Hey there.
Today, I'm happy!
I haven't written in a while because I've been busy preparing for the launch of my new book.
Before. During. After. is my fourth book of short fiction.
But it’s taken me this long to call myself an author.
After self-publishing two collections, I found a publisher willing to take on my last (rather philosophical) novella. At 50 pages, it was more of a pamphlet than a book. It had a greyscale cover, and my readers outside of the UK couldn’t buy a copy.
I’m still proud of my last book, and am grateful to V Press for believing in my work. But I shied away from referring to myself as an author because most readers don’t understand the difficulty of getting short fiction published. Friends, family, and contacts think that authors write long and serious books (or, you know, just become JK Rowling).
Last June, I signed a contract for my next novella with Pelekinesis, and the experience has been brilliant. The quality of the book itself (and what’s inside) makes me proud to call myself an author. The story is much meatier (it has a plot!) and it’ll be available everywhere — in American bookstores, and through all major book portals in paperback and eBook.
Despite my author copies being seized by customs and nearly destroyed, they finally arrived in Gran Canaria!
I’ve organised a book event with two other authors (authors!) in Las Palmas and will be doing an online launch too. Join me on Facebook, YouTube or LinkedIn for readings and an interview — Friday 19th April at 5pm (UTC+1).
Before. During. After. is a novella-in-flash which presents a sequence of life-changing moments for a cast of twenty interconnected characters. The book is set in a small town in the USA, and focuses on the lives of students, teachers and parents of the local high school.
The action begins at the end-of-year ceremony in the sport halls, with Coach Primley set to address the students. Each character's story connects to the next moment of change before the action returns to the gymnasium. The event is marred by tragedy, as Primley suffers a heart attack on one of his last days at work. Other characters struggle with unjust legal cases, loan repayments and a fatal shootout at a local cafe.
Before. During. After. explores the themes of family, inequality and loss in modern American society.
The book is available now via Amazon, Pelekinesis, and many other outlets.
Thank you to everyone who made this book happen.
And thank you for your support.
Hope to see you at the launch!
Phil