Malcolm Holt's Blog, page 7

Saddle Up Press exclusive coming soon...honest.....

What do a famous Hollywood actress, a famous animal trainer, at least two famous mystery writers, a famous Las Vegas headliner, assorted musicians and me have in common? They all appear in my first alternative travel book coming from my very own Saddle Up Press this year. 'Boots, Chaps and Cowboy Hats' is coming to a Kindle near you in the Spring of 2012. Later in the year, I hope to bring you the equally delightful and entertaining 'Fishing For Gators'. So stayed tuned for the first exclusive unveiling of the cover of 'Boots, Chaps and Cowboy Hats' right here this coming Friday. You won't want to miss it...

It's 'Saddle Up' Sunday. Yeehaw!!

Finally it's here...it's 'Saddle Up' Sunday. Drum roll please.....
I am thrilled to announce that my very own 'Saddle Up Press' is here. Yes folks, I'm taking the plunge and you will soon be able to download some light-hearted travel books straight to your Amazon Kindle. No need to check in or queue for security, and you can download as many as you want, there's no duty free limit. So here we go, what's coming up.....
First up, the much anticipated 'Boots, Chaps and Cowboy Hats'. Here's a little 'ole something to put y'all in the mood.....
Next up, 'Fishing For Gators'. Here's a sign of things to come.....
.....and then.....'Weaving Las Vegas'. Here's another sign.....
So, power up the Kindle, and get ready for take-off. More announcements are on their way real soon. Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.....

Trestle Press BOGOF Sale Now On!!

http://www.trestlepresspublishing.com/2012/01/trestle-press-buy-one-title-get-one.html

Magpie Memories 1 & 2

Yes folks, you can still buy my Newcastle United football books from DB Publishing and on Amazon. Like all good memories, they never fade....
http://www.dbpublishing.co.uk/dept/newcastle_d0121331997.htm

http://www.dbpublishing.co.uk/buy/magpie-memories-conversations-with-newcastle-players-down-the-decades_25821185.htm

http://www.dbpublishing.co.uk/buy/more-magpie-memories_26116098.htm

...and on digital...
http://www.dbpublishing.co.uk/buy/more-magpie-memories-ebook_11188.htm

I promise not to kill you. Who's the next new star?

I am delighted to have my short story series 'Crime Tyne Shots' published by Trestle Press, who currently have 4 in the top 5 Hot New Releases (Short Story) on Amazon Kindle and 11 in the top 33 (Short Story), so I'm in good company.
Now it's time to have some fun. Who wants to star in one of my future short stories? I promise not to kill you, honest. All you need to do is give me your best reasons for having a starring role. You can enter by posting your answers on Twitter at @Tynewriter or on here. The winner will get a free copy of the published story, but also they will be able to dine out on their success for years to come.
All you need to do is give me your answers by the end of February, so you've got plenty of time.
In the meantime, check out the Trestle Press authors. There are some great stories out. You know you want to.....

Who is Slinger? The man behind the drums...part2.

I realised that it can be fun using real people who you know to influence characters in stories. Ian Rankin successfully used John Gates, the former landlord of the Oxford Bar, fellow Ox regular John Curt, and of course Harry Cullen, the current landlord of the Ox, who was once described as 'the grumpiest barman' in one of Ian's books. Ali Wilson was perfect for providing the physical characteristics of Slinger and he was more than happy to oblige.
Ali can be found gigging in Bannerman's in Cowgate, Edinburgh on a Saturday (4-6pm) with the Rab Howat Band and in the front bar two Sundays per month (9-11pm) with Cranachan. He can also be seen in Finnegan's Wake two Wednesdays per month (9-12pm) with the Dalry Lamas.
Unlike the Slinger in my stories, Ali is a really nice guy and a great drummer. Go and see for yourselves. You know you want to...

Who is Slinger? The man behind the drums...part 1.

I was sitting in the back room in the Oxford Bar in Edinburgh one evening with a certain Mr Rankin, drinking a refreshing pint of Deuchars IPA, when in walks this 6'4" fella with a shaved head and a goatee. Ali Wilson is a real life drummer who gigs, teaches and has cropped up in a fair number of films and television series. Ali has tended to play villains...I can't imagine why...and true fans of Taggart will no doubt think 'I'm sure I've seen him before somewhere'. Well, I can now reveal that I owe Ali a great debt because he was the inspiration behind my character 'Slinger'. Slinger made his debut in my short story 'Drum and Waste', which you can read here by following this link.http://a-twist-of-noir.blogspot.com/search/label/Malcolm%20Holt He has since appeared in Volume 1 of my short story series Crime Tyne Shots, 'Late for Church'.http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crime-Tyne-Shots-1-ebook/dp/B006HLOGPQPart 2 is coming soon.....

Did I really say that...?

Here's a small collection of recent interviews that I did. I'm always open to offers...

http://www.trestlepresspublishing.com/2011/12/crime-on-tyne-by-malcolm-holt.html?spref=tw
http://elementaryvwatson.wordpress.com/getting-to-know/getting-to-know-you-malcolm-holt/
http://pdbrazill.blogspot.com/2012/01/short-sharp-interview-malcolm-holt.html

Crime Tyne Shots Volume 3 - 'Sinkhole'

It all started with a fire at a scrap metal yard. To most people, burning scrap means very little. To Ronnie Spencer, a fire at the yard could be far more serious. The yard holds too many secrets and Ronnie needs to stop those secrets getting out. He has to act fast.
To read what happens, get your copy of 'Sinkhole', the third story in my Crime Tyne Shots series. Here are some links for you all...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crime-Tyne-Shots-Volume-3-Sinkhole-ebook/dp/B006U6NCLW/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1325856969&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Crime-Tyne-Shots-Volume-3-Sinkhole-ebook/dp/B006U6NCLW/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1325857013&sr=1-1

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crime-tyne-shots-volume-3-sinkhole-malcolm-holt/1108150995?ean=2940013722569&itm=1&usri=crime+tyne+shots+volume+3

So that was 2011...

Well, the decorations are starting to come down and the sales have started. I got the Kindle of my dreams and I now have more books and stories to read, as well as the existing piles of books around the house. The last three months have been crazy. Four published stories, one publisher going places, and several exciting trips planned for 2012. It's going to be a busy year. Edinburgh ( at least once ), Barcelona, New York, Miami, Key West, and Harrogate. Yes, I know... Harrogate is actually great fun. It's the annual Theakston Crime Writing Festival. I have two more stories in my 'Crime Tyne Shots' series written and many other works in progress are...well, in progress. Coming next is the blog you've all been waiting for. Who is Slinger? You'll not have long to wait. Here's a pictorial taster...