I started to write after reading so many bad anthologies, which I presume were from the 60's or 70's.  I picked up a pencil and paper and started writing, probably thinking that I would not complete the work. It was unknown to me, if I was writing a novel or short story. The thought never crossed my mind. So, I didn't intend to become a writer, it just burrowed under my skin.  I even started to research my work. The words turned out to be my first short story, Minion.  After the umpteenth draft, I read it and thought, it's a lot better than some published work I've read.  I bought books on how to write and get published. It turns out that I seemed to tick all the boxes for the way NOT to start writing. Ooppps! How good was my story though?  I'd have to see if I could get published in an anthology, (better than the 60's or 70's I read) without having to pay. I thought, if I send it to America, then I can't hear them laughinng from Scotland.  They "bought" my story and it was published. So proud, eh? Since then, I've read quality books, like: Stephen King, John Saul, Koontz, Clive Barker... I've still to get around to reading an Anne Rice book.  A lot of what I read now is reference material. I especially enjoy researching history, always have. Please email me, I'd appreciate your views on any aspect of the book, Short Shocks Vol I or your views on the short story Whispers. Please visit again soon. Regards,  Andy. 

I have had many personal achievements, but not that you could tag a bit of paper on. Some are worth more to me than the paper ones. The educational paper worth is only to say that you are educated to that level, at that time.
Anyone can achieve whatever they want, if they put their mind to it and only give up when you persistently get the same terrible results. Mmmm