The Alec Fincham Series

OK, so I've never done a blog before, so I'm a little lost as to what I suppose to do?

As for the books, I'm currently working on one I've called Snake Variation (Yes, it's the chess theme I'm sticking to), and it's all about the Arab Spring and the break in at the Cairo Museum. Still got a way to go though.

Also workking on a few short stories, one a follow on to Fried Fox, where someone actually gave me feedback that they wished the story had continued. Well don't say I don't listen to my readers, the follow up will arrive soon, I'm around 6600 words in, but still need to develop a suitable ending.
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Published on February 19, 2012 10:53
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message 1: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave No real chance of addinng to the story. Home on holiday, but there are jobs to do, and apparently they come first or the wife gets annoyed!

Not only that, she's nicked my Kindle and I'm reading on an internet tablet.

Have so much in my head to write, and so little time to type it out. When will someone develop a system that can read your thoughts and type them out?


message 2: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave No writing tonight, had to go and buy a new charger for my pc tablet.

Still it can't be all work, work, work.


message 3: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave Well into the 50K mark for the next book and only have the finishing straight to complete, although I'm probably a lot further away than I think.

Alao have a couple of shorts in the pipeline. Ones complete, but I think I want to re-write a little. Another two have a fair way to go, but won't be touching those till I finish the novel.


message 4: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave How the hell does this blogging lark work?

Between working, writing and looking after the home, what time is there left?

Still at least I managed to put a few thousand words onto the latest Fincham adventure this week. It's still nowhere ready to be released, have to cobble some bits together, and then a major proof read and edit. Still, I've managed to rob the Cairo museum in the process!


message 5: by Roger (last edited Dec 29, 2012 02:20PM) (new)

Roger Cave The story above is still in editing, but my editor is struggling to find the time to finish it. Other work commitments are getting in the way.

In the meantime I started two short stories to compliment Fried Fox and English Rat. One of them being a follow on story. However a short story is now at 40,000 words, which I suppose makes it a novella? Nearly finiched that one, which is entitled Mongoose Variation.

Then I have another one on the go, Monticelli Trap, but although I've written the opening bits and pieces, I'm wondering how to end it. Still a little planning to do on that one, I think.


message 6: by Roger (last edited Apr 20, 2013 06:20AM) (new)

Roger Cave Well finally finished the two books I was tinkering with and have released them. Plodding along with Monticelli Trap, but had the flu over Christmas and still going to work, not really had the engergy to think, never mind write.


message 7: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave Monticello Trap is coming together and I'm nearing the end. It's set in Sorrento, which has given me lots of backdrops to use.

I've also et up a Facebook page for everyone to have a look at.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Roger-C...

I've just added a piece on there about a blue diamond found in South Africa, which mirrors my book Deep Blue. Take a look.


message 8: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave So Monticelli Trap is finished, and becomes book 11 in the series.

Not the usual story, as Alec is actually on holiday, and things go terribly wrong.

Just going through it again as a sense check, then it's off for editing and a couple of beta readers. So a little way to go, but quite pleased with the story line behind this one.


message 9: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave Still waiting for Monticello Trap to come back from editing, but idle hands and all that! So, I've started the next in the series. It should end up being called Torre Attack.

Only 9000 words in and a long way to go, but let's see how it develops.


message 10: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave Why not try one of the Alec Fincham novels for £1.53$2.99

Fincham is seconded to MI6 from the Special Boat Service. He's a highly trained professional killer. However, that's not his story, it's just his job.

The novels are full of action, gun battles, espionage, and daring do. They're jam packed with weapons, fast cars, fascinating characters, and exotic locations.

What more could you ask for?

The Barcza Gambit by Roger Cave Sicilian Defence by Roger Cave White King by Roger Cave Zugzwang by Roger Cave Octopus Knight by Roger Cave Medusa Defence by Roger Cave Deep Blue by Roger Cave Grand Prix Variation by Roger Cave Queen's Knight by Roger Cave Snake Variation by Roger Cave Mongoose Variation by Roger Cave Fried Fox and English Rat by Roger Cave Monticelli Trap by Roger Cave

Come and meet Alec Fincham and his friends, and of course his enemies.

And don't forget to come and see the Facebook page for the books, which has details of locations, cars and weapons, as well as some down to earth stuff.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Roger-...


message 11: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave OK, so been busy writing book 12, Torre Attack, and I'm nearly at the point of sending for editing.

Time has been tight of late, so after writing 60000 words in a couple of weeks, I'm down to around 1000 words a week. Nevertheless, it's nearly there.

So what's after that. I think a novella. Something a little shorter than 95000 words. Kriespiel would be the name, but what could the story be?


message 12: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave So, started a new job, and now too tired when I get in to write. Torre Attack stands at 96000 words and still not finished.

The books usually take m a few months to finish, but this stands at ten months, and I'm still not quite there.

I'm not even getting much time to read at the moment either. I'll try to get my head down this weekend and cross the finish line.


message 13: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave So, book 12, Torre Attack is finished. It runs to 105000 words, and i've received the hard copy, which I'll hand over for editing.

So, on to the next one. I have a choice of three possible, but I che to write the opening sequence to something that is currently called Red Queen.

I've also reduced all my existing books down to £1.00/$1.00 for a few weeks, while I await the return of the editing notes.


message 14: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave So, book 12 is going through it's final editing. Hopefully it should be a small tidy up.

I should, therefore, have it up and ready to download in a couple of weeks.

Have I begun another? Of course I have, but not getting time to write t he moment, so only a chapter in. There's a long way to go, although I'm thinking this one may be a fast paced novella.


message 15: by Roger (last edited Sep 11, 2020 04:02PM) (new)

Roger Cave Editing done and published and here it is -

Torre Attack The Alec Fincham Novels #12 by Roger Cave

Now where? I've begun two stories at once, maybe two short stories, or concentrate on one.

Moscow, Iraq, and Afghanistan, are all on the radar or settings.


message 16: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave OK, I sort of concentrated on one, which ended up being called Lion's Jaw. Trouble is, I may not release it, well not as yet. It's only 23000 words long, so it's a novella, I suppose.

So that takes me on to the next one, Red Queen. Already 10000 words in, and still building the plot. Nevertheless, Fincham has already had at least one attempt on his life.

Shame about Lion's Jaw, I'll sleep on it a while.


message 17: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave Still sleeping on Lion' Jaw, which isn't a good thing for a thriller!

The next book has only moved to 13,000 words, and I'm stuck in a conversation I'm not sure how to end. In fact, it's not moving along too quickly at all, as I'm struggling to find the time to write!

Perhaps I should stop the blog and write the book instead?


message 18: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave As you can probably gather, I'm that busy, I've even missed wishing everyone happy Christmas. So, before I forget, have a happy new year.

As for the writing, that's taking a back seat too. I'm still not sure what to do with Lion's Jaw, and I'm slowly moving on with the next one, Red Queen. Although from October, I've made less progress than usual. Still, head down and plod on!


message 19: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave It's been a while and I don't update this as much as I should.

I still can't decide what to do with Lion's Jaw, but Red Queen is progressing, if a little slowly. It currently stands at somewhere around 40,000 words, and Fincham is stuck in Kazan.

Time is still an issue, but it's getting there, even though it's taking me some time.


message 20: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave So, in a month only around 8000 words, which is terribly slow, even for me. Things just keep getting in the way of writing.

Lion's Jaw may never see the light of day, unless someone is desperate to read it!

I also need to do a little more promotion, as that too is on the back burner.

It'll all come together soon.


message 21: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave So, book 13 is turning out to be unlucky for me! It usually tskes me around 6 months to type, and then some time st the end to edit and polish. But it's taken around 14 months for this one and still not finished

It's now around 72000 words but still a way to go. I'll have to chain myself to a desk for a while and really focus!


message 22: by Roger (last edited Sep 11, 2020 03:58PM) (new)

Roger Cave Three months later and book 13.... Still isn't finished!!

But I'm nearly there a couple of chapters to go and I'm done. Then comes the really hard work - editing.

So, I should be able to release two stories together, the novel and a novella!

Plenty of cars, watches, guns, and the usual stuff from Fincham and the gang to come the.

Then it's on to book 14 - the plot is there, now it's just a case of bashing away at the keys - there all the right words, just not necessarily in the right order!


message 23: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave Book 13, finally, it's finished. Hard to write, but apparently an easy read. I have someone doing the editing for me, and fairly soon it should be available.

So, have i stopped there?

Well, no, but am I taking on more than I can handle?

Let's hope not, as I've started 14, 15, and 16 all at the same time.


message 24: by Roger (last edited Sep 11, 2020 04:00PM) (new)

Roger Cave So, boom, 13 is off for it's second edit, and books 14, 15 and 16 are all in motion.

While we're waiting for book 13, why not take a look at Lion's Jaw, which I decided to release.

Lion's Jaw An Alec Fincham Novella Book #2 by Roger Cave


message 25: by Roger (last edited Aug 18, 2016 03:38PM) (new)

Roger Cave So, I have provisional titles for books 14, 15, and 16, and they're all moving along. Slowly, but nevertheless, moving!

I seem to be concentrating on one at the moment, so that looks like number 14, although one of these three should have been number 6, and that's the one that's stalling a little.

I shall plod on, but 15 (6) needs a transitional part to be written to move the story along after the next section. Problem is, I've changed direction a little, so a bit of replanning required.

And we do this for fun?


message 26: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave Was it really August when I last updated this!

Well I still have to publish 13. It's ready, but I've had problems with KDP, of my own doing, unfortunately.

So, I should have it out by Christmas.

Also still working on 14, 15, and 16, albeit a little slowly, but they're moving. The plot's have now changed a little, but for the better, I think. I just need to dedicate a little more time to the writing, which, for a number of unfortunate reasons, I haven't had the mind to do during 2016.


message 27: by Roger (last edited Dec 17, 2016 07:19AM) (new)

Roger Cave So, at last!

No, not the new book, I'm finally back on the Lending Library and KDP Select after an enforced ban due to my own stupidity. Unfortunately, I left an electronic version of the book elsehwere outside of Amazon, when I'd accidentally made a muck of trying to remove it, but it's all fixed now!

So, the books are back in all formats, I'm ready to release the next in the series, and three more to come.

https://www.amazon.com/Roger-Cave/e/B...

Just hoping for a better 2017!

Merry Christmas everyone!


message 28: by Roger (last edited Jan 05, 2017 06:21PM) (new)

Roger Cave Unlucky for some, but book 13 is finally available.

Just trying to update Goodreads to include the book.

Here it is: https://www.amazon.com/Red-Queen-Alec...

And checkout the Facebook updates: https://www.facebook.com/Roger-Cave-4...


message 29: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave So, book 14 is to be called Accelerated Dragon and is currently 32000, and change, words long.

So quite a way to go, but moving along.

Books 15 and 16 are paused while i crack on with the first. Also got a bit of plot trouble with 15. I need to get the pitch in chapter 4 a little tighter, but the rest is moving fine, it all links together.

Anyway, back to it.


message 30: by Roger (last edited Oct 20, 2017 02:20AM) (new)

Roger Cave Been a while since I updated this as I've been taking a qualification for work. It's done and dusted now, and I'm back to Accelerated Dragon, which is around 50,000 words now.

In the meantime join me on Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/Roger-Cave-490...


message 31: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave So, what's changed.

I've got a free book up for grabs over this weekend, and I'm starting to get back into Accelerated Dragon (Alec Fincham #14).

It's been a difficult going, as I've been taking a course for a few months this year to gain a qualification and all the writing (and reading) took a back seat. But that's all done with now, and I'm back to writing, when I can.

The book on offer is a Novella, Lion's Jaw, so have a look at the description, and if it looks like some thing that may be your thing, then give it a go.

I've also missed some writing time as I've been away to Rhodes, and what a beautiful place that is. It's also a good place to base a book, as the Turkish coast isn't that far away, and can easily be reached by boat (I've done it!). Equally, the old, medieval, walled Rhodes Town is a fantastic place to wander round. In fact, it's where the end scenes for the Guns of Navarone were filmed.


message 32: by Roger (last edited Apr 15, 2018 04:19PM) (new)

Roger Cave So, over six months since I updated this thread, and months since I joined in on the conversations elsewhere.

Why? Well I passed that qualification, and then things became a tad complicated at work. It still is, but I'm still in a job, which even 5 weeks ago wasn't that certain. I'm going to be busier at work, but that's a good thing, as I seem to write more when I'm busier at work, which also explains why my writing has taken a dip in the last 12 months.

It has settled me down a little, which has allowed me to return to some writing, as it's well over 12 months since I released anything.

As such, Accelerated Dragon is around 78000 words long and I'm only a few chapters from the planned end. I say planned, as something came to me today, and I wondered if I should throw a spanner in the works near the end. Maybe? Maybe not?

Anyhow, now the books progressing, I'll get it finished ASAP, then there are two more stories in the works!

But, one at a time.

I'll get the cover uploaded on to Facebook, the closer I get to finishing the story - then the editing and clean up, which can take a while, and is my least favourite part!


message 33: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave Finally finished and first edit complete for book #14 - Accelerated Dragon!

More edits still to do, but finally progressing.


message 34: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave Book 14 done, dusted and scheduled for release 16 August 2018!!!!!


message 35: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave At long last, Accelerated Dragon s ready for download from tomorrow, the 16th August 2018.

Alec Fincham is sent to Afghanistan to investigate an ambush on an elite SAS patrol.

However, the Russians believe they may be able to help him, but he must go to Moscow, as they also need a favour.

Can he trust them, and why do they need his help?


message 36: by Roger (new)

Roger Cave So, the writing is slow going at the minute, as I'm really busy in my day job.

Just to keep things moving:
There is a week long promotion for a number of the Alec Fincham novels, which will be reduced to £0.99/$0.99 from the 22nd to the 28th of November

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Roger-Cave/e....

USA - https://www.amazon.com/Roger-Cave/e/B...


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