Maggie James's Blog, page 10
December 11, 2018
Review of 'Witness The Dead' by Craig Robertson
A rollercoaster ride of a thriller...
‘Witness The Dead’ is the first novel by Craig Robertson I've tried; based on my enjoyment of what I’ve read, it won't be the last. The novel delivers a rollercoaster ride of a thriller, dealing with the exploits of a serial killer in modern-day Glasgow. Here's an extract from the back cover blurb: ‘Scotland 1972. Glasgow is haunted by a murderer nicknamed Red Silk - a feared serial killer who selects his victims in the city's nightclubs. The case remains unsolved but Archibald Atto, later imprisoned for other murders, is thought to be Red Silk. In modern-day Glasgow, D.S. Rachel Narey is called to a gruesome crime scene at the city's Necropolis. The body of a young woman lies stretched out over a tomb, bearing a three-letter message from her killer - the word SIN scrawled in lipstick upon her body. Now retired, former detective Danny Nielsen spots a link between the new murder and those investigated in 1972 - details that no copycat killer could have known about. But Archibald Atto is still behind bars…’ A novel laced with tension and intriguing sub-plots
Courtesy of Simon and Schuster The tension in the novel ratchets skyward as more dead women are discovered, each one posed on a tomb in a different Necropolis. A race against time to prevent further deaths ensues, with the murders mirroring the 1972 Red Silk killings. The plot weaves through sharp twists and turns, as Archibald Atto dispenses information that may be accurate, or simply the warped machinations of a crazed mind. ‘Witness The Dead’ is an unusual novel in that it doesn’t have a protagonist as such. Danny Neilsen, his nephew Tony Winter and Detective Inspector Derek Addison are given equal prominence as the team intent on unearthing the link between Archibald Atto, the murders and the significance of the dumpsites at the city’s Necropoleis. Detective Sergeant Rachel Narey plays second fiddle to this trio in a side role as Tony Winter’s former love interest. Overarching the main players is the chilling character of Archibald Atto, a psychopath who revels in baiting Winter when he detects the guilty thrill the man gets from photographing dead bodies. Robertson doesn’t flinch in portraying his characters with all their flaws. Danny Neilsen is haunted by a terrible mistake he made in 1972, one that has estranged him from his only daughter. Tony Winter struggles to accept his failed relationship with Narey, as well as his self-disgust at his enjoyment of what he sees as the beauty of death. In an amusing subplot, Addison is both taunted and attracted by a member of the forensic team on the case, whilst battling his hatred of his superior officer and struggling to hold the investigation together. Hotpants, kipper ties and Glaswegian slang
1970s glam rock band The Sweet The backdrop to the narrative is the vibrant city of Glasgow, both in its modern-day incarnation and in 1972. The latter is played out in a nightclub called Klass, with its patrons sporting platform shoes, kipper ties and hotpants. They dance to music from The Sweet and Johnny Nash, richly evoking the zeitgeist of 1970s Glasgow, whilst defying the murderous danger posed by Red Silk. Robertson peppers his narrative with Scottish slang such as 'gallus', 'hen' and 'blootered', thus further immersing the reader in the spirit of the novel. ‘Witness The Dead’ is not without its flaws – some of the plot elements didn’t stack up for me, but that’s a minor criticism, given the overall thrill supplied by the narrative. Having started with 'Witness The Dead', I’ll be looking for more Craig Robertson novels to add to my reading list. And thanks to Craig, I now know that the plural of necropolis is necropoleis! More about Craig Robertson
Craig Robertson is a Sunday Times bestselling author, and his debut novel, Random, was shortlisted for the CWA New Blood Dagger. His novel Murderabilia was longlisted for Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2017 and the McIlvanney Prize 2017.
You can find out more about Craig and his novels from his website, www.craigrobertsonbooks.co.uk, and I'll be interviewing him in a future blog post.
Have you read 'Witness The Dead'?
If so, what did you think of it? Or do you have any recommendations for other Craig Robertson novels? Leave a comment for me!
‘Witness The Dead’ is the first novel by Craig Robertson I've tried; based on my enjoyment of what I’ve read, it won't be the last. The novel delivers a rollercoaster ride of a thriller, dealing with the exploits of a serial killer in modern-day Glasgow. Here's an extract from the back cover blurb: ‘Scotland 1972. Glasgow is haunted by a murderer nicknamed Red Silk - a feared serial killer who selects his victims in the city's nightclubs. The case remains unsolved but Archibald Atto, later imprisoned for other murders, is thought to be Red Silk. In modern-day Glasgow, D.S. Rachel Narey is called to a gruesome crime scene at the city's Necropolis. The body of a young woman lies stretched out over a tomb, bearing a three-letter message from her killer - the word SIN scrawled in lipstick upon her body. Now retired, former detective Danny Nielsen spots a link between the new murder and those investigated in 1972 - details that no copycat killer could have known about. But Archibald Atto is still behind bars…’ A novel laced with tension and intriguing sub-plotsCourtesy of Simon and Schuster The tension in the novel ratchets skyward as more dead women are discovered, each one posed on a tomb in a different Necropolis. A race against time to prevent further deaths ensues, with the murders mirroring the 1972 Red Silk killings. The plot weaves through sharp twists and turns, as Archibald Atto dispenses information that may be accurate, or simply the warped machinations of a crazed mind. ‘Witness The Dead’ is an unusual novel in that it doesn’t have a protagonist as such. Danny Neilsen, his nephew Tony Winter and Detective Inspector Derek Addison are given equal prominence as the team intent on unearthing the link between Archibald Atto, the murders and the significance of the dumpsites at the city’s Necropoleis. Detective Sergeant Rachel Narey plays second fiddle to this trio in a side role as Tony Winter’s former love interest. Overarching the main players is the chilling character of Archibald Atto, a psychopath who revels in baiting Winter when he detects the guilty thrill the man gets from photographing dead bodies. Robertson doesn’t flinch in portraying his characters with all their flaws. Danny Neilsen is haunted by a terrible mistake he made in 1972, one that has estranged him from his only daughter. Tony Winter struggles to accept his failed relationship with Narey, as well as his self-disgust at his enjoyment of what he sees as the beauty of death. In an amusing subplot, Addison is both taunted and attracted by a member of the forensic team on the case, whilst battling his hatred of his superior officer and struggling to hold the investigation together. Hotpants, kipper ties and Glaswegian slang
1970s glam rock band The Sweet The backdrop to the narrative is the vibrant city of Glasgow, both in its modern-day incarnation and in 1972. The latter is played out in a nightclub called Klass, with its patrons sporting platform shoes, kipper ties and hotpants. They dance to music from The Sweet and Johnny Nash, richly evoking the zeitgeist of 1970s Glasgow, whilst defying the murderous danger posed by Red Silk. Robertson peppers his narrative with Scottish slang such as 'gallus', 'hen' and 'blootered', thus further immersing the reader in the spirit of the novel. ‘Witness The Dead’ is not without its flaws – some of the plot elements didn’t stack up for me, but that’s a minor criticism, given the overall thrill supplied by the narrative. Having started with 'Witness The Dead', I’ll be looking for more Craig Robertson novels to add to my reading list. And thanks to Craig, I now know that the plural of necropolis is necropoleis! More about Craig RobertsonCraig Robertson is a Sunday Times bestselling author, and his debut novel, Random, was shortlisted for the CWA New Blood Dagger. His novel Murderabilia was longlisted for Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2017 and the McIlvanney Prize 2017.
You can find out more about Craig and his novels from his website, www.craigrobertsonbooks.co.uk, and I'll be interviewing him in a future blog post.
Have you read 'Witness The Dead'?
If so, what did you think of it? Or do you have any recommendations for other Craig Robertson novels? Leave a comment for me!
December 3, 2018
Five Ways Novels Enrich Our Lives
'I don't waste time with novels...'
Aren't books beautiful? 'I don't read novels,' someone once told me, his tone dismissive. 'I don't waste time with bullshit. Know what I mean?' My response? I chose not to reply, but to deflect the conversation. Had I answered his question, I'd have done so with an emphatic negative. Apart from the comment being provocative, making it to a lifelong bookworm like me was pointless. No, I don't know what he meant about novels being bullshit. Never have, never will. I suspect anyone reading this blog is likely to side with Team Maggie on this one!
It's not that I don't understand why people don't read fiction. I do, despite my lifelong love of books. You see, I'm someone who doesn't care for music. This attracts gasps of horror from music aficionados, who refuse to believe me. 'You must enjoy music!' they tell me. 'Music is life!' For them, perhaps, but not for me. Each to their own, as the saying goes. Music doesn't feature in my existence and that's my choice. The difference between my fiction-loathing friend and me is that I'm not dismissive about what I don't enjoy. To dub all music bullshit would be ridiculous; it's a huge source of pleasure for many. I suspect that's what grated about my friend's comment. Fair enough if he doesn't enjoy fiction. But to brand all novels as bullshit strikes me as plain daft. Of course, some people pride themselves on a philistinic approach towards cultural matters, and that's their right. For me, however, fiction, especially in the form of novels, has enriched my life beyond measure. Let's examine five ways in which great novels enhance our lives.
1. They're a great means of entertainment and relaxation. For bookworms, the joy of curling up with a novel can't be underestimated. I've just finished Jostein Gaarder's 'The Castle in the Pyrenees'. The book was so good I read it in one evening, enchanted by the descriptions of Norwegian fjords and glaciers. As for guilty pleasures, I enjoy any novel by Lee Child or Stephen King, both masters of their craft. A new book to read is a simple joy, but priceless. Not to mention a fantastic way to take time out.
2. Reading keeps our brains sharp, increases our cognitive skills and boosts our vocabulary. A study published in 2013 showed that fiction enhances connectivity within the brain, especially in the area of language. Makes sense, doesn't it? As we read, we're studying sentence construction and spelling without being conscious we're doing so.
3. Books can educate us. An example is 'Sophie's World' by Jostein Gaarder. Clothed in the story of fourteen-year-old Sophie Amundsen lies a wonderful history of philosophical thinking, which teaches as it entertains. As mentioned above, I've also read Gaardner's novel 'The Castle in the Pyrenees', another educational read. This book focuses on a debate between a Christian and an atheist, examining issues such as the origin of the universe and life after death. All wrapped up in an intriguing story about the consequences of a hit-and-run accident in Norway. Education without the classroom!
4. Novels provide both social and political commentary. A great example of the former is Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird', a biting examination of racial inequality and prejudice. The book also addresses issues of class and gender roles in the American Deep South, its lessons emphasising the need for tolerance and acceptance. For political commentary, look no further than George Orwell's 'Animal Farm'. The book is an exposition of Russia under the Stalinist regime, in which Orwell fuses politics and art in a chilling study of totalitarian rule. From such novels, especially when read from a different historical perspective, we can learn valuable lessons.
5. Novels, especially the classics, add beauty to life. Lovers of Thomas Hardy's books thrill to his lyrical descriptions of the Dorset countryside. Fans of Charles Dickens marvel at his skill in creating characters, such as Wackford Squeers and the Artful Dodger. In adding beauty to our lives, books also contribute to our cultural heritage. Imagine a world without literature. For me, if not my fiction-hating friend, Earth would be a planet lacking the wonder that novels provide. Events such as the destruction of books under China's Qin Dynasty or the Nazi book burnings are akin to sacrilege for me. Works of cultural significance trampled under the boots of repressive regimes - it's no coincidence that the need to control and a hatred of the arts often walk hand in hand. Literature, when allowed to flourish, makes an invaluable contribution to our lives. As does music, for those who love it!
Let's hear from you!
What novels have you found educational? Do you agree that books enrich our lives and add beauty to them? Are there any roles books fulfil that I've not covered? Leave a comment and let me know!
Aren't books beautiful? 'I don't read novels,' someone once told me, his tone dismissive. 'I don't waste time with bullshit. Know what I mean?' My response? I chose not to reply, but to deflect the conversation. Had I answered his question, I'd have done so with an emphatic negative. Apart from the comment being provocative, making it to a lifelong bookworm like me was pointless. No, I don't know what he meant about novels being bullshit. Never have, never will. I suspect anyone reading this blog is likely to side with Team Maggie on this one!It's not that I don't understand why people don't read fiction. I do, despite my lifelong love of books. You see, I'm someone who doesn't care for music. This attracts gasps of horror from music aficionados, who refuse to believe me. 'You must enjoy music!' they tell me. 'Music is life!' For them, perhaps, but not for me. Each to their own, as the saying goes. Music doesn't feature in my existence and that's my choice. The difference between my fiction-loathing friend and me is that I'm not dismissive about what I don't enjoy. To dub all music bullshit would be ridiculous; it's a huge source of pleasure for many. I suspect that's what grated about my friend's comment. Fair enough if he doesn't enjoy fiction. But to brand all novels as bullshit strikes me as plain daft. Of course, some people pride themselves on a philistinic approach towards cultural matters, and that's their right. For me, however, fiction, especially in the form of novels, has enriched my life beyond measure. Let's examine five ways in which great novels enhance our lives.
1. They're a great means of entertainment and relaxation. For bookworms, the joy of curling up with a novel can't be underestimated. I've just finished Jostein Gaarder's 'The Castle in the Pyrenees'. The book was so good I read it in one evening, enchanted by the descriptions of Norwegian fjords and glaciers. As for guilty pleasures, I enjoy any novel by Lee Child or Stephen King, both masters of their craft. A new book to read is a simple joy, but priceless. Not to mention a fantastic way to take time out.2. Reading keeps our brains sharp, increases our cognitive skills and boosts our vocabulary. A study published in 2013 showed that fiction enhances connectivity within the brain, especially in the area of language. Makes sense, doesn't it? As we read, we're studying sentence construction and spelling without being conscious we're doing so.
3. Books can educate us. An example is 'Sophie's World' by Jostein Gaarder. Clothed in the story of fourteen-year-old Sophie Amundsen lies a wonderful history of philosophical thinking, which teaches as it entertains. As mentioned above, I've also read Gaardner's novel 'The Castle in the Pyrenees', another educational read. This book focuses on a debate between a Christian and an atheist, examining issues such as the origin of the universe and life after death. All wrapped up in an intriguing story about the consequences of a hit-and-run accident in Norway. Education without the classroom!
4. Novels provide both social and political commentary. A great example of the former is Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird', a biting examination of racial inequality and prejudice. The book also addresses issues of class and gender roles in the American Deep South, its lessons emphasising the need for tolerance and acceptance. For political commentary, look no further than George Orwell's 'Animal Farm'. The book is an exposition of Russia under the Stalinist regime, in which Orwell fuses politics and art in a chilling study of totalitarian rule. From such novels, especially when read from a different historical perspective, we can learn valuable lessons.5. Novels, especially the classics, add beauty to life. Lovers of Thomas Hardy's books thrill to his lyrical descriptions of the Dorset countryside. Fans of Charles Dickens marvel at his skill in creating characters, such as Wackford Squeers and the Artful Dodger. In adding beauty to our lives, books also contribute to our cultural heritage. Imagine a world without literature. For me, if not my fiction-hating friend, Earth would be a planet lacking the wonder that novels provide. Events such as the destruction of books under China's Qin Dynasty or the Nazi book burnings are akin to sacrilege for me. Works of cultural significance trampled under the boots of repressive regimes - it's no coincidence that the need to control and a hatred of the arts often walk hand in hand. Literature, when allowed to flourish, makes an invaluable contribution to our lives. As does music, for those who love it!
Let's hear from you!
What novels have you found educational? Do you agree that books enrich our lives and add beauty to them? Are there any roles books fulfil that I've not covered? Leave a comment and let me know!
November 12, 2018
Welcome To My Blog!
Welcome to my blog! I'll be writing about all things book-related, including author interviews, book reviews and progress on my forthcoming novels. The blog will commence during December 2018, and the initial posts will include an interview with best-selling novelist Rachel Abbott. Watch this space!
Welcome to my blog!
Welcome to my blog! I'll be writing about all things book-related, including author interviews, book reviews and progress on my forthcoming novels. The blog will commence during December 2018. Watch this space!
August 4, 2017
Life as a nomadic novelist part 2
An update on my trip! I've been travelling as a nomadic novelist for just over three months now, and I'm having a blast! Over the last five days I've been exploring the wonders of Utah; as I write this I'm in Moab, close to Arches National Park, where I spent most of yesterday. Today saw me jet-boating on the Colorado River, which was an incredible experience! The Utah scenery is spectacular; the picture features Bryce Canyon, one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited. Before long I'll be in Mexico as my trip takes me ever southward from my starting point in Canada.So how does this fit in with my writing? Well, I'm finding it far easier to combine creating novels with travelling than I imagined. July saw me finish the first draft of my sixth novel, complete the edits for Sister, Psychopath, and celebrate the publication of The Second Captive by Bloodhound Books. It was a landmark month in many ways! I'm learning to write wherever I can, whenever I can, and making the time to do so. Next week should be easier travel-wise, so I'll get going on the second draft of my next novel. The book will be my primary focus for the next few months, no matter what happens on the travel front.
It helps that I'm a planner by nature; I schedule my work week by week, month by month and quarter by quarter, and adapt it to where I think I'll be during those times. For instance, I knew I wouldn't have much opportunity to write while exploring Utah, so I updated my business finances instead. Once an accountant, always an accountant, perhaps!
Some things have suffered, of course. I don't spend as much time on social media these days, which is no bad thing! It's a small price to pay for the wonders of being able to travel and write full-time. One way or other I shall make it all work for me!
Enjoyed this post? Please share via the links below: Why not subscribe to my blog?If you've enjoyed this post, how about subscribing to my blog via RSS feed or email? Either click the links in my blog sidebar or sign up via Networked Blogs, also in the sidebar. It'll be great to have you on board!
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Sign up for my newsletter and you'll receive books from other novelists (with their permission, of course!), reading recommendations, discounts on my future releases, as well as promotions and giveaways. I'll contact you every two months or when I release a new title, and will never divulge your details to any third parties. To sign up, click this link. Thank you!
July 19, 2017
Free book for writers!
Click the image!I still feel very much like a newbie when it comes to writing, even though I've been a full-time novelist for two and a half years and I've published seven books. I remember wanting to write a novel but not knowing where to start. Part of my hesitation was down to not knowing any other novelists. If I'd had an example of success to inspire me, perhaps I'd have embarked on my writing adventure sooner. As it is, I'm always looking for ways to encourage would-be novelists.That's why I've compiled a free book as a companion to Write Your Novel! From Getting Started to First Draft. This one is called Write Your Novel! Success Stories from Published Authors, and it's full of advice and inspiration. Contributors include British best-selling horror and thriller writer Iain Rob Wright and American novelist Robert Bidinotto. Read the stories in the book, absorb the wise words contained therein, and I hope you'll be inspired to continue your writing journey.
The book is only available from this website and is available in kindle (.mobi), ePub and PDF formats via this link or the image. As I mentioned above, it's free! Why not grab your copy now?
Enjoyed this post? Please share:
Why not subscribe to my blog?
If you've enjoyed this post, how about subscribing to my blog via RSS feed or email? Either click the links in my blog sidebar or sign up via Networked Blogs, also in the sidebar. It'll be great to have you on board!
Free books when you sign up for my newsletter!
Sign up for my newsletter and you'll receive books from other novelists (with their permission, of course!), reading recommendations, discounts on my future releases, as well as promotions and giveaways. I'll contact you every two months or when I release a new title, and will never divulge your details to any third parties. To sign up, click this link. Thank you!July 4, 2017
The Second Captive has now been republished!
I'm delighted to announce that today, July 4 2017, sees the republication by Bloodhound Books of my fourth novel, The Second Captive. The Second Captive is a story about emotional dependency and the human condition. Here's a taster:Eighteen-year-old Beth Sutton is abducted and held prisoner in a basement. Dependent on her captor for everything, Beth slowly starts to build a relationship with the man responsible for her imprisonment. But her abductor is guilty of more than just kidnap, and she has the evidence to prove it. When she escapes from the basement Beth's toughest challenge will be dealing with her memories.
When she escapes from the basement Beth’s toughest challenge will be dealing with her memories.
Will Beth ever overcome her trauma? And what is the relationship between love and fear?
For a short while, The Second Captive is priced at just 99c/p. Click the image to buy from your local Amazon store.Enjoyed this post? Please share via the links below: Why not subscribe to my blog?If you've enjoyed this post, how about subscribing to my blog via RSS feed or email? Either click the links in my blog sidebar or sign up via Networked Blogs, also in the sidebar. It'll be great to have you on board!
Free books when you sign up for my newsletter!
Sign up for my newsletter and you'll receive books from other novelists (with their permission, of course!), reading recommendations, discounts on my future releases, as well as promotions and giveaways. I'll contact you every two months or when I release a new title, and will never divulge your details to any third parties. To sign up, click this link. Thank you!June 27, 2017
Book review - The Fourth Monkey, by J D Barker
Best-selling American novelist J D Barker has just released his latest book, a superb thriller called The Fourth Monkey. Here’s a taster of what to expect:Brilliant. Complicated. Psychopath.
That’s the Four Monkey Killer or ‘4MK’. A murderer with a twisted vision and absolutely no mercy.
Detective Sam Porter has hunted him for five long years, the recipient of box after box of grisly trinkets carved from the bodies of 4MK’s victims.
But now Porter has learnt the killer’s twisted history and is racing to do the seemingly impossible – find 4MK’s latest victim before it’s too late…
Sounds great! So why is The Fourth Monkey such a good read? Let’s find out…
Novelist J D BarkerAt the beginning of the book we’re introduced to Sam Porter, a Chicago homicide detective, described by his wife Heather as ‘a cop with anger issues’. The Fourth Monkey plunges into an intriguing start with the death in a road traffic accident of a suspected killer, identified from the small white box he was carrying. Several such boxes, all containing body parts, have been sent to relatives of the man’s other victims. This one contained a severed ear; the police don’t know to whom it belongs, but because 4MK doesn’t kill his victims straight away, they believe she is still alive. Several chapters are written from the latest’s victim’s point of view as she struggles to comprehend what has happened and to escape.What’s more, clues are found with the body that at first don’t mean anything: a dry cleaner’s receipt, a pocket watch and seventy-five cents in change. Other oddities exist, such as the man’s choice of expensive designer shoes coupled with a cheap suit. Oh, and the fact that a diary is also with the corpse; from it, we learn about the killer, from his early life onwards and what has shaped him the way he is, as he uses it to taunt the police.
So what’s the significance of the Fourth Monkey, and why does the killer dub himself The Four Monkey Killer? It’s a reference to the adage ‘hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil’, characterised by the familiar picture of three monkeys. The fourth prohibition is, ‘do no evil’, and the killer targets relatives of those whom he judges to done evil but who have evaded justice.
Sharp characterisation, taut writing that ratchets up the pace, and a truly evil antagonist make The Fourth Monkey a great read. As the book progresses, we learn the significance of the random items found with the victim; even the seventy-five cents in loose change has significance and was planted by the killer. This all makes for great reading and an incredible build-up of tension. The book climbs to a sizzling finish and I highly recommend it.Want to buy The Fourth Monkey? It's available in paper and kindle formats from Amazon via these links: Amazon US/Amazon UK
You can find out more about J D Barker and his books via the following links:
Website: www.jdbarker.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/therealjdbarker
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jdbarkerEnjoyed this post? Please share via the links below: Why not subscribe to my blog?
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Free books when you sign up for my newsletter!
Sign up for my newsletter and you'll receive books from other novelists (with their permission, of course!), reading recommendations, discounts on my future releases, as well as promotions and giveaways. I'll contact you every two months or when I release a new title, and will never divulge your details to any third parties. To sign up, click this link. Thank you!June 6, 2017
Life as a nomadic novelist
Chateau Frontenac, in gorgeous Quebec CityThose who know me well are familiar with my wanderlust! I've been passionate about solo travel for decades now and I've been fortunate to have explored many wonderful countries. For a long time it's been my ambition to combine travel with writing and become, at least for a while, a nomadic novelist. All I need to work is a computer and a decent internet connection, so the idea seemed very achievable. In addition, there were several trips I longed to get under my belt, and most of them were west of the UK, in the Americas. Combined with the nagging feeling I was in somewhat of a rut in Bristol, and it wasn't a hard decision to arrange another overseas jaunt.This time I liked the notion of travelling without a set return date. I bought a one-way ticket to Canada to enable me to fly to Toronto in April 2017, with some vague plans as to where to visit after French Canada, which I'd missed on my last trip to the country back in 1990. I've been travelling for six weeks now, and loving it! When I drafted this post, I was in Quebec City, staying in the heart of the historic Old Town, which is stunning (see the photo above). My aim is to spend a couple of months in Canada before crossing the border into the USA, where I have several friends I want to reconnect with.
My main fear before I set off was whether I'd be able to combine travelling and writing. Previous trips have usually been done as a fast pace, with lots of planes, trains and buses involved - hardly conducive to the quiet writing environment I prefer! I've posted before about how hard I found it to write the first draft of His Kidnapper's Shoes while travelling, and how I only completed the book by parking my butt in the gorgeous city of Sucre, in Bolivia, and not leaving until I'd finished. Hence my concern. How would I manage all the sight-seeing I'd want to do while writing my novels? As well as maintaining the rest of my business - marketing, finance, etc?
Beautiful Toronto, my destination last week!It turns out I needn't have worried; if the past few weeks are a sound indicator, then I'll be fine. I'm maintaining a full work schedule and still getting to visit the sights I want to see. The evenings here in Ottawa, my current location, are light until about eight pm, so I've been working during the day and getting out and about in the evenings when it's cooler anyway. I've also been trying to arrange travel and sight-seeing whenever possible at the weekends. It's all working out well and I still have plenty of time left to practise yoga, read and socialise. It helps that I don't have a set itinerary; there's nowhere I need to be at any particular time. From what I understand, this way of working is becoming more common, with more and more people choosing to become digital nomads. and why not? If your work is internet-based, such as web design or life coaching, then you can earn money wherever you are in the world. You're not location-dependent for your income. It's immensely freeing and if, like me, you love travelling, it's the ideal solution. As I mentioned earlier, I'd become aware I was deep in a rut in Bristol, and needed to break out. It feels exactly right to be backpacking again, with everything I need in a couple of bags, moving from one wonderful place to another, doing as I please. To reflect that, I intend to change the focus of this blog; I'll still post book reviews, author interviews and other book-related topics, but I'll also post updates about my life as a nomadic novelist and how I'm making it work for me. Who knows, maybe I'll inspire some of my readers to become digital nomads! See you in Rio, perhaps!Enjoyed this post? Please share:
Why not subscribe to my blog?If you've enjoyed this post, how about subscribing to my blog via RSS feed or email? Either click the links in my blog sidebar or sign up via Networked Blogs, also in the sidebar. It'll be great to have you on board!
Free books when you sign up for my newsletter!
Sign up for my newsletter and you'll receive books from other novelists (with their permission, of course!), reading recommendations, discounts on my future releases, as well as promotions and giveaways. I'll contact you every two months or when I release a new title, and will never divulge your details to any third parties. To sign up, click this link. Thank you!May 17, 2017
Sister, Psychopath is to be republished by Bloodhound Books!
I'm delighted to announce that I have signed a publishing contract for Sister, Psychopath with Bloodhound Books! They will republish the novel on October 3, 2017. I will then have all my full-length fiction under publishing contracts. I believe my Bloodhound contracts will work well with my Lake Union one to cross-sell my books, and I'm very pleased about this latest development in my writing career.Enjoyed this post? Please share via the links below:Why not subscribe to my blog?
If you've enjoyed this post, how about subscribing to my blog via RSS feed or email? Either click the links in my blog sidebar or sign up via Networked Blogs, also in the sidebar. It'll be great to have you on board!
Free books when you sign up for my newsletter!
Sign up for my newsletter and you'll receive books from other novelists (with their permission, of course!), reading recommendations, discounts on my future releases, as well as promotions and giveaways. I'll contact you every two months or when I release a new title, and will never divulge your details to any third parties. To sign up, click this link. Thank you!
