London Firefighter

[Steve]

Some of you who have been on this site for longer than many care to remember, will know that for years I was jotting things down and as I enjoyed writing, always promised to write a memoire. A few months ago, I was lucky enough to get a publishing contract and although the process is going to be drawn out (another victim of covid and people working from home) it may yet be a few months into 2022 before the book, London Firefighter, hits the shelves.

I am wary of doing too much too soon as it could be a bit premature, but I thought I'd mention it here now and link to my blog as it will give an idea as to what to expect... basically a memoire of my time with LFB in London's East End from a Firefighter joining in 1987 to me retiring as a Borough Commander in 2018. 

The blog has some commentary about Grenfell Tower, as I attended it and feel very strongly about the way LFB has been treated, but other parts of the Blog are things that are similar to the book, some made the book, others didn't.

Feel free to have a look.... https://stevedude68.com/

 

[Noddy]

Nice one Steve!! Better late than never 😉

I shall enjoy reading that 👍👍

If anyone is looking for what life was really like as a firefighter in London when stations were ‘proper busy’, then look no further.  

[Messyshaw]

I hope the book is better than the title 🙄🤔🤣

Seriously, luck with it Steve. Its such a long process isn't it?

If you are looking to cast actors for the film version of the book, I understand Alec Baldwin is available 🙄

[TandA]

At f’ing last! 😁 I have been really looking forward to reading this since you first mentioned the idea.  I am sure I won’t be disappointed.

[Bubbles]

I agree with TandA about time 😂!! Have to say I am really looking forward to reading this. Having grown in the East End I am sure I will recognise a few places mentioned 😀

[Messyshaw]

Be warned, I along with the entire LFB (and former LFB), will be utilising my patented 'Edric' bullshite detector @Steve .... and I have several sets of batteries 🙄🤣🤣

Any idea when the launch will be mate?

[Steve]

No idea mate, it is with the publishers editing team, when I signed the contract back in June they said "Up to a year" I've just forgot about it to be honest until it comes back to me.

[Steve]

I had the final edited manuscript back today, have 21 days to read through and agree it, then the book goes off for typesetting and final design. Hopefully it will see the light of day this summer.

[HB2016]

Hi @Steve, will your book be available through Amazon and will you be doing an audiobook version? Really looking forward to reading it!

[Messyshaw]

Oh God NOOOO!!!!  😮

I am happy to read the book, indeed, I am looking forward to it - but please not an audiobook with Steve narrating it (unless its Stephen Fry) 🙄

It needs the sophistication of a west or north London voice, not an apple and pears, cor blimey guvnor, east end cockerney one🤔🤣

[Steve]

9 hours ago, HB2016 said:

Hi @Steve, will your book be available through Amazon and will you be doing an audiobook version? Really looking forward to reading it!

Yes, Amazon is one of the routes the publisher takes. No plans for an audiobook at this time. 

[Keith]

2 hours ago, Messyshaw said:

not an apple and pears, cor blimey guvnor, east end cockerney one🤔🤣

That's the accent I'll be reading it in Messy.🤣

[Carl]

The audiobook would probably sound more like an 80s Kraftwork track with all the bleeping out of the swearing 🤣

[Jet]

The audiobook will just be like a cab ride home on a Saturday night. 

[E119]

Any update on when the book is likely to be released @Steve?

Will it be as good as Edric's? 🤔👀👀

[Carl]

We will also be hoping to sell @Steve book via the site via a dedicated page similar to the Firefighter Fitness book by our very own @Noddy

[Steve]

The publishing date is 31st August, got the first complimentary copies today, it can be pre-ordered here London Firefighter and hopefully available through this site soon. Just need to work all of this out with the publisher.

[Jet]

Just pre-ordered 👍

[Keith]

Heard a rumour that Arthur Daley has arranged a book signing down at The Winchester. Anyone looking tickets give Dave a bell.🤣

[Messyshaw]

@Keith I have heard Del Boy is knocking em out cheaper.

50 books for a pony. Ask Rodders/Dave for more information 👍

[Crog]

Does it come with a cockney to English translation guide, or is that extra?

[Messyshaw]

Sadly that translation guide is available but is very expensive at almost a monkey. 😉🤔

 

[Percy]

This is superb news @Steve and will be a cracking read! I’m so glad you’ve done this, it would have been criminal not to.

Will you be venturing into Brunacini territory too? I think there is now more than ever a need for a UK version of some of his famous books regarding Incident Command and tactics, but from a UK perspective.

[Steve]

No way, there is a market for that in the US as with so many volunteer fire companies with little direction they feed on these type of books to inform their training and response. As we all know, the UK is a fully professional national service, with NOS, National guidance and so on. And as much as I might have some tricks up my sleeve based on hard won experience, that can be whispered into an ear or suggested on the fire ground, I don't think that would readily translate into 'Steve's book of tactics & fire command' without treading on lot's of toes and potentially undermining the good intent of the message. 

[Carl]

I must admit, its looking like a good read. Thanks @Steve