I'm not really a fan of social media. If it wasn't for promoting my books, I probably wouldn't use it. My disdain generally manifests by me taking the piss out of myself in every post. I mean, at the end of the day I'm a pretty average bloke. I sit in my room, watching a cinema inside my head and jot down what I see. The Bible calls it being the instrument, not the hand. I call it being a glorified typist. The Bible's version definitely sounds better.

Anyway, I'm taking this opportunity to be serious for just a moment. Not about myself, rather about The Price of Royalty. It's my debut novel and it's out today. It's actually not the first novel I've ever written. That one's coming out at the end of the year. But I don't want to get ahead of myself now.

The people most important to me are mentioned before The Price of Royalty's opening pages, but there are a few others who deserve thanks. For their words were part of what gave me the courage to self-publish this story.

First, Geoff Ford, one of my father's friends, who said he didn't typically read science-fiction. Had never really liked those kinds of movies either. However, he wanted to give my book a chance. And he loved it. I was beside myself with happiness when I found out. Someone complimenting my writing is beaten only by writing itself.

I must also thank Scott Turner. I'd served him as a waiter a few times when he found out that I was an author. He handed me twenty bucks on the spot to purchase a proof copy. He finished it a day and a half later with rave reviews. I was elated, to put it mildly.

Lastly, my friend of many years from work, Emma Wishart, who purchased this book for her friend, Rebecca Coote. I am so grateful for what you said, Rebecca, and to Emma, for thinking my work was worthy enough to be given as a gift.

Today marks the first in a long adventure, dear reader. One undertaken by Beatrix Westwood and her many companions. I've seen glimpses of future stories in the cinema within my mind. And I can promise you this. You and I have seen nothing yet. Our journey has only just begun.

I hope you will be with me at the end.