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Richard Hooton

@rjhooton.bsky.social

510 followers 1K following 160 posts

Writer. Award-winning short fiction. Debut novel THE MARGARET CODE published by Sphere Books out now: http://bit.ly/4eNE0CI. Rep: @stubbleagent @ RCW

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · Apr 11

Thank you to everyone who’s bought a copy of #TheMargaretCode so far 😊

Any reviews posted on Amazon or Goodreads would be hugely appreciated 🙏

And if you fancy ‘an absorbingly unusual murder mystery’ – it’s on sale now! 📖

Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 21h

I enjoyed meeting the other judges to discuss the entries for the Inclusive Voices short story competition run by Calibre Audio.

The standard was high & it was difficult to choose the favourites from all the gems.

The results will be announced by the end of the month.

Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 2d

The sweetest smell in the world strikes me whenever I walk past this place. It’s a fragrance lightening bolt!

Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 4d

John Rylands Library in Manchester is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.

A shrine to knowledge, the Victorian Gothic masterpiece is more like a cathedral & inspired the design of Hogwarts.

Well worth a visit.

Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 6d

Thanks Liz. Bargains everywhere!

Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 6d

Bargain alert!

#TheMargaretCode is only 99p in a time-limited Kindle deal.

Cheaper than chips! Grab it while you can!

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 8d

Involved a city centre walk solving clues to uncover public artwork & insights.
Discovered interesting & quirky facts & sights I didn’t know about. And it made me pay more attention to the architecture & art all around.
Just won’t take so long next time!

Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 8d

Potential World Record! I did the Northern Quarter Nooks hunt by City Days in 813 hours (that’s 34 days!) - usually takes 3 hours. Is that the slowest ever?
In fairness, we had to stop because one of the clues was in a section cordoned off for an event - then return a few weeks later to complete it.

Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 11d

Some fab outfits at @gallycab.bsky.social at Home Manchester last night - not least this Tardis headwear.

It’s a Doctor Who inspired drag & cabaret show full of cosmic chaos & with sonic screwdrivers set to stun.

A fun, hilarious & wild Time Lord party.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 13d

I’ve a short story in this anthology by @hobeckbooks.bsky.social of winning stories from competitions run by @presshenshaw.bsky.social.

Available for pre-order now: www.hobeck.net/product-page...

Proceeds go towards buying books for schools.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 15d

The judging process for the Inclusive Voices short story competition run by Calibre Audio is underway.

I’m really enjoying reading the shortlisted entries for the 18-25 & 26+ categories.

Well done to everyone who created a story for the competition.

Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 18d

Enjoyed a special treat with a space-themed 10-course tasting menu at Six by Nico.

And, yes, it was out of this world! Lots of inventive & creative dishes.

It included a ‘black hole’ course with blindfold & headphones.

Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 20d

Very grateful for this 5-star review of #TheMargaretCode 🙏

I particularly love the prompt that “everyone should read it” 😍

It’s available from any bookstore or library if you could all form an orderly queue 😁

Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 22d

I also enjoyed Emily’s debut adult novel One Puzzling Afternoon where 82-year-old Edie tries to solve the disappearance of her childhood friend.

The dual timeline works brilliantly in portraying Edie as a teenager in 1951 & as her older self.

The mystery enthrals right up to its poignant ending.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 22d

How far would you go to fit in with your new surroundings?

The Undoing of Violet Claybourne by Emily Critchley is atmospheric & haunting as narrator Gillian becomes bewitched by the troubled Claybourne sisters.

It’s a gripping read about class, mental health, manipulation & betrayal.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 25d

Finding peace in nature at RHS Garden Bridgewater in Worsley.

Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 27d

It’s heartening to know readers with family affected by dementia have enjoyed #TheMargaretCode.

Thank you to book blogger rendezvous_with_reading for this 5-star review & for highly recommending it.

“This novel has moments that are heartbreaking, but can also be funny & downright thrilling.” 😍

Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · 29d

The Inclusive Voices short story competition run by Calibre Audio is now closed for entries.

Judging is underway & I’m looking forward to meeting with the fellow judges to discuss the stories.

Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · Sep 8

Frankie Boyle was on top form at Laughterama comedy festival at Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl last night - outrageously funny!

Also enjoyed sets by Jamali Maddix, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Ania Magliano & compere Kiri Pritchard-McLean.

Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · Sep 7

My 4th year of attending Laughterama comedy festival at Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl & another great set last night including the madcap Sam Campbell & razor-sharp Rhys James.

Looking forward to seeing headliner Frankie Boyle tonight.

Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · Sep 4

For more details & to enter visit www.swconline.co.uk/category/com...

Competitions – Southport Writers' Circle

www.swconline.co.uk

Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · Sep 4

Get your entries in to this super writing competition with cash prizes up for grabs.

The closing date for the Southport Writers’ Circle Short Story Competition is 31 Oct 2025.

Link in the comments for more details.

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Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · Sep 2

Mossley Market Place became an open-air gallery of colour with the Flags of Hope Exhibition by @globalgrooves.bsky.social & Cabasa Carnival Arts.

100 hand-painted silk flags were on display during the monthly farmers market - sharing stories from the community.

Richard Hooton @rjhooton.bsky.social · Aug 31

Had a day in Holmfirth looking for the last of the summer wine.
And some 90s nostalgia with Teenage Fanclub at Holmfirth Picturedrome.
Like the newer songs but it’s the 90s tunes that have my heart.