The Judas Blossom – early reviews

Some authors, readers and reviewers received an advanced reading proof of The Judas Blossom and early reviews are starting to trickle in. Below are links to a few of them and also pre-order links for the book.

Pre-orders really matter for lots of reasons, because it sends a clear message to the publisher, the market, the printer, bookshops and booksellers. It helps if everyone has a better idea of what to expect. So if you are thinking of reading it, I encourage you to pre-order it. The book will be out in paperback, ebook and audiobook via Audible on 11th July 2023, book 1 of a trilogy called The Nightingale and the Falcon.

Pre-order – Barnes and Noble (USA)

Pre-order – Waterstones (UK)

Pre-order – Indigo (Canada)

Pre-order – Amazon

“The Judas Blossom is one of the best books I have read. Not just this year or the last twelve months, but ever. Period.”
British Fantasy Society

“The Judas Blossom is an ambitious, majestic and brutal historical fantasy read that impresses throughout. The novel skilfully covers an era, areas, and cultures that are not typical with fantasy novels or historical retellings.”
Grimdark Magazine

Thoughts on my American trip

I recently went to America for my first trip as an author. I haven’t been to America in about fifteen years, so it was long overdue. I recently did 2 videos about the trip for my YouTube channel here. If you’re not subscribed already, then now is the time. I post weekly videos about writing advice, publishing, but also interviews and chats with other SFF authors.

The first video is about my visits to bookshops in Chicago and all of the books I picked up there, but also a bit about the convention.

The second video is more about the convention, the similarities and differences between conventions in the UK and USA, what I got up to and how I found the whole event.

January 2023 roundup

Halfway through January already and busy again. Lots of stuff going on.

Books

The Judas Blossom (Book 1 of 3 in The Nightingale and The Falcon trilogy) has gone through the copy edits. Very soon it will be going out super early to people for cover quotes. I’ve still got the proofread stage to do before it is finished.

Book 2 is drafted and was handed in at Christmas. This month I’ve started more detailed planning and plotting for book 3. I’ll be starting to write it, probably early next month. However, I’m also cooking up ideas for what comes next. I’ve written a couple of chapters of something, just for myself, and I’m absolutely loving it. New world. New characters. I’ll write a bit more of that and plan some more, before I show it to anyone.

New Interview

I recently sat down with Richie over at The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed to talk about The Judas Blossom and other stuff. I give some more details on the story, the era and what I’m trying to achieve with the series, as well as my writing process and other writing tips and tricks. You can listen via Spotify, iTunes etc.

Events

Capricon 43 is only 18 days away at time of writing! The full programme schedule us now available here on the website.

I’ve got some panels, a reading and an autograph session. For those who are attending, I’ve got some free loot (limited as I’m bringing it from the UK) to give away to anyone who comes to my autograph signing or my reading session. First come first served basis.

This year I’m also going to be attending Eastercon in April in the UK in Birmingham, and Fantasycon in September (also in Birmingham) in 2023. More info on the events is on the Events page here.

I’m heading to America

This February I will be attending my first American SFF convention as a traditionally published author. I will be appearing at….

Capricon43 – 2-5th February, Chicago


https://capricon.org/

I will be appearing on panels and signing books in the USA for the first time since I’ve been published. This is a 4 day convention and my first trip to Chicago as well. It’s been a few years since I visited America, so I am really looking forward to it.

Once the schedule is finished, I will be able to provide more information on which panels I’ll be on. Also, I believe they have author signing sessions, so hopefully I will be able to do one of those during the convention. I expect there will be a dealer room, but obviously you can bring your own books to get signed.

Are you a local? Or have you visited the city a lot? What are your top 3 places to eat? Remember, it’s going to the middle of winter, and the convention is being held at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk. So, what’s really good that’s not too much of a hike?

Hopefully I will see some of you there!

Authors’ Cat Calendar 2023

I’m delighted to say the Authors’ Cat Calendar is now live. All profits go to a cat rescue charity, based in the UK.

The calendar for 2023 features cats that belong to a number of wonderful SFF authors including James Brogden, Andrea Stewart, RJ Barker, Tasha Suri, David Wragg, Cat Rambo, Nicholas Eames, Stephanie Burgis and Patrick Samphire, John Hornor Jacobs, Gabriela Houston, Stephen Deas and myself.

Follow the link below to buy your copy.

PLEASE NOTE – There are 2 identical calendars on the page. One is marked USA & Canada for people on that side of the Atlantic. The other covers the rest of the world.

This is just so that the calendar will be printed, and shipped locally, so pick the one nearest to you.

https://authorscatcalendars.myshopify.com/