Literary Notes 1933 - 1942

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1933

JAN.
2nd	Correspondence and 'Lord's Right in Languedoc'.
25th	Finished 'Lord's Right'.
27th	'Arresting Delia' published. Recommenced 'Secret Of The Screen' (about 40 pps done last year but put aside).
30th	Gilbert received cable from M.& O. asking permission to sell 'Deluge' to Worldwide Pictures on three months option at $5,000, could not reach me so cabled back consenting on his own authority. Worked against time to finish 'Lord's Right'; much of it now typed up.
2nd	Correcting proofs of 'Power' practically all day.
3rd	Cable from M.& O. - option secured.
5th	Cable from M.& O. that McCaulay offered $250 deposit on 'Deluge'; instructed acceptance with option clause on further books deleted.
15th	Working to finish 'Secret Of The Screen' to clear the way for me to leave for USA.
25th	Hale offered me advance of £50 on 'Lord's Right' as the most Walter Halsburn would pay, which I declined.
26th	Wrote ultimatum to Jerrolds (Hale) re. 'Lord's Right'.
APR.
lst	Finished 'Secret Of The Screen'.
27th	To Sound City, saw Pemberton the scenario editor and left 'Arresting D.'.
29th	Sailed for N.Y. on American Trader. Resumed sequel to 'Dream'.
30th	Considered Palliser's 'The American Tale' - could be made good but needs study of history, topography etc.
MAY
8th	Arrived N.Y.
10th	Signed 'Deluge' contract.
19th	Left N.Y. on American Merchant.
JUNE.
16th	Sailed for N.Y. again on American Farmer.
28th	Landed in N.Y.
29th	Got typescript of 'Knights of Malta' from Gabriel Wells' office. Signed Hollywood agreement with Haywards.
30th	Interview with Cosmopolitan Claim. Interview Maxwell Aly - offered 'Dream' without deposit (Longman). Interview with Convici-Firde; sent them 'Lords Right', 'Power' and biography of Cortez. Called Runington (J. Day & Co.) and left 'Power' as arranged. Lunch with Russell Doubleday re. 'Power' and detective mystery contract. Interview with Virginia Rice re. agency and left with her for negotiating serial rights 'Lord's Right', 'Power' and 'Secret Of The Screen'.
JULY.
4th	Saw Gabriel Wells; satisfactory interview.
7th	At RKO with Hallam and others, at publications department.
8th	Negotiations with J. Day and Doubleday finally ended. Reopened with Longmans Green.
10th	Saw Bent & Co. re. new edition of 'Deluge'.
11th	Final settlement with Cosmopolitan reached and signed, securing plates of 'Deluge' and 'Sparrow' at $1,000 cash.
13th	Chicago.
16th	Hollywood.
17th	At KMS studios discussing 'Deluge'.
18th	Saw Hayward re. contracts for writing, and Bischoff re. 'Power' etc.
19th	At KBS studio watching new 'Deluge' scenes being shot.
24th	At KBS studio watching complete 'Deluge' film without music and then writing Bischoff re. alterations. Met Nat Levine and sent him 'New Gods Lead' as arranged.
25th	Wrote Jarron and his N.Y. agents with remittance of $400 to take up Balsham deeds.
26th	Saw Glen Allvine at RKO discussing 'Power' and arranged to send him 'Arresting Delia'.
30th	At KBS studio recording music of 'Deluge'. Matters to deal with during the coming month: publication of 'Deluge' in USA, progress with serious novel, progress with mystery novel and completion of ..... novel (completed a year later).
AUG.
2nd	Afternoon with Allvine at RKO studios.
4th	Nat Levine phoned that 'New Gods Lead' didn't interest him. Wrote to Allvine re. 'Me & My Pal'.
8th	Saw preview of 'Deluge' at Warners Beverly Hills theatre and think it a poor film, badly directed, poorly acted and weak in dialogue.
9th	Told Allvine by phone my opinion of 'Deluge' film and wrote him confirming this; also suggesting that I must negotiate with other studios if I did not hear from him in a few days.
10th	Phoned Hayward - out as always - and told his secretary that I must know what he is doing. Considered returning to England rather than prolonging my stay in Hollywood if nothing offers for next week, and then perhaps walking back here from N.Y. after a short time in England (M.FW's note: a walk across America was an ambition he held for the rest of his life; certainly he talked about doing it well into his eighties.)
11th	After several months during which I have done less writing than in any other period since I wrote 'Deluge' (having taken up sequel to 'Dream' and thrown it aside half-written and dramatised 'By Saturday' in the meantime) and after some weeks of hesitation among several ideas as to what the next novel should be I commenced 'The Splendid Curse' in earnest today. Note added later: this was laid aside again and finally became the foundation of 'Prelude in Prague' and 'The Four Days War'.
13th	Put 'The Splendid C.' aside - idea is good but haven't got the right treatment yet.
17th	Interview with Mervin Cooper re. subject for Technicolor picture.
18th	Commenced sketching 'The Son of David' for a screen play.
19th	Correspondence and continued on 'Son of David'. Decided to stay in Hollywood another month if necessary to establish other contacts if the RKO should not succeed, to be here another month in any event unless success should enable me to leave earlier.
20th	Continued 'Son of D.'.
23rd	Interview with Cooper re. 'S. of D.'. As he feared expense I suggested 'Lord of the Isles'; he to phone after reading this. Also 'Elfwyn' and 'Power'.
24th	Saw Hayward and instructed him to approach other studios offering to write: a screen play in opposition to Paramount's 'Fifty Years Hence'.
25th	Had Thornton Butterworth's agreement from Miss Rice and returned it signed.
27th	Met Dr. Markovel of the Micky Mouse Studios.
28th	Saw Wedzel & Co. re. publishing 'Deluge'.
29th	Wrote Bert Kelly for information as to address of 'Deluge' contractors for future.
30th	Further interview with Wedzel & Co. Wrote Warner Bros. re. script for 'Shanghai Orchid', sale of books or general work. Ultimatum to Hayward.
31st	Wrote Harraps to send my account here direct. Wrote both Friedman and Hayward asking release. Warners phoned approval. August was an unsettled month with poor total of work and of little importance unless idea of the 'David' book should prove good.
SEPT.
lst	Completed sixth canto of 'Purgatorio'. Wrote Macaulay re. cheap edition of 'Deluge'.
4th	Commenced 'David' as a novel from earlier point than 'Son of David', which I put aside to use when I reach that point.
5th	Phoned Cooper's office again for delayed appointment and was informed that he would be ill for one week.
6th	Saw McBewan at Warners and left him 'New Gods Lead' (not interested for the moment in period romance but took full particulars of other books and promised serious consideration).
10th	Informed by Herbert of a press rumour that Marion Cooper would not be re-turning to his position at RKO.
11th	Letter from Metro G.M. and saw Sam Marx who promised that I should hear from him within a couple of days. Recommended to him five books for first consideration as he said he was not interested for the moment in costume or s...... (?) books: 'Sparrow', 'Power', 'Hillier', 'By Saturday' and 'Beyond the Rim'.
14th	Worked on 'David'. Appointment made with Kenneth McGowan for tomorrow.
15th	At RKO offices interview with K. McGowan explaining positions which had developed to time of Cooper's illness and giving him the same suggestions. Also seeing John Speakes at the suggestion of Cooper's secretary (Miss Palmer) and going over the position again with him. Agreed to stay on with McGowan if necessary until Mr. Cooper's return.
16th	Wrote Cosmopolitan to transfer type of 'Deluge' and 'Captain Sparrow' to Macaulay and to RKO, to provide Macaulay with stills. Following interview with Furniame at the Beverly Wiltshire at which he agreed to publish a cheap edition of 'Deluge'. Good progress with 'David'. A good day today inspite of interviews.
17th	Wrote Macaulay enclosing letter of yesterday for Cosmopolitan and RKO. Wrote Wedzel & Co.
18th	Working hard on 'David'. Got release from Hayward and phoned Landan's office for appointment. Saw Wedzel & C0. and made verbal agreement that they should publish 'Lord's Right' within six months at 15% and no deposit.
19th	Landan phoned appointment at his office for 5.30 but did not keep it. RKO McGowan phoned appointment for 10.30 tomorrow and Warners (CcEwan) for 9 o'clock on Thursday. Good progress on 'David'.
20th	RKO phoned deferring appointment. Continued with 'David'.
21st	At RKO with McGowan when he suggested difficulties of casting in regard to 'The Feast and Famine' and 'Lord of the Isles', and the 'L. of the I.' proposal was discussed at length both generally and as suitable for K. Hepburn. Afternoon with McEwan at First National and arranging to send him list of my books suitable for the subjects and casts that they can handle. In evening wrote McEwan re. 'L. of the I.'.
22nd	Left 'Lord's Right' with McGowan.
23/24th	Entirely on 'David'.
25th	Wrote Miss Yeaman (Citizen's News). Phoned S. Marx's secretary (MGM) who said they had not had and could not get 'Power' and 'Beyond the Rim', on which I referred them to Jerrolds, and 'By Saturday' which I promised to send them.
26th	Phoned Bischoff who said through his secretary that we would return 'Power' and that queries re. 'Deluge' agreement should in future be addressed to him. Sent 'By Saturday' to Marx asking that it should be returned if not wanted. Phoned Cooper's secretary who said that he would be away a week longer. Wrote circular letter to fourteen studios not previously approached. Wrote Miss Rogers re. 'David'. Replied to Fadiman (Leland Hayward).
29th	Saw Cohen at Universal and tentatively agreed to give them a 15,000 word reduction of 'Stevenson's Suicide Club' from their existing material or otherwise at my discretion for fee of $500. 'David' progressing well.
30th	News of Freeman's probable death. Month was very disappointing in prolonged delay with RKO negotiations arising from Cooper's illness, but 'David' is half done in spite of everything.)
OCT.
2nd	Delivered 'Power' galley proofs, 'Lord's Right in Languedoc' and 'New Gods Lead' to Fox studios. John Mark is assistant story editor. Suggested 'Arresting Delia' if he would be interested in a lighter book.
3rd	Cohen (Universal) phoned that 'Suicide Club' project had been postponed. I phoned Cooper's secretary and learned that he would be away for two or three weeks longer. I arranged to see McGowan at 11 o'clock tomorrow. Saw Mansfield Short, agent, and arranged for him to have agency for 'Lord's Right' except for Fox and RKO.
4th	Interview with McGowan at RKO and agreed that it would be best to return to England and return when Cooper's health recovered. Wrote to Morris Small with copy of 'Lord's Right'.
5-6th	Worked on 'David' and settled agreement with W.& Co. for USA publication of 'Lord's Right'.
7th	Left box with Mrs. Goulding at 1611 North Kenmore Avenue, Hollywood, containing sundry books and papers, including three Kipling and a packet of letters. Cleared correspondence before leaving.
8th	Wrote 20th Century Pictures with full list of novels as requested, and notes thereon. Also sent them copies of 'Dream', 'Bickerton' and 'Bell St.' in Harraps 1/- edition.
9 -l0th	Fair progress on 'David' on train.
12th	Saw Gabriel Wells and he assented to my writing a novel based on 'The Knights of Malta' but thought he was entitled to some proportion of the royalties; if I would let him know when I was ready to agree with publishers I could depend on him not requiring a hard bargain. He implies that the more he was assured of the quality of the book the less he would ask for. Saw Miss Rice and agreed that she should have agency for 'Power' until she herself should decide to give it up.
13th	Sent Motion Picture Herald biographical particulars. Wrote RKO at Coast formally as to my negotiations with and work for Marion Cooper. Wrote Cohen (Universal) re 'Stevenson's Suicide Club'. Wrote McCaulay & Co. in answer to his re. 'Deluge'. Saw Kath Brown at RKO (Floor 14) Radio City and discussed position at Coast and gave address at her request in case she had occasion to cable. Also introduced question of Words Child (?) and wrote him thereon. Sailed on American Merchant.
14-21st	Worked on 'David'.
22nd	Finished Bathsheba episode, to end of Chapter 29.
23rd	Landed 1 p.m. in England.
30th	Ended Chapter 47 today.
31st	Into London; saw Miss Rogers, Thornton Butterworth and Mrd. Dagnall. Put 'Knights of Malta' proposition before Butterworth. Somewhat adverse conditions for work during October.
NOV.
2nd	Completed 'David' in a very long day. Universal wrote asking me to see Ditcham at their London office. 20th Century wrote declining 'Bell St.', 'Bickerton' and 'Dream'.
3rd	Commenced 'K of M'. Saw Ditcham at Universal in London and agreed terms for writing scenario of 'Suicide Club'.
4th	Correspondence and some progress with 'K. of M.'. Wrote Miss Rogers re. cheap rights of 'Deluge' and 'Dawn'.
5-6th	'K. of M.'.
6th	Wrote McFarlane with copy of his agreement.
7th	Learned that Miss Capsi cannot return and am therefore without immediate prospect of a secretary. Finished typing 'David' to get it to Butterworth.
8th	'K. of M.'.
9th	Saw Miss R. in town.
12th	Wrote Miss R. with memo on 'K. of M.' to show Thornton Butterworth.
13th	Hard day, finished typing 'David'.
14th	Commenced corrections of 'David'.
15th	Got copies of 'David' to Gordon Harbord.
17th	Mainly on American correspondence: Universal, Williams etc., and Ditcham of London. Some 'K. of M.' and engaged Miss Graham as secretary.
18/22nd	'K. of M.'
23rd	Lunch with T. Butterworth at Devonshire discussing his proposal re. 'K. of M.
26th	Wrote T. Butterworth re. 'K. of M.' and W. Harrap re. cheap edition of 'Deluge' and sent copies of both letters to Miss R.
27th	Good progress with 'K. of M.' on train to Birmingham.
29th	Reply from W.H. re. cheap edition of 'Deluge' and wrote Miss R. Finished 'David', having had to type much myself. Also about 150 pps of 'Knights of Malta'.
DEC.
lst	Wrote Allen Lane for letter acknowledging that copyright of 'By Saturday' had reverted to myself.
2nd	Wrote Miss R. in reply to T. Butterworth's request for full details of 'K. of M.' prior to decision.
4th	Wrote various magazine editors re. serial rights of 'David'.
5th	Sent 100 pps 'Scott' and 100 pps of MS of 'K. of M.' for T.B. to inspect on agreed terms. Corrected 168 typescript pages of 'K. of M.'.
6th	Wrote Ditcham (Universal) re. sale of book rights etc.
7th	Some progress with 'K. of M.'. Wrote editor of Nashs re. 'David' and replied to his note re. MS.
11th	Wrote major part of article on Interested Memory (which did not sell).
12th	Completed article on Interested Memory.
13th	Seeing Basil Blackwell re. 'K. of M.' at Oxford. Wrote further 10 pps.
14th	Tried unsuccessfully to see Harrap. Wrote Miss R. re. T.B. etc. Wrote Blackwell, Universal and Harrap.
17-19th	'K. of M.'.
20th	Correspondence with Butterworth, Rogers and Universal.
21st	At B. reference library re. 'K. of M.'.
22nd	Correcting typescript of 'K. of M.'.
25-27th	'K. of M.'.
31st	Year fundamentally relieved by sale of 'Deluge' film rights (film actually ghastly). All other results poor.

Work Done:
'Secret of the Screen'
'David'
part of 'The Knights of Malta'
Long Hollywood visit, frustrated by Marion Cooper's illness.
Prospects better than a year ago but still vague.

Work I design to finish if I live these 5 years (1933-1937):
Novels:-
One on Cortez,
One on Mary Stuart, and Doette.
'Dinner in New York' (or 'Watch Your Step'
'Secret of the Screen' (done in 1933)
Sequel to 'Dream', 'Vengeance of Gwa' (done in 1934)
'The Splendid Curse' (novel on war - became: -
'Prelude in Prague' 1935
'Four Days War' 1935
'Meggido's Ridge' 1937)
'The 1813'ers'
'Murderess of Witchfinder'
'Screaming Lake' (done in 1936)
'A Panther's Feet'
'Values' (or 'By Bread Alone' or 'By Every Word'): contrast of ideals, past and present and comparative of today.
'David' (done in 1933)
'Crusade'
'Irene's Past'

Biography
Revised edition of 'Scott'
'Knights of Malta' (done in 1934)
'Who Else But She?' (done in 1934)
'Evidence' (or 'The Three Witnesses') (done in 1934)

Poetry
Collected volume of shorter Poems
'Purgatorio'
'Paradiso'
Complete 'Morte D'Arthur'

Others
'Across America' (record for the next century)
'The Judicial System of U.S.A.' (with many anecdotes)
'Rymlebury Slaughter'
'The Sugar King' ?

Ideas for books or titles:
'The Truce of God' (the whole tale to be a short time (a day?) during which the truce lasts)
'Exchange and Mart' ('Hollywood Sale')
Adventure book - Central Asia or Papua
'The Uncertain Worm'
Cornwall

Ideas for screen plays:
Cornwall and Scott
Sir Richard Grenville (see G. Bushnall's Sir R.G. Harrap 10/6)

Titles:
'To Have the Girl'
'Verdict of Steel'
'After Four'

Ideas for tales:
'The Bably on the Rack' (play about Sir Walter Scott).

1934

JAN.
1st	Fair progress with 'Knights of Malta'. Wrote to Marion Cooper and others
3rd	Some 'K of M'. T. Butterworth jibbing at 'David'.
4th	Signed agreement for People's Library edition of 'Dawn'.
5-7th	'K of M'. Corrected 'K of M' MS and typescript to p342. Abridging 'Dawn' for People's Library.
8-9th	'K of M'.
10th.	In London with Rogers re. T.B.'s delay in producing 'David'.
11th.	'K of M'. Good day.
12th	Universal sent agreement. Hutchinson refused to consider the idea of 'K of M'.
15th	Dictated letters.
19th	'K of M' - nearly 4,000 words
22-23rd	'K of M'.
24th	Correspondence - writing McCaulay re. 'Deluge'. Then to London to complete Universal agreement re. 'Suicide Club'.
	Some work done on 'Knights of Malta' but not much of anything else.
FEB.
6th.	Long interviews with Hales (Jarrolds) in the morning re. Sidney Fowler books. Wrote to C. Evans of Heinemann for appointment re. Scott.
7th.	Revised portion of 'David' (or 'Half Way to Christ'), dealing with Bathsheba for possible serialisation.
8th.	Wrote to Samson re. possibly starting series of novels under fresh name - of murder mystery kind.
10th	Sampson Low wrote asking for submission of MSS which I shall refuse.
12th	'K of M' in morning, London p.m. seeing C. Evans of Heinemann re 'K of M' and Basil Hall (Harbords) who suggested that Muller (ex Methuens) might be a good publisher for me if I should decide to start something in a new name.
13th	'K of M' in morning, p.m. and evening corrected typescript of shorted 'David and Bathsheba' which I have prepared for the secretary. Wrote Wedzel & Co. re. 'Lord's Right in Languedoc'.
14th	5,000 words of 'K of M'. Sent redaction of 'D & B' to Cosmopolitan and Daily Mail. Also wrote Marion Cooper with a copy to him. Miss Rogers phoned that she thought it best to defer approaching new publisher for anonymous novel 'til she had MS to offer and anonymity could be absolute.
16th	'K of M' and considering plot for 'Suicide Club' scenario.
18th	Progress with 'K of M' and correspondence.
20th	Mainly correcting typescript of 'K of M' to Heinemann for Evans. Commenced 'Suicide Club' screenplay.
21st	Took first 530 pps. typescript of 'K of M' to Heinemann for Evans. Commenced 'Suicide Club' screenplay.
22nd	Fair progress on screenplay and 'K of M'. Wrote to James Whale.
23rd	Saw R.P. Watt in London re. his enquiry for 'Power' on behalf of unnamed film company. Fair progress on 'Suicide Club' and 'K of M.
26th	Some 'K of M' and good progress dictating 'Suicide Club' scenario. Sent 'By Saturday' play to Watt & Son.
27th	Good progress dictating 'Suicide Club' and 'K of M'.
28th	Dictating 'Suicide Club' to f's rescue by G. and brother. Some 'K of M'. Reply to indecisive letters from Jarrold and Heinemann.
	Some prospects of film sales and other business development but nothing resolved. Fair progress on 'Knights of Malta' and screen play well commenced.
MAR.
1st	Called on Heinemann following my letter of yesterday. Saw Evans' assistant and asked for Evans to write to me in the next few days responding to the points in my letters. Some 'S.C.' and some 'K. of M.' - commenced Part 2 today.
3rd	Daily Mirror paid £12.12/- for article which Gilbert sold.
4th	Heard that Cooper as asserted his position successfully and gone for a short holiday so deferred intention of cabling him in consequence.
7th	Heard from British Gaumont that Mrs. Dagnell's report that they were considering 'Elfwyn' was untrue, and wrote to them fully thereon.
8th	Have worked mainly on 'S.C.' scenario this month until today when I completed it.
9th	In London stimulating Browne (T.B.'s manager) to market 'David' properly. Saw G.P. Watt and learned that it is Sound City who have enquired for 'Power'. Cosmopolitan returned 'D. and B.'.
10th	Finished correction of final copy of 'S.C.' and sent to Ditcham with letter. Wrote Alexander (G.B.) and Grey (Readers' Library) and Hale with appointments for next week. Mainly on proof correcting of 'D.' gave T.W.S.e
11th	Resolved to plan definitely to go to Hollywood mid-April unless similar opportunities here supervene.
12th	Correcting 'D'. proofs. Saw Alexander at Gaumont British. Revised interest in 'Power' and received suggestion of air fighting f........... film for consideration.
13th	Saw Hale (Jarrolds) and obtained promise that I should have definite reply in three days, either releasing Sidney Fowler name or consenting to new agreement. Saw Ditcham, discussing 'S.C'. (forwarded to Carl Lendal by him today) and other film subjects. Saw Wood of Readers Library and gave him full particulars of available U.S. and English rights. Corrected 'D.' proofs with Mrs. G. until 10 o'clock.
14th	At home, mainly on 'D.' proofs.
15th	Wrote Readers' Library confirming facts re. U.S. rights of novels. Wrote Gaumont British with outline of futuristic scenario. Also sent 'New Gods Lead'. Finished 'D.' proofs and commenced 'Who Else But She?'.
16th	Worked on preface and map of 'D.' Some 'Who Else But She?' and cablegram to Cooper.
17-18th	Almost entirely on 'W.E.B.S.?' to finish it quickly, having laid aside 'K. of M.' for this.
21st	Evans of Heinemann wrote wishing to defer contract on 'K. of M.' until the book is finished.
22nd	RKO wrote repudiating ............ in Cooper's absence.
23-26th	'W.E.B.S.?' Also wrote RKO in reply to theirs.
27th	Mostly on 'W.E.B.S.?' Wrote Evening Standard and Argosy with copies of 'New Gods Lead'.
29th	Good progress on 'W.E.B.S.?' Heard indecisively from Gaumont British and replied asking for early decision and also sending 'By Saturday'. Sent 'Crime and Co.' and 'Arresting Delia' to John Moch for Fox studios in Hollywood.
30th	Good progress with 'W.E.B.S.?' - 5,000 words. 'D. and B.' returned by RKO.
31st	'W.E.B.S.?' - another 5,000 words. T.B. stubbornly refuses to put map to 'David'. Human stupidity is invincible!
	March was a better month. Results of the month will depend on the now half-finished 'Knights of Malta' and 'Suicide Club'.
APR.
1st	I must work soundly this month to complete work if I am to get off to Hollywood, if the way opens.
2nd	Good progress with 'Who Else But She?'. Wrote to G. Harbord re. 'Regulating Slaughter' project.
3rd	Wrote Whale re. 'S.C.'.
4th	Wrote Colhuss re. copyright of 'World Below'. Phoned Readers' Library re USA rights on 'W.E.B.S.?'. Mainly correcting typescript.
6th	Seeing Collins re. cheap edition of 'World Below'. Also Martin Hopkinson re. 'Regulating Slaughter' and Brian Hall; also Browne of T.B.'s re. publication of 'D'.
7th	Mainly looking up materials etc. on 'Regulating Slaughter' and writing Hopkinson thereon.
9th	Heard from Jarrolds refusing to alter agreement and wrote to them.
10th	Received Jarrolds royalty account and wrote on breaches of agreement that it discloses.
12th	Finished 'W.E.B.S?' - just four weeks work. 'D' page proofs corrected.
13th	Conference with Hale re. Jarrolds breaches of agreement in remaindering my books, and agreed to submit proposals for settlement.
14th	Sent Jarrolds offer of settlement; also separately sent them 'W.E.B.S.?' as next S. Fowler book. Wrote Heinemann re. 'Siege of Malta'.
15th	Commenced 'Regulating Slaughter'.
19th	Have worked on 'Regulating Slaughter' during last few days.
20th	Ditcham wrote that Universal have lost 'S.C.' and I supplied another copy. Commenced 'Adventures of Wyndham Smith'.
22nd	Quiet day, good progress with 'Regulating Slaughter'.
25th	Wrote article 'What Is A Dollar Worth?' - to be offered to Morning Post.
27th	Worked clearing correspondence with Miss Graham.
28th	Wrote ultimatum to Jarrolds.
	Finished 'Who Else But She?' this month.
MAY.
17th	Saw Browne (T.B.'s) re. preliminaries to publication of 'D.'. Called London Play Co. re. Braddall (Bickerton).
20th	Wrote Jarrolds re. publishing cheap edition of 'The Handprint Mystery' without copyright. Wrote Evening Standard re. shortening stories from 'New Gods Lead'.
22nd	Finished 'Wyndham Smith' and sent to Miss Graham to type.
23rd	Corrected 42 galleys of 'W.E.B.S.?'. Replied to Jarrolds re. reprint of 'Handprint Mystery'.
24th	Commenced novel 'The Three Witnesses' which will perhaps do for the next Sydney Fowler book.
25th	Made redaction to 'Justice' and 'Rule' to offer to Evening Standard. Reduce them to the 3,500 word limits.
26th	Corrected 22 galleys of 'W.E.B.S?' completing and returning this. Also correspondence with Jarrolds and other.
29th	'David' published.
30th	A little done on 'Evidence'.
	Little work done this month except 'Wyndham Smith' and start of 'Evidence' (later to be 'The Three Witnesses').
JUNE.
1st	Correspondence with T.B., Miss Rogers and Jarrolds. Corrected 'Adventure of W.S.' and sent to Miss R.
4th	Good progress with 'Evidence'.
6th	See from the press that M. Cooper is leaving control of radio. Very good progress with 'Evidence'.
7-8th	'Evidence'. Corrected redactions of 'Rule' and 'Justice' and sent to Evening Standard. Miss R. reported that Readers' Library would take 'Handprint Mystery'.
9th	Steady progress with 'E.'. Wrote T.B. with full analysis of Harraps sale of S.F. books; copy to Miss R.
11-14th	Worked on 'E.'.
16th	Worked on 'Three Witnesses', first three chapters ready for Miss Graham to correct. 'By Saturday' dramatic version returned by London Play Co.
17th	Wrote Daily Herald with 'R' and 'J', London Play Co. with 'By Saturday', Miss Cummings with draft agreement, Collins with 'World Below'. Read over Challinger's 'Tales' and wrote him proposal for editing.
18-19th	Fair days on 'E.'.
20th	At Bow Street police court studying procedure for 'E.', then to Birmingham at commercial library reading up copyright law for dispute with Jarrolds.
24th	Revised chapters of 'E.' already written and added 4,000 words.
30th	Some progress on 'E.'.
	No definite good features this month. T. Butterworth so far extremely unsatisfactory as new publishers. 'Who Else But She?' completed, three quarters of 'Evidence', 300 pps of 'Siege of Malta', scenario for 'Suicide Club' and 'Wyndham Smith'.
JULY.
1-4th	'E.' now finished. To London p.m. to meet Mrs. Cummings. Obtained further details re. Colhuss.
5th	Saw Brian Hall and arranged for him to push short stories. Saw Smith (Collins) re. 'World Below'.
6th	Looked over Challinger's 'Tale' and 'Belated Dawn' and decided to try re writing it.
7th	Finished 'Belated Dawn'.
8th	Began typing 'B.D.' (or it may be 'From Different Dawns).
9th	Finished typing 'F.D.D.', corrected it and sent to G. Harbord. Wrote re. 'Power', wrote G.P. Watt re. Pemberton, went over first 90 pps of 'Dream' sequel (finally published as 'Vengeance of Gwa').
10th	Continued 'Dream' sequel. Wrote RKO re. their delay in replying re. M.C., then to London to V. Rice's at G. Harbords.
11th	Continued sequel. Wrote to London radio office for Cooper's address. Wrote H. Wilcox (Dominian Films) re. my books.
12-17th	Worked on 'Dream' sequel.
19th	Still on 'Dream' sequel, typing and correcting what I write each day.
20th	Long conference with Miss R. re. T.B.'s proposals for S.F. books.
22nd	Wrote G.P. Watt re. sale of film rights in this country.
23rd	Mainly on correspondence. Heard 'Lords Right' to be published next month by Wedzel & Co. and wrote to them. Wrote to Readers' Library re. USA rights to 'Deluge' and 'Sparrow'.
24th	Wrote Mrs. Reynolds, K. MacGowan, Morris Small and Miss R. re. USA publication of 'Lord's Right'.
26th	Signed agreement for cheap edition of 'Handprint Mystery' for Readers Library.
27-28th	Progress with 'Vengeance of Gwa'. Wrote Miss R. to go ahead with T.B. agreement for S.F. books.
31st	Good and rapid progress with 'V. of G.', having brought it from 92 pps. typed to 265 pps typed since 10th.
	Fair amount of work was got through including completion of 'Three Witnesses' and the bulk of 'Vengeance of Gwa'.
AUG.
1st	Pushed on hard with completion of 'V. of G.'.
2-3rd	'V. of G.'.
4th	Finished 'V. of G.' and typed conclusion and posted to G. Harbord. Miss Crispin continued typing 'Three W's.'.
5th	Went over 'K. of M.', laid aside since I commenced first chapter of part Wrote Ditcham for information re. 'Suicide Club'.
6th	George O........ refused 'Power'.
7th	Went to see 'The Wind and the Rain' in hope of finding right start for 'By Saturday' but not hopeful.
8-11th	'K. of M.'.
12th	Continued 'K. of M.' with Miss Crispin typing 'Three W's.'.
15th	At British Museum looking up points re. 'K. of M.'.
16-19th	Progress with 'K. of M.'. Miss C. typing 'E.'.
20-21st	'K. of M.'.
22nd	To London to see Miss R. re. delay in T.B.'s Sydney Fowler agreements and other matters. Wrote sundry letters to USA re. 'Lord's Right'.
24th	To London seeing radio re. M.C. and made appointments to meet Miss Messiger. Also to British and Dominian Films seeing Morris Buxton; arranged to send 'By Saturday' and meet Mr. Marsh on his return from holiday.
25th	Good progress with 'K. of M.'. Miss C. typed over weekend.
26th	Good progress with 'K. of M.'. Saw Miss Messenger at radio offices re. M.C
28th	Good progress with 'K. of M.'; typing of 2nd part started.
30th	Worked on 'K. of M' and 20 pps typed; 230 pps written this month.
31st	To Miss R. again re. T.B.'s S.F. agreements but mostly at British Museum consulting Vertosi's account of 'Siege of Malta'.
	Good work done this month, finishing 'Three Witnesses' and large portion of the 2nd part of 'Knights of Malta' written.
SEPT.
1st	'K. of M.' writing and typing.
2nd	Writing Miss R. re. T.B. and correspondence.
3rd	Good progress with 'K. of M', writing and typing.
4-6th	'K. of M.'.
7th	To London to see Brian Hall re. delay of T.B. in settling Sydney Fowler contract and paying deposit on 'V. of G.'.
8th	At British Museum and saw Miss Miles, T.B.'s secretary, for prosecution negotiations.
9th	Working on 'K. of M.' and commenced revision of typescript.
10th	'K. of M.', correspondence and letters to six Hebrew booksellers to clear 'Passionate Jesus'.
11th	Heard from Miss Messenger re. 'The Rat' etc. and sent 'David' at her request.
12-13th	'K. of M.'.
14th	To London meeting T.B., getting Sydney Fowler agreement signed and afterwards writing Brian Hall re. terms for cancelling T.B.'s S.F. agreement. Wrote Jarrolds re. their agreements etc.
15th	Wrote J. Whale re. 'Suicide Club'.
17th	Some 'K. of M'. Also in London to see Willerts (Heinemann) re. proposal to reduce Scott element in the book.
23rd	Correspondence with Jarrolds, Hall and other publishers. Also wrote to Tribune Films and others.
25th	To London meeting Lt. Clnl. Campbell Sharp who lent me maps and photos of Malta. Saw B.H. and offered him disposal of cheap rights from S.F. agreement. Revised 'K. of M'. MS for Heinnemans.
	An interrupted month but some progress on 'Knights of Malta'.
OCT.
lst	Commenced revising 'K. of M.' typescript for Heinnemans.
2-3rd	Ditto.
4th	Correcting typescript of 'Three Witnesses'.
5th	Finished correcting typescript of 'Three W.'s' and took to G. Harbords for delivery to T.B.
6th	Correcting 'K. of M.'. Miss R. phoned re. T.B. proposals and rejecting, and wrote to same effect.
7-8th	'K. of M.'
9th	To London leaving typescript of 'K. of M.' to p.1,007 with Heinemann. Met Lt. Sharp re. naval details of 'K. of M.'.
10th	Revising 'K. of M.'.
12th	Finished correcting typescript of 'K. of M.' and wrote Willerts of Heinemann on this.
15th	To London consulting Hollard & Co. re. Jarrolds business. Fair progress on 'K. of M.' and sent 'Three W.'s' to Miss Messenger of RKO.
23-28th	'K. of M.'.
30th	To London seeing S.L. re. Jarrold claim.
	Poor month for work. Correspondence cleared. I am looking to finish of 'Knights of Malta'.
NOV.
1-6th	'K. of M.'.
9th	Excellent progress with 'K. of M.' Heard from M. Cooper after year's delay
21st	Resumed 'K. of M.'.
22nd	In London seeing Willerts re. 'K. of M.' and declined to alter it to meet Evans' wish that more of the Scott MS should be included.
23rd	Saw T.B. and made verbal proposals for revising agreements on which he is to give Miss R. a final answer on Monday.
24th	Wrote Miss R. with my final proposals for revision of T.B. agreements.
25th	Wrote Heinemann to return 'K. of M.' MS.
27th	In London on rejection by T.B. of my last proposals and insisting on main conditions of these, and re-establishing negotiations.
29th	Heard that T.B. had agreed my final proposals. F.W. agreement cancelled, balance on 'Three W.'s' to be paid at once and 'V. of G.' to be published under a pseudonym.
30th	T.B. paid. Day mostly spent on 'K. of M.', correcting copy back from Heinemann.
	Fair progress on 'Knights of Malta', not yet completed. Succeeded in difficult but important revision of relations with T. Butterworth.
DEC.
2-4th	Progress on 'K. of M.'
4th	Correspondence with Wedzel & Co. on this.
5th	Second copy of 'Three W.'s' sent to Miss R.
7th	Wrote to Fox Films re. 'Inferno'; also M. Cooper re. my claim on RKO. Some progress on 'K. of M.' but still one chapter to do.
10th	Finished 'K. of M.'.
11th	Took 'Siege of Malta' to Gordon Harbord.
12th	Began revision of 'V.of G.' to eliminate features which make it a sequel to 'Dream'.
14th	Wrote to Cecil de Milne, Paramount, with copy of 'David'.
15th	'Three W.'s' back from radio. Sent it to Ditcham while writing to him 'Suicide Club'. Wrote Miss Messenger re. 'S.of M.'.
20th	Worked long day on 'V.of G.'.
21st	Finished revision of 'V.of G.' at 1 a.m. and took it into Miss R.
22nd	Commenced 'Roughton Murder'.
23rd	Decided to take the Conquest of M...... as subject of next action novel.
24th	Wrote final chapter of Cortez. Satisfactory letter from G.Wells re. 'K. of M.'
27th	Wrote preface to 'K. of M'
28th	Writing to film studios etc.
30th	Some preparation work on Cortez.
	Few results of any kind but some foundations laid.

Work done:
'Who Else But She?'
'Suicide Club'
'The Three Witnesses'< 'Knights of Malta'.
'Vengeance of Gwa'.

1935

JAN.
2nd	Sold 'Three Witnesses' to Universal. Wrote Korda and other studios. Some 'Cortez'.
3rd	To London to instruct Stollard re. Jarrolds. Progress with 'Cortez'.
4th	To Malvern at Twickenham studio.
10th	Twickenham to sign contract for 'Three Witnesses', then London - Gollancz re. relevant copyright of 'Sparrow'; Northcliffe House discussing possible serial with Putnam, Collin Bell and McWhother.
12th	Started 'Three Witnesses' scenario.
13-14th	Good progress with scenario.
15th	Worked long on scenario; wanted for tomorrow!
17th	In London; second interview with Putnam and Collin Bell re. proposed serial. Terms personally agreed.
18th	Finished scenario and sent it to studios. Sketched outline of serial for Sunday Despatch.
19th	Wrote out brief synopsis of proposed 'War of 1938' and posted to Putnam.
20th	Corrected typed copy of scenario of 'Three Witnesses' and posted to Malvern for him to use instead of uncorrected copy posted earlier. Began reading up Prague history for 'War of 1938'.
21st	Some 'Cortez' and some C & D. Andel
22nd	In London at Northcliffe House. Conference on 'War of 1938' and meeting with Capt. Macmillan.
23rd	Some 'Cortez' and some 'C & D'.
25th	Left for continent.
31st	Diary not kept in continent. Month brought sale of film rights of 'Three Witnesses' and Sunday Despatch offer. Work moderate.
FEB.
7th	Back to England. Visited Brussels, Cologne, Berline, Dresden, Prague and Nuremburg and collected much material for serial.
8th	Hear from Miss Rogers that 'Knight of Malta' still not placed but cheap rights for older books sold.
10th	Sunday; began S.D. serial.
11th	To Gordon Harbord with second copy of 'K of M' for Macmillans.
12th	Saw S.D editors with extended synopsis of 'War of '38' and agreed to go ahead on those lines.
13th	Started 'War of 1938'.
14th	Completed first installment of '38'.
15th	Revised first installment of '38'.
16th	Worked on proofs of 'Vengeance of Gwa'.
17th	'38' continues slowly.
19th	Loval Dickson turned down 'K.of M'; looks like forcing me to do my publishing again.
20th	Completed proofs of 'Vengeance of Gwa' and returned them.
21st	To London to meet S.D. editors, agreed to alter first installment on condition it could go up to 9,000-10,000 words.
23rd	Posted first installment of '38' to McWhirter and worked on proofs of 'Three Witnesses'.
24th	Proofs of 'Three Witnesses' and 'C & D Andel and '38'.
25th	Finished proofs of 'Three Witnesses'
26th	At London library looking up points re. '38'; some work on it in evening.
27th	Good progress on '38' and 'C & D'.
28th	London to interest Farley (Newnes) re. agreements with him etc., and Steel at Harbord's hearing reasons why he thought 'By Saturday' a bad play.
	Month mainly taken up with preliminary work on '38'. Prospects good but no outstanding event.
MAR.
1st	Conference with McWhirter and others re. first installment of serial. Threatening resignation which led to peace.
3rd	Sunday. Posted extra cony of '38' to McWhirter, which was typed as I wrote.
4th	Wrote to Malvern with 'Burglar's Aid' and 'A Question of Temptation' to Newnes for The Strand.
5th	To London to consult Capt. Macmillan re. some parts of '38'.
6th	Had both MSS back v. quickly from Strand and sent them to Putnam. Heard that F & F had refused 'Siege of Malta'. Some '38' done.
7th	To London to meet McWhirter in the afternoon to obtain proofs of first undertaking of '38'.
8th	Received, corrected and returned final page proofs of 'Gwa'. Corrected and returned '38' proofs received yesterday.
9th	Some '1938'.
10th	Clarke from Daily Mail here with his fiancee in afternoon. Sunday Despatch advertised '1938'.
11th	To London to meet Sunday Despatch editors, endless conferences re. '38'. No real work done as a result.
12th	To London to meet Ditcham in the afternoon re. prospect of selling other film material to Universal.
14-15th	Worked on '1938'.
19th	Prepared second and third installments for press.
20th	Some work on '38' and much correspondence with film studios, agents and others.
21st	To London to see the ghastly mess Twickenham Studios have made of 'Three Witnesses'. Also interviewed Justman re. German rights of '38'.
22nd	To London to see Miss Messinger re. Radio interest in 'Knights of Malta'.
23rd	To London correcting second installment proofs etc. Copy of first 25,000 words in full script to Gultman.
25th	Sent 'K of M' to Miss M.(Radio) 'Bell Street' and 'H. Mystery' and 'Arresting D.' to......... '38' and 'Elfwyn' to S. Goldwyn on Olympics .
27th	Books returned from Radio.
28th	'38' hurriedly finished and sent by tram to S.D.
29th	A little of '38'; dislike the book at this stage, and the kind of publishing S.D. are giving it.
30th	Corrected '38' and to Northcliffe House with it and writing to Brittain to express my dissatisfaction therewith, particularly the way they are mutilating it.
	The quarter has shown some financial improvement both in fact and prospects partly in unexpected ways, through sale of film rights for 'Three Witnesses' and the '38' development: but 'Three Witnesses' is valueless or worse, except financially, my script not having been used, and the use of the '38' is still problematical and most of the book not finished. The work of a year ago still not published and unproductive.
APR.
1st	Wrote to Brittain that I was disposed to throw it up if present interference continued.
3rd	Finished fourth installment and took it to S.D.
5th	To S.D. with third installment and discussed differences with them re. altering and deleting.
6th	Fair progress on fifth installment of '38'.
8th	Good progress with '38'. Posted 3-4,000 words and letter dealing with a copyright and difficulties which have arisen.
11th	Extra copy of '38 posted to S.D.
12th	Looked up copyright law in library.
16th	Good progress on '38'. Saw Brittain and fixed up terms of payment and other outstanding details.
18th	Good progress an '38'.
24th	Good progress an '38'.
27th	To London to correct proofs. Not much work done today.
30th	Cleared some letters and prepared earlier part of '38' for revision for book production.
	Month mainly on '38'; the book has taken an unusual time, mainly owing to the curse of adapting each episode for serialization.
MAY.
5th	King's Jubilee celebrations. Bought portable typewriter so that imperative work on '38' can go on.
9th	One week before date on which final MSS of '1938' required for contract with S.D. and all needs revision and about a quarter of the book unwritten. but am still trying to keep to bargain.
10th	170 pps of '38' ready for final typing.
13th	To London, seeing Gordon Harbord etc. re. '38' and Fairley re. title, date of publication.
14-15th	Good progress with '38'.
16th	Saw Brittain re. date of completing serial etc.
17th	First lot of final copy of '38' to Newnes.
20-22nd	Worked on '38'.
23rd	Hard and long day on '38' to enable S.D. to have first 360 pps in revised form for serial negotiation tomorrow.
24th	Got typescript to S.D. Met Betts at Gaumont Dulish to discuss story for flying film.
26th	Finished getting typescript of '38' ready for printers up to p.368, leaving 40 or 50 pps to write to which I can now turn in earnest.
29th	'38' and correspondence. The book seems slow in its last stages.
30th	Beginning to see the end of '38'.
	Month's summary: better progress with '1938'. now approaching conclusion. Some slight prospect of scenario work with Gaumont British to follow.
JUNE.
1-3rd	Good progress on '38'.
4th	Some work on '38' early, then to London to see Betts' press show of his RAF film and at press dinner afterwards. Met Air Ministry officials re. proposed air film and arranged for Betts to come to lunch to discuss it next Sunday.
5th	Finished '38' and took final sheets to S.D. and to Newnes in afternoon. On this book since Feb. 13th and very glad to finish.
6th	Made some corrections in 'Siege of Malta' and took Ms to Harbords as arranged for them to make a final effort to place it.
7th	A quiet day; undecided what to take up next among several competing interests. Cleared up various trifles.
8th	Looked up Abyssinian data for film I have in mind.
9th	Whitsunday. Mr. & Mrs. Betts came to lunch and stayed till midnight, discussing story of proposed RAF film.
10th	Corrected first lot of book proofs of '38' and commenced 'Outlaw' (later 'Attic Murder') for next Butterworth book which should have been delivered to him in May if he had kept to his own publishing dates.
13-16th	Good progress with 'Outlaw' and proofs of '38'.
18th	Rush through '38' proofs to get them to Newnes.
19th	Finished correcting proofs and took them to Newnes: also my corrected copy to Miss Rovers, and the typescript copy returned from printers to Ditcham.
20th	A quiet day after the rush of finishing '38'.
21st	See from MP Herald that 'The Suicide Club' is to be put in hand by Universal - presumably my scenario. Good news if so.
23rd	Commenced typing 'Outlaw'.
24th	Good progress on 'Outlaw'.
25th	Went to London re. delay in sending me page proofs of '38' and learnt Fairley is away ill and printers not progressing. Publication date evidently impossible and will probably be pushed on to August holiday and even then too hurried.
26th	Called on S.D. re. some ghastly interpretations on the latest proofs. Also again on Newnes endeavouring to hasten their printers.
28-29th	Worked on 'Outlaw'. Harry Thompson of S.D. here for afternoon.
	The half year made financially satisfactory by '1938' and the sale of film rights for 'Three Witnesses' Work almost all on '38' but 'Cortez' and 'Outlaw' begun. 'Siege of Malta' still unplaced but prospects better, particularly if '38' succeeds in book form.
JULY.
2nd	Wrote to Christy Moore that I would try them as agents, and sent 'Wyndham Smith' 'Burglar's Aid' and 'David' also 'By Saturday' play and copy of the book for film negotiation. First set of '38' page proofs corrected and returned.
4th	Final proofs of '38' taken to London. Job finished, thank Heaven.
5th	Sent advance copy of '38' to Miss Messinger (Radio) and also to ed. of Morning Post.
7th	Worked out plot of 'Outlaw' Title must be changed: 'Attic Murder'?
9th	Worked first of projected articles for John O'London on 'Can There Be Peace?'.
10th	To Shepherds Bush meeting the Gaumont people re. proposed RAF film. Prospects favourable, but we shall have difficulties when we come to closer quarters.
11th	Good day on 'Outlaw' but must change title.
12th	Worked on 'Outlaw'. Replied to G. Harbord's Prague agents criticism of '1938'
13th	Writing to Newnes re. publishing methods for '1938' and Brian Hall re. cheap editions of 'David'. foreign rights of '38'. future works for Butterworth and other matters. Good progress with 'Outlaw', which I will call 'The Attic Murder'.
14th	Got some help in typing 'The Attic Murder'.
15th	To London to see L. Walerans: also Stollard re. Jarrolds; also Newnes re. publicity campaign for '1938' which is to be published on Thursday, 18th, and to Miss Rogers re. film negotiations for this book, and other matters.
16th	Clearing up delayed affairs - various.
18th	Thought out plot for film.
19th	To Air Ministry with Betts' discovery re. subject of proposed film then lunch with him and to see 'Becky Sharp'.
22nd	On Air film synopsis.
23rd	Finished and sent Air film synopsis and wrote to S.D. and Betts thereon: Gordon Harbord placed Czech rights of '1938'.
24th	To London At Newnes re. slackness in publishing '1938' and co.
31st	Very negative month and similar in that respect to twelve months ago but with the difference that I have done little definite work. except the synopsis for Gaumont British which may prove to be important or a mere waste of time.
AUG
1st	Reverted to 'The Attic Murder' of which only about 60 pages done and that not very good, but have got it moving again: also went to London to see Stroud at the Air Ministry re. '38' and with ref. to Gaumont's failure to submit synopsis of Air film to them as had been arranged.
7th	Worked on 'A.M.'
8th	To London to see Stroud re. Air film and to Brian Hall, various.
9th	Seeing Fairley in London re. Newnes' failure to put 'Prague' properly on the market and arranging for further interview on Wednesday.
20th	Typed some pages of 'A.M.'
26th	Good day on 'A.M'. and at Gaumont British in the afternoon discussing position re. RAF film with Doxall
27th	Wrote to Cecil B. de Mille re. 'David' and sent him '1938' and 'Beyond the Rim': also referred him to M. Small re. 'Lord's Right'
28th	Fair day on 'A.M.'; at last beginning to move it at considerable pace.
29th	Some work on 'A.M.' in morning: then to Gordon Harbord's for conference with B. Hall and Miss R. and then Film department as to how they are handling my agency.
30th	Good day - about 3,000 words of 'A.M.' written, typed and corrected, in the endeavour to improve month's record as it closes. Heard that Macmillans London have refused 'Malta' and Simon and Shuster, New York. refused '1938'.
	A month of very little work owing to family illness.
SEPT
1st	Good day writing and typing 'A.M.'
2nd	Pushing on fast with 'A.M'.
3rd	Entirely on 'A.M' - a few days at this rate will finish it.
4th	Good progress with 'A.M': Miss Jenner engaged temporarily as house secretary giving me help with typing.
5-12th	'Attic Murder'.
13th	Finished 'A.M.' And took three copies into Gordon Harbord. The book has taken an endless time, but the latter half has been rapidly finished, in less than a fortnight.
14th	Allowing myself two day's interval before starting next book.
16th	Started a new crime book - 'Was Murder Done?' and made good progress.
17th	Worked on 'W.M.D?'; wrote to Miss Rogers congratulating her on terms she has got on 'Prague' edition of '1938' and other matters.
18-28th	Fair days on 'W.M.D?'
29th	'W.M.D?' shows signs of advancing now; typing of book began.
	Better month for work. 'Attic Murder' being finished and 'Was Murder Done?' being well advanced.
OCT.
1-2nd	Good progress on 'W.M.D?'
3rd	'Attic Murder' sent to RKO London office; work on 'W.M.D?' now about half way.
4th	Still going ahead well with 'W.M D?'
5th	'W.M.D?'. Heard of Crompton Rhodes' death.
6th	'W.M.D?' and drafted preface for Czech ed. of '1938'.
7th	Wrote to Marston Rudland re. C.R.'s unfinished history of Birmingham. In London seeing G. Harbord but some work also.
8th	Mainly on drafting 'The Splendid Curse'.
10th	A little more work on 'The Splendid Curse' but last three days have been very broken and work on 'W.M.D?' almost nil.
11th	Cleared up some areas of correspondence
12th	Recommenced on 'W.M.D?'
13-16th	Good quiet days on 'W.M.D?' now well advanced.
17th	Long interview with Miss Rogers re. negotiating new contract with Newnes and other matters. Good progress with 'W.M.D?'
18th	Correspondence and unhindered work and a good deal completed.
20th	Good day again on 'W.M.D?'
22nd	Fair days work on 'W.M.D?'
23rd	Morning on 'W.M.D?'. Afternoon in London: saw Collin Brooks and obtained his promise to have '1938' reviewed by the Northcliffe Press. Also saw Shapland Cooper re. pressing film negotiations with English Studios.
27-28th	Good days on 'W.M D?'
29th	To London to meet Marston Rudland for lunch re. history of Birmingham .
3lst	Finished 'W.M.D?' this morning; last twelve pages very rapidly.
	Good month for work; 'Was Murder Done?' having been finished within six weeks of when it was started. Much uncertainty and difficulty as to whether I can get to Hollywood.
NOV.
1st	Preliminary work and reading the 'The Sacred Curse'
2nd	Several ideas worked out for two future novels.
3rd	Cleared Some correspondence.
4th	Revised end of '1938' to suit Putnam's ideas of what U.S. public will like - sickening work but only way to save copyright now.
5th	Worked on 'S.C'.
6th	Completed revision of end of '1938' for U.S. ed. Also conference with Shapland Cooper re. Gaumont British dispute.
9th	Wrote to Shapland Cooper re. proposed settlement with Gaumont British. Signed agreement with Fairley for 'S.C.'.
10th	Decided to put other work aside to get the typing of 'W.M.D?' finished if possible; about 120 pp now done.
11-12th	Typing 'W.M.D?' and getting letters off.
13th	To London to Gordon Harbords re. settlement with Gaumont British and to Methuen.
20th	To London to lunch with Alexander and Cooper at Savage Club. Some preliminary work on 'S.C.' but no real start yet.
21st	Have at last commence 'S.C.' on which only preparatory work has been done up until now; first 7 pages done.
22- 23rd	Worked on 'S.C.'
26th	Pushed forward completion of typing 'W.M.D?'; finished at last.
27th	Corrected last 100 pps of typescript of 'W.M.D?' and took it in to Miss Rogers. Also signed agreement for U.S. ed. of '1938' and placed Scott biography in Miss R's hands to negotiate a shorter edition.
28th	Several pages of '1938' written.
	Some preliminary work done on 'The Sacred Curse' which should now proceed rapidly. Peace made with Gaumont British. Some promising indications in various directions, though not definite.
DEC.
2nd	Managed about 10 pages of 'S.C.' in train and coach
5th	More work on 'S.C.'
6th	To London seeing Shapland Cooper re. possible chance of placing film rights of 'By Saturday' with Mainwaring.
7-10th	Fair days work on 'S.C.', which moves slowly.
11th	Saw Brian Hall at G.H.'s offices and learned first (from him) that Miss Rogers has left.
12th	Good day on 'S.C.'. Truda Saw Miss Rogers during the morning.
13th	Saw Shapland Cooper in the afternoon. No progress except possible sale of 'Hanging of C. Hillier' to French studios.
14th	Corrected pages of 'S.C.'.
15th	Corrected U.S. proofs of 'Prelude in Prague'.
16th	Some pages of 'S.C'. written.
18th	Corrected copy of 'The Congo Cat' and sent it to Evening Standard.
19th	Wrote to Gordon Harbord re. conditions of continuing his agency with appointment for tomorrow.
20th	Long interview with G.H. and Brian Hall and their foreign rights agent.
21st	Supplied Brian Hall with extra copies for foreign negotiations of 'By Saturday'. 'Who Else But She?', 'Secret of Screen', 'Three Witnesses', 'Arresting Delia'. two each 'Deluge'. 'Dream', 'Bickerton' and 'Bell Street'.
26th	Began again on 'S.C.'.
27-31st	Fair days on 'S.C.' and completed Book 1.
	So the year ends. Better year financially, as I anticipated, but in unexpected and not the most welcome ways. No real progress towards the film work I should prefer and 'Knights of Malta' still unpublished.
	Work done:
	'Prelude in Prague'
	'The Attic Murder'
	'Was Murder Done?'
	Part of 'The Splendid Curse'
	A little of 'Cortez'

1936

JAN.
	Rich and Warren have refused 'Knights of Malta'. Working on 'Cortez'
1st	Evening Standard returned 'Congo Cat'; commenced second part of 'S.C'
2nd	In London interviewing Brian Hill re. sundry matters and then to Miss Rogers with whom I declined to agree anything but said I would meet Miss Buxton by appointment next week. Some 'S.C.' and correcting 'A.M.' proofs.
3rd	On 'A.M.' proofs and put them into Thornton Butterworth, having completed corrections in 24 hours.
4th	Spent day at home and good progress with 'S.C.'.
5-7th	Good days on 'S.C.'
7th	Little pleasure in feeling how the years pass and how much is undone which I have in mind.
8th	To London seeing Mary Buxton re. film contracts but promised nothing unless she can deliver the goods. Left typescript of 'A.M.' with her. Fair days work on 'S.C.'
10th	At home mainly on correspondence and accounts. Some revision of 'S.C
11th	Heard from Brian Hall asking for early chapter of 'S.C.' to show Lusty (M. Joseph) and turned to revision and continuing of typing.
12th	Continued on early chapter of 'S.C.'
13th	Mainly typing to get first portion of 'S.C.' off to Michael Joseph.
15th	Made appointment to meet Hale
16th	Delivered first 100 pages of 'S.C.' to Brian Hall for Michael Joseph to see.
17th	Meeting Hale at Miss Rogers'; conference which may be of first importance if we come to terms.
18th	At home getting typed 'S.C.' which it is evident that I must do
19th	Good day both typing and working on 'S.C.'
20th	Fair day typing and correcting 'S.C.'
21st	To Brian Hall discussing position with Fairley, Michael Joseph having refused a sequel.
22nd	To London in the afternoon seeing Brian Hall and afterwards to Miss Rogers' party.
30th	To London seeing R. Rogers and then to Brian Hall re. publishing of 'S.C.' and other matters, but did a good day on the book - but am afraid it is becoming a long one.
	Summary plodding progress with 'The Sacred Curse' or whatever it is finally to be called.
FEB.
1-3rd	'S.C.'.
4th	To London and long conference with Hale re. proposed publishing agreement.
5th	To London again seeing Ditcham re. reported sale of 'Suicide Club' by Universal.
6- 9th	Progress with 'S.C.' It seems an endless book.
11th	To London instructing Miss R. to prepare Hale agreements and other matters. Saw C. Kearton at Jarrolds re. 'Beyond the Rim'. who agreed to submit proposal to release copyright to W.H. and report results.
12th	A little 'S.C.' but progress still slow with this book.
14th	Saw Miss Buxton re. film negotiations. Did 10 pps of 'S.C.'
15-17th	Some revision of 'S.C.'
18th	To London seeing Hale, Miss R. and B.H. on sundry matters, but also worked on 'S.C.'
19th	Saw Fairley re. releasing rights of '1938' to Hale, then to Miss R. to inform her of his promise to do so. Also saw Miss Kleimman and instructed her to sell all my stories in USA and to handle 'Vengeance of Gwa'.
20th	Correcting and revising earliest sheets of 'S.C.' prior to writing concluding chapters.
21st	Continued getting 'S.C.' into shape. Heard from Miss R. that Collins will come to terms in releasing copyright to 'World Below'.
22nd	Still on 'S.C.', now revised to page 240
23rd	On 'S.C.' - which I have now decided to make a three volume series, this being the second under the title of 'Four Days War' Settled this today, up to p. 260.
24th	In London seeing Gordon Harbord re. possible sale of film rights of 'By Saturday'; Brian Hall re. Soviet rights of '1938': Miss Rogers re. the Hale agreement and Miss Buxton to whom I gave Status to sell. Some 'Four Days War' also.
25th	Still revising and correcting 'F.D.W.' and recommenced on concluding chapters.
26th	In London seeing Gordon Harbord re. possible sale of 'Bell Street' and 'By Saturday' and re. borrowing rights of '1938'. Good progress on final chapters of 'F.D.W.'.
27th	To G.H. to discuss price quote for 'By Saturday' with Blandford. Fair day on 'F.D.W. .
28th	To London again seeing Hale re. immediate publication of 'F.D.W.' and other matters. Very good day on the book 12 pps of penultimate chapter written.
29th	Correcting and completing 'F.D.W.': now almost ready for press.
MAR.
1st	Good day on final preparations of 'F.D.W.' for printers.
2nd	Delivered MSS of 'F.D.W.' to Hale & Co. To Miss R. for serialization and to B H for Putnams. Saw Miss Buxton, and she repeated her assurance that she is selling 'The Attic Murder' and her promise to arrange an interview with Herbert Wilcox and Anna Neagle.
3rd	Sent 'Justice' to Miss Kleimman.
4th	To London for conference with Hale re. date of publishing 'F.D.W.' and setting terms of agreements. Also with Miss R. re. serializing and in ref. to Miss Buxton's film negotiations. Started new book for Hale - no title yet.
9th	Signed Hale's agreement re. books.
10th	Meeting Akers-Douglas of 20th Century Fox re. 'Dope' film and agreeing to supply brief draft of proposed scenario. Supplied Miss R. with script of '38' for USA, serial negotiations. Also 'Dyehard Papers' to Brian Hall.
11th	'Red Ike' to Miss Buxton correspondence etc. Drafting scenario for 20th C. studios.
12th	Drafted theme for 'Dope' scenario for 20th C. and sent it to Akers-Douglas.
13th	Saw Ruth Rogers re. possible sale of serial rights of 'F.D.W.' for Saturday Review. Little work beyond correspondence.
17th	Heard that the French rights of 'Prelude in Prague' are sold.
18th	To London meeting Byland with B H. and agreed to read and advise with ref. to publishing of his memoirs, but nothing further. Saw Hale re. taking over 'P in P' from Newnes, and other matters.
23rd	Saw Miss R. and learned that Lady Houston has decided it is too risky to publish 'F.D.W in Saturday Review, the present political situation being so acute. Other book and film negotiations hanging fire.
24th	Saw Hale and pressed him to arrange conference with Butterworth to clear up his various defaults. Saw Fairley and then Hale at their offices to arrange for transfer of 'P in P' and hope that this is now approaching a settlement as a result of my mediation.
26th	Saw Hale and afterwards wrote to him confirming terms for his taking over 'P in P'. Also saw B H- and signed agreement for French translation rights for this book and other matters re. Butterworth etc.
29th	Did little except letter to B H. and copy to T.B. re. dates of publication and or points in his contract
30th	Synopsis of 'F.D.W.' for Hale.
31st	Saw Hale on various matters.
	Month of planning and preparation rather than much actual work. with some improvement in prospects and general conditions, though nothing momentous or decisive. Can commence April in hopeful mood. 'Knights of Malta' still unpublished.
APRIL
1st	Some preliminary work on the 'Dope' film or novel, not yet titled.
2nd	Posted first 10 pages of 'Dope' to be typed.
3rd	Saw Hall who told me that Byland had called and said he would instruct him soon to get intouch with us for publication of his memoirs or novel based thereon at his death. Got proofs of 'F.D.W.' from Hale and commenced correcting.
4-6th	Proof correcting of 'F.D.W.' and posted few more pages of 'Dope' for typing.
8-11th	Some work done on 'Dope' but start of this book commencing slowly and preventing other work.
13th	Practically all day abbreviating 'Dawn' for Hale's cheap edition.
14-16th	Work on 'Dope'
17th	Tentative start on 'The Screaming Lake'.
19th	Good days work. Wrote to Hale on various matters, revised and corrected pages of 'Dope' already done, made a good start on a new crime book called 'Postmortem Evidence' - a fresh idea which looks like running smoothly.
20th	On the new book 'Postmortem Evidence'.
22nd	Fairly good day on 'P.E.'
23rd	Good day on 'P.E.' and copy sent to typist.
24th	Saw Herriot re. Hale's proposal to delay publication of 'F.D.W.' owing to 'wave of pro-German feeling'!!! Heard that Putnams have rejected the book.
25th	Fair day on 'P.E.' and at South Audley Street library for some hours reading up Amazon literature.
26th	Wandered round London and wrote - really good day on 'P.E.'.
27-28th	Still on 'P.E.'.
29th	Conference with Gordon Harbord re. film negotiations. A very good day on 'P.E.'.
30th	Quiet day with fair progress on 'P.E.' and some correspondence cleared up.
	Unsettled month and work poor and down except for last few days. No business developments of importance. On the whole a dull month.
MAY.
1-4th	Good days on 'P.E.'.
5th	Interview with Browne (T.R.) re. dates and conditions of publishing of remaining S.F. books and particulars of terms of agreement left with B.H.'s secretary. Also saw R. Rogers re. Hale's draft agreement for cheap rights, and Miss Miles (Miss Buxton's office) re. probability of them selling 'By Saturday' and other matters.
6 -7th	Good days on 'P.E.'
8th	Saw Hale re. various matters and had draft agreement re. 'P in P' from him for consideration. Fair day on 'P.E.'.
11th	At Gordon Harbord's reception. Fair day on 'P.E.'. Enquiry from continental source re. film rights of 'P in P'. - very important or not at all, both equally likely.
12-15th	Fair days on 'P.E.'
16th	Afternoon and evening at Birmingham Reference Library looking up background for 'The Screaming Lake'.
17-18th	Good days on 'P.E.'.
19th	Another good day. Czech rights for 'F.D.W. placed and Hale's agreement signed for cheap edition of 'Dawn'
20-25th	Work on 'P.E.' This book is taking far too long and obstructing more important work.
26th	On 'P.E.' and called on B H. for talk on various book and film negotiations: wrote Jarrolds re. copyright of 'Who Else But She?'
27th	Good quiet day on 'P.E.' both writing and correcting copy of early portion. B-H. phoned that he had definite offer for film rights of 'P in P' and £2,500 - we shall see.
28th	Very good progress on 'P.E.'. now nearing its end.
29-30th	Some progress on 'P.E.'
	Fair amount of work done on 'Postmortem Evidence'- commenced April 19th and now almost finished. Otherwise a featureless month, unless the negotiation of sale of screen rights of '1938' shall prove successful, which is problematical.
JUNE
1st	Finished 'P.E.', commenced on April 19th. Started on 'The Screaming Lake', of which nothing was written though some preliminary notes have been made.
2nd	Correcting typescript of 'P E.'
3rd	Some reading in Kensington library preparatory to work on 'S.L '
4th	Two or three pages more of 'S.L.' done- this should be d short vivid book and I think it will be quickly done, but it is very slow to start: two pages on 1st and three today being the total consecutive work so far.
5th	Nine pages of 'S.L.' written, first day of real progress.
6th	At Kensington library reading to no apparent purpose.
7th	Some work on 'S.L.'
8th	Saw Brian Hall re. sundry matters. Good day on 'S.L.'
9-11th	Progress on 'S.L.' Corrected further typing of 'P.E.' Miss Rogers M reported enquiry re. 'Sparrow' from Virginia Rice from USA film co.
12th	Jarrolds agreed to surrender copyright of 'Beyond the Rim' Some 'S.L.' done.
12-14th	'S.L.'.
14th	Completed corrections of typescript of 'P.E.' and posted three copies to Brian Hall.
15th	Very good progress with 'S.L.', 94 pps to date. Heard with regret of Chesterton's death.
16-21st	Fair progress on 'S.L.', reached p 150.
22nd	'Was Murder Done?' published today. Saw Ruth Rogers in reference to cheap edition position between Jarrolds and Hales. Only two pages of 'S.L.' done.
23rd	Saw Herriot at Hales re. further delay in publishing 'F.D.W.' - no satisfaction until Hale returns from holiday next Monday and probably not much then. Most of day reading 'W.M.D.?' - about 20 printers' errors.
24th	Long conference with Brian Hall re. film contracts during next three months and other matters probably not wasted. Little work, three pages of 'S.L.' and at British Museum.
	Half a year, in which a fair amount of work has been done under difficulties as I had no secretary and unfortunately position is unrelieved.
JULY
1st	On correspondence and preparatory work for the half year and slight advance on 'S.L.'. but not much definite work.
2nd	Correspondence etc. and little work on 'S.L.'.
3rd	Realized that progress on 'S.L. has been even slower during last ten days than I had observed, 22 pps since June 21st, but have added nine to these, to p.181 and so got it moving again. It could be a good book.
4th	13 pps added to 'S.L.'.
5th	To Brighton for the half day, being sick of London, doing 8 pages on the beach.
6th	Working on 'S.L.', 19 pages done to p.221, about 6,000 words, very good if I can keep it up.
7th	In town seeing B. Hall, Miss Rogers and Readers Library on various matters. Further progress with 'S.L.', p.232.
8th	Good progress with 'S.L.', 16 pages today, soon be done if I can keep this up.
9th	Good progress continues with 'S.L., finishing it at 6.30 p.m. at p.27 having written 22 pages today. The rate I have finished this book, 90 pages in the last five days, say 30,000 words, must be almost a record for me.
10th	Typing of 'S.L.' as it must be done quickly. Rewriting the portion which had been lost at Marlow, a hindrance and a poor job but it must be done sometime.
13th	Looked at the start of 'Dope' already made, 24 pps, and revised them with a view to continuing it while typing 'S.L.' but the bulk of the day going to the latter work which needs revising as I go on, owing to the part that was lost being differently written; got to p. 8 of typescript.
14-15th	Still typing typescript of 'S.L.'.
15th	Heard from B.H. that the option on continental film rights on '1938' had not been taken up; and from Miss R. that Hale is postponing publication of 'F.D.W.' until September. Not a good day!
16th	Some typing of 'S.L.' done. These last days typing and correcting 'S.L.' at all available intervals.
22nd	London for half a day to see Miss R., B.H., and others to stimulate filming and other negotiations. No work worth recording.
23rd	Very hard day finishing typing and correcting 'S.L.' and getting copies off to Hale and Miss R.
27th	To Birmingham Reference Library during morning looking up date for projected book on Libyan Desert background but found little of any use.
28th	Made start on new book but probably abortive as preliminary idea is too vague.
29th	Heard from Hale complaining that 'S.L.' too short and wasted today adding words and writing to him and Miss R. thereon.
31st	Heard that Hachettes had agreed to bring out French edition of 'F.D.W.'(A change to have any good news about anything.)
AUG.
2nd	Really good start to Libyan Desert book, about 4,000 words (see July 28th) and hope this will move now and prove good.
3rd	Tried another good day on L.D.book.
4th	Birmingham Reference Library and good day of L.D.book.
5-6th	Good days on L.D.book, about 13,000 words and shall get this done rapidly if no more interruptions come, which is too much to hope.
7th	Cleared some correspondence and moderate progress with L.D.book.
9th	Revised sheets of L.D.book already written.
15th	Tried to get back to L.D.book but unable to.
17-18th	Good days on L.D.book, 8,000 words in two days and plot developing.
19th	To Birmingham Reference Library and another good day on book.
20-25th	Good progress on L.D.book.
27-28th	Good progress on book, which I still cannot name.
31st	Fair amount done on book; called on B.H. in the afternoon.
	It is something that I have been able to write more than half of the Libyan book. Otherwise I have done nothing whatever.
SEPT.
1-2nd	Libyan Desert book.
3rd	Mainly on correcting 'Postmortem Evidence' proofs.
4th	Finished 'P.E.' proofs and returned them to T. Butterworth and second copy to B.H. for his use.
6th	A little progress with book (this was finally called 'The Libyan Desert' and not destined to be published until 1938).
13th	A little revision work on book. and a good deal of reading, for which I get little time now.
15th	To London, called on B. Hall, and received Hatchette's agreement for 'F.D.W.' and heard that offer has come for Dutch translation of 'Prelude in Prague'. Also to Miss R's office where confirmation was obtained by phone that Hale will publish 'F.D.W.' on 21st, although omitted from his advertisements. A little progress with book.
16th	Wrote Hale re. adverts 'P in P' and 'F.D.W.' , on publishing on Monday, probably a waste of time.
17th	Book well advanced, a good day.
18th	To London seeing MacDonald (Hale) re. advertising 'F.D.W.'. B. Hall re. sundry matters and Miss Buxton re. film negotiations. Some work in evening on book.
26th	Decided not to press forward on final chapters of L.D.book, now approaching completion, and selected subject for next crime book, which should presumably be required earlier.
27th	Made start on new crime book.
28th	To London seeing Miss Rogers and others; little work.
29th	Some correspondence cleared and made fair progress on new crime book.
30th	Fair day on new crime book.
	Dull month ending a dull quarter, which has only paid its way owing to expenses being kept low. 'Four Days War' - published at last but too soon to see with what result, but Hale making no effort.
OCT
1st	To London to interview Harrap and subsequently Miss R. and B. Hall re. getting cheap rights of 'Deluge' and other books transferred to Hale and question of Harrap having Sidney Fowler books again. or 'K. of M.'.
2nd	Correspondence and a little work on new crime book.
4th	Quite a good day on new crime book, which may develop smoothly.
5-6th	Good days on crime book, now temporarily entitled 'A Murder Problem'.
7-8th	Good days on 'Murder Problem'.
9th	To London seeing B.H. re. fresh publisher for S. Fowler books and James at G. Harbord re. film negotiations; also Miss R. to approach Hale re. sequel to 'F.D.W.' and cheap editions.
10-15th	On 'Murder Problem'.
17th	Wrote long letter to Birmingham Gazette re. their review of 'F.D.W.'.
18th	Almost entirely engaged on arrears in correspondence but resumed crime book in evening and made it a good day.
19th	Yesterday's improvement continued on crime book and continued reduction of correspondence.
20th	Whole day in London with Miss R. B.H., Jackson (T. Butterworth) and others on book etc. negotiations.
21st	Continued to clear accumulated arrears of correspondence.
22-24th	Spent mainly on correspondence and crime book.
26th	In London seeing B. Hall and Miss Rogers in anticipation of going to Malta, which is the present plan, and also at Malta's Trade & Commerce Office, but fair amount of crime book done, for I must press work for ward now. 'F.D.W.' published today. Still largely occupied with clearing correspondence but some crime book done.
28-29th	Work on crime book.
31st	Steady work all day and as I now have two books more or less written and prospects of getting help with typing do not improve, I turned to that and did between 20 and 30 pages of the crime book to finish the month. Had proposal to transfer S.F. books from T.B. to Allan Lane.
	Eventless month and progress with work no more than fair; but expenses light and plans taking shape from what they were a month ago.
NOV.
2nd	To London primarily in ref. to the enquiry from Andre Pierre of Le Temps and instructed B.H. to put it in hands of Paris agent; also at book exhibition.
3rd	Went on typing part of crime book already written, getting over 30 pages done on the close spacing machine. Sold serial rights for 'F.D.W.' (Russian) and Les Dernieres Nouvelles.
4-5th	Typing of crime book.
9th	Revision of crime book manuscript in anticipation of a typist who is to come tomorrow; this book is now one third typed by me and half written but it will need a remarkable amount of work this month and next to make up for poor progress in recent weeks.
10th	In London, long interviews with Hale, Cherri Kiarton (Jarrolds),Mrs. Iker (Ruth Rogers) and B. Hale, re. various publishing negotiations. Managed a few pages of crime book.
11th	After being heaven knows how long without a secretary, Miss Westlake commenced typing for me this morning. Good progress with crime book, wrote Hale with copy of 'David'.
12th	Wrote Hutchinson, suggesting sixpenny edition of 'Red Ike'. Fair progress on crime book.
13th	Crime book and correspondence.
14-15th	Good days on crime book.
16th	To London; saw B.H. who reports that Allan Lane jobs at a reasonable deposit on S.F. books and that other negotiations are in suspense. Some progress with crime book.
17th	Made good progress with crime book, correcting Miss Westlake's type script.
18th	Progress on crime book.
19th	To London seeing Miss Buxton who advised me of the possibility of selling film rights of 'Attic Murder' and that Herbert Wilcox proposed to arrange an interview on his return from USA; also saw B.H. and learned that negotiations with A. Lane re. S.F. books is still proceeding. Got proofs of 'S.L. from Miss R's office and worked on these till a late hour.
20-21st	Correcting 'S.L'. proofs and some progress with crime book.
22-25th	Work on crime book.
27th	Learned that Mr. Debenham Haldane (?) had taken possession of Bodley Head, making negotiation with Allan Lane doubtful.
30th	Good day on crime book but too late to make anything of a wretched month.
	Poor month for work but some progress made and the two unnamed books the Libyan Desert adventure and the Abel Marly Murder should be easily published in December and perhaps something better started.
DEC.
1st	Miss Westlake leaving today. I resumed doing my own typing (which she had not greatly advanced) and had a full day on the crime book making very good progress both in typing and continuing book.
2nd	Heard from B.H. that Butterworth wants to pass his own incompetence on to me by reducing deposits, which is likely to be the end of business relations with him. Good progress again towards completion of crime book.
3rd	In London seeing B.H. re. placing S.F. books and other matters but made fair progress with crime book, now approaching conclusion.
4-5th	Progress with crime book.
6th	Finished crime book, writing and typing. A long good day and only re vision of later sheets to do now.
7th	Took up Libyan book again, typing and writing, and made some progress in spite of going to London again; let Mrs. Walker (Miss R.) have last MSS copy of 'S.L.' for film negotiation.
8th	Some progress on Libyan book.
9th	London again to see Hale for decision re. sequel to 'F.D.W.' reply deferred; and B.H. re. crime book negotiations. Some progress with L.D.
10th	Mainly on correcting typescript of crime book.
11th	Completed correcting typescript of crime book and posted three copies to B.H.; also some progress with L.D.book.
12-17th	Revising and typing Libyan Desert book.
18th	L.D.book. Heard that Hungarian rights of 'P in P' are placed and took extra copy 'Justice' to B.H.
20-21st	Steady progress with L.D.book, reached p.185.
23rd	Heard that Constables have rejected 'Abel Marks'.
24-27th	Some typing of L.D.book; over 90 pps typed in last three days and am now at the point where I must write as well as type concluding chapters.
28th	Resumed writing concluding chapters of L.D.book.
29th	In London seeing Jackson (T.B.) in final effort to come to terms with them for 'Abel Marks' and then B.H. thereon, re. progress rights of 'F.D.W.' etc.
30th	Wakeful night gave me opportunity to think up final chapter of Libyan Desert book and also develop ideas for 'Under Ten'.
	A very poor year financially but have not actually lost ground.td>
	Work Done:
	'The Screaming Lake'
	'Postmortem Evidence'
	Libyan Desert book
	Abel Marks
	Latter part of 'Four Days War'
	Moderately good year for work.

1937

JAN.
1st	Completing and correcting Libyan book which is near its end now and should have been out of hand last month.
2nd	Entirely occupied with completion of Libyan book.
3rd	Worked on L.D.book until 2 a.m. and finished all but last chapter.
4th	Wrote last chapter of L.D.book, completed typing and took it to London, leaving two copies with Miss R. for Hale and for serializing negotiations. Also gave Miss R. two copies of 'Postmortem Evidence' for foreign negotiations of book rights.
5th	Whole day on sorting papers and considering what books to start on for this year.
6th	Gave B. Hall copy of Libyan book for US rights negotiations, particularly serial. Gave consideration to starting 'Megiddo's Ridge'; commenced first chapter tentatively, no real start.
7th	Made real start on 'Megiddo's Ridge', first 11 pages being typed and corrected.
12th	Copies of 'A.M.' and 'Lord's Right' to Miss R. for foreign negotiations. To London where I saw the Readers Library, Miss R. and others in endeavour to get business matters cleared up; a little work on 'M.R.'.
14th	Got to work on 'M.R.' again in earnest; added 11 typed pages to same number done on 7th. Also started 'Too Much For Mr. Jellipot', a silly thing with so much else on hand, but the idea isn't bad.
15th	To London to meet Bader who didn't keep appointment. Richard Cohen refused to come to terms for the S. Fowler books. Negotiations reopened with T.B. for a single further book. A little progress with 'M.R.'.
16th	Fair progress with 'M.R.'.
17th	Fair progress with 'M.R.', now typed to p.40. Hale & Co. still not announcing publication of 'The Screaming Lake' and position appears ominous of failure to me though I may misread it.
18th	Interview with Bader re. selling film rights of 'By Saturday' (left with him) and other books. Saw MacDonald at Hales and learned that publication of 'S.L.' is deferred to February at which I vainly protested. Some progress with 'M.R.'.
20-23rd	Fair progress with 'M.R.'.
24th	Made good start with 'Too Much For Mr. Jellipot' and sent first chapter away to be typed.
25th	Fairly good day with 'M.R.', typing and correcting as I proceed. Also sent another chapter of 'Jellipot' to type.
26th	Poor day for work but some progress with 'Jellipot'.
27th	Fair progress with 'J' book and necessary correspondence.
31st	Good day on 'J' but too late to make the month a good one. See by advert that Hale is at last publishing 'S.L.' tomorrow, so perhaps things will begin to move with the new month.
	In every way a dull month but January has always been a bad start to the year.
FEB.
1st	Moderate progress with 'J'. 'S.L.' published today but payments due on them and overdue from 'Hidden Lake' still not to hand from Hale.
2nd	Saw Miss R. re. negotiations for S.F. books and heard in evening that B. Hall is negotiating with Heinemann. No more than a little work on 'J' So far things will not move as I would like them to do this year.
4th	Heard from B.H. that Heinemanns put up a proposition for S.F. books after Evans has read some, and from Miss R. that Jenkins may make a proposal tomorrow. A little further progress with 'J'.
5th	Gave Heathy copies of 'Was Murder Done?' and 'Postmortem Evidence' for Dutch negotiations and copies of 'Prelude in Prague' and 'Four Days War' for any outstanding foreign rights. Accepted Jenkins' offer for S. Fowler books.
7th	Got really good days work done on 'J' book, first good day this month.
8th	Wrote to Jarrolds with final proposal for settlement.
9th	Saw Miss R. re. Jenkins agreement; a little progress with 'J' in evening
10th	Signed agreement with Herbert Jenkins for S. Fowler books.
12th	Gave copy of 'Beyond the Rim' to Miss R.; also two Mss of 'Razor Street' (one also with Jenkins and one Harbord USA).
15th	Saw Mlle. Stocksparteur re. sale of foreign rights etc.; a little work On 'J'.
16th	Saw Andre Pierre at Le Temps office and arranged for B. Hall to send him 'Deluge', 'Dawn', 'Lord's Right', 'Beyond the Rim' and 'Bell Street' for serial negotiations.
17-18th	A little work on 'J'.
19th	Arrived in Rome.
20th	A little progress on 'J' book; so far little progress with any work this month.
21st	Better progress with 'J' than has been lately; now about a quarter of final length, showing how little work I have done this year.
24th	Arrived in Malta having been 11 days on the way, during which work has been difficult and little done in spite of its urgency; but otherwise pleasant though expensive time.
25th	Strolled round Valletta fortifications.
27th	Saw Chevalier Scichina at Library; also looked round St. Elmo and the Garrison Officers' Library.
28th	Managed to make some progress with 'J' book.
	A month of little work of which the best that can be said is that the Jenkins contract for the Sidney Fowler books has been fixed up. Being out of touch with business matters in England up to date, it may not be as barren of events as it seems. Things may be moving slowly in the right direction.
MARCH.
1st	Spent day with Chevalier S. going over library and palace; I still found time for ten or twelve pages of 'J' book.
2nd	Went over M. Angelos fort with Captain Corson in afternoon, but fair amount of work done all the same on 'J' book and correcting first 65 pages of typescript just arrived.
3rd	Moderate amount of work done on 'J'. This month starting in that way better than the last.
4th	Went over fortifications of Bony; in Public Library in afternoon; some progress with 'J' book.
5th	At excavations at Hargarkim in morning; at library with Chevalier S. in L afternoon. Good progress with 'J' book.
6th	Cleared correspondence and left Malta at midnight.
7th	Arrived at Taxomina, a lovely place at first sight.
9th	Best days work yet this year; 'J' now nearly half done.
11th	Still making good progress with 'J' book.
13th	Back in Rome; fair amount of work on 'J' book in afternoon.
17th	Travelled back to Rapello, doing good days work in train.
18th	Some work during day and some correspondence.
19th	Continued good progress with 'J' book. Wrote B.H. with corrected copy of first 80 pps.
23rd	Resumed work on 'J'; quite a good day for work which is now urgently necessary if I am to find any means of getting to USA as I hope to do.
24th	Long conference with Miss. R. and B.H. re. sale of various book and other rights. Managed fair day on 'J'.
27-28th	Moderate days work on 'J' now approaching conclusion.
29th	Finished 'J' book of which two thirds has been written during the present month.
30th	Drafted part of an article on Italy today, probably a waste of time.
	Have done more work in March than in the previous two months together. But too late to make the quarter a good one for work, only the fact that I have succeeded in my design to visit Malta being discernibly on the right side.
APRIL.
1st	Some corrections done on 'J' and some matters discussed with B.H. which may be fruitful.
4th	Some correcting of 'J' typescript and on Purgatorio and also rough draft on stage of screenplay on Sir Walter Scott.
5th	Made round of calls on London agents to no great purpose and recommenced 'M.R.' on coach; three pages done.
6th	Completed correcting typescript of 'J' to p.200, quite an industrious day.
7th	Remaining pages of 'J' received from typist and corrected. Also some work on 'M.R.' and a little progress on VIIth Canto of Purgatorio.
8th	Fair progress on 'M.R.'.
9th	Took 'J' to B.H.; saw Grimsdick (Jenkins) re. date of publishing 'Razor Street'. Saw Miss R. with copies of 'F.D.W.' for Chile. Saw Bader re. film negotiations. Busy day in London on above but made fair progress on 'M.R.' in-between time.
10-12th	Progress on 'M.R.'. Also started 'Bethnal Square'; a good day.
13th	Saw Schalboys re. books sent to them from Gordon Harbord.
16-18th	Good days on 'M.R.'.
19th	Wrote to Jarrolds, Stollard and Schalboys and others but dated all letters 21st in error.
20-22nd	Very little work done on books.
25th	Very good progress at last, both with new crime book and 'M.R.'.
26th	Continued progress with both books. Typed contract for Chilian rights for 'P in P' and 'F.D.W.'. Authorized Miss R. to approach Jenkins re. my SFW books.
27th	Still good progress with both books which have really moved during the last few days. Correspondence with Harrap re. recovering rights of 'Deluge'.
28th	Got a definite letter from Harrap re. 'Deluge' copyright.
29th	Very good day; 17 pages of crime book and some progress with 'M.R.'.
30th	Very fair day on 'M.R.'.
	Moderate month for work under difficulties, but l00 pps of 'Megiddo's Ridge' and 69 of 'Bethnal Square', being bulk of what there is to show for it. Month of some incomplete negotiations, which next month should resolve one way or the other.
MAY.
4th	Moderate days on 'M.R.', which moves steadily if not rapidly on.
5th	To London to endeavour (in vain) to see Hale and gave Miss R. instruct ions to write to him proposing conditions of furnishing existing contracts. Learned from B.H. that negotiations with Queensway Press have fallen through and that Lane will probably accept 'Deluge' for the Penguin series.
6th	Fair days work but mainly on revision of 'K of M' and 'M.R.'.
7th	To town to Hale & Co. to insist on their facing the position resulting from their dilatoriness in publishing 'The Hidden Tribe'. Saw MacDonald F there and sketched out comprehensive proposal for settling all outstanding matters, on which he promised a prompt and probably affirmative reply.
8th	A full quiet day on 'M.R.'.
9th	Whole day correcting 135 pages of typescript ( 96 to 210 of them 'M.R.') and second copy of 'J' for B.H.
10th	Moderate progress on 'M.R.'
11th	Some 'M.R.' but most of day on final revision of 'K of M' and about a dozen further lines of VIIth Canto of Purgatorio.
12th	Coronation Day and full day's work divided between correction of 'K of M' Dante and 'M.R.', all advanced more or less.
13th	Telephoned Hale & Co. and was informed that MacDonald, before going on holiday last Saturday, had dictated a letter to me which Hale had stopped and obtained promise that Hale should be urgently asked to write tonight. Left second copy of 'J' for B.H.
14th	Steady day's work on corrections of 'K of M'; first quarter now done.
15th	Entirely on revision of 'K of M'. Read over second quarter, making it a four days job and only a few words here and there being altered, but it is necessary work. Heard from Hale, agreeing substantially to my proposals.
16th	Same as yesterday, with some Purgatorio.
17th	Read over 'K of M', in final revision.
19th	Went to London to see B.H. on various matters which drag and also Miss R. re. the Hale settlement. Saw Queensway Press also, re. release of dormant cheap rights, and wrote to them thereon on my re-turn. Wrote Thornton Butterworth re. copyright of 'Vengeance of Gwa'.
20th	Having lost the thread of books on which I was working, I turned to the Purgatorio and completed VIIth Canto and typed it (VIIIth Canto done previously and only needing revision and typing).
21st	Continued the Purgatorio, now typed to early part of IXth Canto and corrections to 'K of M'.
22nd	Same as yesterday: Dante and 'K of M'. Now correcting second copy of the latter for my reference, after parting with the first to agents.
23rd	Same as yesterday, hard long day, but 'K of M' revision nearly done.
24th	Completed revising of 'K of M', there now being two corrected copies. It k has been mainly a matter of correcting typists' errors, but the 1,300 pages have taken more time than I wished to spare. Some Dante.
25th	Took 'K of M' to B.H., in its final form. Had proofs of 'Four Callers' from Jenkins.
26th	Whole day, except for few lines of Purgatorio correcting 'Razor Street' proofs.
27th	Finished Purgatorio Canto IX, wrote A Schulberg Ltd. with copies of 'Four Callers in Razor Street', and asked if they seriously intend to represent me. Corrected early pages of new crime book.
29th	Cleared quantities of correspondence (too much still left though') Checked pages of second copy of 'K of M'.
30th	Started Canto X. Purgatorio. Resumed 'M.R.' which has stood since 11th.
31st	Some Dante, some 'M.R.' and generally clearing up odd work of a poor month,
	As to work, first 10 days good, after which nothing but revisions and proof corrections. Nothing good to report except revision of hale agreements.
JUNE.
1st	To London getting Hale's cheque at last, and other details. A little progress on M.R. which must now be pushed to completion.
2nd	Good account to hand from Basil Blackwell of 'Poems Chosen', vitality of which is gratifying.
3rd	Really good day at last on M.R. and a little Dante also. Wrote T.B. re. copyright of V. of Gwa.
4th	Correspondence with Stollard re. Jarrolds in London. Some Dante.
5th	Exceptionally good progress with M.R. - about 15,000 words written and nearly as much typed; if I could only have such days more frequently. Received proofs of The Hidden Tribe.
7th	Fair days work on M.R. and correcting H.T. proofs.
8th	London and transferred Too Much for Mr. Jellipot from B.H. to Miss R. for offering to Herbert Jenkins. Some proof corrections of H.T. and a little M.R.
9th	Whole day except for some correspondence completing correcting of H.T. proofs.
10th	Sent Mrs. Schulburg advanced proofs of H.T.
11th	Fair progress with M.R. and some progress with Purgatorio X. B. Hall wrote that Heinemann have finally refused K. of M. and that Chapman & Hall will not make a reasonable offer for my own works. These things are not fatal but good news would be a change.
12th	A little progress with M.R. Sent Miss R. second copy of Too Much for J.
13-14th	Fairly good days on M.R.
15th	Received offer per Miss R. from Jenkins for F.W. bks. on which I went to London to discuss details. Some Purgatorio.
16th	Moderate progress with M.R.
17th	Some M.R. Finished Xth. Canto of Purgatorio.
18th	Some Dante and moderate prog. with M.R. Shall make better headway I think when this book, which cannot be more than a shadow of my original intentions, is out of the way.
19-21st	Good progress with M.R.
22nd	Really good progress at last on M.R. ( 23 pages typed). If I can keep it up I may complete it after all to contract time (30th).
23rd	To London, conference with B.H. but fair progress with M.R. all the same.
24th	Good progress with M.R. - so that it is still just possible that it may be completed in time (12 pages)
25th	Fairly good progress with M.R. (7 pages).
26th	Still fairly good progress with M.R. and still just possible that it will be finished when the month ends, as Hale's contract requires.
27th	Fairly good progress with M.R.
28-29th	Finished M.R. No book has been slower nor finished more rapidly after it seemed impossible to get it done to contracted time.
30th	Delivered M.R. to Miss R. for Hale, having done what seemed impossible a fortnight ago.
	So ended a wretched half year in a better style than it seemed likely to. Finished Hidden Tribe. Wrote Too Much for Mr. Jellipot and Megiddo's Ridge and commenced Bethnal Square. Revised Knights of Malta and did some Purgatorio. A fair record but not a good one.
JULY.
1st	On Purgatorio Canto XI. Some preliminary consideration of 'Under Ten', ideas only, not characters or plots.
2nd	Good progress with Canto XI Purgatorio. Some preliminary ideas for 'Under Ten', a good idea if not too difficult to develope successfully.
5th	To London; conference with Mrs. Schulberg re. film negotiations which may be fruitful. Also saw Miss Sonia Shaples at Curtis Brown's re. delay in Hungarian payment. A little preliminary work on 'Under Ten' which should now start in earnest.
6th	Some Purgatorio Canto XI and a little more work on 'Under Ten' but this book has not really commenced yet and work this month can hardly be said to have begun.
7th	To London. Supplied Hall with copy of 'F.D.W.' for Austrian serial rights and both him and Miss R. one for general use. 'Congo Cat' to Hall. First week of this month being taken easily after rush to end 'M.R.'.
8th	Good progress with Purgatorio; finished Canto XII. Also a real start at last with 'U.T.'.
9th	Typed Canto XIII, translated last year, and made start on XIV.
10th	Some progress with 'U.T.' but cannot get beyond tentative work on this book yet.
11th	Typed to p. 12 of 'U.T.' and cleared good deal of correspondence. Canto XIV half done.
12th	A little work on 'U.T.' but it is still rather tentative, subject requiring so much preliminary consideration.
13th	Good day divided between Dante, 'U.T.' and revision of old unsold tale 'Gehenna Sue'.
14th	Finished Canto XIV and typed. Typed 'U.T.' to p. 19 and revised first 67 pages of 'Bethnal Square' (put aside since April 29th).
15th	Resumed 'B.S.' after 10 or 11 weeks interval (already done 67 typed pages) and made good progress.
16-20th	Good progress with 'B.S.', now being sent away to be typed.
22nd	Few more pages of 'B.S.' and sent away for typing.
24th	Got first 10 pages of 'Balata' written.
25th	Had an idea for short novel of about 50,000 words and for which length the present fashion and increased cost of paper may I think create a demand and suggested title 'Ordeal of Barata'
26-29th	Some work on proofs of 'Megiddo's Ridge'.
	Bulk of work this month very poor but commenced 'Under Ten' and 'Ordeal of Barata' and much will depend on how these develop. Also a few Cantos of Purgatorio and a little progress on 'Bethnal Square'.
AUG.
1st	Completed corrections of 'M.R.'.
2nd	Corrected second and third proof copies of 'M.R.' for B.H. and Schulberg and wrote two or three pages of '