As I have mentioned before, I am currently undertaking the final edit of a novel that I co-wrote with my long time writing brother Craig ‘Brodie’ Simpson. I remember writing a blog previously about this novel, however, I was shocked to realise that I wrote that over 5 years ago. If you want to read it, I’ve left a link to it below –
As the blog discussed, Craig and I came up with a rough idea for a plot and created three main characters each. We would then take it in turns to write a chapter, introducing our characters and creating the narrative of the plot. I can’t remember exactly when we started writing, but I would guess it would be round about 2014. Move on 12 years later, I am now completing the final edit and the book will be finally getting published in the coming months under the pseudonym of ‘Alexander Simpson’.
Throughout our friendship, Craig has introduced me to many books and authors, and his other passion is cinema. As such, we would also occasionally head out to see a film together and one such outing happening in 2014, around the time we had started to write the book, when we went to see ‘Boyhood’, the Richard Linklater movie starring Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke. It’s not lost on me that that movie took around 12 years to create, the same approximate time that this book has taken from concept to publication.
When I wrote that blog 5 years ago, I expected the book to be published soon afterwards. A mixture of other projects, changes in our lives which would see me start a new job, move home and Craig move overseas, meant that it was once more placed on the back burner. We have maintained regular contact and discussed it often, but finally made a solid commitment last year to prioritise it for a 2026 release.
I don’t want to give too much away at this stage, however, the story begins at the funeral of a Professor of English from the University of Edinburgh. The event reunites 6 students who have not been in contact for over 20 years. As the six old friends start to get reacquainted, an event happens that shakes up all their lives. It was great fun to write and every time I go back to it, I get to appreciate the writing journey that we have both travelled over the years.
A journey I am sure that we will continue to enjoy, wherever that particular path leads us…
Thanks again for reading this short blog. The novel should be available in the coming months and you can keep up to date by subscribing to my monthly blog or following me on the socials. In the meantime, you can check out my current collection of short stories, novellas and novels and the tabs at the top of this website.
Ross Alexander Writer 