Well, the plan to post more blogs is not going well. We are nearing the end of October and this is just the second of the year (although that is 2 more than I posted last year). My targets are also well behind schedule, however, I did complete one of them and I’m delighted about that.
I started writing the third DI Joanne Christie novel in January and completed this in August. Following some edits, I have finally published the follow up to Five Against One. Lightning Bolt is named after Pearl Jam’s tenth studio album and again I used the track list as inspiration for the book’s ‘Parts’. The premise that I came up with for this one revolves around a series of stabbings in Edinburgh. What is unusual is that the attacker is only aiming to cause discomfort for their victims, rather than fatality. They also ensure that their victims call for an ambulance and recite a cryptic saying before fleeing. All the main characters from the series make an appearance and I enjoyed reacquainting myself with them.
This has been my only writing completed this year, however, I had been working on a short story project that will now develop into a novella. The hope is that I can get this published to raise funds for charity, however, I need to complete the project before approaching various people to try and get it off the ground. The short story that I did have out for consideration has gone quiet and it looks like the anthology may not go ahead. If not, I may rewrite it for consideration elsewhere as I did enjoy writing what was my first attempt at a locked room style mystery.
The second novel target has not progressed as my focus has been on getting Christie book 3 out, however, I do have an idea for a new book (and possible new series). There is a publisher that is running an opening line competition that I may send it to as the winners would get the competed novel published by them and I do like the idea/premise of this one. I’ve already started planning Christie number 4 and would be aiming to have that completed and published before Christmas next year.
In regards to reading, I wanted to try and read more female authors this year. My preferred genre of crime fiction is awash with amazing female authors, so it has not been a difficult task. Thus far, I have only read female authors, so will complete the year in that vain. I also joined a virtual bookclub at work which started up half way through this year. With a book a quarter, the first two chosen were also by female authors and this will give me a chance to read books that I may not otherwise chosen to do so.
I’ll try and get a least another couple of posts out before the end of the year, but in the meantime please check out Lightning Bolt and let me know what you think. If you are an avid reader, please remember to review and/or rate books (especially for new/developing/independent authors). It takes a lot of work to get a book out and it’s all worth it if someone takes their time to let you know what they think.
Lightning Bolt is available in paperback and eBook from Amazon. To access the link to this and all my other books, please visit the Books page on this website.
Ross Alexander Writer 