tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85521509332857565122024-02-19T09:54:08.374+00:00Fergus McNeill | Author BlogFergus McNeill | author of the Detective Harland Series (Eye Contact, Knife Edge, Cut Out, Broken Fall) and Ashes Of America.Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.comBlogger153125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-13375119038732514182022-08-21T20:07:00.002+01:002022-08-21T20:07:46.858+01:00Signed<p>I've had a number of people enquiring about signed books, or even just a way to purchase books directly rather than through Amazon.</p><p>I'm pleased to say that I'm now in a position to offer copies of some of my titles, signed or otherwise. Currently, the available titles are as follows:</p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EJiIkV1fxmT8MdYa8zxYXyaUb1wBp1FbtDgw7igQMvLaHb_Fna7BqX3cCCo8vrwYYQ5I5SlmspY4fciCxZmiB1kusvJH5iDbqK3oi0a5qESTBCByKPhc260sG-ZBhiuMxEMX2rSmqwCsdMA4qhWV0VmshaTeQSS1wTpLRJuXTFTcOkHDkQRl6VJy/s1000/small_cover_0000_UCAF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EJiIkV1fxmT8MdYa8zxYXyaUb1wBp1FbtDgw7igQMvLaHb_Fna7BqX3cCCo8vrwYYQ5I5SlmspY4fciCxZmiB1kusvJH5iDbqK3oi0a5qESTBCByKPhc260sG-ZBhiuMxEMX2rSmqwCsdMA4qhWV0VmshaTeQSS1wTpLRJuXTFTcOkHDkQRl6VJy/w200-h200/small_cover_0000_UCAF.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />UP CLOSE AND FATAL</b><p></p><p><i>limited edition paperback</i></p><p>This is a special first edition printing, with unique cover artwork, and British English spelling (the version on Amazon has US spelling). It can be signed if required.</p><p>£9.99 + postage and packing</p><p><br /></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmcNVRHaVn7ngB959_7qwwVPnW4hsGcifLISQcQD6poqVLajZqhlt3tGqvClA6XcWL6oQ6ZL0ySFQnSaditi8Nt-91WudPJCCm2qyciWiDCe1jjnyRlN2gh9MmPK7Ob_Ppc_5On5-mLebRIzn0ibSBu4PQNozqIFptngHmZQJHUdBanB0jV0V-PLF/s1000/small_cover_0002_CO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmcNVRHaVn7ngB959_7qwwVPnW4hsGcifLISQcQD6poqVLajZqhlt3tGqvClA6XcWL6oQ6ZL0ySFQnSaditi8Nt-91WudPJCCm2qyciWiDCe1jjnyRlN2gh9MmPK7Ob_Ppc_5On5-mLebRIzn0ibSBu4PQNozqIFptngHmZQJHUdBanB0jV0V-PLF/w200-h200/small_cover_0002_CO.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div><b><br />CUT OUT</b><p></p><p><i>trade paperback edition</i></p><p>Original larger-format trade-paperback edition. Can be signed by the author if required.</p><p>£10.99 + postage and packing</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8Cg0-3HXNucYtWwCJaVB3hE-Ps2feQjsDjoTCKgQCZCTBdis_HMYkLC6ci_SIfekb379lWXffPdHHZl0mOeW9w8bls8fARDVctJAoAPAaprbBWpfzEF2X5DdP-xOhBitD8EXfiB5KVvJ_94aTo8ArjBG0v0VFk0iAo6JxZEq0XjKIMGDZJ8x_0FK/s1000/small_cover_0003_KE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8Cg0-3HXNucYtWwCJaVB3hE-Ps2feQjsDjoTCKgQCZCTBdis_HMYkLC6ci_SIfekb379lWXffPdHHZl0mOeW9w8bls8fARDVctJAoAPAaprbBWpfzEF2X5DdP-xOhBitD8EXfiB5KVvJ_94aTo8ArjBG0v0VFk0iAo6JxZEq0XjKIMGDZJ8x_0FK/w200-h200/small_cover_0003_KE.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div><b><br />KNIFE EDGE</b><p></p><p><i>trade paperback edition</i></p><p>Original larger-format trade-paperback edition. Can be signed by the author if required.</p><p>£10.99 + postage and packing</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDL3BC8R4z9y0lWEPtaRFrWpzu9bETE8e2OIpQe_L_R-gTb7pTK43tTsw3zbxsubMnA9ho8JvuyWdFVfxvqanV-A_SRpv1fLvmTo-zqKPaHtZ3EzR8a2I7Pfm17qBkN56ImA0JrGB3surEoU5eNtJckEXSE4qWIbkUpGKmWqyqEnX512HjTkLD1gf/s1000/small_cover_0001_AOA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDL3BC8R4z9y0lWEPtaRFrWpzu9bETE8e2OIpQe_L_R-gTb7pTK43tTsw3zbxsubMnA9ho8JvuyWdFVfxvqanV-A_SRpv1fLvmTo-zqKPaHtZ3EzR8a2I7Pfm17qBkN56ImA0JrGB3surEoU5eNtJckEXSE4qWIbkUpGKmWqyqEnX512HjTkLD1gf/w200-h200/small_cover_0001_AOA.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div><b><br />ASHES OF AMERICA</b><p></p><p><i>paperback</i></p><p>Paperback edition, which can be signed by the author if required.</p><p>£12.99 + postage and packing</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Titles are subject to availability. To enquire about purchasing a copy, please email books@fergusmcneill.co.uk </p>Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-16636510590311999792021-05-03T00:20:00.000+01:002021-05-03T00:20:58.087+01:00The Harland Series<p>The Detective Harland Series was never actively released in the US, so I'm very pleased to announce that special American editions are now here. Available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and in paperback, the books have brand new covers to mark their launch. I really hope everyone enjoys them.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz3YHk6ssZDHxdv124DFMfkrUZnzoNqB-6mCfvfZQCH7odg6egBjyTaV9tpXj61mdWAqsSX4KS4tNmcYrAKgQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092GB479T" target="_blank">TAP HERE to view the first book, EYE CONTACT, on Amazon.com</a><p></p>Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-91930863832612022112020-07-11T19:03:00.002+01:002020-07-11T19:03:19.860+01:00Listen...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILJm6dcsd4nsmIlTjiOHlKD_7jkz6aVT0BCNdmLfC3R0UsnGBY7rX401z3R95wJKsHE6eCKSxxC7b-hI3n-q689e4aWY90FCi4edaN6vW5M4eOt_KZlYchZEpOppupC71N4xHWV82AxE/s1600/AoA_AudiobookCover01_smaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILJm6dcsd4nsmIlTjiOHlKD_7jkz6aVT0BCNdmLfC3R0UsnGBY7rX401z3R95wJKsHE6eCKSxxC7b-hI3n-q689e4aWY90FCi4edaN6vW5M4eOt_KZlYchZEpOppupC71N4xHWV82AxE/s200/AoA_AudiobookCover01_smaller.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The process of producing an audiobook can take a while, but I'm really pleased to announce that my standalone historical thriller Ashes Of America is now available on Audible and Apple Books audio.<br />
Narrated by the brilliant Micah Mason, it tells the story of Frank Rye, a small-town cop in 1950s America, on a case that will drag him back to the dark secrets of his posting in wartime Switzerland.<br />
I'm so pleased with the response that the book has had - 'a pacy, page-turning thriller' and 'a beautifully crafted espionage tale' - and I really hope you enjoy it.<br />
<br />
UK readers can learn more here:<br />
<a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B088MC23K4/?source_code=AUKFrDlWS02231890H6-BK-ACX0-196309&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_196309_rh_uk">https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B088MC23K4/?source_code=AUKFrDlWS02231890H6-BK-ACX0-196309&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_196309_rh_uk</a><br />
<br />
US readers can learn more here:<br />
<a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/B088MC8KZ8/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-196309&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_196309_rh_us">https://www.audible.com/pd/B088MC8KZ8/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-196309&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_196309_rh_us</a>Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-47673516965758319252020-01-14T09:53:00.001+00:002020-01-14T09:53:23.685+00:00The End is not THE end, but it's a start<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNyEHiUHsGA_S65loKTUTo4VNQj7PzIkOdC0F8vNu3oRlHGPdq7l8IDxcknnuvSIvyKBTQDLm5hBvs_IEW9sYC478QZVRapyTJns0qV-STtYnbdDd1L_0_0tnHbVPHPxNGS9VEFOuaj8/s1600/theend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNyEHiUHsGA_S65loKTUTo4VNQj7PzIkOdC0F8vNu3oRlHGPdq7l8IDxcknnuvSIvyKBTQDLm5hBvs_IEW9sYC478QZVRapyTJns0qV-STtYnbdDd1L_0_0tnHbVPHPxNGS9VEFOuaj8/s1600/theend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="250" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNyEHiUHsGA_S65loKTUTo4VNQj7PzIkOdC0F8vNu3oRlHGPdq7l8IDxcknnuvSIvyKBTQDLm5hBvs_IEW9sYC478QZVRapyTJns0qV-STtYnbdDd1L_0_0tnHbVPHPxNGS9VEFOuaj8/s200/theend.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the Christmas break, I completed the first draft of a new standalone novel. It’s been a while – partly down to family illness and the loss of my dad, and partly down to getting a new job with very long hours – but I finally typed THE END at just under a hundred thousand words. I have no idea how books always seem to work out to that sort of length, so it’s always a relief when they do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The best thing about finishing a first draft is that I can now relax and forget about it. For over a year, those characters and their world and their timelines have been taking up so much valuable space in my head, as I try to figure out how their individual threads weave through the story. And my head has a limited capacity, so it’s a huge relief to free up some of that space and have room to think clearly again!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A few weeks away from the book always seems to work wonders. Rather than the mental weariness that comes from carrying the story over the finish line, there’s a return of that restless excitement that pulled me into the story in the first place. With a clear head, it’s possible to see everything afresh, and to enjoy it again. The writing seems to have ‘settled’ into place and, somehow, everything feels more real. I always strive for that sense of authenticity, that feeling of inevitability, where the story simply <i>had</i>to happen… it’s hard to detect while I’m in the middle of writing, but a few weeks away from the page seems to bring it out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So I’m really looking forward to going back to this book, and starting to tighten it up. But for now, I’m going to enjoy myself, catching up on some of the books, movies, and TV shows that I’ve been missing.</span><span style="font-family: cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-13805534318699959722018-12-23T23:31:00.001+00:002019-01-20T19:01:41.470+00:00Finally...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidn7WgzjEyc1ADQ3IzeQsm6QraQN4I6NnwItL2EU3Sh4AulJz1FY6pCs7RA6UiJvNYnvJB5Lc5DAadW0R5ciuny3Bm9sn2V2z1pG5rbSsjhpIoMjxlTEzvt0ezM7tJtDPz779gonXDxH0/s1600/AOA_cover19A_04_Kindle_eBook_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidn7WgzjEyc1ADQ3IzeQsm6QraQN4I6NnwItL2EU3Sh4AulJz1FY6pCs7RA6UiJvNYnvJB5Lc5DAadW0R5ciuny3Bm9sn2V2z1pG5rbSsjhpIoMjxlTEzvt0ezM7tJtDPz779gonXDxH0/s200/AOA_cover19A_04_Kindle_eBook_Cover.jpg" width="125" /></a>I’m conscious it’s taken longer than I thought it would, but my next novel is finally complete and will be published in February.<br />
<strong>Ashes Of America</strong> is a historical crime thriller set against the backdrops of wartime Switzerland and 1950s Missouri. It’s been quite a journey to get it done, but I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed writing this story more than anything I’ve done in a long time, and I’m really pleased with the finished result.<br />
It’s always challenging when an author does something a little different and, at first glance, this book does seem to be a departure from the more contemporary Detective Harland series – I guess that’s part of the reason it’s taken so long to find the right route to publication – but I’m hopeful that everyone who read my previous books will find some familiar themes. I’ve always felt that crime writing works because it places our characters in extreme circumstances, showing them at their best and at their worst as the plot twists and turns. This story is no exception.<br />
So thank you for your patience, and I really hope you <a href="https://viewbook.at/AshesOfAmerica" target="_blank">enjoy this new book</a>.Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-41045404556899022402017-12-02T20:52:00.000+00:002018-11-29T17:15:06.432+00:00True Liar<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjI7aFM-GxRRi0AQuvnNpC-jJ3rZOtCEfo365xUSFbR5zO_SjUEDq6ADUp0N18C9X4LSH4syUQqwHtlvoaFrH7JFaEbz_npOtU_8mh_5fRSqIS-_h842otRLELCI5fJiOpt01dOSkDHqM/s1600/TL_Cover01_1840x2778_300dpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1060" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjI7aFM-GxRRi0AQuvnNpC-jJ3rZOtCEfo365xUSFbR5zO_SjUEDq6ADUp0N18C9X4LSH4syUQqwHtlvoaFrH7JFaEbz_npOtU_8mh_5fRSqIS-_h842otRLELCI5fJiOpt01dOSkDHqM/s200/TL_Cover01_1840x2778_300dpi.jpg" width="131" /></a>In between finishing a draft of the latest novel, and planning two more, I took some time out to write a new short story. It features Detective Harland (albeit briefly) and I can't deny that it was fun to spend some time in the company of familiar characters once more.<br />
For a limited time, the e-book is available free. Simply <a href="https://claims.prolificworks.com/free/NwJL5" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> and get your copy.<br />
I really hope you enjoy it, and do please let me know what you think.Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-23023607255857338622017-09-22T19:31:00.000+01:002017-09-22T19:31:39.227+01:00Twin Peaks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wdDipHBGAea9ifk7NF7SezyT3tfHWNlnNX99_NcNlFoaOgJhWvrx73JqMwU1ba8s1kd79HGzfnWiutLhma9quSwpGDJHZtoc7n3V30vG_ZJ5ExY51HozqTtFL2UBIIw7cL19l2Lgvck/s1600/rr-15221-r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="780" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wdDipHBGAea9ifk7NF7SezyT3tfHWNlnNX99_NcNlFoaOgJhWvrx73JqMwU1ba8s1kd79HGzfnWiutLhma9quSwpGDJHZtoc7n3V30vG_ZJ5ExY51HozqTtFL2UBIIw7cL19l2Lgvck/s200/rr-15221-r.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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From the moment I heard that Showtime was reviving Twin
Peaks, I had mixed feelings. Like any return to a beloved story, I wanted it to
be great but I dreaded it being bad. News that David Lynch would be directing
the whole show raised my hopes, and made me more anxious. I waited until all 18
episodes had aired, so I could binge through the whole series and, just before
I started watching, I asked a friend what he’d thought of the show. He sent me
a text message that read: <i>It’s bloomin’
hard work, but I think it pays off. Episode 8 is a proper WTF!</i> So at least
I knew it wasn’t going to be a complete disaster. Armed with that knowledge, I
began watching.</div>
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(fair warning: spoilers)<o:p></o:p></div>
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The first couple of episodes did seem slow. My friend had
said that, where the original Twin Peaks series felt as though it needed more
David Lynch, this series almost felt as though it had too much.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We’ve all seen what can happen when a director becomes too
revered to be questioned. Ridley Scott and George Lucas did their finest work
when they had to fight for their creative vision, but with nobody daring to
challenge them, their later films suffered. Was it happening again?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I found myself becoming unhappy with the pacing – I was so
eager for the story and wanted more things to happen, but I started to worry
that there wouldn’t be enough time (even in 18 episodes) because of those long
lingering shots that seemed unable to cut away. The Dougie character was
particularly frustrating, as I was impatient for him to snap back into classic
FBI Cooper.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Episode 3 did encourage me a bit – the combination of editing
and sound design, when Cooper falls onto the island and goes inside to meet the
faceless woman, was wonderfully eerie and strange.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But there was still a lot that I didn’t really like. With so
many new characters, and plotlines snaking off at tangents, I began to realize
that the series would leave me with a host of unresolved issues. And seeing
beloved familiar faces now ravaged by age was also rather gloomy – less so with
Kyle Maclachlan, though I suppose seeing more of him on screen in the
intervening years may have softened that particular blow. The Horne brothers seemed
so old, and not very relevant, while the bands at The Roadhouse burned away
precious moments of screen-time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And then I hit episode 8, which was one of the most
unsettling things I’ve seen on TV since… well, since Leland killed Madeline all
those years ago. The bearded men were a stroke of genius – from that first
glimpse of one sitting in the prison cell, they completely freaked me out. The
explosion in New Mexico and the intense black-and-white sequence that followed
left me wondering how to process what I’d just watched.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the end, however, it was seeing James Hurley singing at
The Roadhouse… <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that’s</i> when I began to
figure out what was troubling me. This new Twin Peaks wasn’t comparing
unfavourably with old Twin Peaks. It just wasn’t quite as good as the
rose-tinted Twin Peaks in my memory.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In my memory, I’ve edited the series considerably. I’ve
fast-forwarded through some of the slower sequences, and I’ve weeded out
agoraphobic Harold Smith with his orchids. I’ve completely erased James and his
angsty sing-songs, and that daft sabbatical with the wealthy wife and her
psychotic chauffeur.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So I kept going, all the way to the finale. And when the
real Cooper woke up so perfectly, the Dougie character finally made sense to me. Over all
those weeks, he’d raised the stakes, exerting a gentle yet powerful influence
on other characters’ lives (especially his family) and in the process making me
care deeply about them. I found myself leaning forward in my seat, silently begging David
Lynch for a happy ending… and I got one.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, kind of.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also got what felt like the opening to another season of
new Twin Peaks. I wasn’t sure about Laura’s plastic-wrapped body disappearing
from the shore, and the thought of undoing so much story felt risky. Bringing
Laura home to her mother (and, presumably father?) could have been very powerful
but I knew it was the final episode… I’d prefer to have seen that at the start
of another series. I found myself resenting the cliff-hanger, as well as being
unsettled by the deliberate difference in Cooper once he’d crossed over.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, when I think about it honestly, that’s all just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so</i> Twin Peaks.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know people will disagree with my thoughts on the show,
but that’s all these are: my thoughts. Am I glad I watched it? Definitely.
There were so many moments that made it all feel worthwhile, even if there were
times when I wanted it to get there faster. Like other David Lynch projects, I
found it properly disturbing and, like other Twin Peaks projects, I learned a
lot but came away with many unanswered questions. But I’m glad I watched it.
I’m glad we got to say farewell to Albert, the Log Lady, and Carl. And who
knows… maybe in a few years, I’ll look back with my rose-tinted glasses and
remember this latest series as being the best Twin Peaks of all.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p> </div>
Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-38831827693903083622017-02-13T13:46:00.000+00:002017-02-13T13:46:18.116+00:00The End. Again.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2vTcK8o2Lu7W9OTCnudIQeQm6UjxkBd3Crxo31rAmSnb5KOGtbJLkvxaFh4YMpkRYi5uByyQBQ1TuYT4pRkWfbBRc8Nd8uPzXSS_lv0E2QsfTdk6MSE41qKIAgN5AKZP_m0L-NVHdvo/s1600/bern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2vTcK8o2Lu7W9OTCnudIQeQm6UjxkBd3Crxo31rAmSnb5KOGtbJLkvxaFh4YMpkRYi5uByyQBQ1TuYT4pRkWfbBRc8Nd8uPzXSS_lv0E2QsfTdk6MSE41qKIAgN5AKZP_m0L-NVHdvo/s200/bern.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Today's a day of mixed emotions. I'm simultaneously relieved and nervous, excited and weary... because, late last night, I completed the first draft of another book. I've been working on this story (a historical thriller, set in Switzerland and America during the 40s and 50s) for almost a year now, and it's been a lot of fun to write... even if I didn't have the ending fully worked out until a few weeks ago!<br />So now I have a draft manuscript, littered with mistakes and notes about things I have to change. Normally, I'd take a few weeks off, then go back to it and start reworking the text. However, this time, I have a dilemma: there's<em> another</em> manuscript!<br />Some of you may know that I completed the first draft of a psychological thriller last year, a contemporary story set in London. As I said at the time, I found that book particularly difficult to write and, rather than continuing straight on into a cycle of edits and redrafts, I decided to take a break from it, and write something else. The idea was to give myself some distance, some perspective, so that I could return to it with fresh eyes...<br />So, now I'm faced with an unusual choice. Which book do I work on? Both stories are important to me, but I'm really not sure which one I should take forward first...<br />That was the thought that started nagging at me when I woke this morning. And then it occurred to me that maybe this isn't the moment to choose. Maybe I'll take a week or two away from both of them, and immerse myself in some different stories for a while. My pile of books-to-be-read is getting out of control and, after all those late nights and uncertain endings, I think I've earned some quality reading time!Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-89343900638368488482016-11-21T15:00:00.000+00:002016-11-21T17:06:06.524+00:00Feedback<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68MKvTopm9Q0AHHoRamnidbhqdZ9zXzJGwscz-vWmjoYlAcWJYdTINV2xgVFtl0M1oNwBpbbq9hQHzFnwKYws6QleJP4-7j5QJI_cikkXSTHaUAeQ5Xe3xKWTEHbUekJUDF3Cq9vhdVw/s1600/anxiouscat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68MKvTopm9Q0AHHoRamnidbhqdZ9zXzJGwscz-vWmjoYlAcWJYdTINV2xgVFtl0M1oNwBpbbq9hQHzFnwKYws6QleJP4-7j5QJI_cikkXSTHaUAeQ5Xe3xKWTEHbUekJUDF3Cq9vhdVw/s200/anxiouscat.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
It's like that moment in a suspense film. You know, the bit where the tone of the music subtly shifts to a minor key. The main character may still be oblivious to it, but <i>we </i>know that something's about to happen.<br />
Anyway, that's the feeling - a first flicker of excitement or a dawning sense of dread, and no way to know which it's going to be. Yes, it's time to get some feedback on the book I'm writing.<br />
This one's quite a departure for me - historical thriller, rather than contemporary crime - but still a very personal story with plenty of murder and intrigue. I should point out that it's not actually finished - not yet - but most of the story is now in place, and I want to understand how readers will relate to the characters and the structure of the narrative. Unfortunately, the only way to achieve this is to let people read it.<br />
It may seem strange to spend months and months writing something, and then be reluctant for others to read it, but this always seems to be the way with new stories. It's like sending a tiny loved-one off to their first day of school, and hoping that they will make friends and do well for themselves.<br />
Hence that strange mix of feelings - excitement and dread - and an agonising wait for feedback. Fingers crossed!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-49152914579666740302016-05-23T13:45:00.002+01:002016-05-23T13:45:56.073+01:00Update<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SQ66TSZJz1iR2Bxw8SogN9uCm1nYO4rxZu2uZ8RtwcAoehLYWBPl6XrV1J0nhOfx3SXeHDvQ_fljDd95vMf7Zd48qSnSX_ig6J9EBMf0yBcx0CpBav4FoIm-oQvzuM8fSWyiFsMbrp0/s1600/diversion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SQ66TSZJz1iR2Bxw8SogN9uCm1nYO4rxZu2uZ8RtwcAoehLYWBPl6XrV1J0nhOfx3SXeHDvQ_fljDd95vMf7Zd48qSnSX_ig6J9EBMf0yBcx0CpBav4FoIm-oQvzuM8fSWyiFsMbrp0/s200/diversion.jpg" width="200" /></a>I've just come back from CrimeFest 2016 - the best CrimeFest <em>ever</em>, in my opinion - and, after a weekend of catching up with people in Bristol, I thought I should post a brief update here on my blog as well.<br />As I've probably mentioned before, I spent the last year or so writing a new standalone novel - a psychological thriller, set around Hampstead Heath and Highgate. I've now completed a couple of drafts, though it will still need some more time and thought before it's ready for editing. However, in the meantime, a couple of other projects have cropped up and distracted me. One in particular has been niggling at me for over a year now, and I've reached the point where I just <em>need to get the new story on paper</em>. Hopefully, once that's done, I can go back to the psychological thriller with a clearer head. Apologies for the delay!<br />Anyway, that's quite enough about me. How are you..?Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-35388938068515696862015-11-23T16:42:00.000+00:002015-11-23T16:42:10.411+00:00The Bridge III<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXD34IviiidlESj3YT2hOIehe1PM-YGlEvX4HZuHdM1GX0hEeJii2yNc-SOQhIdQo5W2gEZ5q_0jG2JdQn8_LpnnJKH6jrKlz2RcRI314yw-M2ACdkH-S6SSJchiG35r-mDumxObJF78g/s1600/saga_noren_bron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXD34IviiidlESj3YT2hOIehe1PM-YGlEvX4HZuHdM1GX0hEeJii2yNc-SOQhIdQo5W2gEZ5q_0jG2JdQn8_LpnnJKH6jrKlz2RcRI314yw-M2ACdkH-S6SSJchiG35r-mDumxObJF78g/s200/saga_noren_bron.jpg" width="200" /></a>I resent the producers of The Bridge. Not because of what
they did to one of my favourite characters at the end of season 2. No, I resent
them because they've made me care. They've made me care so much, that I've
violated my own sacred rule about <i>not</i>
watching episodes of a crime series until <i>all</i>
the episodes are available to stream online.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And now I'm regretting it. I have to wait a whole week for
the next instalment, even though my head is buzzing with the story right now. I
don't ev</div>
en know if this series will be any good - I may have committed to something
that will ultimately disappoint, and I won't know until it's too late...<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
...because for me, it's already too late. Last night's
double bill dragged me straight back into The Bridge universe and rekindled all
of the emotional investment I felt through the previous two series. So now I
find myself resenting the producers, but there's a way they can make it up to
me... if this series is anything like as good as the ones that came before it,
all will be forgiven!</div>
Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-6696696269090501062015-10-15T12:28:00.002+01:002015-10-15T12:28:48.848+01:00Best Seat In The House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBaRdizivhfa_6FbCdMniMkBUO6oZIfGVex9kw4Vg_E-Ig_cR4g73MZ26M72DAj6cSnefIwaIklDZtGE7GGEOLlk26FKIM_9gMOrVe2i2_ZAUaByC19yQKtI0Ec436jsuvKMb2yQBi2Y/s1600/interrogation-chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBaRdizivhfa_6FbCdMniMkBUO6oZIfGVex9kw4Vg_E-Ig_cR4g73MZ26M72DAj6cSnefIwaIklDZtGE7GGEOLlk26FKIM_9gMOrVe2i2_ZAUaByC19yQKtI0Ec436jsuvKMb2yQBi2Y/s200/interrogation-chair.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People ask why fictional detectives are so often
dysfunctional figures. Why can't we have nice, well-adjusted detectives, with happy
families and settled lives?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the answer? Because that would be… <i>ordinary</i>. And if something is too ordinary, it becomes boring. The
strength of crime fiction is that it allows us to escape the mundane and go to
extremes, seeing people at their worst and their best. So it shouldn't surprise
us that fictional detectives are often broken, or haunted, or crippled by a
tragic past… anything to make them more interesting.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I like to go further.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why should we spend all our time with the detective when we
can spend some quality time with the villain? After all, "police
procedural" stories have been done so well, and so often… why not focus more
on a wildcard character? Why not focus on the murderer?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As soon as we take the killer's viewpoint, everything
changes. The normal rules no longer apply – anything can happen when your
character isn't bound by the law, or by rational thinking.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Anything can happen.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I like that as a starting point for a story.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But of course, writing from the villain's perspective has
its own challenges. Most of us (I hope!) would find it difficult to empathise
with a mindless thug or a sadistic monster; if the killer is entirely evil,
we're unlikely to have anything in common with them. And without some common
ground, it's difficult to empathise.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps that's why I prefer more complex characters –
characters that you can't immediately gauge, who surprise you, who make you
feel things you might not expect to feel. I want you to like my villains (well,
<i>some</i> of them, <i>some</i> of the time) because that allows you to get closer to them. I
want to let you get right inside their heads… because that’s the best seat in
the house.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, it’s dramatic when we read about a character doing
something shocking. But I believe our experience is much more intense when we <i>understand</i>, when we’re so close to the
action that we can see the world <i>through</i>
the killer’s eyes.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So if you find yourself liking a villain, or feeling
sympathy towards them, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, that’s the
author’s intention. Because sometimes, that’s just where you need to be, to
best experience the story.</div>
Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-14283725208278872792015-10-15T12:28:00.001+01:002015-10-15T12:28:38.519+01:00Eye Contact for 99p<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeTRyt6Q_PLmhPgPffR5XQOt0f6lILf2mTndeR-wG_9OqTjeVjEHhB3sW4RR5TzF0Y-ag9A4E1O4ylC6wfa1goaLvGVH3432a6GHJCVVLU4TeP3lBoFWPItBz9Nx4iK7t_JdJh_8qQ-I/s1600/9781444739626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeTRyt6Q_PLmhPgPffR5XQOt0f6lILf2mTndeR-wG_9OqTjeVjEHhB3sW4RR5TzF0Y-ag9A4E1O4ylC6wfa1goaLvGVH3432a6GHJCVVLU4TeP3lBoFWPItBz9Nx4iK7t_JdJh_8qQ-I/s200/9781444739626.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
I was beginning to think it would never happen, but my first novel EYE CONTACT has finally had a price reduction. Part of the Amazon's Autumn Kindle Sale, the ebook is currently just 99p - a huge saving on the normal price.<br />And, because Kobo and iBooks seem to track and match Amazon discounts, it's just 99p on those formats too!<br />So if you haven't read the first book in the Harland series, this is your chance. Just click the link below...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008FQ148I" target="_blank">EYE CONTACT on Amazon</a>Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-21243635129888663322015-08-27T23:53:00.000+01:002015-08-27T23:53:06.352+01:00And breathe...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkGgy_RVVVGKSzv70cPpHWsVt_kQYVVmgGIqCMPLcLELxNslu4IGNmUvquBUnIN7GEQ65s8V8HJTqfOoiB1z7OYi4J6i3uhUsVR5yYnn7nszZ6WFToEUwiDeQcxYi1zOK24W_OY8B_ZI/s1600/Photo+08-08-2015+14+46+48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkGgy_RVVVGKSzv70cPpHWsVt_kQYVVmgGIqCMPLcLELxNslu4IGNmUvquBUnIN7GEQ65s8V8HJTqfOoiB1z7OYi4J6i3uhUsVR5yYnn7nszZ6WFToEUwiDeQcxYi1zOK24W_OY8B_ZI/s200/Photo+08-08-2015+14+46+48.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, that was quite a bit tougher than I thought it would
be! If I've been a little quiet over the last year, it's partly because I've
been finding it extremely hard to complete the first draft of my new book. I
know quite a few authors who sail close to (or right past) their deadlines but,
up until now, I've always been okay about hitting my dates. However, in this
case I didn't have a particular deadline and, until the last few months when
the words started to come more quickly, I wondered if the journey would ever
end.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This book is something of a departure for me. Having previously
written 3 full-length novels and a novella for my Detective Harland series, I
was now being asked to do something different, ideally set in London rather
than Bristol. I had an idea for a standalone psychological thriller, so I
started typing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That was just over a year ago.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week, I finally completed the first draft. I’m not sure
why it took so long, or why I found it so difficult. All the books have been an
effort, but this one was so much harder, and I frequently found myself hating
it. Perhaps it was because I missed spending time in Bristol, or perhaps
because I missed my familiar series characters. Certainly, I realised early on
that I was spending an awful lot of time getting into the head of a character
who I didn’t really get on with.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I discussed all this with Anya Lipska at CrimeFest earlier
in the year, and she pointed out that I probably enjoyed writing the
charismatic serial killer in my first two books “because he enjoys what he
does”. The more I’ve thought about this, the more I’m convinced that Anya knows
a thing or two.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So it's been a long and difficult road, but I’ve finally
reached that exciting first milestone: a complete draft. The characters and
their stories have all changed quite a lot along the way, and I know that the
book will change a lot more before it sees the light of day. But at least I’ve
made it this far – ninety thousand joined-up words, with a beginning, middle,
and end. And, having made it this far, I can finally unload the story from my
head for a while – it’s been evolving and replaying in a continuous loop for
quite long enough! But as I reached the latter stages of the book, something
strange happened.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As you may know, I try to write "on location" as
much as possible. Last weekend, I spent the morning in Highgate, writing one of
the final chapters, then moved across to South End Green, to type up some notes
for another scene. At the end of the afternoon, I finally left the café where
I’d been writing, and walked towards the bus stop. I actually found myself
slowing, turning around and looking back towards the café, towards the path
that leads up onto Hampstead Heath, towards the road where my main character
lives…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…and I realised that I was really going to miss all this. It
sounds silly and sentimental, particularly after all that grumbling about how difficult
this book has been. And I know I'm very far from finished. I know I'll spend
days and weeks on the manuscript, editing and polishing...<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the story has <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">happened</i>
now. For me, all those events are essentially "in the past".<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You know how, when you're reading a book that really
involves you, and you come to the end, and it leaves a sort of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">gap</i>? Well, this story has certainly
involved me, and the gap it's left behind is a big one.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, it’s barely been 24 hours since I finished. I
know I'll feel better, especially when I can enjoy a whole weekend relaxing,
without spending half of it in another city. I'll be glad it's over.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And yet, I can already glimpse the sparks of new ideas,
jostling for my attention. Part of me always wants to be writing. But next time
around, I'm going to remember Anya's advice. Whatever I write next, I’m going
to try and spend more time with a character who really enjoys what they do!</div>
Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-27764795168320841042015-05-22T14:26:00.000+01:002015-05-22T14:26:39.489+01:00CrimeFest XV<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhs-Z7WyfulwLA_DT5iF_g0Om7CDecebfGga4hS80pTFq07mczK6k4s56Sx2MYZ8rRUV9I3QeFwZAp-iX6l5FGYA0VqaJIVUHP0blgXWlR20MDXX5k0Dtzx84krE1_qOPOC_Ou8UZOmkI/s1600/crimefest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhs-Z7WyfulwLA_DT5iF_g0Om7CDecebfGga4hS80pTFq07mczK6k4s56Sx2MYZ8rRUV9I3QeFwZAp-iX6l5FGYA0VqaJIVUHP0blgXWlR20MDXX5k0Dtzx84krE1_qOPOC_Ou8UZOmkI/s200/crimefest.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
So, CrimeFest was good. And by good, I mean very good. Phenomenal. In fact, I'd only change three things:<br /><br />
1. In these enlightened times, there's <em>surely</em> no place for 9am panels on Saturday mornings. It's not the Dark Ages, though it was truly humbling to see all those brave and beautiful people who'd risen early to attend, most of them considerably more awake than some of us on the panel. Suffice to say that I've never been much of a 9am Saturday morning person, and never less so than when that Saturday follows a Friday night in the CrimeFest bar.<br />
<br />2. Mention of the CrimeFest bar leads me neatly onto my second point. Why did nobody stop me? I'm older than I used to be, and should really drink accordingly. In future, don't hesitate, just stage an intervention.<br />
<br />3. Okay, serious point now… were there fewer readers attending this year? I know that Bristol has always been popular with reviewers / bloggers / authors but I could have sworn there used to be more honest-to-goodness-readers in the audience. Perhaps we simply need to spread the word – most of the UK crime-writing community is milling around in that one hotel, and we really <em>need</em> readers to talk to. I watched Lee Child do about 5 circuits of the bar, before he finally found someone to latch on to. No, honestly – I did, and I have witnesses.<br />
<br />CrimeFest is an amazing festival, lovingly organised, and packed with brilliant people. It was great to catch up with old friends, and make new ones, to exchange recommendations then buy the books and play hunt-the-author to get them signed. Who <em>wouldn't</em> want a few days of that? Exactly! I'll see you there next year!Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-56385536189650596412015-04-30T21:39:00.001+01:002015-04-30T21:39:46.373+01:00Location, Location, Location<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Xo29xopmgRjLxpB_AOPoMTSax91zttUti67t3cfkU4a7YXdxxyHZE8qPgVzkNZODzYUIyDwnwRpv4LVbetkgAmU6f4Wv3j_TGdbfYvIgb9Aog0xTDC-osE_8NPEm_OzkXyhQcIITkTU/s1600/crime_near_crimefest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Xo29xopmgRjLxpB_AOPoMTSax91zttUti67t3cfkU4a7YXdxxyHZE8qPgVzkNZODzYUIyDwnwRpv4LVbetkgAmU6f4Wv3j_TGdbfYvIgb9Aog0xTDC-osE_8NPEm_OzkXyhQcIITkTU/s1600/crime_near_crimefest.jpg" height="131" width="200" /></a>It's not long until CrimeFest arrives in the heart of Bristol, so I thought it might be fun to compile a map of nearby locations from the D.I. Harland books.<br />
<br />
Just follow <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zLzN2Q7uIs5U.kz4djoAl_YdE" target="_blank">THIS LINK</a> to access a fully interactive map (you should even be able to use it on your phone).<br />
<br />
The blog side-panel has also been updated to include individual maps for each story. Enjoy exploring, and my apologies if I've set part of my book in your street!Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-43233557205230088822015-04-30T14:45:00.001+01:002015-04-30T14:45:25.010+01:00eBook PricesI've just written a piece for The Writer's Workshop, called <a href="http://www.writersworkshop.co.uk/blog/the-future-of-ebook-prices-a-history-lesson-from-the-app-industry/" target="_blank">The future of eBook prices</a>: a lesson from the app industry. It's aimed at writers and people from publishing, so feel free to link to it or Tweet about it. Thanks!Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-17536322991119032862015-04-30T11:19:00.000+01:002015-04-30T11:19:31.872+01:00A Series Of Fortunate EventsI had a hugely enjoyable time celebrating World Book Night at Bristol Central Library last week. Together with fellow authors Philip Purser-Hallard and Lucienne Boyce, we discussed the process of getting into print, and hopefully helped to encourage our audience of writers.<br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB47dYCSkUs2gi4rRCQjsdG93dSA6f6oRERo5BhXPkThX3qvkfrLN2VwDHQRLl3gDtLaZd-XlK8Jz1NrzRzGrYxlsfdbbgO3AgbMLT1AgFbvzjaAeVjVqgRNcV4ekrMMBLpLFsmu2CfJ8/s1600/6edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB47dYCSkUs2gi4rRCQjsdG93dSA6f6oRERo5BhXPkThX3qvkfrLN2VwDHQRLl3gDtLaZd-XlK8Jz1NrzRzGrYxlsfdbbgO3AgbMLT1AgFbvzjaAeVjVqgRNcV4ekrMMBLpLFsmu2CfJ8/s1600/6edit.jpg" height="183" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm back in Bristol for <a href="http://www.crimefest.com/" target="_blank">CrimeFest</a>, with runs from the 14th to the 17th of May, and I'll be doing two panels on Saturday the 16th.<br />
Following that, I have Library talks at <a href="http://www3.hants.gov.uk/library/hythe-library.htm" target="_blank">Hythe </a>on the 3rd of June, and <a href="http://www3.hants.gov.uk/library/totton-library.htm" target="_blank">Totton </a>on the 10th of June - please contact the libraries for ticket details.<br />
Then it's off to the wonderful Goldsboro Books for <a href="http://www.crimeinthecourt.com/" target="_blank">Crime In The Court</a> on the 25th of June. And as if that wasn't enough, I'll also be wandering around Harrogate in July. If you're at any of these events, do please come and say hello!<br />
<br />Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-88661046746936774462015-03-09T22:50:00.002+00:002015-04-30T21:12:39.893+01:00Temptation<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">
Oh dear. I appear to have reached that terrible moment that I reach in almost everything I write - the moment when <i>another story</i> starts to intrude on my imagination, tempting me with its simplicity and its lack of baggage, promising me that I can do whatever I want...</div>
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It’s a problem. I don’t want to be thinking about another story, particularly one in another genre, and certainly not now, when I still have a lot to do on my current book… but even as I push those thoughts and ideas away, I worry. I worry that if I don’t explore them now, when seem to burn so bright, that they’ll somehow fade; that when I <i>do</i> return to them, I’ll find them diminished.</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">
Why can’t I have my ideas in a more orderly fashion, one at a time? Writing would be so much simpler if I could.</div>
Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-19733359622017364232015-01-14T14:06:00.000+00:002015-01-15T13:09:24.501+00:00Broken Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vGKmDa_N4olXBXai5R0b2pFZa_QupgjIAL7NQVwN0LMcmq_CPaVYGQj7D1QUlH7ccRgOW6rOCslR80dJBoPMpkQEcJfdpAEQXdp7CNK1EdAefJ7PR9LYdJeXqmIQOsVgNkV6dnUQdFE/s1600/brokenFall_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vGKmDa_N4olXBXai5R0b2pFZa_QupgjIAL7NQVwN0LMcmq_CPaVYGQj7D1QUlH7ccRgOW6rOCslR80dJBoPMpkQEcJfdpAEQXdp7CNK1EdAefJ7PR9LYdJeXqmIQOsVgNkV6dnUQdFE/s1600/brokenFall_small.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a></div>
When my editor suggested that I write a shorter, ebook-only story, I really wasn't sure what would happen. Yes, I'd written short stories before, but this was different – a 20,000 word novella, roughly a quarter of a full-length novel. After a bit of time mulling over different ideas, I began making weekend trips to Bristol, researching and writing on-location, just as I do for my full-length books. It took a while to complete, but hopefully you'll enjoy reading the results.<br />
<br />
<strong>Broken Fall</strong> features my troubled detective, Graham Harland, in his very first murder case for Bristol CID. Set a little while after the events of <strong>Knife Edge</strong> and just before<strong> Cut Out</strong>, it's an ideal entry-point to the series for new readers. It's also my first real whodunit, so I'm eager to know how many of you correctly identify the killer, and whether you do so before Harland does – contact me via @fergusmcneill on Twitter and let me know once you've read it.<br />
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You can order Broken Fall on <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00N9AVETY" target="_blank">Kindle</a>, Apple <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/broken-fall/id915006855?mt=11" target="_blank">iBooks</a>, <a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/broken-fall" target="_blank">Kobo</a>, or Google <a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Fergus_McNeill_Broken_Fall?id=KcB9BAAAQBAJ&hl=en" target="_blank">Play</a>, and it's only 99p – I really hope you enjoy it.Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-24419682342315975122014-10-11T23:41:00.001+01:002014-10-11T23:41:42.897+01:00On three...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6EuU78rmZSRK3P4HVOcB7zabT3-jE3QnqqRdq5UecYE8EBNN92P7XL3nj2v79jYdUrEXak7E5E1toJGKff7ZGTgxrTHxDfz-KlkzFh27JejQ_GiYgp8Pmu4WCYrzU8P95KXmZZYKu0M/s1600/CutOut_fromAmazon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6EuU78rmZSRK3P4HVOcB7zabT3-jE3QnqqRdq5UecYE8EBNN92P7XL3nj2v79jYdUrEXak7E5E1toJGKff7ZGTgxrTHxDfz-KlkzFh27JejQ_GiYgp8Pmu4WCYrzU8P95KXmZZYKu0M/s1600/CutOut_fromAmazon.jpg" height="200" width="129" /></a></div>
A few weeks ago, I was at Hodder's London office for a meeting. My editor, Francesca, smiled as she handed me a finished copy of Cut Out and said, "Your third book!"<br />
<br />
At the time, it didn't really sink in and, with the pressures of work (and the pleasures of two different literary festivals this week) publication day sort of slipped past, without me having time to think about it.<br />
<br />
Writing and publication are oddly disconnected events. Cut Out was finished months ago and, since then, I've completed a new DI Harland novella, and started work on a fourth full-length novel. With my head now firmly in a different story, it was like an unexpected meeting with an old friend when I read the first reviews of Cut Out. It made me pause, thinking back to the day my agent called to tell me she'd negotiated a three-book deal. At the time, that third book seemed a long way away... but now the hardback is sitting in front of me as I type this.<br />
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It's been a brilliant and challenging journey, thus far... I still can't believe it's happening, and I can't wait to see where the stories go next.<br />
<br />Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-77364149537423901712014-10-02T10:50:00.000+01:002014-10-02T10:50:03.328+01:00Context<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnqmTnxPFxcNEr4GJ5ECedOYpw9Qf8PbKrzsb0XzOn2D6qeWD11ZrcLrCvq7PyRQ7GvKUwyq8nI6SMeRAYC2eqSguHBn5xqp8e8rHc1rP-SMsfN1nORdybcodJB9JZegaDwRY9rzr0KU/s1600/TomandJerryTitleCardc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnqmTnxPFxcNEr4GJ5ECedOYpw9Qf8PbKrzsb0XzOn2D6qeWD11ZrcLrCvq7PyRQ7GvKUwyq8nI6SMeRAYC2eqSguHBn5xqp8e8rHc1rP-SMsfN1nORdybcodJB9JZegaDwRY9rzr0KU/s200/TomandJerryTitleCardc.jpg" /></a></div>
I was genuinely saddened to read that old Tom and Jerry cartoons are being branded with a racism warning. In a world where there is so much equality and injustice happening right now, it seems wrong to demonise a cartoon cat and mouse from the 1940s.<br />
<br />
To look at something seventy years out of context, is to see it through eyes that have no understanding of the period. To judge it against modern standards, is to judge it against standards that it had no opportunity or encouragement to embrace.<br />
<br />
Of course, this may just be a legal safeguarding issue. We do live in a time where some people seem ready – even eager – to be offended at the slightest thing. But while some people may be uncomfortable with aspects of Tom and Jerry, others may be uncomfortable at the suggestion that a cartoon they like is "racist". After all, what does it say about you, if you enjoy racist entertainment?<br />
<br />Intolerant attitudes must be challenged and changed, but this feels like a well-intentioned shot in the foot. Until we've fixed the present, maybe we should be more tolerant of the past.
Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-57719588170097352402014-09-19T12:32:00.000+01:002014-09-19T12:32:36.450+01:0010 Favourite Characters from Books<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s one thing to be asked for your favourite ten books… but
your favourite ten <i>characters</i>? That’s
not so simple, especially when you have to try and give reasons for your
choices. Here’s my attempt at an answer – the fictional people who stuck out
and stayed with me. They’re in no particular order, but each one of them meant
something to me. Read on, and see if any of these would make it into <i>your</i> top ten…</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Inspector Morse</b>
from "Last Seen Wearing" by Colin Dexter</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's tempting to think we know Morse from the TV series, but
while I love John Thaw's version, the original written character is
refreshingly different. In those first books Morse is a driven, seedy man,
recklessly embracing one possible theory after another. He makes terrible
mistakes, and seems a lot less assured than a heroic detective ought to, but
therein lies so much of his charm. A brilliantly flawed man.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Gerald Tarrant</b>
from "The Coldfire Trilogy" by C.S. Friedman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There's something wonderfully unsettling about a charismatic
villain, and Gerald Tarrant is the perfect example – simultaneously rational
and evil, yet absolutely bound by a complex code of ethics that elevate him
above being a mere monster. More than any other character, he helped to inspire
my own serial killer, and his presence on the page is so compelling that it
sends the morale compass spinning.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Biba Capel</b> from
"The Poison Tree" by Erin Kelly</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every so often, you meet a character who burns brighter than
everyone around them. Biba Capel is the perfect example of this – a captivating
young woman, a catalyst for chaos, her presence irrevocably changing the lives
of everyone she encounters. As a reader, you find yourself drawn to her, just
like the other characters in this story of destructive obsession, and the
memory of her resonates long after the final page.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>George Smiley</b>
from "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" by John le Carré</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In many ways, Tinker Tailor is a crime novel, albeit one set
in the shadowy world of the cold-war secret services. George Smiley takes on
the role of the weary detective, patiently following the clues to uncover a
high-ranking double agent. He's a quiet man, gripped by a profound sadness, yet
even after retiring he finds himself unable to turn his back on the job that
brought him so low. Tenacious, with a deeply buried passion that rarely
surfaces, he exhibits extraordinary intelligence and insight about those around
him, while remaining endearingly puzzled by his own life.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Arthur Dent</b> from
"The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There's something rather reassuring about Arthur Dent.
Despite being catapulted through space and time, from one absurd situation to
the next, he remains unalterably British, albeit a caricatured, 20<sup>th</sup>
century British, that's fuelled by tea, understatement, and good manners. His
resolute determination not to forsake this, even when Britain and the whole of
the Earth are mistakenly demolished, is surely an upper-lip stiffener for us
all.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Doctor Sheppard</b>
from "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" by Agatha Christie</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A neighbour of the great Hercule Poirot, Doctor James Sheppard
is one of the most perfectly written characters I've ever encountered. People
often talk about unreliable narrators but, if you know the plot, you'll
appreciate how terribly clever his personal telling of the story is. Also, he's
such an engaging person to be in the company of – wonderfully witty and
considerably more genial than his Belgian detective friend.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Silk</b> from “The
Belgariad” by David Eddings</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I first read David Eddings’ epic fantasy series as a
teenager, and even now, with a more mature eye, I still find a great joy in the
books. The reason for their enduring appeal is the wonderful cast of
characters, and the best of these has to be Silk. When we meet him, we see a
rat-faced little man – a common thief and trickster – with roguish morals and
wicked sense of humour. As time goes on, we discover that he is much, much more
than this – a complex character, with unexpected depth and vulnerability – yet
over the course of five books (ten, if you include Eddings’ subsequent series
“The Mallorean”) his character never stops developing. There always seems to be
more beneath the surface, and he’s so likeable that you can’t help but want to
find out what it is.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sebastian Flyte</b>
from "Brideshead Revisited" by Evelyn Waugh</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Brideshead Revisited contains both one of my favourite
characters, Sebastian Flyte, and also one of my least favourites, Charles
Ryder. Although he is weak in many ways, Sebastian is wonderfully honest and
entertaining, ultimately remaining true to himself despite the chaotic life he
leads. His presence lights up the chapters that include him, providing a
wonderful contrast to the more cynical Charles.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Miss Marple</b> from
"A Murder Is Announced" by Agatha Christie</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I've always had a soft spot for Jane Marple, ever since I
saw Joan Hickson's portrayal in the BBC series. Reading her as originally
written, she's even better – a dignified, yet ruthless inquisitor who calmly
uses her insight to lay mysteries bare. Save for occasional flashes of sharp,
deadpan humour, there are few outward clues to the keen mind behind the shawl,
but she certainly deserves the nickname bestowed by one of her acquaintances:
"nemesis".</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Frodo Baggins</b>
from "The Lord Of The Rings" by J R R Tolkien</div>
On the surface, Frodo may seem an odd choice, but he
underpins so many of the key values in the book. At the start, he volunteers to
do what is right, for the sake of others, no matter what the risk to himself.
He continues his quest even when he is sure there is no hope of success or survival.
After terrible suffering and wrongdoings, he still shows mercy, even sparing the
evil Saruman, who has sought to destroy his home. Above all though, Frodo's
character embodies Sacrifice. When speaking to his friend Sam, he says of their
idyllic land, "It has been saved. But not for me," and he says it
without regret. I absolutely love this quality – that one person would gladly
give everything to protect a way of life for others.<br />
<br />
<i>This piece was originally written for The Festival Of Book Clubs.</i><br />
Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-2549399425526555962014-09-05T12:00:00.000+01:002014-09-19T17:44:34.451+01:00EventfulOne of the best things about being a writer is having the chance to meet readers and chat about books. Literary festivals are great for this, and I'm very lucky to have several exciting events coming up in the next month or so.<br /><br />
<strong>Festival of Book Clubs</strong><br />Wed 17 September, 2pm - Lord Wandsworth College, Hampshire<br />- with Nicola Beauman (owner of Persephone Books), Fanny Blake (book editor of ‘Woman and Home’ magazine), Katherine Webb (author of ‘The Misbegotten’), Christopher Radmann (author of ‘Held Up’), and hosted by Tim O’Kelly.<br /><br />
<strong>Frinton Literary Festival</strong><br />Thu 9 October, 7:30pm – Frinton Lawn Tennis Club, Essex<br />- with Sophie Hannah (author of the new Hercule Poirot novel, 'The Monogram Murders').<br />
<a href="http://www.frintonliteraryfestival.co.uk/" target="_blank">Click here for info</a>.<br /><br />
<strong>Havant Literary Festival</strong><br />Fri 10 October, 6:15pm – The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre, Hampshire<br />- talking about the Detective Harland novels, including the latest in the series, 'Cut Out'.<br />
<a href="http://www.havantlitfest.org.uk/index.php" target="_blank">Click here for info</a>.<br /><br />
<strong>Off The Shelf Festival of Words</strong><br />Fri 17 October, 8:00pm – Showroom Cinema, Sheffield<br />- with Sabine Durrant (author of 'Under Your Skin') and Kate Rhodes (author of 'Crossbones yard').<br />
<a href="http://www.showroomworkstation.org.uk/sabinedurrant" target="_blank">Click here for info</a>.<br /><br />
<strong>The New Forest Readers Day</strong><br />Sat 22 November, 10am – Forest Arts Centre, Hampshire<br />- with Erin Kelly (author of 'The Poison Tree') and Judith Kinghorn (author of 'The Last Summer').<br />
<a href="http://www3.hants.gov.uk/forest" target="_blank">Click here for info</a>.<br /><br />
If one of these is near you, do please come along. Writing is a solitary pursuit, and hearing from readers is important in so many ways. Also, many events have cake or biscuits laid on, so there's really no excuse not to attend. Hopefully see you there!Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552150933285756512.post-47958789849157086742014-09-04T16:17:00.001+01:002014-09-04T16:17:07.763+01:00#AmWriting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6EuU78rmZSRK3P4HVOcB7zabT3-jE3QnqqRdq5UecYE8EBNN92P7XL3nj2v79jYdUrEXak7E5E1toJGKff7ZGTgxrTHxDfz-KlkzFh27JejQ_GiYgp8Pmu4WCYrzU8P95KXmZZYKu0M/s1600/CutOut_fromAmazon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6EuU78rmZSRK3P4HVOcB7zabT3-jE3QnqqRdq5UecYE8EBNN92P7XL3nj2v79jYdUrEXak7E5E1toJGKff7ZGTgxrTHxDfz-KlkzFh27JejQ_GiYgp8Pmu4WCYrzU8P95KXmZZYKu0M/s1600/CutOut_fromAmazon.jpg" height="200" width="129" /></a>It's been a while since I updated the blog, so I thought I'd do a brief round-up on where things are with my writing.<br />
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My third novel, CUT OUT, is published by Hodder & Stoughton on the 9th of October (hardback and eBook – paperback to follow next year). This will be the third Detective Inspector Harland novel, following EYE CONTACT and KNIFE EDGE. For more information, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1444739719" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br />
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I've also written another Harland story entitled BROKEN FALL. This is a novella (about a quarter of the length of a full novel) and will be published by Hodder (eBook only) on the 15th of January 2015. It's my first proper "whodunit" and it's priced at just 99p – <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00N9AVETY" target="_blank">click here</a> for more info.<br />
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Currently, I'm busy working on an untitled psychological thriller set in North London. This will be a standalone story, with a cast of new characters, but I'm confident that DI Harland will return soon enough.Fergus McNeillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223457098916673686noreply@blogger.com0