Thanks for taking time to find this snapshot of my work. For further detail and samples click here.) I’m also for hire as a writing coach and editor and the details are here.
Currently
I’m writing short stories and sometimes winning prizes for them, and self-publishing my first novel. I also do some feature writing, mentoring, adult education classes, and I edit a history journal.
Previously…
I worked in journalism and academia. I edited chunks of daily newspapers, wrote 30,000 headlines, wrote a newspaper column for 23 years, ran a university department, taught a thousand journalism students, published some history, and got a PhD.
Novel
I’ve just self-published a novel, and here’s what it’s all about…
On the eve of the twentieth century, newspapers are feeding a mania about the ever-faster world of automation. Newly-wed exiles Klara and Pat, running from secret pasts back home in rural Germany and revolutionary Ireland, become entangled in a bloody web of espionage, lies, and double lives. Their story moves from New York to London, then Cologne, during the years 1900 to 1919. Century is a work of historical fiction drawing upon the author’s published research into the rise of popular journalism and the British occupation of post-WWI Germany. The action ranges from the newsrooms of press barons clamouring for war, to a pioneering military hospital run by women, and from England’s south coast within earshot of war to the streets of a humiliated Germany torn apart by surrender. But, at its heart, Century is about a woman navigating a dangerous new world until, to survive, she is forced to choose what (and who) to betray.
Buy Century via Amazon. Paperback £7.99/e-book £3.99
Short fiction
“Through vivid characterisation and authentic dialogue, the story captures the complexities of growing up – and trying to move on.” (Sophie Haydock, author of The Flames and judge of the Bath Short Story Award, commenting on my prize-winning entry called King of the Rec).
Journalism
“Without being pompous or pious, Campbell delivers humorous, biting and often irreverent reflections on issues that cleverly target the readership.” (Society of Editors panel at British Regional Press Awards, commenting on my column that ran in the Western Daily Press and related newspapers for 23 years.)
History
“A fascinating fossil record of ten years of a society’s passing daily lives and deepest values… James Stewart and Rob Campbell have done an excellent job excavating this rich and informative layer of history.” (Reader reviews of co-authored book The Cologne Post, The Newspaper That Scooped The World).
I’m the honorary editor of this journal, which is available to members of the Devon History Society. Digital copies are free to view here. Contributor guidelines and contact details can be found there too.
My professional services
I offer affordable coaching and editing for people at any stage of the writing journey. I’m happy to consider anything from fact to fiction, from features to book length, and from one-offs to longer projects – to help out wherever you are with your writing. I take on only a modest number of clients and prioritise those I’ll enjoy working with, which means you’re more likely to enjoy working with me. Click here for more details and/or drop me a line via robcampbellmedia@gmail.com to discuss your requirements.