Meet My Book: The Spires of Kurrong, by Malcolm Wells

Today I’d like to welcome Malcolm Wells to the blog. Malcolm is here, as part of his current blog tour, to introduce us to his latest book. Welcome, Malcolm, and over to you!Picture

1.          Give us the details – title, publisher, illustrator, release date.

The title is ‘The Spires of Kurrong’ and it is published by Morris Publishing Australia. The book was released on 21st January 2015. The cover illustrator is Kevin Burgemeestre.

2.          Why did you write the book?

I have always had an interest in the sci-fi / fantasy genres; as well as horror and ghost stories. For a number of years I had been writing short stories in these genres and this was one of them. When I won a competition in the CQ Literary Festival last year with the story at novella length, Elaine Ouston from Morris Publishing suggested I extend it to novel length.

3.          How long from idea to publication?

The story was originally about 20,000 word and I extended it to approximately 60,000. From the time it was suggested I extend the story, to the publishing date was 7 months.

4.          What was the hardest thing about writing it?

Starting to expand on the original theme was the toughest part. However once I began to write the ideas began to flow freely.

5.         Coolest thing about your book?

I had previously had non-fiction articles, short stories and poetry published, but this is my first published novel. That is pretty cool.

6.          Something you learnt through writing the book?

Writing the book was fun; it is the proof-reading and editing that are the hard parts.

7.          What did you do to celebrate the release?

I just published the news on my Facebook and blog sites and emailed my friends. Then I sat back with my wife and celebrated the launch with a bottle of wine.

8.          And how will you promote the book?

I have put all of the links to the book on my Facebook, blog and Linkedin sites. I will also be talking to my local newspaper The Morning Bulletin, for whom I write a weekly column. I am also hoping to get some air time on ABC Capricornia where a number of my 500 word stories have been read over the past 18 months.

9.          What are you working on next?

I am currently working on a novel about an alien who crash lands in the Dorset countryside in southern England. It is a comic novel set in the quaint village of Lesser Codswallop. It is a light read but with an underlying message about racism.

10.       Where we can find out more about you and your book?

The book is currently available through Morris Publishing, Amazon and Smashwords.

http://www.morrispublishingaustralia.com/the-spires-of-kurrong.html

http://www.amazon.com.au/Spires-Kurrong-Malcolm-Wells-ebook/dp/B00SGOX4RS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1421796701&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Spires+of+Kurrong

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/512253

 

Thanks, Malcolm. Good luck with the book!

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Kate, by Kevin Burgemeestre

Kate wiped tears away with her sleeve. She was shaking so badly, she was having trouble getting up. Red t-shirt bent down and helped her gently over to a nearby bench, straightening her jumper as they went. When she had calmed down a little, she looked across at her rescuer and was astonished to find it was the guy behind the red door. the guy whose dog she’d just stolen!

Kate’s not happy. Still reeling from the loss of her mother, she now has to deal with the departure of her best friend and her favourite teacher, being bullied at school, and a dad who never seems to be around. When she rescues an abused dog she hopes life might get better, but though Wilde is protective and good company, he can’t keep Kate safe all the time. Suddenly her list of troubles seems almost trivial compared with her new one: someone is after her, and seems intent on killing her. On the run with Wilde and her new friend, Mal, Kate must draw on courage she didn’t know she had.

Kate is an action packed young adult story, an outstanding début for the author who is perhaps best known for his work as an illustrator. Kate is feisty in the face of danger, loyal and generous. She’s also a talented artist, with the book scattered with her artworks interpreting events, and testament to Burgemeestre’s artistic talents.

Suitable for teen readers, Kate is a satisfying read.

 

Kate, by Kevin Burgemeestre
Morris Publishing Australia, 2013
ISBN 9780987543448

You can read about the writing of Kate here.

 

Available from good bookstores and online.

The Girl in the Basement, by Dianne Bates

‘Karl!’
Before Karl can react to the urgency in my voice, the man pushed him to the ground from behind.
I’m frozen with fear as Karl drops. The man then turns and walks towards me.
‘Serena?’ His voice is soft and husky.
‘No, no. That’s not my name. I’m -‘
He grabs me. An arm jerks around my throat. I’m gasping for air.
This can’t be happening!
‘Serena!’
‘I’m Libby. Don’t do this. Not Serena. Libby. Libby!’

Bored with her sixteenth birthday party, which she has to share with her parents’ wedding anniversary, Libby sneaks out to party with a guy she’s just met. She knows it’s wrong, but she can have no idea just where her decision will lead her. Her date is not a success, but it’s what happens afterwards that changes her life for ever. Grabbed off the street by a man who wants her as his daughter, she finds herself held captive in his basement. The stranger wants her to be Serena, his daughter, and he tries to complete the family by finding her a brother as well. Libby has no idea if anyone is looking for her and the boy, and no way of escape.

The Girl in the Basement is a suspenseful psychological thriller examining the roles of both the psychopathic kidnapper and his teenage victim. Told chiefly from the first person voice of Libby, there are also glimpses into the workings of the man, allowing some understanding of his intentions.

Not a fun read, but one which is gripping and will appeal to teen readers.

 

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The Girl in the Basement, by Dianne Bates
Morris Publishing, 2013
ISBN 9780987543417

Available from good bookstores and online.