Dear Reader…
My primary goal in writing Becoming Alfie was to entertain whoever picked up a copy to read it. It was written in a conversational style mainly in the first person, that being of the main character, a cheeky but resolute human named Alfie Norrington. The book follows the initial 18 years of his life from 1900 to 1918.
Alfie was born into poverty at the start of the twentieth century in the impoverished East End of London. It was a time of obscene wealth for some as the British Empire stretched across the globe, the old adage that the sun never sets on the Empire was true. Whilst the rich became richer, the poor suffered horrendously and I attempted to demonstrate this juxtaposition in the book.
Alfie was blessed with loving brothers and sisters, being the youngest he was able to get away with things that his siblings were chastised for. His father, a drunk and violent alcoholic, caused Alfie great anxiety as a very young boy and he carried this anxiety with him, but hid it well from others as he considered it was a sign of weakness.
With this strong platform from which to grow, Alfie began to roughly identify with the values in life that he respected. His eldest brother Jack mentored Alfie away from the pick-pocketing and stealing he was being accomplished at, towards pursuits that would occupy and grow his developing intellect. Alfie was beginning to find his moral compass.
I have a definitive process when writing for you that I wish to share. I awake at 6.30 am, make a cup of tea then review and edit the work that I produced on the previous day. I then walk along the beaches or beside the Lake where I live considering the next chapter, the next aspects of the story. The scenery is breathtaking and inspirational. I take my iPhone and make verbal notes as to my musings, sometimes ringing my answering machine at home to leave lengthier messages. Throughout this 2 hour walk my constant companion is my beautiful Border Collie dog called Harry H. He is very appreciate of good prose and wags his tail at those that he likes, a good sign.
Upon arriving home I collect my notes from various sources and re-write them to ensure I have captured them for you as I found that inspirational and creative thoughts are only good if they are remembered. At this point I close the office door, not to return until early evening. This method, I have found, works well, allowing me to produce the most readable story that I can create. I begin working in the early evening, as I said, and continue until quite late. Sometimes I can be writing at 2.00am, but that is rare. Throughout the process Harry H is laying either under the desk or at my side and he rarely comments. Then it is off to bed for the process to begin all over again the next morning.
Let me go back to the start of these ramblings. I write only to entertain you, my reader. I don’t write to try to impress the snobbish literary establishment. I don’t write to make a million dollars via clever algorithms on Amazon or to create a series of “How to be a successful author webinars.” I write for you and others like you, and me, people that want to be entertained, not overwhelmed. I delve into recent history and pluck characters that leave you feeling elated, if not inspired. If you do or don’t enjoy my books, the first being Becoming Alfie, please write to me via my website www.alfienorrington.com and I promise I will reply. As an aside there are 4 books in the series, the second to be published and launched in April 2021. Thank you for reading. Neil Patterson
Sad note. After I had written this Harry H passed away, just 9 days ago. He led a wonderful life and lived well into his thirteenth year. Walking in the morning is quite sad just now, as I seem him everywhere. I miss my little mate but I reckon he will be appearing in a chapter or two of my current work.
About the Author
Neil Patterson was born 15 miles East of London near the River Thames. As a child he played on the tidal mudflats which, since Roman Times, had been a depository for man’s detritus . Neil was fascinated by the many items that he found whilst mudlarking, old coins, bottles and buttons. He found pieces of clay pipes that Londoners used to smoke Tobacco, which was introduced to Britain in the 16 century. The fragments of clay pipes fired Neil’s enthusiasm for History.
Late into his teens Neil began to keep a diary and has carried this practice throughout his adult life. He has also written many short stories and poetry but not until he stopped working, in his late fifties, has Neil found time to dedicate to his writing.
Neil ‘s Uncle lived in Australia and from early childhood he dreamt of living down under, he says he was born in England with an Australian heart. He followed his heart migrating to Australia 40 years ago. Neil now works full time as a writer and lives in Murrays Beach with his wife Jann and their border Collie, Harry the dog.
WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:
Website: http://www.alfienorrington.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/search/top?q=author%20neil%20patterson
About the Book
Alfie Norrington was born into poverty in London’s East End in the first minute of the twentieth century. His life was a battle. From the Brick Lane markets where young Alfie pilfered and pickpocketed, to the trenches of Flanders, Alfie fought every step of the way.
Almost killed by a trench bomb he battled to recover and while in a military hospital Alfie made a promise that dramatically change’s his life. A true East End hero, Alfie begins his journey away from poverty armed with a robust moral compass and an open heart.
Becoming Alfie is the first in the Alfie Norrington series. It follows the life of a man who positively influenced thousands of people. The world needs more individuals like Alfie Norrington, that give much more than they take.
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