Proving myself a poor blogger indeed means that my second post is two years and two novels later.
The excitement of translation rights, TV options and the lust of literary agents has worn off and now there is just this dark deadline wave which rises up in front of me each summer.
Returning from the Theaksons Old Peculiar Crime Festival in Harrogate last weekend (HIGHLY recommended), I am reminded that crime authors are extraordinarily kind and supportive of one another - and this is something which I appreciate massively.
Book 2, "The Serpentine Road" came out last year, just as my publisher was being absorbed into the massive Hachette / Little, Brown group and, as a result, despite some lovely reviews, it never really got much publicity and sold less well than book one.
The German translation of Book 1, large print formats for libraries, audio-book release and many book-club appearances kept me on my toes.
Whereas book 2 seemed plain sailing, book 3 caused a major block last summer, resolved (as so often) by no particular method other than just forcing oneself to write. I had no idea what my editors would make of this one. With huge relief, I can report they claimed it my best yet, and a large format paperback was the chosen form of publication this July, to be followed by the smaller (mass market) edition early next year. Great reviews - thank you - sent the sales rocketing briefly, especially in South Africa.
French, German and Afrikaans translations now beckon, and the German version of "The First Rule of Survival" sold very well, which is wonderful. If only I could understand the posted reviews...
Book 4 is now half written, with more to be done this summer.
I'm always open to questions so, if you are a reader - or a potential one - do ask me whatever you'd like.
Have a great summer of reading... Paul