Tuesday 21 August 2012

I've turned to a life of crime

For the past year, along with writing the sequel to KEY WEST, I've been writing a gritty crime thriller. I knew right off that I wanted to base the novel in Glasgow, Scotland. The city has such a rich tapestry of villains and heroes to draw from. The city, itself, is a living, breathing character of its own. The result is DEATH BY GLASGOW. A 21st-century story of revenge.

I finished the novel and was thrilled when it was short-listed this summer for the Crime Writers' Association Debut Dagger Award. The manuscript is currently making the rounds of publishers so keeping all appendages crossed. Stay tuned for more updates on this.

In order to improve my crime writing skills -- which as any crime writer knows is not easy keeping the pace fast and furious, but, at the same time, slowing down to let the reader catch his or her breath -- I was taken under the  incredibly talented wing of crime writer Alison Bruce. Ms Bruce was kind enough to read my novel despite being under serious time limits to finish her fourth crime book THE SILENCE (which was just published by Constable & Robinson). Alison gave me insightful feedback, suggesting story changes, and helped me shape the book for the commercial market. I'm now indebted to her and owe her many a bottle of Shiraz, as thanks.

Have a peek at Alison's website here



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