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I first published this short novel with Manifold Press, just over two years ago (the rights have since reverted to me).
When I was sharing the news of my new novel back then, I made much of the fact that the 'crime drama' plot was partly based on my own experiences. Like the character Jules, I innocently paid for a piece of fannish memorabilia which never arrived, and was defrauded of a fair amount of money.
As I was sitting across from a lovely young police officer while giving my statement, I thought about what a good research opportunity this was! I'd never been on the 'wrong' side of That Security Door in a police station before, and hopefully never will be again. Why not at least get a story out of the whole sorry situation...?
I have since wondered if some potential readers were put off by my recounting of this situation. Perhaps it could be assumed the resulting story would be a long angry diatribe against the evil criminals involved? I probably wouldn't be too keen to read such a thing myself.
So I wanted to reassure you - if reassurance is wanted! - that the 'real life' story ended up quite happily, for me at least, and Jules' story is far more fun and lighthearted than not. I didn't make that police statement with a sense of Burning Vengeance, but only with the desire to put things right, if I could, and to help protect my fellow fans from being taken advantage of.
In any case, I very much enjoyed writing this story about romance reader Jules, his favourite author Ewan, and police officer Leonard. Jules' family - his father Archie and foster sister Jem - were likewise a delight to work with. I am hoping to write at least a couple more titles as a series of low-key 'crime dramas', tackling not huge, horrid murders but smaller, human-sized problems.
If you think you might enjoy reading this first offering, then all the buy links are listed towards the end of the newsletter.
- Cover design by me.
- Image by librakv on iStockphoto.
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