tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18269783791019958932024-03-13T19:58:05.030+00:00Col Bury's New Crime FictionCOL BURY'S NEW CRIME FICTIONAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.comBlogger197125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-80360595071315588982016-10-24T21:02:00.001+01:002016-10-24T21:02:37.448+01:00IMPROMPTU INTERVIEW AT HARROGATE...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MsP7ouqc1i8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MsP7ouqc1i8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsP7ouqc1i8Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-32572162181514761792016-07-12T23:03:00.001+01:002016-07-12T23:03:09.335+01:00HARROGATE HERE WE COME...Way too much to catch up on over the last year, so just a quick post to say <a href="http://harrogateinternationalfestivals.com/crime-writing-festival/">Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival</a> beckons and I'm honoured to be reading a short story along with nine other far more talented authors at Harrogate's first ever 'Noir at the Bar'. I'll also be 'starring' in the North v South crime writers' footy match. Should be fun. Hope to see you there.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZIirXC5aqM/V4Vn1Nmo1OI/AAAAAAAABX8/-zjUTsM9Ka84FKaSlZSA6LQC7e0MH3sGACLcB/s1600/Noir%2Bat%2Bthe%2BBar%2BHarrogate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZIirXC5aqM/V4Vn1Nmo1OI/AAAAAAAABX8/-zjUTsM9Ka84FKaSlZSA6LQC7e0MH3sGACLcB/s640/Noir%2Bat%2Bthe%2BBar%2BHarrogate.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-44107031106452951072015-07-29T01:28:00.001+01:002015-07-29T01:28:08.070+01:00Guest post: Col Bury – Keep Dreaming<a href="http://www.mjm-ink.com/guest-post-col-bury-keep-dreaming/#.VbgeC46h4eg.blogger">Guest post: Col Bury – Keep Dreaming</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-13261419384631219792015-06-11T23:18:00.000+01:002015-06-16T11:21:07.930+01:00MY KIND OF JUSTICE - BOOK LAUNCH & PRE-ORDER DETAILS...At long last the launch of my debut crime novel MY KIND OF JUSTICE is upon us. I'm naturally both nervous and excited. A big thank you to Urmston Bookshop for helping with the arrangements and to Matt Hilton for asking the questions. Here are the details...<br />
(Note: the launch is at Urmston Library, not the bookshop.)<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H-M6DS0RoOY/VXoFDLcxn1I/AAAAAAAABVs/iOKXCMLXSYI/s1600/Launch%2Bflyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H-M6DS0RoOY/VXoFDLcxn1I/AAAAAAAABVs/iOKXCMLXSYI/s640/Launch%2Bflyer.jpg" width="451" /></a></div>
<br />
It would be great to see you there, but if you can't make it then here are some links to order...<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iLPYQ4qgzg0/VXoIgfcIdjI/AAAAAAAABV4/x1ZQZLhk9cI/s1600/My%2BKind%2Bof%2BJustice%2B-%2BCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iLPYQ4qgzg0/VXoIgfcIdjI/AAAAAAAABV4/x1ZQZLhk9cI/s200/My%2BKind%2Bof%2BJustice%2B-%2BCover.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00YZ1YBN2/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_ZAUCvb0FR5C7E">Amazon UK (ebook & print)</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Kind-Justice-Would-Striker-ebook/dp/B00YZ1YBN2/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1434060693">Amazon US (ebook & print)</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.caffeinenightsbooks.com/store/p177/My_Kind_of_Justice_-_Preorder.html">Caffeine Nights Publishing (print)</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/my-kind-of-justice">Kobo (ebook)</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-26662563403240061152015-01-08T18:22:00.000+00:002015-01-08T18:22:36.332+00:00Cover and Blurb of Debut Novel, MY KIND OF JUSTICE - out June 2015.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F_wsGUCkAR0/VK69--lkL9I/AAAAAAAABUE/zW-7l8VE6pA/s1600/My%2BKind%2Bof%2BJustice%2B-%2BCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F_wsGUCkAR0/VK69--lkL9I/AAAAAAAABUE/zW-7l8VE6pA/s1600/My%2BKind%2Bof%2BJustice%2B-%2BCover.jpg" height="400" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: orange;">Out June 2015 via Caffeine Nights Publishing</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Newly-appointed DI Jack Striker, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, has a dark secret, one that would land him in prison. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Striker’s first case seems a straight-forward gang-on-gang slaying, until a notorious youth is found hanged. Before any chance to investigate, bodies begin stacking-up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With the hot breath of the brass burning his neck, including hard-faced DCI Maria Cunningham who’s onto him, Striker knows this case will make or break him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The media-dubbed ‘Hoodie Hunter’ mixes MO’s, leaving few leads, and Striker recognises the work of a highly-skilled vigilante killer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When Striker’s nephew is put into a coma, it becomes personal. Desperate, he runs an unofficial op’ with trusty colleagues, stunning DC Lauren Collinge and un-PC DC Eric Bardsley, placed in the line of fire.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The killer’s trail leads Striker into his own shady past, but will he catch the Hoodie Hunter before he or a colleague becomes the next victim?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/THE-COPS-MANCHESTER-Col-Bury-ebook/dp/B00BP3WWX4/ref=pd_sim_kinc_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0539690M6CASJG7QAWAC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PhzASfV0OUE/VK7IQv_uFCI/AAAAAAAABUU/XA9UX1zcfkw/s1600/COPS%2Bof%2BMC'R%2Bcover.jpg" height="200" width="135" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you can't wait till June, DI Jack Striker and the Hoodie Hunter feature in the short story, MOPPING UP in the ebook collection, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/THE-COPS-MANCHESTER-Col-Bury-ebook/dp/B00BP3WWX4/ref=pd_sim_kinc_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0RSBJQVAFTPDZBTN1E9R">THE COPS OF MANCHESTER</a>. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-42548850450215553092014-07-24T22:43:00.002+01:002014-07-24T22:50:56.984+01:00I'm over at BRIT GRIT ALLEY... "SEEKING THAT VALIDATION OF A ‘YES’: THE ROAD TO PUBLICATION…"<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zC1eIS6KlX0/U9F85SsMq9I/AAAAAAAABTc/MoSwENRBS3Q/s1600/Col's+desk.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></div>
Noir-man, writer extraordinaire and all-round good egg (or all-oval), who is everywhere all the time, <a href="http://pauldbrazill.com/">Paul D. Brazill </a>kindly asked me to share my thoughts on how I (finally) got published. So, I'm over at the salubrious(ish!) <a href="http://www.outofthegutteronline.com/2014/07/brit-grit-alley-features-interviews.html?spref=fb">BGA</a> spilling the beans...<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-79939019876894232992014-07-17T12:50:00.000+01:002014-07-17T12:50:05.210+01:00IT'S BEEN A LONG OLD JOURNEY AND I'VE FINALLY REACHED THE START...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-huPPaXDbcYo/U8ewardmNjI/AAAAAAAABTM/zWNijgIo-Ew/s1600/Caffeine+Nights+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-huPPaXDbcYo/U8ewardmNjI/AAAAAAAABTM/zWNijgIo-Ew/s1600/Caffeine+Nights+logo.jpg" height="278" width="320" /></a></div>
After years of trying to be published traditionally, and several false dawns and near misses, I finally bagged a book deal. It's the boost I needed at the perfect time as it's been a somewhat frustrating experience and my head was turned numerous times by the successes of some self-published friends. However, I resisted because deep down I yearned for that validation of a "Yes" from a publisher.<br />
<br />
I'd just like to thank my many supportive friends and the readers who offered feedback, which spurred me on in dark times. And, of course, a big thanks for the faith shown in my writing by <b><i>Darren Laws</i></b>, the head honcho at <a href="http://caffeine-nights.com/home/4581879867">Caffeine Nights Publishing</a>, who will publish my first novel, MY KIND OF JUSTICE, later next year.<br />
<br />
Now, with impeccable synchronicity, the sun is shining in 'rainy' Manchester and I'm off to <a href="http://harrogateinternationalfestivals.com/crime/">Harrogate Crime Festival</a> to celebrate! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-83821365524383303542014-03-10T01:58:00.001+00:002014-03-10T01:58:43.647+00:00R.I.P. mate...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yeyN_4rAHCs/Ux0avKH7sAI/AAAAAAAABRQ/F6YQDNVlMPo/s1600/Col,+Richard,+AJ+-+Cheers!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yeyN_4rAHCs/Ux0avKH7sAI/AAAAAAAABRQ/F6YQDNVlMPo/s1600/Col,+Richard,+AJ+-+Cheers!.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
It was an honour to know and meet you, AJ Hayes (Bill).<br />
<br />
Tributes over at <a href="http://thrillskillsnchills.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/a-tribute-to-late-great-aj-hayes-bill.html">Thrillers, Killers 'n' Chillers...</a><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-31082098935214600972013-10-24T16:15:00.001+01:002013-10-24T21:42:01.013+01:00HELLO, BLOG! LONG TIME NO SEE. UPDATES & NEWS OF A FREEBIE FOR YOU...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mo6cS1EtKrY/Umk3dNb2D7I/AAAAAAAABOc/Pnr4fB4q5Ho/s1600/Manc+6+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mo6cS1EtKrY/Umk3dNb2D7I/AAAAAAAABOc/Pnr4fB4q5Ho/s320/Manc+6+cover.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="color: orange;"><i><b>(If you wanna skip my ramblings to snag the FREEBIE and run, then scroll down).</b></i></span><br />
<br />
Just a wanted to say that I'm not ignoring you and that I'm still bang at it, as I endeavour to chase that elusive breakthrough. I've recently been floored by a bout of vertigo that has had me in and out of work. I'm hopeful it will settle, but I know people who've had it on and off for years.<br />
<br />
Anyhow, back to writing. My second crime novel manuscript is out there, via my agent, being read by editors. After the encouraging feedback received with the first one a couple of years ago, there's still hope. However, this is tempered by concern that they just might not 'get it', since I took a calculated gamble with the plot twist, making it a 'crossover' novel. The responses have been sluggish, at best, so it doesn't look too good. I can't say that it's not been frustrating, but no one said it was easy! Nothing worthwhile is.<br />
<br />
Anyway, we'll see. Of course, I've started a third, something of a change of tack, but less of a gamble, and still a crime thriller. To be honest, I'm bursting to unleash my novels on the public, though I'm trying my best to remain patient and to not become too exasperated at the slow-turning traditional publishing cogs. I can see why so many writers self-publish their novels these days. It's very appealing on so many levels, but I still have faith in the traditional route, albeit at a particularly uncertain time for the industry.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, my eBook collections are serving their purpose and being consistently read. The positive feedback from readers has kept me going. It feels like I'm getting closer, knocking on the door... and soon I'll be kicking the damn thing down (hopefully)!<br />
<br />
After resisting this on principle up until now, in a 'shift of mindset' (aka 'selling out'?), I've decided to run a <span style="color: orange;"><b>FREE promo (until Sunday 27th October 2013)</b></span> on my short story collection, <b><i>MANCHESTER 6</i></b>. After all, writers should give their stuff away shouldn't they? I mean, it's not like they've sweated blood and tears creating their masterpieces, while everyone else is watching telly and chillin' out, is it? <br />
<br />
You're welcome to spread the word about the freebie, which would help ensure that it wasn't a complete waste of time! I wonder if Kindles the world over are now filled up with eBooks that will never see the light of day...? I also wanted to see if these types of promos worked on short story collections as opposed to novels. To be honest, I couldn't see myself doing a free promo on a novel that has taken a year, or more, to develop.<br />
<br />
In other news, I got my hat-trick! Three years on the bounce, having stories accepted for Maxim Jakubowski's brilliant <i><b>MAMMOTH BOOKS OF BEST BRITISH CRIME</b></i>. This time <b><i>EYES WIDE SHUT</i></b> from charity anthology, <b><i>OFF THE RECORD 2: At the Movies</i></b>, was selected. <br />
<br />
I will have some more 'Fat-Chews' with crime authors for you soon, once 'things' settle down a bit.<br />
<br />
Finally, I'll update you with the result of my free promo 'experiment', once results are in, but a day and half into it the five days and the signs are promising...<br />
<br />
US downloads = 155 & UK = 313. US rank = 1,299 (#2 in mystery short stories). UK rank = 119 (#1 in short stories).<br />
<br />
NAB YOUR FREE COPY...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/MANCHESTER-6-Col-Bury-ebook/dp/B007ITA0GK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1382616321&sr=8-2&keywords=col+bury">AMAZON US</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/MANCHESTER-6-ebook/dp/B007ITA0GK/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1337689192&sr=1-1">AMAZON UK</a><br />
<br />
You take care and keep soldiering on (unless it's driving you insane, in which case, take a break).<br />
Ever determined.<br />
ColAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-64343622662802905992013-06-27T19:50:00.000+01:002013-06-27T19:54:30.473+01:00CHEWING THE FAT with... Richard Godwin...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r_iY0R5cw-o/Ucx-qtGZ71I/AAAAAAAABNU/2SIhWfk93ek/s1600/One+Lost+Summer+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r_iY0R5cw-o/Ucx-qtGZ71I/AAAAAAAABNU/2SIhWfk93ek/s320/One+Lost+Summer+cover.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apostle Rising is a dark, </span><i style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">psycho</i><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-logical and moody novel. One Lost Summer sounds lovely, suggesting sun and flowers, but I suspect I'm wrong. Tell us about it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Despite
the fact that it is set in a heat wave <i>One
Lost Summer</i> is a dark seductive novel about identity loss and reality. And
it is about why we want to be seduced.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rex Allen
meets his beautiful next door neighbour, Evangeline Glass, when she invites him
to one of her summer parties, and he becomes convinced she is someone other
than the person she is pretending to be. He sets about spying on her and asks
her to act out the part of Coral, who may be a figment of his imagination or
Evangeline’s alter ego. His obsession leads to disaster. It is a psychological
portrait of obsession set in a heat wave. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Despite
being on your third novel (Mr Glamour being the second), unlike many novelists,
you still find the time to write short stories for the ezines. Why?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I like
short stories. I think they are an excellent way to explore fiction in shorter
form. I also enjoy contributing to the magazines. And they bring exposure to a
new audience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">When you
kindly put me up on my London visit, you still got up at 7.00 am and did a
couple of hours writing. Rather than thinking, 'ignorant
bugger', I admired you for it! This made me realise that you
are a true pro' and have the self-discipline to get the job done. Have
you always been so steadfastly organised?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Not
always. When I was younger probably not, but discipline is necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">So far,
your novels are 'standalones'. Any thoughts on creating a series character?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes. I am
writing the sequel to <i>Apostle Rising</i>.
For those of you who have read it, the novel, while complete, remains open for
a sequel, and that should be out next year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Any words
of wisdom for the writers out there who want to fulfil their dream of becoming
a full-time novelist? </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Keep writing.</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cJeEWfNSW1M/Ucx_yp5IVtI/AAAAAAAABNg/eIK4HWKfpAY/s728/Richard+formal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cJeEWfNSW1M/Ucx_yp5IVtI/AAAAAAAABNg/eIK4HWKfpAY/s320/Richard+formal.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">You
can buy <i>One Lost Summer</i> here, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Lost-Summer-Richard-Godwin/dp/0956711340/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372356831&sr=1-3">Amazon UK</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Lost-Summer-Richard-Godwin/dp/0956711340/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top">Amazon US</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Richard Godwin is<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>the author
of critically acclaimed novels<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>One
Lost Summer</i>,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Apostle
Rising and</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Mr. Glamour</i>.
<i>One Lost Summer<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>is
his third novel. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He is also a published poet and a
produced playwright. His stories have been published in over 29 anthologies,
among them his anthology of stories,</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Piquant:
Tales Of The Mustard Man</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Apostle Rising</span></i><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">is a dark work of fiction exploring the
blurred line between law and lawlessness and the motivations that lead men to
kill.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mr. Glamour</span></i><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">is about a world of wealthy, beautiful
people who can buy anything, except safety from the killer in their midst.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;">Richard
Godwin was born in London and obtained a BA and MA in English and American
Literature from King's College London, where he also lectured.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u1:p></u1:p>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<span style="line-height: 115%;">You can find out more
about Richard at his website <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.richardgodwin.net/">www.richardgodwin.net</a>, where you can also read his Chin
Wags At The Slaughterhouse, his highly popular and unusual interviews with
other authors.</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-78210713844422242352013-05-26T18:02:00.000+01:002013-05-26T18:16:55.071+01:00Soul Destruction: Unforgivable by Ruth Jacobs - Sample & FREE eBook, if you're quick...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jeKOo14uZRo/UaI8wtO7bDI/AAAAAAAABLk/9Xa49xsWU-A/s1600/SOUL+DESTRUCTION+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jeKOo14uZRo/UaI8wtO7bDI/AAAAAAAABLk/9Xa49xsWU-A/s320/SOUL+DESTRUCTION+Cover.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
<em><strong><span style="color: orange;">(FREE <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Soul-Destruction-Unforgivable-ebook/dp/B00CKBWWKS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1369587652&sr=1-1&keywords=ruth+jacobs">here</a> MAY 26th to a.m. of 28th)</span></strong></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ruth Jacobs
writes a series of novels entitled Soul Destruction, which expose the dark
world and the harsh reality of life as a call girl. Her debut novel, </span><a href="http://soul-destruction.com/bookstore/"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Soul Destruction: Unforgivable</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">,
was released on 29 April 2013 by </span><a href="http://www.caffeine-nights.com/paperbackaudiobook-store.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Caffeine
Nights</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. Ruth studied prostitution in the late 1990s, which sparked her
interest in the subject. She draws on her research and the women she
interviewed for inspiration. She also has firsthand experience of many of the
topics she writes about such as posttraumatic stress disorder, rape, and drug
and alcohol addiction. In addition to her fiction writing, Ruth is also involved
in non-fiction for her charity and human rights campaigning work in the areas
of anti-sexual exploitation and anti-human trafficking. </span><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Soul Destruction: Unforgivable</span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Enter the
bleak existence of a call girl haunted by the atrocities of her childhood. In
the spring of 1997, Shelley Hansard is a drug addict with a heroin habit and
crack psychosis. Her desirability as a top London call girl is waning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When her
client dies in a suite at The Lanesborough Hotel, Shelley’s complex double-life
is blasted deeper into chaos. In her psychotic state, the skills required
to keep up her multiple personas are weakening. Amidst her few friends, and
what remains of her broken family, she struggles to maintain her wall of lies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">During this
tumultuous time, she is presented with an opportunity to take revenge on a
client who raped her and her friends. But in her unbalanced state of mind, can
she stop a serial rapist?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Stranger, the Coke Can and the
Futuristic Street Installation</b> taken from </span><a href="http://soul-destruction.com/the-soul-destruction-series/story-of-a-call-girl-soul-destruction/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Soul Destruction: Unforgivable</span></b></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> by Ruth Jacobs</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shelley
found herself squatting on the dirty floor of a public toilet in Camden Town,
trying to avoid the sparkling streams of urine under the dim light. Twenty
minutes earlier, she’d plucked a young man from the street. He’d been sitting
on the pavement by the Tube station, begging, appearing to be homeless. She had
a knack for picking them – the junkies – and she was rarely wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She
entrusted him with one-hundred and twenty pounds to score sixty brown and sixty
white. He both scored and brought back the drugs – the latter not being a given
when strangers score for strangers, especially when buying heroin and crack.
With that action, sadly, he proved more reliable and perhaps more deserving of
her trust than the majority of people with whom she associated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although in
her cigarette packet she still had the crack from The Lanesborough, she needed
more. And she needed the heroin to come down, but before coming down, she
wanted to get as high as she knew how. Speedballing. The superlative
combination of heroin and crack. The transportation to Shangri-la.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">None of her
friends took heroin. The only two heroin dealers she knew – Jay and Ajay –
weren’t answering their phones. That was why she had to follow her usual Plan
B, which she imagined was no more jeopardous than working.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The stranger
had suggested shooting up in the toilet on Inverness Street. She didn’t want to
wait to walk back to her car so had accompanied him inside the futuristic
street installation. Though the outside was modern, inside it was rank. One of
the worst public conveniences Shelley had ever used for a hit. The stench of
stale urine permeated every cell in the depths of her nasal cavities and from
there, travelled down her throat like post-nasal drip. Even though she kept her
mouth shut, she could taste it on her tongue. It was making her gag. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The spoon he
cooked up in wasn’t a spoon at all. Neither of them had one, so he used the
bottom of a coke can as a substitute. Shelley hoped the boiling would sterilise
the metal. She would have preferred her own clean spoon, but it was in her
glove box.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She wondered
if that was everything he owned, bundled into the small rucksack on his back.
She didn’t ask. She didn’t say anything. And neither did he. Why was she
dressed for the office when she was shooting up in a public toilet? Not that it
would have been difficult to conjure an alternative to what happened at The Lanesborough,
but she wasn’t there for conversation. She was there to forget. In her own way.
Not by the falsehoods Marianne tried to peddle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She rolled
up her sleeves to choose a vein. Her arms were clean. So far, she’d managed to
evade the track marks, lumps, scabs, bruises and abscesses that would have been
tantamount to commercial suicide. To charge upwards of two-hundred and fifty
pounds an hour, her clients could never know she was an injector. So injecting
had to be organised, alternating numerous veins in her arms, hands, legs and
feet. If she was messy, she’d only be able to solicit clients on the street,
and streetwalking came with far more risk and a far lower financial reward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When the
heroin had dissolved, she added a rock of crack. With the young man holding the
can steady, she used the plunger end of her syringe to grind the white stone
into the brown water. She hurried, craving to feel the warm safe-danger, her
body pulsating, and her head pumping like it was pumping out every tormenting memory
it stored. Soon, the relentless playback of those pictures and scenes would
stop. She would have her reprieve. Her respite. And although earning the money
to pay for it created new images, as abhorrent as they were, what she was
originally escaping from was worse.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shelley
proffered her gold twenty-pack. He took a cigarette and, using his teeth, tore
off a chunk of filter. He snatched it from his mouth with his thumb and index
finger then dropped it into the concoction. Shelley noticed the scabs on his
lips and the dirt under his fingernails. The filter wasn’t clean. She needed
the hit.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You first.” A gentleman, he held the can out
in front of Shelley, letting her draw up her shot before him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Pass it
here.” Shelley positioned her filled syringe between her teeth and reached for
the can to reciprocate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once his
barrel was full, she delicately placed the empty can on what seemed like a dry
area of the floor, saving the filter for the next fix. If she was taking one
hit from the dirty filter, what difference would a second make?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She wrapped
one hand around her wrist. She squeezed. On cue, her pulse thumped and the map
of blue veins rose from the back of her hand. She let go, swiped the syringe
from her mouth, removed the orange cap with her teeth and inserted the needle
into a sinking vein at the base of her hand. Pulling back on the plunger, blood
swirled into her medicine. Inside, her rush was brewing. She pushed it all in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Soul
Destruction: Unforgivable was released 29 April 2013. Available worldwide
from all major online retailers in paperback and e-book. Also available direct from </span></b><a href="http://www.caffeine-nights.com/paperbackaudiobook-store.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Caffeine Nights</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MfiJqO47GlA/UaI8_GG606I/AAAAAAAABLs/prJLHi2XN2U/s1600/Ruth+Jacobs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MfiJqO47GlA/UaI8_GG606I/AAAAAAAABLs/prJLHi2XN2U/s1600/Ruth+Jacobs.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Further
information and contact details:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ruth Jacobs’s Amazon author page - UK: </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ruth-Jacobs/e/B008OJ0ZMC"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ruth-Jacobs/e/B008OJ0ZMC</span></span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> and US: </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ruth-Jacobs/e/B008OJ0ZMC"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.amazon.com/Ruth-Jacobs/e/B008OJ0ZMC</span></span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Soul Destruction website: </span></span><a href="http://soul-destruction.com/"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://soul-destruction.com</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Author Website: </span></span><a href="http://ruthjacobs.co.uk/"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://ruthjacobs.co.uk</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ruth’s Facebook page: </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/rujacobs"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.facebook.com/rujacobs</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Soul Destruction Facebook page: </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/SoulDestructionSeries"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.facebook.com/SoulDestructionSeries</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ruth on Twitter: </span></span><a href="http://twitter.com/RuthFJacobs"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://twitter.com/RuthFJacobs</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Join Ruth’s mailing
list </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://eepurl.com/wyrlf" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></span></a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-26053827550062824092013-03-12T20:43:00.000+00:002013-03-12T20:43:00.095+00:00New eBook - THE COPS OF MANCHESTER...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lUepN94MQDw/UT-Q16S9EPI/AAAAAAAABH0/kJkxmMUJhVc/s1600/COPS+OF+MC'R+-+FINAL+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lUepN94MQDw/UT-Q16S9EPI/AAAAAAAABH0/kJkxmMUJhVc/s400/COPS+OF+MC'R+-+FINAL+COVER.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Well, as I come to the 'end' (?) of rewrite three of novel
attempt two, having re-plotted, cut and replaced 35,000 words, I decided
another short story collection was long overdue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here's what people are saying about <i><b>THE COPS OF
MANCHESTER</b></i>...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>“Short, sharp, shocking - and all set in my beloved
Manchester. Great Stuff!” - Mandasue Heller, bestselling crime writer.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>“Bury is going places. He shows boldness by tackling
different styles of writing which encompass humour, paranoia, action thrillers
and urban discontent.” - Crimesquad.com<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>“Col Bury pulls no punches, landing a flurry of hard jabs to
the solar plexus that leaves us breathless. This is tight, gritty, bare-knuckle
writing.” - Howard Linskey, author of The Drop.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>“Fast dialogue and edgy plots, keeps you turning the pages.
Cracking!” - Sheila Quigley, author of the Seahills series, and the Holy Island
trilogy.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Product Description...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ever fancied being a cop? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Could you handle the pressure of hunting down a vigilante
who’s killing criminals at a ferocious rate? Consider how you would deliver a
death message to a distraught parent. Would you protect the public by tailing a
gangster’s vehicle, knowing the occupants were armed? Or follow a suspect into
a dark alley? How would years of dealing with society’s appalling, and often
violent, underbelly affect you? And, does anyone really like a bent cop?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Love them or loathe them, cops run toward danger as everyone
else flees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">With alternating short and longer fiction, <i>The Cops of
Manchester</i> provides an eclectic taste of life as a cop - with a few
'surprises' - in the gritty urban setting of Manchester, UK.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Author’s note: some of these stories are hard-hitting, so
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You can get your copy here...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/THE-COPS-OF-MANCHESTER-ebook/dp/B00BP3WWX4/ref=pd_sim_kinc_3">Amazon UK</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/THE-COPS-OF-MANCHESTER-ebook/dp/B00BP3WWX4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1363120171&sr=1-1">Amazon US</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-43258407530328970912013-02-14T04:03:00.000+00:002013-02-14T16:09:03.278+00:00CHEWING THE FAT with... Graham Smith...<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Well, I've been busy putting the finishing touches to rewrite three of crime novel attempt two for my agent, so forgive my silence. It's surely time that I 'chewed the fat', and who better than Crimesquad reviewer-cum-author, Graham Smith?</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You have a crime weekend for aspiring writers at your snazzy hotel in March. Tell us about it and why writers will benefit?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Crime and Publishment</i> is a weekend of crime writing master-classes taken by authors and industry professionals. First off you have <i>Matt Hilton</i> teaching attendees how to inject pace and action into their stories. <i>Sheila Quigley</i> will then lecture on characterisation. The next day <i>Allan Guthrie</i> will talk about editing in a session titled “How to kill your babies DEAD!” <i>Inga McVicar</i> will then teach the attendees how to pitch their novel to an agent. All attendees will be given the chance to pitch their novel directly to <i>Allan Guthrie</i> who is an agent for <i>JennyBrown Associates</i> and a co-owner of digital publisher <i>Blasted Heath</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Crime and Publishment runs from the 8th-10th of March 2013 and more information can be found at <a href="http://www.crimeandpublishment.co.uk/">www.crimeandpublishment.co.uk</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I started to put the event together with co-organiser <i>Inga McVicar</i>, I was determined to put together the kind of course I’d like to attend at a price I could afford. With a total cost of £260 for all five sessions and two nights accommodation at my hotel, I feel that the course is not just informative but also affordable.</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sounds well worth the investment. But what if funds are a tad tight? Could someone just pop in and stay for one day or night?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Absolutely. Attendees may come for any single day, except day three, and don't necessarily have to stay both nights, or even stay at all. One or two local delegates have booked without accommodation. I could even be tempted to offer a discount for a group booking of five or more.</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Harry Charters... I enjoyed his Chronicles very much. He's a no nonsense PI, and you seem to have nailed the 'Chandleresque' turns of phrases. Being set in the 50's, and in the US, tell us how the character came about and how much research was necessary...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thank you for the kind comments.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Harry Charters first appeared when <i>Kate Pilarcik</i> asked me to submit a noir piece to her blog site. I wrote about this nameless, faceless character who was the traditional private eye. When I write him he’s narrated in my head by Humphrey Bogart. Kate urged me to give him a name, so I named him after my maternal grandfather Harold Charters and shortened Harold to Harry. One or two of Granddad’s traits have crept into Harry and in Dealt a Better Hand I put my Granddad back in the ring one last time. I just wish he was alive to have read the story as he’d have loved that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I totally cheated with my research as I made up the city of Mariscoper that Harry inhabits. You can’t get it wrong if it’s fictional!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The research I did do was on 50’s fashions, beer brands and so on. I also got drunk on Jack Daniels for a wee spot of method writing.</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It would've been rude not to! Nice touch re' your Granddad too. I think there could be some mileage for Harry in a longer piece: a novella, or even a novel. What are your plans for him?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I plan to return to Harry Charters as I feel there is still a lot of mileage in him, and lots of people have commented that they’d like to know about the case which made him the mean son of a bitch that he is. All I need to do is find the case to set the novella or novel against and then I’ll write it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most people in the industry knew you as a Crimesquad reviewer. Elaborate on the transformation to author in your own right, and how it came about...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’ve always been a massive fan of crime fiction and action thrillers. Being a reviewer for <i><a href="http://crimesquad.com/">Crimesquad.com</a></i> has furnished me with so many great books that I’ve been spoiled for choice. I turned to writing as I felt I had a story inside me trying to come out. I half-heartedly bashed away at it until <i>Col Bury</i> (that's you!) gave me the kick up the backside I needed, and I am currently half way through a rewrite of my debut novel.</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yeah, I do that to myself a lot, bud! Give us a quick run down on your other eBooks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have two collections of short stories, as well as the <i>Harry Charters Chronicles</i>. Both, <i>Eleven the Hardest Way</i> and <i>Gutshots: Ten Blows to the Abdomen</i>, feature an eclectic mix of hard hitting crime based short stories. They have received some acclaim from noted authors and <i>Eleven the Hardest Way</i> has been nominated for a <i>Spinetingler award</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Congrats on that. Personally, I've published my own short story collection via Ganglion Press (with another to follow soon), but that was just for exposure purposes while I write the novel(s). I still have faith in the traditional approach regarding longer works. Do you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I absolutely have faith in traditional publishing, and the novel I am currently writing will be sent to agents in the hope of getting a print deal. I love the convenience of eBooks for both authors and readers, but prefer reading a physical book. I enjoy the feel, smell and ownership of "real" books and nothing will ever change that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I would love to have something published traditionally and doing so is definitely high up on my bucket list.</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One last question: how the fook does a man of Scottish heritage end up supporting ManU(re)? I mean, you're not even a Cockney! ;-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm a football supporter first and a club supporter second. I love to see a good game and United play more than most over an extended period. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over the last few years they have seen off Blackburn, Leeds, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea as title challengers. City are a work in progress, which sadly for you may change before the season is complete. </span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So would I, mate. We’ll see, but I think you’re right for this season, unfortunately.</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thanks for Chewing the Fat, Graham, and I hope the Crime & Publishment event goes so well that it becomes an annual event.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cheers, mate.</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To find out more about Graham and his writing check out his blog <i><a href="http://grahamsmithwriter.blogspot.co.uk/">here</a></i>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For more details regarding 'Crime & Publishment', and the credentials of the industry experts involved, go <i><a href="http://www.themill.co.uk/crime-writing-courses">here</a></i>.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-1054504012750615072012-12-24T17:06:00.001+00:002012-12-24T17:17:50.194+00:00MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR! (plus, 2012 highlights).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ClP25k0YpBo/UNhyEvYvhMI/AAAAAAAABBI/J-T7LETyjTs/s1600/Christmas+card+-+Burys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ClP25k0YpBo/UNhyEvYvhMI/AAAAAAAABBI/J-T7LETyjTs/s200/Christmas+card+-+Burys.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's been a tough old year, chasing the writing dream while working full time and feeding the family. Just wanted to send my hearty good wishes for the festive season to my online friends / readers, and say 'thanks' to you all for your ongoing support and friendship, which is invaluable and truly spurs me on more than you probably realize. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zRdwAvo5ZgU/UNiECvScL_I/AAAAAAAABDQ/l5GvV87EBWc/s1600/Manc+6+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zRdwAvo5ZgU/UNiECvScL_I/AAAAAAAABDQ/l5GvV87EBWc/s200/Manc+6+cover.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Writing update: My little old ebook of gritty crime shorts, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/MANCHESTER-6-ebook/dp/B007ITA0GK">MANCHESTER 6</a>, is still selling consistently (pushing 400 now), considering it was just an 'appetite-wetter' while I continued with the traditional publishing route. When I've finished the third draft (big sigh) of 'novel attempt two' for my agent, I'm pleased to announce that I'll be bringing out another ebook of shorts via <a href="http://www.ganglionpress.co.uk/">Ganglion Press</a>. I've just got to go through twenty shorts and maybe whittle them down to the best dozen or so. Look out for <i><b>THE COPS OF MANCHESTER</b></i> in early(ish) 2013.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><u>Highlights of 2012:</u></i></b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">... Going to my first Harrogate Crime Writing Festival with Graham Smith and meeting... Howard Linskey, Michael Malone, Nick Quantrill, Matt Hilton, Chris Simmons, Luca Veste, Neil White, Jo Evans, Scott Turner, Zoe Sharp, Ali Karim and Kevin Wignall, among many others. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">... Briefly chatting with three of my favourite crime authors, Simon Kernick, Stuart Neville and Mark Billingham. And... being in that room when TOSSERGATE erupted! (Quickly digressing...)</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8xTJGIMi-Ms/UNiDQrQ5rGI/AAAAAAAABDI/dH2gp_P3D5s/s1600/Col,+AJ,+Richard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8xTJGIMi-Ms/UNiDQrQ5rGI/AAAAAAAABDI/dH2gp_P3D5s/s200/Col,+AJ,+Richard.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">... Going to London to meet class acts, Bill 'AJ' Hayes and Richard Godwin, and having a damn good 'chinwag' and walk along the Thames with their lovely wives (don't tell Richard 'n' Bill though!). Richard even took us to Richmond Park which inspired the 'Woodlands Murders' in <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Apostle-Rising-ebook/dp/B0091XMX3Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1356364324&sr=1-1">Apostle Rising</a></i></b> - my fave novel of 2012 (that's when I read it anyway).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">... Then, off up to Gretna with the family to chew the fat at Graham's gaff, with 'me old mucker', David Barber (& his lovely fam'), Denise and Matt Hilton, Sheila Quigley, Michael Malone and the man who fatefully introduced me to Matt nearly four years ago, Richard 'Thommo' Thompson. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">... Without that intro', the annual Gretna gig wouldn't exist, and arguably, neither would <b><i><a href="http://thrillskillsnchills.blogspot.co.uk/">Thrillers, Killers 'n' Chillers</a></i></b> ezine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">... Personally, I was thrilled to bits that my short story, MOPPING UP (<i>Tonto Books</i>), made <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mammoth-British-Crime-Books-ebook/dp/B005RYLPG2/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1356364453&sr=1-2">The Mammoth Book of Best British Crime 9</a></i></b>, alongside the likes of Mark Billingham, Peter James and Zoe Sharp... and <i>FISTS OF DESTINY</i> (from <i>MANCHESTER 6</i>), was selected for <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mammoth-British-Crime-Books-ebook/dp/B00841742Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1356364505&sr=1-1">The Mammoth Book of Best British Crime 10</a> </i>beside Lee Child, Ruth Rendell and Paul D Brazill, among other top crime scribes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Non-writing highlight... obviously...!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All the best everyone. Let's make 2013 a year to remember too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All the very best,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Col</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-77935495757301121442012-11-02T16:12:00.000+00:002012-11-02T16:18:50.844+00:00More Short Story Successes...(plus, news snippets).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>***Note: bit of a 'me post' for a change! ;-)</i><br />
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After last year's inclusion in <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mammoth-British-Crime-Books-ebook/dp/B005RYLPG2/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1351864838&sr=1-2">THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF BEST BRITISH CRIME 9</a></i></b>, alongside the likes of <i>Mark Billingham</i> and <i>Zoe Sharp</i>, I didn't realise, until recently, that this time I'd be sharing the pages with stellar names, such as of <i>Lee Child</i> and <i>Ann Cleeves</i>, in <i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mammoth-Book-British-Crime-Books/dp/1780337930/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1351864271&sr=1-9">THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF BEST BRITISH CRIME 10</a></b></i>. It is quite an honour, as you can imagine. The book's out in February 2013, and my story's called, <i><b>FISTS OF DESTINY</b></i>, selected from the ebook, <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/MANCHESTER-6-ebook/dp/B007ITA0GK/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1351871279&sr=1-1">MANCHESTER 6</a></i></b>. A huge thanks goes to author/publisher, <i>Maxim Jakubowski</i> for twice showing faith in my crime writing.<br />
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So that's the name-dropping out of the way! ;-)<br />
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I'm still beavering away in the background regarding the crime novels, but, as they say, "patience is a virtue", right? I also like the phrase, "The harder you work, the luckier you get."<br />
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In the meantime, as short stories pour out of me, I've had a few more accepted recently: four flash pieces in the forthcoming "<i><b>OWC Writers' Talkback anthology</b></i>"; one short in a <i><b>Zombie Apocalypse anthology</b></i> (more details to follow); one short in, <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Off-The-Record-Anthology-ebook/dp/B009GYPVIW/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1351872875&sr=1-1">OFF THE RECORD 2 - At the Movies, charity anthology</a></i></b>; plus, there was my editors' contribution short in the <i><b>Thrillers, Killers 'n' Chillers</b></i> <i><b>Halloween Comp</b></i>, which you can read <a href="http://thrillskillsnchills.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/tknc-editors-halloween-special-col-bury.html">here</a>. <br />
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The winning stories from the <i><b>TKnC</b></i> comp are absolute crackers and the standard was off the scale.<br />
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They've already been posted on the site, so have a browse around for a horror feast. The results are <a href="http://thrillskillsnchills.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/halloween-horror-competition-winner-and.html">here</a>. Big Congrats to the winners and runners up, and a hat tip to all who entered.<br />
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One last note: <i><b>Paul D Brazill</b></i>, the man with his finger on the crime fiction pulse, keeps us up to date weekly on all things juicy down <i><b><a href="http://www.outofthegutteronline.com/2012/10/brit-grit-alley_31.html">Brit Grit Alley</a></b></i>. So, if you don't wanna miss anything, get over there!<br />
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Laters,<br />
ColAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-46703872454075918782012-09-27T13:41:00.001+01:002012-09-27T13:41:53.423+01:00CHEWING THE FAT... with Luca Veste, as OFF THE RECORD 2 is released...<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In this new series, I spoke with Luca Veste about... putting together anthologies to help kids learn to read, speaking out against sock-puppeteers, the origin of 'Scousers', and his rapid transformation from unknown reviewer to writer and publisher.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Off The Record 2 - At The Movies, is now out. Tell us about the charities and inspiration behind both it, and Off the Record.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Off The Record 2 is supporting two charities...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the UK, <i><b>National Literacy Trust</b></i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the US, <i><b>Children's Literacy Initiative</b></i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Both deal with literacy in childhood, helping kids to read and write, which is a subject close to my heart. I know how much reading as a child helped me, and want to aide others who might not have a Dad who lets you read Stephen King at 12. It's even more important in this current climate, where libraries are deemed less important by those in power to society than bankers bonuses.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, the main thrust of Off The Record is now to raise as much money as possible for those charities, in order to make as big a difference as we can possibly do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The other reason for doing OTR is another subject close to my heart (I have many subjects close to my heart...I keep the notebook containing them in my inside pocket). It's bringing an audience to a wide range of writers. It's giving those 'unknown' (and I include myself in that) writers a chance to mix it up with the bigger names. It's difficult to find any other anthologies where writers on the first rung of the ladder, such as Keith B Walters or Tracey Edges, sharing space with Steve Mosby, Will Carver and Matt Hilton.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That hopefully gives us all a boost up, a helping hand in this difficult 'business'. And also means we get to read stories we may not have had chance to without it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love doing it for those reasons. This whole writing thing is much easier when we can all come together and do something like this.</span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Great stuff. Luca, if you don't mind me saying, you've only been around online for less than 18 months, but have certainly hit the ground running and made a huge impact. 'Talk' us through this and tell us how things have changed for you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's really strange. I was reminded recently by my wife of something. About two years ago, I sent messages through Facebook to Steve Mosby and Neil White...I'd really enjoyed their books and wanted to say something. They replied, and I rang my wife very excited to get a thank you from them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, Neil was in OTR1 and Steve Mosby is making another appearance following OTR1 in this new anthology. I've gone from being a fanboy to editing these incredible writers. It's weird.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's an example of how welcoming the fiction community is. Steve, for example, is my favourite writer working today. I have to consciously make an effort not to devolve into 'I really love your wordy stuff' mode sometimes with him. But, he makes it incredibly easy not to, by being one of the most down to earth, generous, and good hearted guys I've ever met.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then, there's writers like Nick Quantrill, yourself and Helen FitzGerald, who I speak to all the time. Always happy to lend an ear and answer questions. That means so much to someone who doesn't really have a clue what he's doing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Which leads me onto what's changed. The single biggest change was moving from being a reviewer to a writer. I had no intention of writing whatsoever. I wrote something once, with a friend in school, a piss-take of the nativity story (Three Wise Scousers, Mary's Dad going off his head at her for being pregnant...that sort of thing), but that was just jokes. Last year I just started thinking of stories I wanted to tell. And began writing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The difference I suppose is in the way I do things. I have no problem with contacting people, getting them involved in things, emailing Stephen King asking for a short story for OTR2 (still waiting on a reply). The sort of 'fuck-it' attitude which gets things moving. And I do it because I love it. I love talking about stories, sharing books I've loved with others...all that kind of thing. It's a great time to be involved in this world, with the abundance of social media and the ability to converse with so many about all these things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Plus, I go by the old motto 'don't be a dick'. If you're good to people, generous etc. you see that returned to you.</span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yep, you're definitely a doer! Probing deeper now (don't worry, I'm married!)... I was sitting next to you at Harrogate when we heard gasps in unison and someone shout, "Tosser". We all know about the disturbing revelations that followed, but many authors, including me, admittedly, chose not to be so vocal (for various, understandable reasons). Why did you choose to speak out, and do you think the sock-puppets and dodgy reviews will reduce now?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I didn't so much 'choose' to speak out, it was just a natural reaction to a certain situation. Because it's wrong. And the only way to bring something into the light, and show that despite certain people's assertions, it's not something that many, many writers do, is by talking about it and showing your own position.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've heard many ridiculous things since then, especially regarding the open letter, but it's really simple for me, and it goes back to the previous answers motto...don't be a dick. The three writers named in the open letter which appeared in the media and online, where all involved in varying levels of nefarious behaviour. Every story I read online following it, had comments underneath which invariably stated, 'they're all doing it' or 'what's the big deal, no one reads reviews', stuff like that. Well, if we all stay quiet, that's the message that is driven home. But all writers aren't doing that, and many people are influenced by reviews. Otherwise, why would they try and game the system in the first place?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If there was a unified stance against the behaviour shown, I think it'd go some way to ending the vast majority of dodgy reviews, yes. However, you have the naysayers who have their own agendas or others who are worried about upsetting certain writers and endangering their own careers, or simply don't think it's that big an issue, which means there will be a lull, before it builds up again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The only way the places these reviews are found will crack down on it, is if it starts costing them actual profit. And that's not going to happen any time soon. So, it's at an impasse now, with some feeling disillusioned by the whole thing, others incredulous of the reactions by some.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I will end with this. If you need to use fake reviews, bought reviews, or sock-puppets in order to promote your books, you've forgotten why you wanted, no...needed, to write. You wanted to share stories with people, entertain, educate whatever. You're not doing that any more. You're just in it for the money. And at some point readers will recognise that, and that audience you once had will move on. And no amount of skulduggery will get them back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Only good books, and good stories will.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is by far the most words I've ever used in an interview...let me know if the answers are too long!</span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He-he. Things are hotting up, so now for the biggie... Scousers... do you know the origin of this term?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I think it comes from a Stew. And it's Scandinavian or something. I remember reading it somewhere. I should really Google this shouldn't I!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Scouse is one of my favourite meals. It's basically a stew with more potatoes in it. And when I was younger, the cheapest beef you could buy. Load of veg, then cooked for around three months. Really get the flavour out. Lovely stuff.</span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yeah, that's pretty close. I had to research it regarding the Scouser in my own 'novels'. Comes from 'Lobscouse' - sailors used to eat it at seaports, including Liverpool. So, I see you chose 'Goodfellas' as your movie title for OTR2. Give us the gist and a general feel for what we can expect from the other stories.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope you're kind to the Scouser...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There's a real eclectic mix of stories in this one, as there was in OTR1. There's an abundance of crime stories, but also a fantasyish/sci-fi-ish story in the form of 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg' by Vincent Holland-Keen, a Zombie short by Will Carver (who wins the honour of best title choice with 'Night of the Day of the Dawn of the Son of the Bride of the Return of the Revenge of the Terror of the Attack of the Evil, Mutant, Hellbound, Flesh-Eating Sub-humanoid Zombified Living Dead. Part 2 – in Shocking 2-D'), David Jackson giving us a Stephen King-esque story with 'The Time Machine...there's really something for every readers taste in there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There's also darkness and light in every story. Which I love, because that's where the emotion comes from...our darkest fears laid bare and tangled with. Every story has some kernel of that kind of emotion in there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And it ends with the most emotional story I've ever encountered from Helen FitzGerald. Knowing it's based almost entirely on her own recent experience, just gives it something extra. An incredible piece of writing.</span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sounds ace. BTW, my Scouser's a diamond geezer! So, I know you've been rattling the old keyboard. Any plans or breakthroughs yet, novel-wise? Or an ebook of shorts perhaps? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've been working on my first novel for almost a year now. It's gone through a few rewrites in that time, but there's a novel there at the moment. It's a psychological thriller, with major elements of procedural within, set in Liverpool (of course). Trying to breakthrough is difficult though. I made the decision very early on that I wanted to 'make it' through the traditional channels, rather than self-publish. So, at the moment I'm attempting to secure an agent. Hard work, but will ultimately be worth it I hope.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've got a number of short stories on my hard drive (and backed up!), but no plans to release them at the moment. I've used bits of ideas and lines from some of them in the book, so a bit of work would be needed to polish them up etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Also, they were written a long time ago. For this anthology, I think the growth I've made as a writer over the past year is clear with my own story. I dare not read the old stories again!</span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Luca, thank you for an enlightening and honest interview. And, I tip my hat to you for all the hard work you've put into editing and publishing both Off The Record anthologies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Help kids read by purchasing...</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Off-The-Record-Anthology-ebook/dp/B009GYPVIW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1348748187&sr=8-3&keywords=Off+the+record+-+at+the+movies"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">OFF THE RECORD 2 - AT THE MOVIES (US)</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Off-The-Record-Anthology-ebook/dp/B009GYPVIW/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1348748112&sr=1-1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">OFF THE RECORD 2 - AT THE MOVIES (UK)</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(If you're skint, then just like it and agree with the tags - it all helps.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The paperback is out on October 4th 2012.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Luca's website: <a href="http://www.lucaveste.com/">Guilty Conscience</a>.</span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-61088269582640862742012-09-24T06:42:00.002+01:002012-09-24T07:30:39.106+01:00CHEWING THE FAT... in London with Richard Godwin 'n' AJ Hayes...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2fZUAJzn34g/UF8QvvZOFgI/AAAAAAAAA7o/anjWOzTAhcQ/s1600/Col%252C+AJ%252C+Richard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2fZUAJzn34g/UF8QvvZOFgI/AAAAAAAAA7o/anjWOzTAhcQ/s1600/Col%252C+AJ%252C+Richard.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">The meet...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>(If you wanna skip my drivel, then AJ's 'n' Richard's takes are below).</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'd known for a while that crack US writer and all round good guy, AJ Hayes (now, aka Bill) was visiting UK's finest dark fiction author, Richard Godwin in Richmond on September 10th. So, since Richard (now, aka Godders) and I had been threatening to meet for a while, I bit the proverbial bullet and headed 'darn sarth'. I mean, how could I miss an opportunity to meet and chew the fat with two brilliant minds of crime fiction? </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TeBwLdVAfPE/UF_mIi8inFI/AAAAAAAAA8k/iez_gi_ozD8/s1600/Col,+Richard,+AJ+(boot).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TeBwLdVAfPE/UF_mIi8inFI/AAAAAAAAA8k/iez_gi_ozD8/s1600/Col,+Richard,+AJ+(boot).JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">"AJ, keep look out."</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qgau9Gwbe-g/UF_l8kVBAhI/AAAAAAAAA8c/Xn5Pbi8NPUk/s1600/Col%252C+Richard%252C+%2528boot%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qgau9Gwbe-g/UF_l8kVBAhI/AAAAAAAAA8c/Xn5Pbi8NPUk/s1600/Col%252C+Richard%252C+%2528boot%2529.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">"I need duck tape"</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, two buses and three trains later, there I was... sitting on a bench outside the Richmond Gate Hotel, and like a proper northerner, munching on an extra large sausage roll. Because of my sleuth skills, I knew at some point Bill would be out for a fag (no, a cig' - naughty!) and just as I'd imagined him, he appeared.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I flicked the crumbs off me lap and shouted across the road: "Yo, ma-man! What's goin' down innit?" or words to that effect. We man-hugged, shook hands and the free-flowing fat-chewing began as if we'd known each other for years. The Internet is good for some things, eh? Then my phone rings and Dave Barber's name popped up, so I passed it to Bill for a bonus chat I know they were both chuffed with.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FHYUdzNU1i0/UF8R8DjlSzI/AAAAAAAAA74/yvNs-_60nBY/s1600/Col,+Richard,+AJ+-+Cheers!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FHYUdzNU1i0/UF8R8DjlSzI/AAAAAAAAA74/yvNs-_60nBY/s320/Col,+Richard,+AJ+-+Cheers!.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Pre-fat-chewing lubrication...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Inside the hotel (spookily reminiscent of Richard's 'Slaughterhouse' pic), I met up with Bill's lovely wife, Thury. Then in strolled Richard and Page Godwin and the fat-chewing got a whole lot chewier!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nMSCv3W0q-0/UF_n48c-7NI/AAAAAAAAA8s/O8nAqTMlkXs/s1600/AJ%252C+Richard%252C+Col+%2528park%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nMSCv3W0q-0/UF_n48c-7NI/AAAAAAAAA8s/O8nAqTMlkXs/s1600/AJ%252C+Richard%252C+Col+%2528park%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">"Where's the body?"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hKtmRII0Ijg/UF_uIOkT6YI/AAAAAAAAA-A/lU8HdD1OQxQ/s1600/Col,+Richard,+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hKtmRII0Ijg/UF_uIOkT6YI/AAAAAAAAA-A/lU8HdD1OQxQ/s1600/Col,+Richard,+park.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Woodlands Killer!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">True to my northern values, I necked a pint of lager. ;-) Richard's a great host and took us on a walk to Richmond Park, the inspiration behind his cult classic, Apostle Rising, pointing out where the first 'Woodlands Murder' took place. Rain had obviously cleared the blood, but I'm sure I saw a small piece of police scene tape flapping in the wind. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2DILkefUcI/UF_o8276psI/AAAAAAAAA88/elpxmUVqGaU/s1600/AJ,+Richard,+Col,+London+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2DILkefUcI/UF_o8276psI/AAAAAAAAA88/elpxmUVqGaU/s1600/AJ,+Richard,+Col,+London+view.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">The recce... </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBOMmgH50kw/UF_qU_FzWBI/AAAAAAAAA9c/9o-DE_iOkRc/s1600/On+the+job,+Richmond.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBOMmgH50kw/UF_qU_FzWBI/AAAAAAAAA9c/9o-DE_iOkRc/s1600/On+the+job,+Richmond.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">On the job...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then to the 'best view in London', before a walk along the Thames and a delicious meal... and lashings of Chilean Chardonnay. I can't even recall what I had to eat as the fat chewing became gristlier.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, what did I learn?</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mcFGzQ5k9bM/UF_pwEMNqNI/AAAAAAAAA9E/Y0XXq6kaCcw/s1600/Richmond,+fat+chewing+(meal)+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mcFGzQ5k9bM/UF_pwEMNqNI/AAAAAAAAA9E/Y0XXq6kaCcw/s1600/Richmond,+fat+chewing+(meal)+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Fat Chewing!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thury and I hit it off and it was truly lovely to meet her. Despite her jet-lag, she out-supped us all and partied the night away! ;-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Page is classy lady who made me fell very welcome. She also designs book covers, including Richard's MR GLAMOUR. (I'll do a post on this at a later date.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Both AJ and Richard are extremely well-read, witty and fascinating to chat with. Bill won diving a holiday in the early 70's by coming first in a national poetry competition, so is clearly very well-versed (pun intended). He is also now fluent in Mancunian. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Godders is the ultimate gent and his living room floor is really comfy. He also now has cig' dimps in his plant pots. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another thing: Richard has tremendous self-discipline and has learned to manage his time effectively to sustain his impressive output. Despite our late night session, he left me to sleep in, while he got up at 7.00 am to write.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anyway, here are the guys' respective takes on events...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Richard says,</b> <i>"Arriving at Terminal Five, I heard the alarms go off while two actors tap danced their way down the marble corridors, enacting the Olympics. It felt like a bad trip, but was a coupled effect of the post Olympics greeting ceremony and Bill setting off the fire alarms as he inhaled eight fags in the toilets at Heathrow airport, and no that is not a homophobic euphemism. Bill, drenched, appeared none the worse for wear. Although I thought of Rod Stewart. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Later that day we met Col. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>He told me he had brought sausage rolls, but I have never seen such Gargantuan monsters in my life, he knocked two waiters out with them in a Chaplinesque scene of menace and absurdity. The crumbs will leave you reeling. He shattered two windows with them, slung from his nimble wrists like shurikens. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Thence to the views. Now the views from Bill's hotel are heart stopping, Turner bleeding pink and Halloween orange into Shepherd sunsets all over again. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>We passed a hearty meal of heart and liver, in which various matters were discussed. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>But that was all by and by. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>If you think we're going to tell you about the job you're mistaken." </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>AJ says,</b> <i>"After the events described by Sir Richard, we relaxed a bit . . . um . . . well quite a bit . . . well . . . maybe more than quite a bit. (On the good side, no charges were pressed, somehow). Col stayed the course manfully and with a minimum of violence. (No, I don't know where he got that horse, let alone the </i></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">cannon. And it also beats the hell out of me why Harry the Duke showed up pant-less, waving the flag of St. George wildly about.) So the evening went well and I learned quite a bit about Manchester blokes: </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>1. They are great guys.</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. They have hollow legs when drinking hearty spirits and upset-proof stomachs whilst downing massive quantities of sausage. (I honestly think Col is solely responsible for the vast shortage of Bangers and Mash in Olde London Towne over our two day assault on all that's good and decent in the legendary realm of King Arthur and his Knights.)</span></i><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> </i><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>and... </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>3. In a pinch, Mancs resemble nothing more on earth than high energy, monster bulldozers when scraping a path to safety for their pals if a hasty escape is necessary. (Again, no survivors mean no witnesses)." </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was an absolute pleasure, fellers, something we must do again soon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">AJ Hayes penned the most commented on short story of 2012 over at <i>Thrillers, Killers 'n' Chillers</i>. DARK GENESIS is a cracker - read it <a href="http://thrillskillsnchills.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/dark-genesis-by-aj-hayes.html">here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Richard Godwin's critically acclaimed novels and popular 'Slaughterhouse' chin wags can be found <a href="http://www.richardgodwin.net/">here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Standby for a new series inspired by my meet with these crime thoroughbreds... 'Chewing the Fat with...'</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-20900763232602868282012-08-27T01:00:00.002+01:002012-08-27T23:01:12.877+01:00EXCITING RELEASES OF TOP NOTCH CRIME...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nj0F3D7SG0A/UDq1CUE-GAI/AAAAAAAAA68/oHVSzkDuuhE/s1600/apostle-rising-book-frontpage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nj0F3D7SG0A/UDq1CUE-GAI/AAAAAAAAA68/oHVSzkDuuhE/s1600/apostle-rising-book-frontpage.png" /></a></div>
<b>Richard Godwin's</b> critically acclaimed, <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Apostle-Rising-ebook/dp/B0091XMX3Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1346021939&sr=1-1">APOSTLE RISING</a></i></b> is now available as an ebook, at the ridiculous price of £2.05. It's a (very) dark, <i>psycho</i>-logical, police procedural-cum-horror novel, that resonates after each reading session. In this ebook you also get an excerpt from <i><b>MR GLAMOUR</b></i> and four noir stories.<br />
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Prolific north-eastern author, <b>Julie Morrigan</b> has a new crime 'twin-pack' due out on September 7th called <b><i>WIRED</i></b>, featuring two shorts, <b><i>Barbed Wire</i></b> and <b><i>Razor Wire</i></b>. To get tasters from each story go <a href="http://www.juliemorrigan.co.uk/1/post/2012/08/wired.html">here</a>.<br />
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Hull's finest crime writer, <b>Nick Quantrill</b> has a novella, <b><i>BANG, BANG YOU'RE DEAD</i></b>, coming out on September 17th via Byker Books. For a nosey at the first chapter click <a href="http://hullcrimefiction.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=98&Itemid=67">here</a>.<br />
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People may know <b>Steven Miscandlon</b> for his cool book cover designs, but the man can write too. Check out <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Into-the-Shadows-ebook/dp/B0086MH8IQ">INTO THE SHADOWS</a></i></b> for ten dark short stories.<br />
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As is my wont, I'm currently reading the novels of two gents I was honoured to meet and hang out with at Harrogate. Both have gripped me by the throat and not let go (not the authors, the novels!). For just over a quid apiece (WTF?), <b>Michael Malone's</b>, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blood-Tears-ebook/dp/B008HHVFO8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1346023504&sr=1-1"><b><i>BLOOD TEARS</i></b></a> and <b>Howard Linskey's</b>, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Drop-ebook/dp/B00796E5Z4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1346023641&sr=1-1"><i><b>THE DROP</b></i></a> introduce exciting new lead characters with strong potential for longevity.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wGSkWQxXaVs/UDq2YjtrgAI/AAAAAAAAA7E/iUsGjw_lTpM/s1600/Off+the+Record+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wGSkWQxXaVs/UDq2YjtrgAI/AAAAAAAAA7E/iUsGjw_lTpM/s200/Off+the+Record+1.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
In other news, I was relieved that that Scouse bloke, <b>Luca Veste</b> accepted my short story, <b><i>EYES WIDE SHUT</i></b> for the forthcoming <b><i>OFF THE RECORD 2</i></b>, as I knew the standard was high after reading the first, <b><i>OFF THE RECORD</i></b>. But this time the theme is film titles as opposed to song titles. And, again, it's <u><b>for charities helping kids to read</b></u> both sides of the big pond. What could be better, eh? If you've not already, you can buy the first edition <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Off-The-Record-Anthology-ebook/dp/B006EU1E7S/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1346024170&sr=1-1">here</a> for .77p - talk about value! ;-)<br />
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Laters,<br />
ColAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-5553168279027409942012-08-06T05:57:00.004+01:002012-08-06T05:57:46.687+01:00New Co-Editor over at ezine, Thrillers, Killers 'n' Chillers...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGUq99DOXGk/UB9N5qj06iI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/2mfGvF7S710/s1600/Dave+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGUq99DOXGk/UB9N5qj06iI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/2mfGvF7S710/s320/Dave+photo.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">David Barber - a truly worthy addition.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the full story head over to <a href="http://thrillskillsnchills.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/announcement-please-welcome-our-new-co.html">Thrillers, Killers 'n' Chillers...</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-52707265064895152062012-07-25T23:30:00.000+01:002012-07-29T20:09:04.734+01:00HARROGATE... NOT A TOSSER IN SIGHT (Let's get positive 'n' have some fun!)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sodu-24Rk2s/UBBih-alzjI/AAAAAAAAA4g/0QCng6OOczA/s1600/TOPcrime2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sodu-24Rk2s/UBBih-alzjI/AAAAAAAAA4g/0QCng6OOczA/s320/TOPcrime2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Seems I also have Graham's free bottle... or had... hic! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
...well, apart from me! ;-)<br />
<br />
It was my first Harrogate Crime Writing Festival, and I watched and listened in disbelief, from close up in that fateful room, as those gobsmacking events unfolded...<br />
<br />
... Waking up to see Crimesquad's Graham Smith's cheek-wobbling face, as he ground his teeth and spluttered like an asthmatic wild boar, was summat to behold I'll tell yer! Horrific? You couldn't make this shit up. (Soz, mate, you know I love you.)<br />
<br />
As for the festival itself at the Old Swan, I saw and met lots of very approachable, like-minded, book-loving folk having a ball. It was tremendous to catch up with friends old and new, and mingle with some of my literary heroes. Gotta mention Simon Kernick here, who I was thrilled to have a good natter with, and he even remembered my name two days later. Plus, Stuart Neville signing 'Collusion' for me, as we share the same agent (but, being on the rewrite of novel attempt 2, unlike Stuart, I much prefer the 'scenic route' to success!).<br />
<br />
I've had my own feelings from the start on the controversial ebook panel, but have still read other reports with great interest, the one I agree with most being <a href="http://davidjacksonbooks.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/bloodshed-at-harrogate-e-book-war.html?m=1">here</a>. However, I look at things somewhat more simplistically...<br />
<br />
I believed early on that it was a publicity stunt, and still do. I like and admire both Stephen Leather and Mark Billingham, and will continue to buy their books. I had the pleasure of shaking hands with both of them and briefly chewed the fat (not on their hands, that would be grotesque and a tad bad-mannered). Also, I will continue to buy both ebooks and, dare I say, 'real' books. It will all settle down over the coming years, readers will read and writers will write, and physical books will survive.<br />
<br />
So cheer the f**k up everyone! (Told you it was simplistic. Now, where's that fence cos I need a sit down.)<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sbAZwzgBYwY/UBBjQd6LXWI/AAAAAAAAA4o/sctd8qrLurk/s1600/TOPcrime2012+(the+mob).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sbAZwzgBYwY/UBBjQd6LXWI/AAAAAAAAA4o/sctd8qrLurk/s320/TOPcrime2012+(the+mob).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Matt Hilton, Moi, Nick Q, Graham, Luca V & Mr Malone.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I didn't see any cliques, apart from our mob (see photo, with thanks to photographer extraordinaire, Russel McLean), but anyone was welcome to join us, and they did. To a man, they are top blokes and I'm proud to call them my friends.<br />
<br />
There are too many people to mention, but everyone I spoke with was cool, supportive and good fun. Our mob apart, (who know how I feel about them), special mentions must go to Howard Linskey, for having me in stitches and making Saturday night a cracker. And, Kevin Wignall, who I just managed to catch right at the end (God only knows who threw him out of that top floor window, maybe the butler?), and who sent me a nice message of advice on Facebook to continue our dialogue. Says a lot about the man, that does. <br />
<br />
Anyway, it was bloody brill. Enjoy the snapshots...<br />
<br />
Laters,<br />
Col<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ar-KGlU8j-M/UBCDWNcryUI/AAAAAAAAA5c/G2wlfXCxLDk/s1600/TOPcrime2012+(Graham).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ar-KGlU8j-M/UBCDWNcryUI/AAAAAAAAA5c/G2wlfXCxLDk/s400/TOPcrime2012+(Graham).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">That aforementioned escaped wild boar! Think I might owe you a pint, mate!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--0s_wRQtRjg/UBBmVc2rEaI/AAAAAAAAA5A/SajPVTf2I_w/s1600/TOPcrime2012+%2528Jedward%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--0s_wRQtRjg/UBBmVc2rEaI/AAAAAAAAA5A/SajPVTf2I_w/s400/TOPcrime2012+%2528Jedward%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">It was nice to see that Jedward made it, eh, Luca? ;-)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RaApWofBhCc/UBBkVeu5SMI/AAAAAAAAA4w/QalDhJpDGBY/s1600/TOPcrime2012+(Col+&+Howard).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RaApWofBhCc/UBBkVeu5SMI/AAAAAAAAA4w/QalDhJpDGBY/s400/TOPcrime2012+(Col+&+Howard).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Fungi..."Did I mention I saw Aguero's goal live, Howard?"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzEP32ZygvA/UBBladdzg8I/AAAAAAAAA44/yysISDH0BBY/s1600/TOPcrime2012+(Col,+Scott,+Jo+&+Zoe).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzEP32ZygvA/UBBladdzg8I/AAAAAAAAA44/yysISDH0BBY/s400/TOPcrime2012+(Col,+Scott,+Jo+&+Zoe).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Good times with: some bloke, Scott Turner, Jo Evans & Zoe Sharp.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-60UC-mnXulU/UBCCsgvfJlI/AAAAAAAAA5U/rKNGyXiZJ0o/s1600/TOPcrime2012+(Graham+&+Col).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-60UC-mnXulU/UBCCsgvfJlI/AAAAAAAAA5U/rKNGyXiZJ0o/s400/TOPcrime2012+(Graham+&+Col).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">With Graham and his magic pass!</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Ps. Names keeping popping into me head of more people I chitchatted with, but I'll be here all night, so apologies if I missed you out. You're all splendid folk! ;-)
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Pps. I see many a tosser in my job and I didn't see any at Harrogate.<br />
<br />
UPDATE 29/07/12- The fallout from Harrogate has astounded me. As I'm sure you're all aware, it's all over the net, but there are too many links and discussions to put here. If you've a spare few weeks, you can easily find and read them. Alas, I haven't, so I'll be writing...</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-76544651141183294782012-07-19T05:33:00.000+01:002012-07-19T05:33:45.214+01:00THE END... OR... THE BEGINNING...? (Regardless, am off to Harrogate!).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ld8-E7bln_c/UAeNLB8JFGI/AAAAAAAAA4M/6IpJf9gQVKc/s1600/Col's+desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ld8-E7bln_c/UAeNLB8JFGI/AAAAAAAAA4M/6IpJf9gQVKc/s400/Col's+desk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's five in the morning and I've just finished my second attempt at a crime novel, and sent it off to my agent, Nat Sobel.</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's been a tough year, after getting tantalisingly close with the first attempt, and gleaning amazing compliments from respected editors (who still didn't buy it!), then having to repeat the arduous process, while wondering if I could put myself through it all again. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It sounds like I didn't enjoy the process, but I did, only it's such a strain, mentally, having to try and balance family life, a demanding job and writing. It's been a very bumpy journey, one only other writers can truly understand, so I hope it's all been worthwhile. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The first 'novel' is sat on my hard drive and, with a few tweaks, I still have faith in it. Regarding the manuscript I've just sent to Nat, I (we) had a total rethink and it was a BIG ask, throughout which I had to stretch myself more than that bendy bloke off the Fantastic Four! I'd set myself a target to finish it before the Harrogate Crime Writing Festival. So mission accomplished! ;-)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just pray Nat likes it. EEK! ;-)</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-80098885832350239212012-06-28T03:54:00.000+01:002012-06-28T04:01:41.844+01:00A HAT TRICK OF GOOD 'CRIME' NEWS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iWFsxj3C4rQ/T-u_qWYLfcI/AAAAAAAAA3o/k8XJhtCeJPI/s1600/Dave's+eBook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iWFsxj3C4rQ/T-u_qWYLfcI/AAAAAAAAA3o/k8XJhtCeJPI/s200/Dave's+eBook.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<b>GOAL 1:</b> My good bud, <b><i>David Barber's</i></b> taken his long-awaited plunge into the eBook world with his hard-hitting collection of short stories, <i style="font-weight: bold;">FROM A CROWDED MIND Vol. 1 </i>(what a crackin' cover too!).<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>It includes some of Dave's best online shorts with several new ones. I've read it and it's a beaut. Back of the net!<br />
<br />
Grab a copy on <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/From-Crowded-Mind-Vol-ebook/dp/B008F8RKZW/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340849409&sr=1-1">Amazon UK</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/From-Crowded-Mind-Vol-ebook/dp/B008F8RKZW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340849516&sr=8-1&keywords=david+barber+crowded+mind">Amazon.com.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bJgYexfhQ3Q/T-u_4Eic-ZI/AAAAAAAAA3w/IJ4vuomrfxc/s1600/The+Late+Greats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bJgYexfhQ3Q/T-u_4Eic-ZI/AAAAAAAAA3w/IJ4vuomrfxc/s200/The+Late+Greats.jpg" width="146" /></a><b> GOAL 2:</b> It's cool to see that <i><b>Nick Quantrill's</b></i> second novel, <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Late-Greats-Geraghty-ebook/dp/B007M2GFEE/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340847054&sr=1-1">THE LATE GREATS</a></i></b>, is being very well received. His first, <b><i>BROKEN DREAMS</i></b>, is a cracking noir look at Hull through the eyes of P.I. <b><i>Joe Geraghty</i></b>. In this latest jaunt, when Geraghty goes searching for the lead singer of a reformed band, the shit hits the fan big time. In off the bar!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0yVuAIESPI4/T-vAhqNd82I/AAAAAAAAA34/zO6WjdCJ4TU/s1600/Mammoth+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<b>GOAL 3: </b>I got an email the other day from <b><i>Maxim Jakubowski,</i></b> the editor behind<b><i> THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF BEST BRITISH CRIME</i></b> series. I was was honoured to be in <b><i>Volume 9</i></b> last year alongside some stellar names. For <b style="font-style: italic;">Volume 10</b>, Maxim would like to use my short story, <b><i>FISTS OF DESTINY</i></b>, from my eBook <a href="http://www.amazon.com/MANCHESTER-6-ebook/dp/B007ITA0GK/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1340849760&sr=1-1&keywords=col+bury"><b><i>MANCHESTER 6</i></b>.</a> To say, I'm well chuffed is an understatement. Get in! ;-)<br />
<br />
Laters,<br />
ColAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-80338874802693539762012-06-19T00:27:00.000+01:002012-06-19T00:28:35.135+01:00May be a bit quiet, but I'm still bang at it...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vTtiu2Lm25M/T9-1pQe9K7I/AAAAAAAAA3U/zaDIFoBB_oc/s1600/Inspirational+quotes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vTtiu2Lm25M/T9-1pQe9K7I/AAAAAAAAA3U/zaDIFoBB_oc/s320/Inspirational+quotes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Lots of words being written and projects on the go, amid family, life and (bloody) shift work! Just letting you all know that if I'm not as accessible just lately, it's because I'm zoning in on finishing the first draft of novel attempt number two with my loyal agent, Nat Sobel. It's something I must see through.<br />
I'll still be kicking around online, if anyone wants to chew the fat, just not as much for a while.<br />
<br />
Regards,<br />
ColAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-15057058283945193732012-06-03T13:31:00.002+01:002012-06-03T15:44:58.720+01:00ACTION: Pulse Pounding Tales Vol. 1 FREE...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IcuD9sRZogk/T8tVXGjmQXI/AAAAAAAAA28/x9k-ELSP_4Y/s1600/ACTION+Pulse+Pounding+Tales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IcuD9sRZogk/T8tVXGjmQXI/AAAAAAAAA28/x9k-ELSP_4Y/s400/ACTION+Pulse+Pounding+Tales.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On <span style="color: red;">June 6th and 7th</span> be sure to download <b><i>ACTION: Pulse Pounding Tales</i></b> <span style="color: red;">FREE</span>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Not sure? Well, when you see the list of established authors who've contributed, alongside some talented newbies, then you know you're getting some top notch thriller fiction to feast upon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Call me a 'name-dropper'... <i>Matt Hilton, Stephen Leather, Zoe Sharp, Adrian Magson, Richard Godwin, K.A. Laity, Paul D. Brazill, David Barber, Steven Saville, Graham Smith, Absolutely Kate, Paul Grzegorzek, Mark Dark, Joe McCoubrey, Robin Jarossi, and many more... (37 in total). </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Did I mention I was in it too? ;-)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Grab it 'n' enjoy...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Action-Pulse-Pounding-Volume-ebook/dp/B008082QP6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338725580&sr=8-1">Amazon US.</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Action-Pulse-Pounding-Volume-ebook/dp/B008082QP6/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_1">Amazon UK.</a></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826978379101995893.post-43553129635533900702012-04-29T11:22:00.002+01:002012-04-29T12:08:28.112+01:00New Crime Fiction Releases...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ASeUFCJnmSA/T50Peq1mi2I/AAAAAAAAAxU/UUv_auMbjeA/s1600/True+Brit+Grit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ASeUFCJnmSA/T50Peq1mi2I/AAAAAAAAAxU/UUv_auMbjeA/s200/True+Brit+Grit.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
I've been busy with 'life' and writing, endeavouring to find that elusive perfect balance. Thought I'd share some news about forthcoming and recently published crime fiction. It's great to see <i>Paul D Brazill and Luca Veste's,</i> <b>True Brit Grit</b> is out, including no fewer than 44 talented British writers, plus me! ;-) It for charity too, so grab a copy <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/True-Brit-Grit-Anthology-ebook/dp/B007Y0FBNU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1335690457&sr=1-1">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_tIf46T5bfw/T50PpiNzBOI/AAAAAAAAAxc/1PcH1PWuZQU/s1600/ACTION+Pulse+Ponding+Tales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_tIf46T5bfw/T50PpiNzBOI/AAAAAAAAAxc/1PcH1PWuZQU/s200/ACTION+Pulse+Ponding+Tales.jpg" width="125" /></a><br />
There's a real buzz around the forthcoming anthology being compiled by thriller author, <i>Matt Hilton</i>, entitled: <b>ACTION: Pulse Pounding Tales</b>. Matt's not only paying the authors for their stories (retirement isn't imminent, but it's a start!), but he's also donating 50p per copy sold in the first month (May) to the worthy cause: <i>Help For Heroes</i>. To find out more go <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ActionPulsePoundingTales">here</a>.<br />
<br />
I recently received my signed copy of <b><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mr-Glamour-Richard-Godwin/dp/0956711332/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335692525&sr=1-1">Mr Glamour</a></b> by <i>Richard Godwin</i>. It's gleaning great reviews already, not surprising considering his first novel, <b><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Apostle-Rising-Richard-Godwin/dp/0956711308/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_3">Apostle Rising</a></b> has become something of a cult classic. <br />
<br />
Really chuffed to see that London cabbie, <i>Danny Kemp's</i> début novel, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=sr_nr_p_n_binding_browse-b_mrr_1?rh=n%3A266239%2Ck%3Athe+desolate+garden+danny+kemp%2Cp_n_binding_browse-bin%3A368165031&bbn=266239&keywords=the+desolate+garden+danny+kemp&ie=UTF8&qid=1335691979&rnid=492562011"><b>The Desolate Garden</b></a>, is going to be made into a film. <br />
<br />
More great news regarding 'watching' novels - <i>Sheila Quigley's</i> novel, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Run-Home-Sheila-Quigley/dp/1844134032/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_7"><b>Run For Home</b></a> is being adapted for screen. Congrats Sheila! <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JuibwA0Ai0A/T50QGtZhEEI/AAAAAAAAAxk/uy6nDpO7sk8/s1600/Mr+Glamour_front+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JuibwA0Ai0A/T50QGtZhEEI/AAAAAAAAAxk/uy6nDpO7sk8/s200/Mr+Glamour_front+cover.jpg" width="127" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ew0PvJ0_iVM/T50Q6V8hS2I/AAAAAAAAAx8/yn1cfXEqZ6s/s1600/Run+For+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ew0PvJ0_iVM/T50Q6V8hS2I/AAAAAAAAAx8/yn1cfXEqZ6s/s200/Run+For+Home.jpg" width="128" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tvc04GNbH3w/T50QUBgqcpI/AAAAAAAAAxs/i6ZBvolPuCw/s1600/Danny's+Book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tvc04GNbH3w/T50QUBgqcpI/AAAAAAAAAxs/i6ZBvolPuCw/s200/Danny's+Book.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>
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The 'Queen of Dark Fiction', <i>Lily Childs</i> has recently unleashed her aptly titled eBook, <b>The Cabaret of Dread</b> - 43 cross-genre horror nuggets. Buy it <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cabaret-Dread-Horror-Compendium-ebook/dp/B007KSVXQK/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1332169402&sr=1-1-spell">here</a>.<br />
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Ex-cop, <i>Paul Grzegorzek</i> has re-released <b>The Follow</b>. If in doubt, check out the reviews <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Follow-ebook/dp/B007M8CHH2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332169458&sr=8-1">here</a>!<br />
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And last, but certainly not least (!), some bloke called <i>Col Bury</i> currently has his eBook of gritty crime shorts, <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/MANCHESTER-6-ebook/dp/B007ITA0GK/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1335695503&sr=1-1">Manchester 6</a></b>, at HALF PRICE for a limited time! ;-)<br />
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17913040012695421077noreply@blogger.com6