2023
One novella published, two novels drafted, two keynote conference presentations delivered, donated blood three times, performed four live shows with the Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas, made my fourth appearance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, visited six countries, and have taken a Spanish lesson every single day. It’s been a busy year.
The Kill Switch, a second novel featuring Jacob Anderson has been written. I’ve also written a second novel as a follow up to The Canongate Containment, set in a dystopian Edinburgh. The first book in the Edinburgh series was edited during the year and made ready for querying in the new year. The Clockmaker Conspiracy was given a structural edit, mainly because the series is stretching to seven books and book one needs to be absolutely right. I have worked for many years on this and maybe 2024 will be the year it finally makes its way in the world. I’m hoping 2024 sees me completing everything I have going, but I suspect this is likely to be too ambitious. On top of the above I have several other works to finish up. Coming up with ideas has never been an issue. Realising them is another matter. I know I have work to do.
I’ve read widely across genres again as that’s my thing. It’s surprising what you learn in doing so. I don’t know how many castles and places of historical interest I’ve visited during the year. It’s been a lot. Likewise I have no idea how many works of art I’ve seen. Again, it’s a big number.
I’m hoping 2024 will see me doing more of the same. Writing, publishing, marketing, querying, public speaking, visiting galleries and doing the rounds of castles, and of course speaking Spanish. Along with the guitar, I’m also playing more piano these days. Querying new novels is a scary thought, but needs to be done. As Bob Dylan said, there is no success like failure. Mind you, he also said it takes a lot of medicine to keep up this pace. He always had a way with words. My favourite line of his is, keep on keeping on, and that’s what I’m going to do. I’m looking forward to it.
The Fiction Factory 