Callum McSorley's Blog, page 5
April 1, 2023
Event: East Kilbride Central Library 20th April, 18.30
I’ve got a couple of events coming up this month, starting with this – a talk and Q&A at East Kilbride Central Library on 20th April.
Kicking off at 6.30pm, I’ll being doing some readings from SQUEAKY CLEAN and yakking on about the things which inspired the book. Afterwards there will be a chance to ask any questions, get a book signed (or, indeed, buy one!), and snag a Squeaky Clean bookmark.
Just down the road from my mum’s house, I’ve been going to EK library since I was tiny. My lo...
March 6, 2023
SQUEAKY CLEAN on the shelves, on the radio and in the press
It’s been a brilliant week!
SQUEAKY CLEAN was officially published last Thursday on World Book Day, although it’s been sneaking its way into shops since the weekend before.
The launch took place at Mount Florida Books in the Southside of Glasgow where I did a couple of readings and answered some very well thought-out questions from the excellent author and journalist Elle Nash (Animals Eat Each Other, Nudes [404Ink]). Wine and crisps were had and my mum made a Squeaky Clean book cake (chec...
March 1, 2023
The Times Crime Book of the Month
I’m absolutely ecstatic to say SQUEAKY CLEAN has been selected as The Times Crime Book of the Month for March!
The Times’ crime fiction reviewer Mark Sanderson writes: “The scabrous comedy and compassion (for his protagonists, the underdog and a rescue puppy called Bruce) make the graphic scenes of torture almost palatable. Squeaky Clean is an amazingly accomplished debut.”
You can read the full review online here: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/new-crime-fiction-for-march-2023-donna-l...
February 27, 2023
SQUEAKY CLEAN blog tour
The blog tour for SQUEAKY CLEAN kicks off today, Monday 27th February with podcast Dark Matter Zine, and will be running through to Friday 17th March.
The links to each stop are below, which I will continue to update it as we go along.
I’m really looking forward to this, and hearing what everyone has to say about the book. Huge thanks to the reviewers, bloggers, and podcasters taking part!
Day One: Interview with Dark Matter Zine. I spoke to editor to Nalini about Scots language in...
February 23, 2023
Read YE TAK THE GHOST ROAD in ‘Five Without Honour: Justified Sinners’
Despite the title of the collection describing its contributing authors as ‘Five Without Honour’ I am, actually, very honoured to have a story in this new short anthology from Anxiety Press.
Five Without Honour: Justified Sinners is a sampler of Scottish writing put together by the incredibly talented Chris Kelso, author of The Dregs Trilogy, a wild, horrible mind-bending and genre-mashing work of literature. When he asked if I would contribute a piece I jumped at it the offer.
My part...
February 17, 2023
SQUEAKY CLEAN launch night at Mount Florida Books w/ Elle Nash
Just under two weeks to go until SQUEAKY CLEAN is out in the world!
To send it on its way there will be a launch event at Mount Florida Books in the southside of Glasgow on 2nd March (publication day).
I’ll be speaking to the excellent Elle Nash, author of Animals Eat Each Other (404 Ink), Gag Reflex (Clash Books), and the incredible short story collection Nudes (404 Ink).
Entry is free but ticketed – you can book your seat here.
Or you can pre-order a copy of the book (£16.99) ...
January 30, 2023
March 2023 Releases
With my debut novel SQUEAKY CLEAN coming out on 2nd March (Pushkin Vertigo), I wanted to highlight a few other books publishing in the same month which I’m excited for.
The Space Between Us by Doug Johnstone (Orenda Books) – 2 March
Renowned Scottish crime writer Doug Johnstone – known for his excellent series about the Skelf family of undertakers/private detectives and author of one of my favourite novels, The Ossians – takes his first foray into science fiction with The Space Between ...
December 14, 2022
Favourites of 2022
Last night I was visited by three ghosts who told me I need to get my arse in gear and hurry up with my annual ‘Favourites of the Year’ post.
As ever, my end of year list is in no particular order and the only criteria is that the piece must have been published in 2022. (There are still so many great books out this year I haven’t read and still want to, this is not an exhaustive or objective list, certainly not what I’d call a ‘Best of’, just some stories I really loved this year which I want...
December 12, 2022
Read CRADLE in Shoreline of Infinity 33 now
I’m once again over the moon to return to the pages of my favourite Sci fi mag Shoreline of Infinity.
Issue 33 contains excellent work by David Lawrie (his experimental short story ‘You are in a Room’, which fills the margins of the whole issue, is truly original and chilling), Lucy Zhang, Michael Teasdale and the incredible T L Huchu (author of the urban fantasy Edinburgh Nights series – a real honour to appear alongside him here!).
My own contribution, SF short story CRADLE, sees new...
November 7, 2022
Eat my shorts 2022
It’s always boom or bust for me and after having a quiet year in 2021 with regards to short stories, I’ve had quite a few out this year which I want to highlight – for eligibility purposes, if you’re involved in reading/voting for awards, but also for anybody who may be interested and is looking for a quick read. Also, it’s honestly just quite satisfying to line up all your publications in one place like this and take stock.
In order of publication date:
