Peter J May, The Pond Detective | Writing Experience
I have a BA in Philosophy from Lancaster University and although my article writing tends to be fairly down to earth and draws a lot on my own practical experience, it has helped to add reason to my wealth of theoretical knowledge. It also helps me get to grips with any new subject very quickly and write about it like an expert. In my article writing, I aim to amuse whilst informing the reader. I feel as though I can make a subject like 'the advantages of rubber pool liners' interesting enough for the reader to stay transfixed throughout 2000 words.
My drawings and photographs have regularly featured in these magazines as well, some times illustrating the work of other writers.
MAGAZINES:
My first articles were for "Aquarist and Pondkeeper Magazine" in 1994 mainly on products used in the water garden.
I am a regular features and photograph contributor to "The Water Gardener Magazine" since 1993, also (until December 2002) "Koi, Ponds and Gardens" and in the past "South African Gardening Magazine". I have been a regular contributor to Water Gardening Magazine and "Your Garden Magazine" as occasional features writer and photographer. I have also produced written and photographic features for Garden Answers and Gardeners World magazine in conjunction with Bob Purnell and the Garden Guys.
BOOKS:
1998 "The Water Gardener Magazine" ran a 10 month 'pull out' supplement that was "The Beginner's Guide to Water Gardening".
In 1999 this was released as a separate magazine-style book and sold in its own right.
1994 I wrote, illustrated and published "The Perfect Pond Recipe Book" - described by some as being "the" authoritative treatise on the creation of water gardens.
1995 After I personally sold 4500 copies in less than 18 months, this was been taken up and published in hardback and colour by TFH publications and was reprinted several times. It remained a consistent "good seller", despite very half hearted distribution.
It is now out of print but will shortly be updated and revived as an Ebook available from this site.
1998 Two other books with a combined title of - "The Perfect Pond Detective Books"- Parts 1 and 2. Trouble shooting guides for the Biological and the Physical and Mechanical hiccups we can come across in water gardening..
1998 I was welcomed as a member of the Garden Writers Guild.
2000 Co-authored another water garden book with Yvonne Rees called The Water Garden Design Book published by David and Charles in the UK, somebody else in the USA.
BOOKS:
If you would like the complete coverage of any particular subject, this site will provide links to Ebooks that you can download, containing everything you need to know. If you would like to purchase one of my terrestrially published books contact me by email. A list of books with min resums is on the Book Page.