My Writing

I am the author of His Own Executioner: The Life of Nigel Balchin, the only biography of the twentieth-century novelist, screenwriter, playwright and industrial psychologist Nigel Balchin (1908­-1970). Originally published in 2015 (revised and updated second edition shown below published in 2020), the book was described as ‘convincing’ by writer and critic DJ Taylor, ‘fascinating’ by Julian Maclaren-Ross’s biographer Paul Willetts, a ‘first-rate biography’ by writer and critic David Collard and ‘riveting’ by novelist Cathi Unsworth.

Between the end of 2021 and the end of 2023, I republished five of Balchin’s best novels (Simple Life, Mine Own Executioner, Sundry Creditors, Seen Dimly Before Dawn and In the Absence of Mrs Petersen); the first of those books had been out of print since 1935 and the other four had been unavailable for several decades. All these books are still available to buy in paperback or e-book formats from Amazon or other online book retailers. Full details of the books that constitute The Nigel Balchin Collection can be obtained from my website: http://www.nigelmarlinbalchin.co.uk.

Articles written by me about myriad aspects of Balchin’s life and works have appeared in a wide range of periodicals, including Book and Magazine Collector, This England, Wiltshire Life, History & Philosophy of Psychology, The Oldie, Slightly Foxed and The Psychologist.

Miscellaneous other writings (both literary and otherwise) have appeared in The Oxford Times, Book and Magazine Collector, Slightly Foxed and other publications. I am currently working on a book of reminiscences of my early life.

I believe that the fact that I am a published writer with decades of writing experience behind me gives me an insight into the writing process and enables me to edit and proofread with both care and sensitivity. My objective as an editor is always to respect the natural voice of the author I am working with and only to make changes if they are necessary to correct mistakes, ensure consistency or improve clarity. It is always my intention to help the reader to quickly and easily absorb what is being said by you, the author.