That was the year that was

So.

That’s been a year.

Professionally, 2019 was pretty good. I’m not one for being profligate with superlatives (the word ‘good’ seems to cover pretty much everything) so take it from me that means it was, em, good.

THUNDER BAY came out and was well received. Okay, it’s not going to put me into tax exile but it seemed to go down well. It has brought me my first audiobook – the narration by Sarah Barron is, em, pretty good. Actually, it’s fabulous – this being an occasion when the hefting of a superlative is necessary and indeed valid. I listened to a bit of it and couldn’t believe I’d actually written it.

And it has a new cover for the new year.

The book, published by Polygon, has also given me my first foreign sale. It will be released in the USA in February 2020 by Skyhorse on their Arcade crime imprint. I am thrilled almost skinny.

I am available for a book tour, if anyone has their cheque book open. I now have a passport!

The second book in the series, THE BLOOD IS STILL, will be released in March 2020.

THUNDER BAY was longlisted for the McIlvanney Award. That’s the second time a book of mine has been longlisted. Neither hit the shortlist, obviously didn’t win otherwise I’d be calling it the McIlvanney Award winning Thunder Bay. I’m not only not the bride, I’m not even a bridesmaid. Not even an usher. I’m one of the manky faced weans out in the street waiting for the scramble!

Seriously, it’s an honour to be listed at all and it sure does give the ego a boost.

I also snagged myself an agent! After years of trying and being rejected – even though I was published – was disheartening to say the least.

But Lina Langlee of Kate Nash took me on. I now have people. As in, I’ll get my people to call your people. And don’t believe I won’t.

My previous book THE JANUS RUN (Saraband) was given a wee shot in the arm, thanks to an ebook deal during Black Friday.

This was my New York chase thriller designed as a tribute to the conspiracy and crime thrillers of the 1970s, even though it was set in the present day.

I was coming off the back of the two Dominic Queste books, which were also movie influenced, albeit more overtly.

Janus, however, may not have the strong thread of humour but it is still very much in the same vein as the Queste thrillers in that it was meant to be fast-paced, hopefully exciting, but with knowing and grateful nods to the genre I love. I’m glad the kindle deal introduced it to new readers.

I hit a number of festivals and they were all fun – from Portsoy to Dumfries.

Along with Caro Ramsay and Michael J. Malone – not to mention Mickey the dog and Parker the chauffeur (in reality Caro’s partner Alan) – I even travelled the width of central Scotland in one day, hitting independent bookshops for Independent Bookshops Week. Which was a lucky coincidence.

We began in Bute then moved with alacrity (until it fell out the door) to Glasgow, Linlithgow, Edinburgh and St Andrews.

Carry on Sleuthing enjoyed some success, as did Four Blokes in Search of a Plot. In fact, the latter have a couple of big gigs coming up in 2020 – one in Spain. Si! Espagna! I’ve been playing with my castanets in preparation.

You’ll find details here:

Four Blokes In Search of a Plot.

And we’re appearing in the Glasgow International Comedy Festival in March, which is kinda scary.

You’ll find details here:

http://www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com/shows/2627

I was also involved with the Faculty of Advocates, the Scottish Courts Service and the James Hutton Institute in creating a court room drama.

YOU THE JURY saw us take a real-life case from the 1930s, change many of the details (names, locations etc) and updating the evidence to create a real experience of a courtroom for audiences at Bloody Scotland. We even polled the jury from the audience!

The advocates were played by advocates, the forensic witnesses were actual forensic experts, the judge was a retired High Court judge, the court staff were real court staff. Even civilian and police witnesses were played by people from the legal profession.

The only non legal expert was the accused (and that was me, folks).

The three sell-out shows at Bloody Scotland were so lifelike I actually felt I was on trial.

Kudos must go to all the performers who made the show what it was.

And we’re bringing it to Glasgow in 2020, two (maybe three) shows for charity in the Merchant’s Hall.

You’ll find details here:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/you-the-jury-tickets-86668103631

I also popped up at various festivals and book shop events all over Scotland – thank you all for having me. I had a ball wherever I appeared. I hope to be asked to more events next year and I will do every one I can.

So, professionally it was pretty good.

Personally, though, it was far from it.

I would imagine most of you reading this will know what happened so I won’t go into detail but to say it has been difficult would be an understatement.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the family and friends, both within and outwith the book industry, who helped me get through it all. Many of you rallied round when I needed it, forced me out of myself (including the aforementioned bookshop tour), and I could not have got through it all without you. I will always be grateful.

But not only is it the end of the year, it’s the end of the decade. And for me, it was a ten years of change.

I moved from non-fiction into fiction, where I am a great deal more comfortable.

I ceased being a wage slave and struck out on my own. OK, it wasn’t completely my decision – I didn’t so much jump as agree to a suggestion that I hopped it.

How is that working for me?

I’ll let you know. There will be challenges ahead. I will face them with a brave face, a hopeful heart and a vast store of expletives.

So.

2020.

What have you got in store?