Opening the Lazarus Gate

Today was a momentous occasion in my writing career. I guess many people wouldn't totally understand the thrill of receiving a carton of books in the mail, and just how exciting that can be. This, however, was no ordinary parcel for me.

More than two years in the making, from sketches on the back of a notepad to getting physical copies printed, The Lazarus Gate author samples have arrived.

I feel a bit like a proud dad today. No matter how the book is received or how it sells, having a debut novel in print (especially with that awesome cover, designed by Julia Lloyd at Titan Books), really is the culmination of a boyhood dream. Sure, it's not the first time a product has been released with my name on it, but it is the most special to date by a country mile.

I've been doing a lot of thinking about future blogs, particularly because The Lazarus Gate is nearing it's October 2nd launch date (UK - the USA gets it a week earlier). I'll be presenting some blogs later this year about the writing and publication process, as well as some excerpts and outtakes from 'Lazarus'.


Fantasy Con
I'm also pleased to announce that I'll be at Fantasy Con 2015 in Nottingham, where I'll be appearing on a panel (Friday 23rd October) about writing in other worlds (i.e. franchised properties, such as Sherlock Holmes). I should also be doing a reading, possibly a signing, and hanging around the bar. Details to follow. It's my first con, so please do swing by and say hi!