I've spent my life since the age of eleven playing the guitar and singing. Initially for my own amusement and with friends, but after a while in folk clubs, then in local bands and finally in a hi-tech duo that ended up touring the world.

It was great fun, paid the bills, paid for more guitars (most of which now sit idly in the spare room) and I provided entertainment for thousands of people over the years, in pubs, hotels, ships, for weddings, anniversaries and birthdays.

I never came within a mile of a recording contract, a TV talent show or anything approaching fame and fortune. The stuff I churned out met with people's approval, even though I didn't have the benefit of top songwriters, producers,backing musicians or a PR department.

At no stage did Bruce Springsteen or the Rolling Stones ever suggest that my efforts were cutting into their royalties, or that my turning up to play a 40th Birthday Party for 400 quid was cheapening music.Nobody ever suggested that I should spend years looking for an agent and a recording contract before I could perform in public.

(Hmmmmmmmmm I wonder where he can be going with this??).

Yes, you got it Sherlock....now I'm a semi-pro, pub standard writer. Not up there with the important literary figures, but enjoying myself and entertaining a few people. Not going to dent Mrs Rowling's sales,but I'm glad that Amazon have brought out a system which enables people to participate at all levels.

I've also discovered some great books on Kindle from people who don't get big contracts or huge publicity.....after all, you could find better singers than Cheryl Cole in any pub in your town.....