allows us to see that a glimpse of better things in the end.
  
• Juan-les-Pins Whitechapel Paris on Nov. 17, 2012
  
  This is a marvellous memoir. Margaret Turner has had a fascinating life and she writes about it with a freshness and verve which takes you to the heart of her life and times. There is a real sense of the wonder of life in its pages, so much life and vitality in the tale. Turner is equally adept at writing about everyday events of childhood and the most dark experiences of war. I felt transported to the days and events that are described so beguilingly. Margaret Turner is an artist with words.