The Journal Writer

Journal writers aim to educate others on important matters within specific fields. Chris’ goal, however, was to educate himself on an important matter within a very specific field: himself.

As Chris began writing, he discovered his journal entries were small, seemingly unconnected short stories. As he pieced them together, a larger, finely detailed narrative emerged, one he could see and understand more clearly.

This is the story of a man who comes to realize he is completely broken. After even deeper self-introspection, he resolves to fix himself.

Can he succeed? Does he possess the long-term tenacity needed for this journey? Will he ultimately achieve his goal?

Borrowed Air Borrowed Land

Love is the spirit of humanity, but can one love a spirit? Julius, a bookstore attendant, is certain of his undying love for a spiritual apparition. However, she is now gone, deceased from this world for centuries, so how can he pursue someone that no longer exists in the world of the living?

His answer is to create her from within. If he cannot find the one he loves, then seeing her again through artistic expression will be his only salvation. Yet, Julius himself is no artist, so who can guide him on this journey?

Laura, his colleague who has recently endured the anguish of a bitter breakup, finds solace in Julius’s presence. As a talented artist she guides Julius in his journey to find the beauty that lies within his emotions. As she watches Julius develop into the artist that parallels herself, she grows closer to him and forms an attachment that gives her the bond that gives meaning to her life.

But unbeknownst to Laura, the object of Julius’s desire lies elsewhere, in a sphere beyond even her artistic thoughts. Will Julius’s journey continue endlessly without resolve? And will it be another cycle of anguish for Laura? Or maybe love and understanding can still find a way to connect them together.

A Year in the Life of Rebecca Saunders

New beginnings and a dark secret collide in Rebecca Saunders’ chaotic world. Frustrated by a jobless husband, unruly children, and rambunctious dogs, Becky seeks refuge in a quirky job working for Leo, a blustery wine importer with an attic office in his grand home.

Leo’s wife, Fizz, adds to the unpredictable mix with her eccentric personality and champagne-cork temperament. Amidst the swirling chaos, Becky discovers a hidden secret that threatens the heart of her newfound sanctuary. Can she navigate the tangled vines of her own life while preserving the fragile peace she’s found?

A Tarnished Life

An alcoholic close to death, Emma, a once beautiful woman with the promise of a bright future, lives the last few years of her life in a squalid basement room. In an attempt to banish loneliness, she takes comfort in recalling happier moments shared with loved ones, but is also forced to relive a series of disastrous relationships.

This gripping family saga traces her story from childhood, life as a young woman in war-ravaged London, and a period of affluence and happiness filled with the desire of creating a family of her own. Her hopes are thwarted, and her marriage starts to fail. During this time, she forges a bond with a Scottish couple who bear the scars of a tragic past.

Unable to cope with her disappointments, broken dreams, and a devastating revelation, inexorably she embarks on a spiral of self-destruction. Even the unwavering presence of the man who gave up everything for her cannot release her from the prison of her own making.

In Tiger Country

In a bustling surgical theatre, where life, death, and difficult decisions intertwine, the lives of Eliza, Ibrahim, and Henry collide, each carrying their own dreams, burdens, and secrets.

Eliza, a junior doctor driven by ambition and insecurities, finds an unexpected champion, only to uncover ulterior motives lurking beneath the surface.

Meanwhile, another, haunted by the specter of racism, yearns to rise above it, but the path forward requires unlikely allies. As tensions reach a boiling point, a sinister conspiracy unfolds, threatening to unravel the very fabric of their profession. Amidst the chaos, a pillar of unity and strength emerges, grappling with the complexities of identity.

In Tiger Country delves into the intricate tapestry of diversity, prejudice, and the hidden depths that reside within us all, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience in the high-stakes world of medicine.

Miss

This fictional story delves into the dark worlds of human trafficking, prostitution, and questionable ‘big business’ practices. It chronicles a couple’s tumultuous journey through the emotional gamut – from despair to happiness, violence to peace. Their path takes them from Yorkshire to across Europe and the Caribbean as their story highlights the total dependence and unyielding belief these two have in each other.

Touching on complex themes involving the grey areas of consent and morality, this tale will tug at your heartstrings. Ultimately, it is an emotional rollercoaster centred on an unconventional but enduring love story.

Tragic Wedding

In the 1990s, the UK made significant strides in addressing women’s rights, with issues such as workplace discrimination, maternity leave, and equal pay coming to the forefront of societal awareness. Despite these advancements, certain harmful practices, like underage and arranged marriages, persisted, particularly within Asian and African communities. Many families, holding onto the traditions of their original cultures from former British colonies, failed to recognize the conflict this caused with their UK-raised children, who embraced different values and lifestyles.

The novel centres around Jameela, a young woman tragically caught in such a cultural rift. Her story unfolds against the backdrop of her forced marriage and subsequent life in a tribal society, just as the fanatic militia known as the Taliban begins to rise in power. Years later, Jameela’s sister and a friend, both medical graduates, journey to this tribal land on a mission to help and to search for Jameela. Their efforts lead to arrest and near despair, until a nurse, partially educated in the UK, and her influential uncle intervene, enabling a poignant reunion with Jameela. Now a widow, Jameela has been deeply indoctrinated by the Taliban’s extremist teachings, viewing even the simplest acts of affection as forbidden.

Through an intensive rehabilitation program, Jameela gradually recovers from her indoctrination. Together, the three women return to the UK, united by a resolve to establish a charity dedicated to combating arranged and underage marriages. Their mission is bittersweet, however, as their success is overshadowed by the tragic death of their mother, who is overwhelmed by the shock and joy of seeing Jameela alive.

This poignant tale not only highlights the stark realities faced by women caught in the crosshairs of cultural tradition and modernity but also celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the power of redemption and advocacy.

A Cry of Hounds

When, in the middle of winter, a beautiful woman arrives in a small village in the English Lake District, James Cameron, the local vet, is drawn into the air of mystery that surrounds her. As he becomes increasingly entwined in her dangerous world, he is drawn into conflicts that will have widespread consequences for him and his community, leading to violence and the involvement of the law at the highest levels.

Douglas' Diary

This delightful and imaginative diary is narrated by Douglas, a dog who embarks on a narrowboat journey with his human ‘pets’. Douglas recounts his adventures from his unique canine perspective, bringing humor and whimsy to the tale.

Written in engaging diary format, Douglas shares daily events of the journey in his own words. His creative descriptions – referring to the narrowboat as his ‘long-kennel’, the car as his ‘short-kennel’, lifts as ‘magic cupboards’, and more – add a fun touch. As an observant narrator, Douglas provides thoughtful insights into the people and places encountered along the way, while also delighting in simple pleasures like walks, playing ball, and goose droppings. Douglas’ affectionate bond with his Pets shines through.

Enhanced by a map and illustrations, Douglas chronicles the English countryside and villages along the winding canals and rivers. This creative and charming travelogue will appeal to dog lovers, canal boat enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys a heartwarming tale of adventure and friendship. Douglas is a captivating guide on this 500-mile narrowboat voyage around the Pennine Ring.

To New York City

Rita, a voice actor admired for her resilience and beauty, navigates life’s complexities despite her severe blindness. In the bustling heart of New York City, she prepares to grace the runway in a prestigious fashion show, a stark contrast to her tranquil love for the ocean’s embrace. As her life’s next chapter beckons aboard a transatlantic cruise, Rita faces a cascade of introspection and unanswered questions.

Is Eleanor, her confidante, truly the ally she seems? Can Rita reinvent herself to fulfil the yearnings within? Will the Atlantic’s vast waters offer solace or merely reflect her deepest contemplations? Amidst nature’s serenity and the vibrant cacophony of cities like Copenhagen and New York, Rita seeks the essence of human connection, intimacy, and the true meaning of friendship through the lens of her blindness.

As she contemplates the nature of kindness and the miracles of life, Rita’s journey is punctuated by moments of profound significance. With each meaningful encounter, she explores the depth of human kindness she both offers and deserves.

Blood Phone

Children in Congo are digging rare earth minerals and ore for weapons, mobile phones and electric cars held at gunpoint by child soldiers. Millions of people have been killed in Congo because they live in resource-rich areas. ‘Rape is a weapon of war’ says Congolese Dr Denis Mukwege, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Erik Luyts, a commodities trader based in Geneva, travels to Congo because the Chinese are becoming too competitive. His wife Pauline at Doctors Without Borders warns him against it. Erik decides to do something about the terrible abuses, but can’t prevent that his hidden past is catching up with him.

Praise for Van Campen:

‘May I call you the Dutch John le Carré’

Alphonse Muambi, Congolese Journalist.

‘I must say, this is an exciting book.’

Pim van Galen, Journalist at Dutch Public Television (NOS).

‘We may be able to stop the bleeding, but not the bullets.’

Cecile Dehopre,  Doctors without Borders, Amsterdam.

‘Van Campen makes people aware and confronts them with child labour, working conditions and conflict minerals in Congo’s current mining industry.’

Bas van Abel, founder of Fairphone.

‘This book is a revelation, after you read it, you will never mindlessly make use of a mobile phone!’

Charles den Tex, thriller writer.

Dead Man Walking

Billy Collins’ childhood on Portland Isle, Dorset, is a tapestry of idyllic moments, albeit cast against the ominous backdrop of World War II. His life takes a dramatic turn following the tragedy of Operation Tiger, leading to his forced evacuation to the isolated Yorkshire moors. Here, he spends the remainder of the war in the company of a taciturn government official, far removed from the world he knew.

At the age of 18, imbued with a sense of duty, Billy joins the Royal Engineers, embarking on a career as a bomb disposal officer. After years of service, filled with brushes with danger and meticulous snipping of wires, Billy decides it’s time to retire. However, fate has a twist in store; his final assignment takes him back to Portland Isle. Confronting his past and the fears that have shadowed him, Billy stands on the precipice of full-circle closure. This poignant tale weaves the threads of memory, duty, and destiny into a narrative that captures the essence of a life lived in the shadow of war.