It's a New Year update

Well now! It's been a while since I posted on my site and New Year felt like an appropriate time to give an update on what's been going on with my writing.

My debut novel,

The Awakening,

through Rowan Prose Publishing, is due out in April 2027. It feels like a very long way away but I'm sure time will speed up once I receive my first edits toward the end of this year. My front cover is confirmed and signed off which makes it feel very real (and very exciting).

Beyond that it's been a bit of a roller coaster. My Dad passed away at the beginning of December to writing and querying was definitely not a priority.

However I'm now getting back in to the swing of things. So here's what I've got happening at the moment.

Front cover concept art

The Other Story - a psychological meta-fictional horror.

I've finished the second draft of this and have sent it through to Rowan Prose Publishing for first refusal. Fingers crossed they like it and that I don't have to go the whole horrendous querying process.

Lily and the Great Biscuit Heist.

My first middle grade comedy, mystery novel is drowning in the querying process. I'm in to the mid-30's for query rejections. Yet more fingers crossed for this one. I think its a fun story (but then I would wouldn't I?) I've also finished book 2 of this series, Lily and Operation Gnome, and am three quarters completing Lily and the Philosopher's Bone. Come on Agents, please someone spot the potential here.

Front cover concept art

The Archive of Ashes - a psychological horror.

I'm about two thirds completing this novel. I'll be honest, I've got a bit lost with the story and written myself in to a few plot holes. I'm in the process of rereading what I've done so far after the break to get my momentum back.

Front cover concept art

No Birds Sing at Dawn - Book 2 of the Awakening.

This was a bit of a surprise even to me. I didn't have a book 2 in mind for The Awakening when I was writing it. However I've recently been studying for a Forest Bathing Guide certificate and part of the learning on there sparked off a really interesting plot set nearly two years after the first novel.

So, I've pulled together a decent plot line for this story. There are a few gaps which i need to fill and tie up many loose ends but it's shaping up nicely.

I've written about 3K words taking me into chapter two but I've paused this for now. Some of the scenes are jumping out and clammering to be written, but the fog that is the ending of the Archive of Ashes story is niggling in my brain.

I am, therefor, trying to be a good boy and not carrying on with book 2 and the new and shiny and exciting ideas, and knuckle down to finish the Archive. At least then that can head off to moulder in the querying trenches while I then crack on with No Birds.

So there we have it. Lots happening and you're all now fully up to date. Of course, as well as all of this there's that thing called life and work getting in the way of writing, along with my newly found love of crochet. It's a house full of beanie hats, scarves and blankets.