Colin Galbraith's Blog, page 4

Gutting Fish

As you can probably tell, I’ve got a few things on the go. Which is good.

One month ago I released BACCARA BURNING and it’s selling well. I’m very pleased considering it’s a sequel to an existing book I wrote in 2009 (STELLA). I suppose you might call it a mini-series of two novellas set in 1988/89, concerning two of the top characters I’ve ever had the pleasure of writing.

Under my pseudonym, Chas Stramash, I have a new chapbook almost ready to release: LIVING LEITH. This book is a step towards a new direction for me poetry-wise. I’ve felt I’ve grown hugely with this one as I’ve moved into characterisation and “deep-diving” my poetry. It feels more satisfying to be publishing something that has proved challenging and that I’m really excited about.

I’m working on a secret project, first started and submitted a few years ago that came back with some favourable comments, and that I have now re-written.

When I say “re-written” I really mean I have gutted it like a fish, inserted transplant organs and sewn it back up. It’s now in the healing stage and apart from all the bruises and scars that can be worked on, it’s a much more promising concept and delivery of an idea.

But here’s the BIG news.

As I’ve already mentioned on this blog, I needed a new project, a fresh one that I could get my teeth into that would make me feel good. So I’ve begun working on a manuscript first published as a serial nine years ago. It’s being gutted like a fish just like the secret project, and it’s changing into something more glossy, more exciting, and much more sexy. In fact, it’s turning into a good old-fashioned proper thriller.

My aim is to have HUNTING JACK ready by the end of the year.

Previously, it’s been through what I termed a transformation from serial format to novel but it needs much more than that to get it to where I want. It needs modernised; it needs injected with the last decade of experience I’ve collected; it needs redirected.

Coincidentally, and rather ironically considering the problems I’m having with a certain other book right now, I’ve seen a front cover that fits the bill beautifully for HUNTING JACK in a fire sale. I’m considering going for it.

‘Living Leith’ Delayed

I spent last Saturday with my wife in both a professional capacity as well as a social one. I’ll cover the professional part first.

I’m still on the hunt for a suitable front cover for my forthcoming poetry chapbook, LIVING LEITH. I had earmarked yesterday for its release but that wasn’t tenable what with the cover problems.

So I called in the help of my photographer wife to assist with new ideas and the resultant photoshoot.

Gail came up with a host of brilliant shots from Leith’s Shore and surrounding areas, which has only helped to further my problems by making it ever harder to decide which direction I want to take the cover art. Give a man too many options, and all that…

So I’m pushing back the date by about a week – I’ll announce the final date once I’ve decided on the front cover. As usual, it’ll be published under my pseudonym, Chas Stramash, and on the website: http://chasstramash.wordpress.com

On the social front, last Saturday was the second of a 4-day weekend break and I intended to enjoy it. My wife and I took to the town and visited a couple of pubs, taking in The Rab Howat Band as well as a meal.

We ate in what used to be Le Sept, and I was very disappointed to witness the demise of a once-great restaurant – my favourite in Edinburgh at one point.

When it was situated in the Old Fishmarket Close it was a romantic and beautiful place with character and great food. You could spend your whole night there and not care what the time was.

It later moved to a larger home in Hunter Square, which I always thought was a bad move. You still needed to make a reservation to be seated on a Saturday after the move, so its popularity seemed to be continuing.

However, when Gail and I walked in on Saturday on the off-chance of getting a table, we found an empty restaurant with the staff milling around bored. On closer inspection, we also discovered it had recently changed hands and is now of Italian name and decor, although the menu is largely unchanged from its French days.

And that’s only the start of its problems. While the food was very good indeed, at £25 a main course I would still have expected the chips not to be cooked frozen with my fillet steak – or perhaps even better, to have the option of mashed potatoes instead.

Mixing up the steak sauces with the order is perhaps forgivable, but having to place a scarf around my wife’s neck to keep her warm is not. I went to the loo at one point, and on descending the stairs could actually see my breath. Naturally, there was no hot water either.

They badly need to do something about the heating if they want people to come and dine comfortably.

It’s sad to see such a fine place fall to such lows and I doubt I’ll be back to Le Sept, or Pulcinella as it’s called these days. It’s lost all its charm and personality, and is as good as dead as a favourite place to dine.

Time to go and watch the Grand National on the television. Here’s to an enjoyable, exciting, and safe race.

Col

Iain Banks: Scotland Won’t Be The Same

Yesterday was a tough day among the readers and writers of Scotland and far beyond, as Iain Banks went public that he is in the final stages of gall bladder cancer and has been given only months to live.

It was a shocking announcement when it came and has taken some time to settle. So large and wide were the waves that emanated outwards after it was announced, that his website, the source of the personal letter from Iain, crashed under the weight of people clambering for more information.

It’s horrible to have to accept that in a few months we shall be mourning the death of one of Scotland’s most treasured writers, a man whose darkly humorous and brave new ideas in fiction captivated and challenged us all, shall be taken from us so early.

Our only grace is that we have time to say thanks for what he has given us, and let him know how much his name will be fondly remembered through the generations to come. His legacy is a huge one and Iain Banks will never be forgotten on these shores and far beyond.

On a more personal level, although I never got to meet him, I did attend several of his events at the Edinburgh Book Festival over the years. I was never one for queuing at book signings, and have only done so a couple of times in my life.

Those were for William McIlvanney where there was already a pre-existing mutual connection, and for Louise Rennison with my daughter who was really into her books (although she did blow me a kiss, which I’ll never forget!)

It was Iain’s personality that sold me on his books. The first time I saw him he bounced (literally) into the RBS Main Tent in Charlotte Square for the main evening event and gave us an hour of his time that seemed to last only a quarter of that. It was nowhere long enough because to hear him talk about his love of writing and his life in that context was enthralling.

My favourite of his books was THE BRIDGE. I was totally taken by the concept of using an iconic Scottish landmark with which to construct a novel around. It was a brilliant idea and took my imagination to a whole new place I never knew existed.

I remember it was the favourite book of all my reads that year while on holiday in Greece. That was the same year I came up with the idea for one of my own novellas, GREENER IS THE GRASS, but whether that was to do with the influence of reading Banks I’ll never know. I’d like to think so.

I’m appalled to admit I’ve never read THE WASP FACTORY. Needless to say, I’ll be getting hold of a copy shortly and putting that to right.

Scotland without Iain Banks just doesn’t seem right. I’d passively assumed like most other people, he had many years to go in his life and many, many more books in him. It doesn’t seem right that he’s going to be leaving us so soon. Having lived through a family member being diagnosed with terminal cancer and all that follows, I know a bit of what it’s like so my heart goes out to Iain’s entire family.

Among the best articles that were published yesterday was this one from Val McDermid: In Praise of Iain Banks, Storyteller Extraordinaire.

And if you want to leave a message of support for Iain, you can do so here.

St. Mirren Win the Cup / A New Project

Last weekend was one of the best ever!

I attended Hampden Park, Scotland’s national stadium, for the Scottish League Cup Final with my sister, Binny. And together we witnessed history being made, just as I said it would in my previous post.

St. Mirren won the cup, beating Edinburgh’s Heart of Midlothian FC by 3 goals to 2.

The game had it all: nerves, mistakes, quality goals, and high drama right up to the last kick of the ball.

And when the shrill of the referees whistle filled the cold Glasgow air, a party began from the stadium back to Paisley, and right round to the other side of the planet.

Paisley and Renfrewshire parted long into the night and beyond, as this was a victory that meant so much to so many after so long.

It was the Saints first major trophy win in 26 years, and oh how the club and fans celebrated.

My sister and I celebrated in the stadium then back at the pub, and from there, the Barrowland Ballroom. We were off to the annual St Paddy’s day gig from punk legends – Belfast’s own – Stiff Little Fingers. But that’s another story altogether.

The main thrust of the day was seeing St Mirren lift the Cup. It will live long in the memory for anyone who has any connection with Paisley.

But back to the writing.

With BACCARA BURNING now published and selling well, I have found myself in a lovely situation: what to work on next.

Obviously I have work to do in order to publish my next poetry book, LIVING LEITH, in April, but I need something to actually WRITE about as well; really get my teeth into.

My original plan had been to do the same thing with one of my other manuscripts: polish, edit, fine polish – then publish.

But that wasn’t doing it for me. Now that I feel I’ve got back on track with things, I needed something new and fresh, something that would give me a buzz.

With the desire to be buzzed strong in my mind, I set about plotting my next move. And it worked.

I’ve begun working on a brand new project. It’s something brave and bold, new, and most definitely fresh. It’s also a bit of a secret because I have plans for it once it’s completed.

It’s based on an idea I had a while back but never did anything about. I know now this was because I wasn’t sure how to develop it. But I do now, and I’ve approached it with a new set of eyes and ideas.

In short, it’s very exciting. It’s just what I needed to do at this point in the year.

Believe

Today, history will be made…

A Bit More On Baccara

Sales of Baccara Burning are going better than I expected following its release on Friday.

From what I can tell, over half of these sales have come through people who already bought and enjoyed Stella, the book that Baccara is the sequel to.

Considering this was the toughest book I’ve written, I’m as much delighted as I am amazed that I have tangible proof of the elusive “return reader”.

So it was obviously all worth it; I’m pleased with the final version of the book and with its sales. But why was Baccara so hard to write?

The short version is that it was like shitting a brick. There are various reasons for this, which I shall explain in the longer version.

Stella was conceived in 1988 and written 20 years later. It was based on images of ideas I’d had in my mind when I listended to Yello’s album called Stella.

During the writing of Stella, Randolph made himself known (originally the only protaganist was Stella), and so a partnership was formed, leading inevitably to a story that evolved into something larger.

Also, Stella was originally written purely as a personal project; there was never any intention to publish, which is why I was amazed when it was accepted for publication so quickly.

Both of these factors meant that when the idea about a legendary ghost in Edinburgh coming back to murder on the anniversary of his execution, throwing Stella and Randolph into the mix was also a recipe for some tough writing. It meant there was a type of self-inflicted pressure to get it right that I hadn’t experienced before.

Making sure the story worked but keeping it inline with its predecessor was hard going. And when I began writing, the two main characters started to rebel; they didn’t want to do what I felt they should, and kept going off at tangents from the story I was trying to tell.

Then they started fighting with each other. Dialogue kept breaking down into arguments, so it was no surprise when I had to down tools several times and walk away, unable to go any further until it was resolved in my head.

Eventually, I came to the realisation that I had to let the characters go free even if it meant changing the story. In doing so, the story started to work and the characters led me to the conclusion – a conclusion I hadn’t planned for, I might add, but it was a conclusion all the same.

All in all, Baccara Burning took about 3 years to complete. It’s only 30k! Two years were as i’ve described above, the final year involved editing, leaving alone, and doing nothing for the rest of the year. Only right at the end did I return to it able to finishing it off with some more major editing and polishing.

I think that given the problems and struggles of writing this book, I feel more chuffed to see it selling so well, and selling with clear links back to Stella.

I’m not planning any more paranormal books, not for a while anyway. Right now I’m in a similar position with a crime novel that’s caused me a lot of similar pain to Baccara.

That book is called Gatecrash. I spent the weekend reading up all my notes on it and shall begin editing and polishing later today.

Baccara Burning Launched Today

As you’ll know, these last few months have been pretty turbulent for me, what with sickness, a new job, and other life events.

The result of all this change meant I hadn’t written anything in a year, which was probably partially to blame for my downturn.

These last few weeks, though, I’ve focussed my energies on getting back on track with things.

The first thing to do was to complete off the sequel to STELLA that had been sitting ‘almost’ ready. It needed some serious editing and polishing.

Getting back to the page felt great though, and although it was purely to edit, a strange thing happened.

I’ve read a lot of books these past 12 months, which can’t be a bad thing. But on picking up the manuscript for the book, I realised not just how much needed to be done, but how much standing away from a piece of work really helps.

Where before I struggled to see the edits required, they were now standing out as if highlighted my a luminous marker pen.

Surplus words and sentences, areas where to strengthen description and dialogue, punctuation, active v passive – it all got processed through my internal editor with vigour and a harshity I’ve never before admitted to myself.

It’s a much stronger book now, and although I’m no professional editor, I think it’s a damn good go at an exciting story.

And so it’s with a grey deal of pride and excitement that I am please to launch my new book, a novella – a sequel for Stella – and it’s available now: BACCARA BURNING.

Here’s the official blurb:

The last place exiled MI5 agent, Randolph Lowe, or Stella, once the world’s most wanted assassin, want to be seen, is back on British soil.

Hiding out in Italy one year after their encounter with satanic demon, Ferris, Randolph and Stella are persuaded into travelling to Edinburgh in Scotland to solve a series of horrific and unexplained murders.

And when news leaks that Ferris is back on the move and MI5 are closing in, Stella and Randolph begin to wonder if there are any moves left they can make.

What will it take to rid Edinburgh of the evil of a 17th Century curse? Only Stella knows the answer.

The Baccara burns brightest in Hell.

Hopefully, if you buy it you’ll enjoy it. And if you’ve read STELLA it should make for a nice conclusion.

I say “conclusion” because I’ve no plans to do any more with Stella and Randolph. I’ve gotten a great deal of satisfaction from them though, and had a lot of fun. Never say never though, as they say…

To read BACCARA BURNING you’ll need a Kindle.

UK readers can purchase at THIS LINK.

Non-UK readers can purchase at THIS LINK.

Ruth Nicol and Cover Problems

I first met Ruth Nicol back in 1997 when we both worked for a now defunct life assurance company. We worked in the I.T. department, which in itself was pretty much as you’d imagine: dull, soul-sucking, and barely bare-able.

My best memories of those days were the department nights out at The Auctioneers pub and other similar hostelries in Glasgow.

Since then, both our lives have changed dramatically. We’re both married, have kids, don’t work for that company any more, and perhaps more importantly, have discovered the creative streak in ourselves; me as a writer, and Ruth as one of Scotland’s foremost contemporary landscape artists.

I recently went to the Open Eye Gallery in Edinburgh for the opening of Ruth’s latest showing: Urban & Rural Scottish Landacapes, which sees her work displayed alongside other artists including Glen Scouller, Chris Bushe, Mathew Draper, Barbara Rae, Ann Ross and Anna King.

Ruth’s work stands out a mile. I’m proud to be able to call her a friend and watch as her work gains top interest from all over.

If you live in the UK, you can see a short one-minute documentary about her on the STV website here: http://player.stv.tv/programmes/new-direction/2013-01-14-1759/

If she doesn’t inspire you, I’m not sure anything will.

In other news, work is still ongoing with the front cover for my forthcoming book, BACCARA BURNING.

Its already been through a couple of drafts but something just isn’t right. It doesn’t feel like it’s quite there yet and I can’t put my finger on it.

The book, which is the sequel to my 2009 paranormal novella, STELLA, will hit the bookshelves on March 1st, so it’s got to be tied up soon.

And if that wasn’t exciting enough, I’ve also got a new chapbook out on April 5th. LIVING LEITH will be my spring poetry release under my pseudonym, Chas Stramash.

What’s Up for 2013?

About the only thing I managed to do during the latter half of last year was put together a plan of work for the new 2012/13 writing year – that’s September onwards.

Obviously, that’s been nothing short of a disaster so far since eff all happened.

So over the weekend I figured this might be a point to start off from; I can take the plan I had, whittle it down and use it as a launchpad of sorts to at least get me moving again.

This meant revisiting what I set out for myself, and so between now and the end of February, I’ll be focussing on:

Getting back up to speed and polishing GATECRASH
Deciding on a publishing schedule and producing for BACCARA BURNING
Decide on a publishing schedule and producing LIVING LEITH
Making a decision on my next project

It may not seem a lot, but I’m half way through the month and have had a shit time of it since the turn of the year. One step at a time – that’s the way it’s gonna be.

Before I go I wanted to make any writers that follow my blog (and I know there are some hearty loyalists out there) of a great deal on offer just now by a pal of mine. Here’s the scoop from friend and fellow writer, Devon Ellington:

1. Special deal on edits, only available Jan. 17-25

I’m offering a special deal to line edit/critique the first 30 pages of your manuscript for only $75,  but you MUST book a slot between Jan. 17-25.  Complete information is at:

http://www.devonellingtonwork.com/workshops.html, including the email address to send to in order to book your slot.  If you send it to the newsletter address, it will not get a response.  There are a limited number of slots, and they are going quickly, so don’t wait until the last minute.

2.  February Workshops

I’m teaching two quick Fast and Fun workshops in February, before I got into rehearsal for the new play:

“The Graveyard of Abandoned Projects” — bring up to 5 projects you’ve put aside; see which ones are viable and breathe new life into them, and which ones need to be permanently retired.  Feb. 4-6.

“Journal into Fiction” – learn how to transform journal entries into viable fiction, how to let characters evolve from the original inspiration, and how to keep a travel diary that will provide material for years’ worth of projects.  Feb. 11-14.

More information here:

http://www.devonellingtonwork.com/fastandfun.html

Two Topic Workbooks are now available on Smashwords, each for $2.99:

SETTING UP YOUR SUBMISSION SYSTEM:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/272675

THE SERIES BIBLE:  CREATION AND MAINTENANCE

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/275031

Making Changes

It’s been a while.

I’ve not written anything, fictional or poetic, since last spring. That’s the best part of nine months. And I’ve not blogged since the middle of last September.

The reason for this has been a shift of focus on the things in my life – things that are of necessity if one is to keep the roof where it is and the fridge fully stocked. I left my job and moved into the I.T. freelance market, a move that has been as challenging as it has been rewarding, but that has also meant no time was left with which to be creative.

With the new year change, however, I’ve come to a decision that things have to change. I need to take back what is mine and move my creative spirit into a new realm, a new reality, and a new era.

With that in mind there are two things I am going to do with this blog post:

1- wrap up 2012

2- kick 2013 off with the Bright and Beautiful Blog Award

BEST OF 2012

MUSIC

Best Album Bought: Oui Oui, Si Si, Ja Ja, Da Da by Madness

Best Live Gig: The Charlatans, Barrowland, June

Best Musical Discovery: Fat Goth

LITERATURE

Best Fiction Book Read: The Road by Cormack McCarthy

Best Crime Fiction Book Read: Hit & Run by Doug Johnstone

Best Non-Fiction Book Read: A Newbies Guide to Publishing by JA Konrath

Best Poetry Book Read: The Month of the Asparagus by Keith Armstrong

Best Author Discovery: Chris Morton (for English Slacker)

FILM

Best Film (cinema): Dark Shadows

Best Film (DVD rental):  Let The Right One In

OTHER

Best Meal: Anniversary meal with my wife at The Tower

Best Sesh: Blackpool, July

Single Most Embarrassing Moment: Wasn’t one that I can remember!

Single Most Memorable Moment: Making the move into the freelance I.T. market

BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL BLOG AWARD

This is one of these blog questionnaires that comes around every few months or so, and was passed to me by Jamaican writer, Nadine Tomlinson.

So here we go:

1. Who is your favourite philosopher? Foghorn Leghorn

2. What is your favourite number? 7

3. What is your favourite animal?  Bunnies

4. What is your favourite time of day? Very very early morning

5. What are your Facebook and Twitter accounts? Twitter: @colingalbraith

Facebook: Colin-Galbraith-Crime-Paranormal-Writer

6. What is your favourite holiday? The Greek islands in July

7. What is your favourite physical activity? Watching Beach Volleyball

8. What is your favourite non-alcoholic drink? Milk

9. What is your passion? Music

10. What is your favourite flower? A rose

The writers I would normally pass this on to seem to already have had it, so I’ll stop there and thanks Nadine once again for including me.