Bücher von Paul Hammond

Born on the 22nd July 1958, Paul's childhood began in the Avenue, Lowestoft, before moving to Oulton Broad in 1967. Attending Denes High School for a number of years; he stayed on to pursue A-levels before progressing to Norwich City College to study for a Diploma in Computer programming. It was during his sixth form years that the author wrote his first piece of prose, entitled 'Pity the Poor Man'. This subsequently reached the heady heights of publication in the schools monthly magazine! Whilst continuing to explore his literary endeavours Paul also found a growing desire to pursue musical interests and, with no singing or instrumental ability he did the next best thing and become a DJ. Following a number of successful years locally, Paul turned professional, moving away to the Midlands to take up various contracts as resident DJ for some of the top clubs/leisure companies in the UK. His adaptation to varied music styles led to a decade of success with many awards to his credit. Paul continued to develop his interest in writing and over several years compiled a lengthy manuscript of prose, poetry and thoughts entitled 'Pro's & Con's' whilst also becoming aware of a growing passion for conservation. At the beginning of the 90's he returned to his roots, moving home to East Anglia in search of more peaceful surroundings, having grown tired of the mayhem and pace of city life. It was here, whilst continuing to DJ, Paul further developed his writing skills, embarking on a lengthy re-working of his earlier manuscripts. He also rediscovered a latent passion for the sport of green bowling, quickly developing a competitive edge at club and county level. In 1998 Paul took the opportunity to return to college in pursuit of academic qualifications for his other lifetime interest, preservation of the environment and its wildlife. Successful results led to the beginning of a long term plan to open, what is now one of the regions leading independent conservation centres. By the end of the decade he had completed manuscripts for five books of prose and poetry, as well as the basis for a number of short stories. At that point Paul decided, after twenty-five years of DJ-ing, it was time to 'retire' from the music business; unable to resist any longer the desire to concentrate on his other interests, writing, conservation and bowling. Whilst competing in a number of fund-raising events, a serious sporting injury soon after the 1998 London Marathon seemingly put paid to his bowling career short-term, whilst a double personal and family tragedy shortly after led to a long period of emotional turmoil. Paul openly admits on reflection that his life at that time went into 'freefall' and his writing was the one thing that kept him going. The collapse of a groundbreaking conservation project for the disabled, following lack of grant support, led to the apparent loss of a lifetime's work, whilst a subsequent road traffic accident took its toll. For almost two years Paul became somewhat of a recluse, living in a remote wilderness cottage whilst recovering and making new plans for the future with the support of his family. Finally, he returned to the public eye, launching Wild About Birds whilst again taking up his beloved sport of bowling at Sole Bay Bowls Club, where he quickly found new friends and claimed the title of club champion. His love of the sport continues as does the pleasure of playing for club and county, whilst his hopes of one day playing at a higher level still remain. Now enjoying his still somewhat hectic life in the heart of Suffolk, Paul is finally realising his hopes and aspirations as he embraces the future with renewed vigour. Already with two successful publications under his belt, a thriving business, and more projects to follow, he looks forward in high spirits, passionately enjoying his writing, bowling, and whatever else comes his way as he reflects on a crazy life that certainly has had its fair share of ups and downs.