🎉 I’ve Finished the First Draft of A King’s Gamble! (And Somehow Survived)

Well, that’s it. The words are down. The first draft of A King’s Gamble: The Neville’s Cross Campaign 1346 is officially finished.

The Battle of Neville's Cross

1,000 years in the making (give or take), several gallons of black coffee, and one very confused dog later — we’ve got a book. A proper one. With chapters, footnotes, battles, sieges, grumpy monks, scheming kings, and a Flashman-esque Robert Stewart dodging responsibility like it’s a flaming arrow.

This thing started as a “quick little project” to write something accessible about one of the most overlooked medieval battles in British history — and it rapidly spiralled into a full-blown obsession. From Liddel Strength to the smouldering outskirts of Durham, A King’s Gamble is a medieval history book that tells the story of the 1346 Scottish invasion of England and the chaos that followed, culminating in the Battle of Neville’s Cross.

It’s brutal, hilarious, and (I hope) deeply human.

And yes — I’m aware no one asked for a 50,000-word deep dive into a campaign most people haven’t even heard of. But here we are.

What Happens Next?

Editing. Rewriting. Swearing. Then: Publication.

The goal is to make this book as readable as it is well-researched — something for history lovers, armchair generals, curious punters, and anyone who likes their accessible military history with a bit of bite.

I’ll be sharing updates as I go, along with sneak peeks, historical tidbits, and the occasional rant about how many people called “Edward” existed in 14th-century England (spoiler: too many).

Want to Be First in Line?

If you haven’t already, join the mailing list here — you’ll get early access to previews, behind-the-scenes extras, and release updates. No spam. Just proper history.

Thanks to everyone who’s supported this daft, wonderful project so far. Your encouragement (and occasional kick up the arse) has meant the world.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to collapse in a heap and consider writing something relaxing next. Like a memoir about my childhood in 1980s Germany during the Cold War. Oh wait…