By The Book

Hello, dear reader!

And, after another entertaining and informative offering from my wunderwifey, Tina, it’s over to me (Mark) again.

Because, this week, I have something to write about that’s equally, if not more, amazing. This week I’m writing to you about writing, or at least, the aftermath of writing.

This week, I’m writing as a (self) published author of my very own novel.

Cover Story
The novel in question, The Heart That Died, is an urban fantasy tale set in 1930s America about a female vampire turned private detective and underworld dogsbody whose entire chequered history comes back to bite her.

Only not like that.

On the way I at least try to play with themes of the burden of power and the weight of immortality as well as play with the genres of gothic horror and pulp noir. You’ll have to let me know if any of that comes through.

IF you are in any way interested, and have a couple of quid to spare, the Kindle e-book is available for pre-order now, although the full release on both Kindle and in paperback won’t be until the 4th of May (Star Wars day—May the fourth be with you).

In The Pudding
Originally, this was going to be the 1st, but as I don’t get hold of my physical ‘proof’ copy until the 28th of April and it takes three days for any (read: the many, many) necessary changes to be uploaded, that was just a touch tight for my tastes.

And yes, a little alliteration is a habit you may well find buried in my prose.

And so, after several years of hard work, rework, editing and re-editing, we’re finally at that point. The book is published, and in less than two weeks it will be fully purchasable. It’s a weird, slightly vulnerable feeling—the dichotomy of writing. I want everyone to read my story but, at the same time, I want to keep it intensely private. I feel it’s a pretty decently written tale, but I also feel like a complete fraud wasting everyone’s time—almost like I’m an imposter

If only there was a term for that.

The Heart That Died is something of my baby, a passion project I started after Multiple Sclerosis put an end to my working days and something I’ve worked hard (or faffed hard as Tina might say) to shape into what it is.

Let's Eat Grammar
It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, I’ve no doubt about that, but I’m hoping it finds at least a few people who appreciate my spin on things. Just be aware that if you are kind enough to make a purchase and you go for the digital pre-order you’ll get the version as it stands, before I get my hands on the proof so beware of flying commas and errant spaces.

And if anyone is interested (Am I selling this hard enough yet?) you’ll find the link to the Amazon page added to both the list below and also here.

Until next time!





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Hey, there! If you enjoyed reading any of the above, why not take a look at some of my published work? Below you’ll find links to a number of short stories I’m lucky enough to have included in anthologies. I’d love to know what you think. My debut novel, The Heart That Died is also due to be published on the 4th of May so I’m adding the link to that, too.


The Heart That Died


New Tales of Old v2: Wolves Among Us


Death Ship


The Musketeers Vs Cthulhu


Eldritch Investigations