Steven A. McKay's Blog, page 43
July 22, 2015
Proofs have arrived!
The first proofs of the Rise of the Wolf paperbacks arrived today. Looking good, I’m very pleased with the whole set!
I still have some changes and revisions to make so haven’t got a firm release date yet. I am hoping to get it out there within the next two or three weeks though, so keep an eye open for it. Sign up for the mailing list (see the button at the top of the page) if you haven’t already, as I’ll be offering signed copies along with other prizes for anyone buying a copy on day one!
July 19, 2015
Writing Superheroes! New interview with me, have a gander
Brand new Q&A with yours truly in which I talk about the new book, how I deal with my supervillain, and the importance of Wham! and Noddy Holder…
http://randombitsoffascination.com/2015/07/19/writing-superheroes-steven-mckay-the-sequel/
All good superhero stories, have a sequel–something else happens after the first foe is vanquished. How does your sequel begin (after the publication of you first/most recent book….)
In my last book, The Wolf and the Raven, Sir Guy of Gisbourne was vanquished, with a terrible scar and an eye missing for his troubles. In the new novel, Rise of the Wolf, Gisbourne is back and, as you’d expect, rather annoyed…In terms of beginnings, this is the first time I’ve used a prologue. I never really understood why they were needed but, looking at the structure of the book, I thought this would be a better way to kick things off than the first chapter. I hope my readers agree!
Click the pic of me to read the rest!
July 14, 2015
Rise of the Wolf, the blurb.
Sir Guy of Gisbourne is back!
Bent on vengeance against Robin Hood and with a turncoat new lieutenant in tow, an unlikely new hero must stand up for herself…
YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND – 1323 AD
The greenwood has been quiet and the outlaws have become complacent, but the harsh reality of life is about to hit the companions with brutal, deadly force thanks to their old foe, Prior John de Monte Martini.
From a meeting with King Edward II himself to the sheriff’s tournament with its glittering prize, the final, fatal, showdown fast approaches for the legendary Wolf’s Head.
New friends, shattered loyalties and a hate-fuelled hunter that threatens to wipe out not only Robin’s friends but his entire family will all play their part in the RISE OF THE WOLF.
What do you think? Comments welcome!
July 3, 2015
Heavy metal song inspired by Wolf’s Head
Here’s a metal song inspired by my debut novel Wolf’s Head. The band is called Black Mountain Thunder. If I was writing a song about the book this is almost exactly how I’d have done it – soft flute and female vocal intro then the hard stuff, with double-bass drumming and a sweet lead guitar solo that doesn’t outstay its welcome.
I’m very flattered that a band took the time to record something based on my work.
Check it out here:
June 30, 2015
New book update
I have my editor’s notes back for Rise of the Wolf, the third book in my Forest Lord series. I have some work to do, although not as much as I did with Wolf’s Head, which required a major overhaul!
I need to add some sections, tweak some of the structure and go over some of the writing in general but, other commitments (work and family) allowing, I should have it all finished within a few weeks. Then it’ll just be formatting and proofing the paperback.
So, hopefully I will be able to publish Rise of the Wolf within a month or so.
If you signed up for my mailing list you should have got your free short story, The Escape – if you had any problems downloading it please do let me know and I’ll make sure you get a copy!
And, if you were thinking about trying the Wolf’s Head audiobook, here’s a short new review on a well-respected site:
June 24, 2015
The Wolf and the Raven (The Forest Lord #2) By Steven A. McKay – Review
A fantastic new review of The Wolf and the Raven!
Originally posted on David's Book Blurg:
Title – The Wolf and the Raven (The Forest Lord #2)
Author – Steven A. McKay
Genre – Historical Fiction
Length – 327 Pages (Kindle)
Publication – 7th April 2014
My Rating – 5/5 Stars
Synopsis
In the aftermath of a violent rebellion Robin Hood and his men must fight for survival with an enemy deadlier than any they’ve faced before…
1322. England is in disarray and Sir Guy of Gisbourne, the king’s own bounty hunter, stalks the greenwood, bringing bloody justice to the outlaws and rebels who hide there.
When things begin to go horribly wrong self-pity, grief and despair threaten to overwhelm the young wolf’s head who will need the support of his friends and family now more than ever. But Robin’s friends have troubles of their own and, this time, not all of them will escape with their lives…
Review
First off… have you read the first book in the series?…
View original 528 more words
June 22, 2015
Short extract from the new Christmas novella
Knight of the Cross has been doing really well over the weekend in the free promotion, hitting number 1 in one of Amazon UK’s charts and number 3 in one of the US lists so a big THANK YOU to everyone who downloaded their copy. I hope you enjoy it!
Rise of the Wolf is still with my editor, so, while I await its return I’ve got back to work on my next novella. Starring Friar Tuck and set AFTER the events in Rise of the Wolf it has the provisional working title of The Christmas Devil. It’s another mystery although nothing too convoluted. It will be out in December this year.
With any luck I’ll get the editor’s notes for Rise of the Wolf within the next couple of days and can get it all ready to go in time for July! In the meantime, here’s Tuck and a friend investigating some strange reports in Brandesburton…
The closest name on the list was James Baker, whose shop had been broken into at the end of November. When they reached the building Tuck examined the lock, noting its poor quality; covered in rust and with a bent latch which was almost as thin as the parchment the headman had given them. Such a shoddy fastening couldn’t have kept one of the local children out, never mind Satan himself.
“You should get that repaired,” Tuck told the baker as he and Father de Nottingham walked in, smiling to offset the judgemental tone of his words. “Don’t want any more visits from the devil do you?”
James looked up from kneading a heavy lump of dough, flour coating his hands and apron, and smiled when he saw who his visitors were.
“Aye, I know Brother Michael, I’ve got the blacksmith making me a new one. A much sturdier one.” He lifted a big rolling pin and proceeded to flatten the dough expertly, working it into a near-perfect circle and Tuck found his mouth watering at the delicious smells in the room. “I’ve been sleeping here every night since that fiend broke in, just in case it comes back.” He smiled sheepishly. “Been shoving my workbench here against the door, right enough. Don’t want something like that sneaking up on me when I’m asleep!”
“Something like what?” Tuck wondered. “Did you actually see the thing? Eustace’s notes say you had loaves, a ladle and,” he unrolled the parchment and squinted at it before continuing, “a knife stolen.”
“Aye, that’s right,” the baker confirmed, placing his loaf onto a baking tray beside a number of others ready for the oven. “The thing took all that and, aye I did see it. Or I should say, them.”
June 19, 2015
June 17, 2015
Mailing List
I just sent out my brand new short story, “The Escape”, starring Little John to my mailing list. If you haven’t signed up already, WTF are you waiting for? Click to sign up and get your freebie!
