Have Written – Reflections

Today, I read an article about New Zealand author Felicity Price [Your Weekend, The Dominion Post, February 10, 2018].

In her writing career, she won a publishing deal with Random House for 4 novels then self-published 3 further novels. Two of her books were top bestsellers in NZ for three months but she couldn’t make a living from it. Exhausted by trying to sell her work in larger numbers she has decided to give up “her passion”.

That is so sad, especially as she acknowledges that “it’s not the promise of money, but the very act of writing that hooks us authors”.

So often we equate success with money. We overlook the achievement of creating and publishing a novel. That too is something to be proud of. I am proud of my 11 novels and Felicity should be proud of her output.

Here, in order of production, with a snapshot of praise from various critics, is my output of thrillers after I retired from fulltime employment:

Reversal Point (two editions)

“Action from the beginning” – Amazon top reviewer.
“I love the idea of the main protagonist starting in the South of France and then forsaking all to go to the rescue of an heiress in distress” – Phil Rowan, novelist.

Tortolona

“The characters are complex and interesting, the setting familiar enough to engage and unfamiliar enough to be intriguing” – Andrew Wright, novelist.
“I admire Devine’s ability to concoct and then carry off these plots and action” – Andrew J Killick, freelance editor.

Relinquished

“A riveting story when the thriller element kicks in” – Tina Shaw, novelist.
“Exciting, intriguing, absorbing – a great read” – Andrew J Killick, freelance editor.

Island of Regrets

“You’ll be kept guessing right to the end” – Tim Jones, writer.
“The fantastic characters really drew me into the story... Maybe it would have been better served over three books, not one” – Judge, 21st Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards.

A Halo of Strawberries

“This is a powerful book... An accessible read” – Andrew J Killick, freelance editor.
“Reminiscent of Maurice Gee’s books” – Tina Shaw, novelist.

Green Expectations

“Exposes the strength of passions on both side of the ‘green’ argument” – Mike Britton, conservationist.
“A rich story salted with scenes that challenge the characters and the readers... Peppered with New Zealand culture” – Judge, 22nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards.


Green Machinations (sequel)

“A truly important novel for thoughtful people who care [about the environment] – which should be anyone!” – Judge, 23rd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards.
“New Zealand writing in the best sense of the term” – Tina Shaw, novelist.

Hillsend

“Right away, I was drawn into this story... I kept turning pages, wanting to know what would happen. A great read. Recommended” – Judge, 23rd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards.
“Set against a backdrop of adventure and upheaval that Devine does so well” – Andrew J Killick, freelance editor.

Losing & Winning

“Devine grows in leaps and bounds as an author” – Tina Shaw, novelist.
“A fast-paced storyline that weaves its way around the globe from its New Zealand setting” – Andrew J Killick, freelance editor.

Political Secret

“An exciting pursuit story and an engaging read” – Tina Shaw, novelist.
“One of my favourite books by Devine and an exciting international spy thriller” – Andrew J Killick, freelance editor.

All books available from Amazon.com and other outlets. For details about the books, go to the author’s website – www.thomaswdevine.com.