Dear Readers,

First of all, apologies for not keeping in touch. However, I think most of you have now subscribed to my newsletter or have followed me on Twitter or Facebook. I am writing this in case anyone is still wondering what I have been getting up to over the past six months.

It's been a very busy year again. A Murder Of Crows has now been released as an Audiobook, which has sold very well, reaching No.1 in two of the audio charts. It may interest you to know that I also narrated it. I had a lovely time recording it in the W F Howes studio in Leicester a few months ago.

The monthly newsletter has done very well, with the FREE short story, A Trick Of The Light getting some great feedback. This was my first foray into the horror genre, and there will be more of this to come. 

Book Two is now almost complete. Draft One should be finished by the end of this year. It will either be a brand new story or a related story to A Murder Of Crows. It depends on a number of factors, which will be revealed in due course. 

2019 is already shaping up nicely. I will be starting Book Three in January, which will very definetly be the sequel to A Murder Of Crows. I have also been asked to write a short crime story for a forthcoming anthology, which will be published this time next year. And I will be doing something exciting in 2020 which I will keep under wraps for now. As I've said in my previous update, the newsletter will be the best place for you to keep up to date with what I am doing.

So it's goodbye for now. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year when it comes.

Best Wishes, Ian.

Newsletter Link: <a href="http://www.ianskewis.com">www.ianskewis.com</a>

Audiobook Link: <a href="https://nrnk.co/a/B06XHMZ2JY">https://nrnk.co/a/B06XHMZ2JY</a>

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Future Plans...

Dear Readers,

It's been quite some time since I last updated you with what's been going on, so please accept my apologies. Suffice to say, the publishing world has been keeping me very busy indeed!

First of all, I had an amazing time at the Bloody Scotland festival and have since also appeared at the Aye Write! festival, as well as making numerous other public appearances. I have great pleasure in announcing that I'll be making my Newcastle Noir debut on Saturday 5th May as part of the New Voices in Tartan Noir panel. Tickets are now available. This is the link <a href="http://www.litandphil.org.uk/whats-on/2018/may/newcastle-noir-panel-6-new-voices-in-tartain-noir/">HERE.</a>

I will also be launching a monthly newsletter later this year. Each person who subscribes will receive exclusive previews and updates and... a FREE short story. (The story will be sent to your inbox later this year, alongside the first newsletter.) But you can subscribe now, so please follow this link and have a look. Click <a href="https://www.ianskewis.com">HERE.</a> 

A Murder Of Crows is continuing to sell very well. It is now one of Unbound's biggest selling novels. It recently went into the top spot in various sub genre charts on Amazon Kindle and it went to No.1 in the Scottish Crime Charts - for the 2nd time! It also entered the top 10 in the mainstream charts in Canada, which was a really lovely surprise. 

As for my writing - in order to bridge the gap between Books One and Two I have a novelette coming out later this year - and my second full length novel is making good progress. I will be providing updates, exclusives and freebies in the newsletter and this will be the main point of call for any future announcements. 

Thank you for your continued support.


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A Murder Of Crows and Beyond...

Not The Booker Prize!

Well, the excitement just keeps on coming!

Today I walked into Waterstones Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow and was astonished to see three copies of my beloved book sitting there on the shelves rubbing shoulders with some writing heavyweights! I had no idea this was happening. I offered to sign the books for them which they were only too pleased to allow me to do and they also said I should visit the branch in Argyle Street and see if they have it in stock too - they didn't. 

But they're going to!

After I chatted to them they said they would buy some copies. I later got an email stating they had bought some and that Waterstones Ayr and Waterstones in East Kilbride will be doing the same. Now I'm hearing rumours of A Murder Of Crows being in the shops in Braehead and Cheltenham! I am thrilled that this wee story of mine is now up there amongst some of our best and most respected writers - who would've thought?

So, yet again thank you for making all this happen - you guys created it between you and made it a reality! Life could not be sweeter. All I ask is that you leave a review on Amazon for me. I currently have 45 reviews and I only need another 5 to make it to the magical number where Amazon begin to advertise the book more widely. There are 180 of you out there so please consider it - it really helps an author to spread the word, whether it be on Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com.

Thanks again everyone.

Yours,

Ian.

STOP PRESS: Our Book Hits the High Street!

So, now all the excitement is over (more to come though I promise you) I can now inform you all that A Murder Of Crows went to No.1 in the Scottish Crime category on Amazon's kindle chart where it was then designated an official BEST SELLER! It also went to No.1 in the Murder category in the USA. In the UK it reached No.123 overall and No.76 in the USA  - it has outsold many other books in the same genre who had a marketing budget to publicise their work. We did not have any budget for this so for A Murder Of Crows to do so well is really something special. Thank you for supporting me in this endeavour. I hope this latest news of its success has made it all worthwhile. 

Since then I have made some more public appearances. I read an extract of my novel at the Southside Fringe in Glasgow and more recently I have made my debut at Noir at the Bar, Edinburgh, which went very well - so well in fact that I have been invited to Noir at the Bar in Newcastle. 

England in general is beginning to beckon now as three of us author types are planning an appearance at Waterstones in London in July. Speaking of which, A Murder Of Crows sold out in Waterstones Byres Road, Glasgow and they have now reordered more signed copies!

Lastly, I can now inform you that I have been invited to appear at Bloody Scotland! This is truly an honour. For those of you who don't know, Bloody Scotland is an international crime writing festival and the biggest of its kind in Scotland. I will be rubbing shoulders with some very well known authors, such as Ian Rankin, Val McDermid and Lynda la Plante, and I will be onstage with three other debut authors - and bestselling writer Alex Gray will be hosting! I am absolutely thrilled to be taking part in this. I could only dream about such things a year or so ago.

So, there it is for now. There is still more to come and plenty more in the pipeline. I am now progressing slowly but surely with the sequel amongst other things.

Thanks again for making this dream come true. 

Yours,

Ian.

A No.1 Bestseller!!!!

Oh My God!

At time of writing A Murder Of Crows is at No.4 in the Scottish Crime charts on Amazon Kindle!!

It is currently outselling Ian Rankin!!!! (his book is at No.6)

I am gobsmacked at this success and must thank you all for your support. This is your success too and I hope this wonderful news makes it all worthwhile.

To give a bigger picture, the novel is currently sitting at No.360 in the worldwide bestselling Kindle charts. This is out of 1.8 million books so that is some achievement.  Not bad for a crowdfunded novel with a low budget and very little in the way of big money marketing...

Thanks again. I will keep you posted as to the book's progress. 

I am now glued to the screen to see if the book rises any higher...

A Hit, a palpable Hit!!!!!!

Hello again.

It's a beautiful sunny morning in Glasgow. The weather has been fabulous and almost entirely warm, albeit with a chilly breeze every now and then. I like this time of year. It's when I begin to feel awake. Ready to take on new challenges. And boy, are there some exciting ones on the horizon!

First of all, the book. It's been a big success so far. 12 Amazon reviews - all of them bar one have been 5 star reviews, with one a 3 star. Once I have 50 reviews Amazon begin to advertise the book in their newsletters and the book, or should I say, your book, gets more publicity and climbs up the all important charts. I understand that the book has peaked at 6,000 worldwide in fiction (out of 1.8 million!) and just outside the Scottish Crime Top 100 so that is a very, very good start. If you have read the book please leave it a review - it really does help to make a book a success. 

A sequel is now definitely on the way. I have written the pitch, synopsis, detailed synopsis and even designed the book jacket too! I started officially writing it a couple of days ago. I've decided on a very evocative title and it has taken a few surprising turns in plot and character development which I hope you will enjoy. I am aiming to publish the sequel next year sometime.

In the meantime I have written a short story for fellow author Shona Kinsella's forthcoming anthology which will hopefully be published by Unbound too. I am very excited about it as this will be my first foray into literary fiction, which is the direction I would ultimately like to head in. I'm planning that my third novel will suit that genre very much - yes, I've planned that far! 

I was on Radio Pulse FM a few weeks ago which went wonderfully well. Shirley Whiteside asked me some very astute questions which really made me think about what I had written and she loved the book, commenting that it didn't seem like a debut because it was so multi-layered and well written. People have been very supportive and positive about A Murder Of Crows, and it does seem to have surprised everyone with its structure and 'that ending... '

This is the link if you would like to listen to it...

https://www.facebook.com/bookedonradio/posts/1675424462762249

Tomorrow I begin a short book tour - three in a row:

Monday 8th May: Waterstones, Byres Road, Glasgow at 7.30pm FREE event. FREE refreshments.

Tuesday 9th May: Blackwells, South Bridge, Edinburgh, 6.30pm, FREE event. FREE refreshments.

Wednesday 10th May: The Golden Hare, Edinburgh, 6.30pm, £2.00 entry, this pays for very posh wine!

I've also done two other book launches in Glasgow at The Raven and Dram! which were very successful, and numerous online interviews and blogs. The local papers have shown an interest and both The Herald and the Daily Record will be featuring the book in the near future. 

There! As you can see I've not been resting on my laurels - there is simply no time to do so! I intended to take a break last month but this writing lark is just so much work and I've been kept very busy. But I love it. I'm obsessed with it and I must thank you all for helping me to become, shock, an actual professional writer. I'm in Waterstones now. I could not have envisaged that prospect a year ago - so thank you. 

If any of you would like to contact me then please feel free. Two book groups are now reading and discussing my novel and I will be approaching local libraries next. I am more than happy to make appearances at any other book groups no matter how far and at any festivals or launches. I am also very happy to give advice and to show my support for other budding writers out there.

Speaking of book groups - yes, more news - A Murder Of Crows is now about to be featured via an online book group called The Pigeonhole. Basically, 200 people online can sign up and read for free the first eleven chapters of the book and chat to me online about it as they read it. It's a very exciting new venture and has received a lot of publicity on social media. Well, it became fully booked five days before the deadline! We added another fifty places and that is now fully booked too. It begins tomorrow so I will keep you posted about its progress.

Phew! It's been a busy wee month or two! Thanks again and please leave me a review on Amazon!

Best Wishes,

Ian.

 
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Book Launches & Other Exciting Things!

Hello everyone!

Well, what can I say? A Murder Of Crows paperback version has sold out on Amazon!

The feedback has been very positive so far and I am amazed at how well it has been received. I was interviewed on Pulse FM yesterday with Shirley Whiteside, who has read many crime novels and she was very complimentary. I don't have the broadcast details as yet but I gather her programme Booked (on 98.4 FM) is usually on a Sunday. The exact date is yet to be confirmed. A copy of our book (see what I did there?) will be given away as part of a competition on the day. 

I also did a book launch at Dram! with fellow Unbound author Martine McDonagh, which was a success and I've done a couple of blog interviews on Facebook too. The Raven party has now been organized and so has a further book launch at Blackwells, Edinburgh. If you want to attend these events then please get in touch. 

And now the book is sold out! I think this has taken Unbound by surprise somewhat as I'm now waiting on new prints of the book to appear. The sooner the better I hope! There is a growing list of people waiting on it!

Some of you have read A Murder Of Crows by now and your feedback has been very kind and this brings me to my next point. In order for Amazon to further promote our book it needs reviews - good reviews. So, could you all visit Amazon and put up a review for me? It doesn't have to be a mini epic - a single sentence would do, accompanied with (hopefully) 5 stars. Some of you are friends of mine on Facebook so you may need to use a pseudonym as Amazon tend not to allow 'friends' to write reviews for one another, which is fair enough. However, I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important to the book's future so please will you be kind enough to consider it?

In the meantime I will keep you posted about the progress  of A Murder Of Crows. 

And... thank you!

This is the link to the Amazon page: amzn.to/2nmrfWC

A Murder Of Crows Sells Out!!!

Hello again and sorry! I have not kept you up to date with what's been going on. Suffice to say it's been a very busy time of late!

First of all, the novel, as you are no doubt aware, has been delayed. Again!

I noticed when I was reading the final proof that there were some errors in the timeline and some in the plot too. Nothing too major, but I wasn't happy at finding them and was annoyed that I hadn't noticed them up to that point. A little bit frantic at this, I asked my editor if we could have one more very detailed reading of the entire manuscript. We also undertook this strategy in order to get rid of some repeated words or phrases that kept coming up throughout the book - bad writer's habits to be ironed out! As you can imagine this has involved a lot of correspondence and another delay in production. However, the final copy edit is done at my end and I'm just waiting on the feedback from my editor. I am confident that there are no mistakes now! The final proof isn't far off and I'm pretty certain that publication is now only a matter of weeks away. 

It's been a hugely difficult task trying to see this book through each stage but it's looking good. Writing a crime book of this calibre means having to ensure that all the clues, all the flashbacks and the various timelines all thread together into a coherent whole. I'm happy that this is now the case. The book has been very complicated to write and assemble but it should now be a streamlined and exciting read. 

I have also been spending much of my time preparing for the launch by setting up various book readings, events and interviews, which has opened up a minefield of possibilities - and there are some very exciting things on the way.

Speaking of which, we have another world exclusive!

Last time you had a preview of the front cover. This time you will be the first to read two reviews that A Murder Of Crows has received from well known writers who kindly said the following:

'A Murder Of Crows is a dark and disturbing excursion into the Scottish Highlands. Skewis skillfully creates an atmosphere of foreboding from the opening and doesn't let go until, breathless, you reach the last page.' Michael J Malone, author of Blood Tears and A Suitable Lie.

'Ian Skewis deftly mixes gritty urban settings with sinister countryside in a multi-layered plot that keeps you guessing right up to the end. Strong characters and a finely crafted sense of unease lend this debut the star quality that will surely make it one of the standout thrillers of 2017.' Dr Brooke Magnanti, (previously known as Belle de Jour), author of The Turning Tide and Secret Diary Of A London Call Girl.'

So I hope this whets your appetite! There will be more news to come, and as the launch approaches, there will be more regular updates. Once again thank you for your support and your patience. Thanks also, to my latest patrons: Greg Erskine, Yvonne Maddox, Sam Morgan, Maria Nunn - and another anonymous pledger too! 

Best Wishes, 

Ian.

Long Overdue Update

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It's been a funny few weeks. Funny odd, not funny ha-ha.

As the world seems to have turned upside down and uncertainty spreads like a virus throughout our land, I sometimes wonder if my little novel has any real place in the grand scheme of things. Perhaps it's just that awful self doubt that creeps into a writer's mind from time to time. Those old voices telling you that you're nothing special, that no-one is interested in your scribblings, that you're not as good as you think you are.

I listened to those voices for years. Too many years.

I don't hear them as often now. And I know they've only resurfaced because for the past few weeks I've been unwell - a flu that refuses to let go. Feeling sorry for myself is one of the pitiful side effects. Then I remind myself that I have supporters, people who believe in me - and the world rights itself, and my novel finds its place.

Nothing however, not even the flu, has prevented me from forging ahead. Perhaps I should give myself credit for the fact that despite feeling low the final proof of the novel is complete, at last. I'll be reading through it one final time within the next week or so just to be absolutely sure it is exactly how I want it to be. The front cover proof is complete too - just a little bit of tweaking to do. I am also organising my marketing campaign, which is a huge amount of work in itself, but I feel I am almost there now. The end is finally in sight.

Or is this just the beginning? Time will tell. It always does.

As for that 'big announcement', well, due to forces beyond my control that will have to wait. I don't mean to tease, but, there it is. The publication date for A Murder Of Crows has been delayed until late January. I can tell you that there is a very, very good reason for this and it will be worth the wait.

In the meantime here is the current version of the front cover - as my patrons you are the first in the world to see it. And for those of you who pledged at the level where you will receive a print of the cover I hope you will agree that it is very striking. 

A great deal of work went into getting the atmosphere just right. See how the crow's eye looks like a blood red moon, with a scythe of light across it? That's no coincidence. It ties in very nicely with the imagery running throughout the book. 

I will not be sharing this post on social media for once, so this blog is for your eyes only, dear patrons, and I hope you resist the temptation to share the cover image until it is properly unveiled next year.

So, until then, when I will have some very exciting news for you (I promise!) thank you once again for your kind support - and your patience.

Have a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Yours truly and sincerely,

Ian.

Waiting In The Wings...

Welcome back and sorry for the lengthy delay!

It's been a busy time of late what with proofreading and further editing but the latest stage of my arduous yet still rather exciting journey is done. Another mountain climbed!

So the proofreading is complete from my end and I'm very happy with it. I have asked to see the manuscript one last time before it goes to print just so that I can be sure it all looks as good as it possibly can.

I also ventured down to London to meet my publishers at their fifth anniversary party which was great fun, though I really wasn't feeling well - I've been struck down with the flu the past couple of weeks but hey, it's that time of year. It still did not stop me working on my book on the train there and back, then working that night on my return at my usual job and then a 13.5 hour shift the very next day. I believe that work is always good for the soul and who wants to stay at home feeling miserable when you can momentarily forget about it and work through it? That's my ethic anyway.

So what comes next?

I'm at that awkward position where I can only tell you so much. The novel was due to be released this month. It will now be delayed until early next year. However, the reason for this is a VERY EXCITING ONE and you won't be disappointed! I can't say anything yet until Unbound make their official announcement but suffice to say it's all good. <img alt class="doksoft_image_img" height="500" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0728/3615/3620/files/IMG_0095_dfa44ea3-79d8-4902-a100-4ad5323cd822.png?v=1690908177" width="484">

What I can say is that I will be doing a group book launch in the new year as well as my own launch and this promises to be very exciting as I will be revealing my novel alongside two other Unbound authors. 

Also, I will be reading from A Murder Of Crows next week in Edinburgh. (see photo) The event is FREE and is already fully booked but they are looking to create extra space so please don't let that deter you! 

Once again, thank you all for your continued support and interest. The novel is now 120% funded (and still in the Unbound funded books top twenty!) Thanks to my latest patrons, Paul Holbrook, Ruth Taylor and Keith Sleight.

Best Wishes, 

Ian.

Interesting Developments...

Hello again, and welcome back!

Just to let you all know that the copy edit of A Murder Of Crows is complete so now I get some much needed reprieve, well I say reprieve but I can never really stop writing. At the moment I'm working on a short story and trying to catch up reading other writers' work; Denise Mina, Jennie Ensor and Graeme Macrae Burnet - there is never enough time! I have a small backlog of supporting to do for other writers on the Unbound site too. So busy, busy, busy!

The copy edit has been the easiest part of the editing process so far but it still felt like a mountain, albeit of the Marilyn and not the Monroe variety. One of the most crucial things that came to light was the repetition of certain words and phrases, sometimes well overused, so these have been curbed and I've found new and more ingenious ways of describing scenes that are happening. Basically, the copy edit has been a clean up of extraneous parts that have been left lying around but it feels nice and clean now. The house of crows is in order. 

So the next stage is proofreading and then publication in November. 

I have a few surprises in store and there will be a launch party in Glasgow at The Raven. (Pun intended).

The front cover will be revealed soon - it looks great. And for those of you who opted for a poster of this in your pledge it should look pretty damn good on your wall.

And I've had a wonderful review from a well known author which will also be revealed in due course, so as ever, watch this space!

Thank you to Mary Dykes and Guy Ro, my latest patrons. Amazingly, the book is now 118% funded! 

Oh, and I will be doing another reading from A Murder Of Crows next month, this time in Edinburgh, so I will keep you all posted. 

Once again, thank you for your continued support.

Best Wishes, 

Ian.

Copying Crows...

When I was asked to do the final edit for A Murder Of Crows I thought it would be easier than the previous one but I was wrong!

Real life tends to get in the way of a writer's work and real life certainly caught up with me. Massive shifts at work and the death of a loved one contributed to what turned out to be a very tough few weeks. However, the end result is something I am very proud of.

The book originated in 1989. 250 pages and 94,623 words later the final edit is done! Thank you to everyone who has helped me over the years. For me this has been the fulfilment of the dream of a lifetime.

I believe I have written the best book I possibly could and I hope you all enjoy it. I have reorganised the timeline and gone through the entire thing with a fine toothed comb. The closing chapters are now utterly devastating. I must thank Rachel Rayner and Annabel Wright (my editors) for their incisive comments and brilliant notes. It has been a pleasure to  work with them. 

I also did another reading of my book at the Spoon Cafe in Glasgow with fellow writers, Helen Taylor and Tabatha Stirling (check out their books on the Unbound website). It was a great success and the audience were very supportive. It never gets any easier speaking to a crowd of people in a small space!

Finally, I would like to thank the following new patrons for their support:

Gaynor Cherieann, Cazzikstan Cazzikstan, Bren McCreery, Michael Clarke, Beverley Campbell, Sandy Herbert, David Aitken and an Anonymous donor. (Whoever you are thank you!)

Thanks to you my book is still managing to reside in the Unbound top twenty funded books which is nothing short of a miracle. 

So what's next?

Copy editing, followed by proofreading. And then in November publication and...the launch party! I have loads of surprises in store and lots of exciting stuff in the pipeline so keep watching this space. And once again, thank you.

Best Wishes,

Ian.

The Final Edit

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Hello again.

It's pouring down with rain in Glasgow today but I've been keeping very busy with various projects related to A Murder Of Crows and a few unrelated writing projects too.

The first edit is now complete. As a result I think the book is now much more robust and realistic, with some additional input from not one, but two, detectives. My editor's suggestions were such that I've changed some of the relationships between characters and made some adjustments to the timeline. I've also added some brand new supporting characters and the overall effect is a much more grounded novel, but hopefully still as exciting!

The front cover is almost complete. I wanted an image that was stark, bold, haunting and atmospheric, and designer Mark Ecob has come up with exactly that. It will make a great print for those of you who have pledged at that reward level - you won't be disappointed! I'll unveil it at a later date.

Above is an author shot taken by award winning photographer Pablo Llopis. One of his photos will grace the back cover of the book. I think he's done a great job and has made me look very studious!

I did a reading from my novel in Dumbarton, which went very well, and whilst there I met crime writer Alex Gray, who suggested I enter for a competition. More on that at a later date.

Whilst on holiday in Malta I did some more writing. I promised myself I wouldn't but I couldn't help myself. Suffice to say, there are some new projects in the pipeline.

Lastly, I met with one of my patrons from America and had the pleasure of taking her on a guided tour of some of the places in and around Glasgow that are featured in the novel. I had a lovely time with her family and she presented me with a homemade mug which I was drinking my peppermint tea from only this morning! I was very touched by this kindness and it always amazes me how someone can be a total stranger one moment and then the next, a friendship is forged.

Thank you for your continued support and please spread the word!

Best Wishes,

Ian.

A Murder Of Crows: The First Edit...

Hello and sorry for the lengthy delay in writing my blog. It's been a very busy time of late!

I have just returned from a working holiday in France and Spain, during which I began the first proper edit of my novel. We spent two thirds of the journey sitting in a van, travelling the entire length of France and Spain. What little time we had for sightseeing was crammed in whereever possible - we visited Marbella, San Sebastien, Tours and Rouen. We had a splendid, albeit knackering time, visiting cathedrals and swimming in outdoor pools, trying out the local cuisines and taking snaps.

However, whilst in the van I wrote as much of my edit as possible, sometimes starting as early as 5.30 am. The notes I recieved from my editor were fantastic - really helpful. I am very pleased that she loved the ending and was surprised at the twist too - she didn't guess who the killer was! However, I do have alot of structural work to do and this is what I've been working on. So far, I'm almost halfway there and I'm aiming to complete this current edit by the end of the month. Then I'm off on a proper holiday - no writing! (I need a proper break as it's been quite a year!)

I'm pleased to say that my novel is also still at number 16 in the Unbound funded book charts and still at number 2 in their digital charts, despite all the new books that are constantly emerging. I'm also very pleased that Shona Kinsella's book, Ashael Rising, has been successfully funded - I had the pleasure of hosting her book reading a few weeks ago.

So what's next?

Well, work has begun on the cover design for the book and the editing process will continue. I'll be doing a reading from the book in Dumbarton later this month too. There will be related articles in a forthcoming magazine for The Society of Authors and for the Federation of Writers (Scotland). I'll keep you posted. 

In the meantime, thank you for your continued support and please remember that it's not too late for anyone to have their name added to the inside of this book, so if you know anyone who would like to recieve this gift then let me know. Also, a growing number of people have expressed an interest in a physical copy, so again, let me know and we will see what we can do.

Thanks for reading,

Ian.

At Home And Abroad

Hello again!

Long time no see!

Forgive me for not being in touch this past month but I've been catching up on three months' worth of real life chores that were put on the back burner whilst all my energy was put into fundraising. Now that the book is funded I've been rewriting the last few chapters and working on other pieces (short stories and the ocassional poem) as well as getting various other aspects of my life back on schedule - almost there! (Oh, and I finally went into the deep end at the swimming pool for the first time ever - I can swim at last, not brilliantly, but I can do it - and it feels great!)

So, now that I feel pretty much on top of stuff again I felt it was time for a wee update.

First of all, the novel has now been handed in for editing to Rachel Rayner. She specialises in crime books and comes from Harper Collins and Transworld Publishers (the latter is one of the biggest media outlets in the world) so it will be interesting to see what she makes of my wee book, which is currently around 160 pages long (at one point it was 300 but I took out an entire sub-plot as I thought it was superflous). I've been building the book back up since then and now it's 70,000 words and counting up with each draft and edit.

I'm also very pleased to be able to say that A Murder Of Crows has now entered the top twenty books that are funded on Unbound out of a total of 226. Crows has climbed to number 20! I am thrilled and happy to see that patrons are still trickling in too. Spread the word - I'd love it to get higher still in the charts!

Thank you to the latest patrons: David de Croy, Jane Dunbar, Shirley Frame, Jason RB and Moira Hogg.

As promised in my last post here is the link to a blog I wrote about crowd-funding for crime writer Michael J Malone:


 <a href="http://www.mjm-ink.com/news/#.VwK1UqrLIU">http://www.mjm-ink.com/news/#.VwK1UqrLIU</a>


Thanks once more for all your support - I am so excited to see how this book takes shape!

Best Wishes,

Ian.

Close To The Edit...and into the Top Twenty!

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So, all the excitement has died down and I've had some, but not much time, to reflect.

The conclusion? I am happy and still can't quite believe that we did it.

And now the book funding has risen to 111%! Who would have thought?

I am now rewriting the last fifty pages of the book and then in about four weeks time it will be sent to my editor, Rachel Rayner, who comes from Transworld Publishers - one of the world's biggest media groups - so I am excited to say the least!

After that it goes to the copy-editor and then the illustrating team and the marketing team and then, probably in August sometime, it will be released.

There will be a launch party too, of course. More details on that as they come.

I will also be taking one of my patrons and her friend (who is coming from Australia) on a guided tour of some of the locations used in the book.

In addition to that I am working on my next short story and I'm somehow trying to hold down two jobs and keep up with all my correspondence etc.

But you know what?

You have made it worthwhile. I haven't felt this much alive for years - you have given me the confidence to see it through.

And what's more, I am now earning money for my writing, not much, but I couldn't have said that a year ago.

And that is down to you, dear readers.

I've written a blog for Scottish crime writer, Michael J Malone, to be published soon - again I will give you the details as they come.

Oh, and I have tentatively jotted down some ideas for a sequel - but I will wait until I get your feedback on the first book before I seriously consider this.

By the way, you can still tell your friends and family to become patrons for this book - ten pounds gives them the book, their name inside and access to my blog.

Thank you to my latest patrons listed below:

Virginia Moffatt

Erik Zoha

Michael Grimshaw

Julie Mclaren

Keir Liddle

Laura Hayes

Janice Holve (twice pledged - thank you!)

Best Wishes,

Ian.

A Murder Of Crows: The Next Chapter...

What a journey!

I cannot believe that I have made it this far and that my 'wee book,' as I described it some three months ago, has been fully funded - and two days ahead of schedule!

I am amazed at everyone's kindness and generosity and unstinting support - from the three separate pledges from Linda Hepper, who I have never met, but I am certainly indebted to her - to the double pledge from Babs Steele, who got me to the 100% mark. But there has been some very touching and heartfelt support too - from when I got a lovely surpise when my friend Vince Handley became my first patron to Angela Johnston becoming my first patron abroad - and I didn't know her at the time. These are treasured memories that have given me a courage, which I previously mentioned I had somehow lost along the way. Then there are all of those who have simply shared my posts or pledged quietly and anonymously to the well known faces who I have mentioned elsewhere in my blogs.

This is a very exciting time now and Unbound are rapidly growing in stature  - I feel very lucky to be in their hands just now.

I am now in the position where other writers are asking me how I did it. I have been contacted as far and wide as the States and Australia! I never thought this would happen in a million years and it is incredibly warming to hear from these people.

I must also thank Michael J Malone ( a brilliant crime writer - check out his work) for alerting me to this concept in the first place - I will be describing my three month journey in a forthcoming blog that he has asked me to write on his website and I will publish the details here in due course.

As for future plans, well, I am currently finishing off my final draft of the book before it gets sent to the editors and I may well start on the follow up - I was going to write something entirely different but given how things are it seems sensible to write the sequel whilst it's fresh in my mind. (Though it won't be as straightforward as that - watch this space!) I've a short sci-fi story to finish too and then another (completely different) novel but time will tell.

So thank you again for all your support and please remember that although the deadline is done people can still pledge their support and have their name in the book as a patron as well as having a copy of the book. Spread the good word!

Below are the latest patrons - thank you everyone!

Sincerely,

Ian.


 <img alt class="doksoft_image_img" height="298" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0728/3615/3620/files/FullSizeRender__2822_29_1ffb82ab-86c8-4069-a6b1-c9f13bdfdab2.jpg?v=1690908164" style="width: 346px; height: 184px;" width="500">


Deirdre Davis

Greg Moore

Alison Burns

Ottis Manning

Mihai Risnoveau

Susan Piper

Jack Riddell

Susan McVey

Marjorie Johns

Stuart Carter

Jennie Ensor (3 pledges - thank you!)

Dan Ellis-Jones

Anne Lehmann

Claire Reynolds

Janie Thomson

Anne Cunningham (2 pledges - thank you!)

Brian Lunn

David Seath

Kirsty Macara

Peter Collins

Martin McNee

Craig Tomlinson

Paul Tomlinson-Thompson

Sarah Ritchie

Gillian Mitchell

Babs Steele

Georgina Taylor

Dale McSaiyan (check out The Speculative Bookshop - amazing work!)

Samantha Jennings

Justin Ahmed

Jenny Doughty

Sandra Silvester

Amanda Lloyd Jennings

Pauline Ritchie

Kimberley Burke

Susan Worsfold

Day 90: The Crows Are Airborne!

<img alt class="doksoft_image_img" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0728/3615/3620/files/IMG_8255_d243c9eb-3e3e-43a1-b2c7-6dc93d0f6b00.jpg?v=1690908162" width="500" height="375">


It's an absolutely beautiful morning in Glasgow.

A sky blue sky and everything seems as clear as a bell.

One thing isn't clear though - my poor head!

Last night, I went to Noir At The Bar at the Mitchell Library (part of  Aye Write!  - Glasgow's book festival) and even though I was absolutely exhausted from working long hours I found it very informal and entertaining. I finally got to meet and thank Russell D McLean, who gave me some great feedback on my novel a couple of years ago. And I met and thanked Dr Brooke Magnanti, who generously supported my book just a few days ago. It turns out she knows a friend of mine - small world indeed!

After all that excitement I went straight home to bed.

And today? My head is fuzzy as I'm still knackered and am now preparing for today's work, (a temp shift), and already I've done my usual and sent out a billion posts here, there and everywhere (almost a day's work in itself, or maybe it just feels like that) but I am distinctly hopeful. The support and enthusiasm that has greeted me has been astounding at times.

The countdown has commenced and this Friday is the deadline for my book - and I am now at 90%. I still can't believe it's got this far.

And I hope this is just the beginning.

See that photo at the top of the page? This time next year I want to be up there. So help me do it. Please continue to show your support by sharing this as much as you can. Tell your friends. Tell everyone and anyone. Yes, I know you are all sick of me bleating on about this book (my closest friends certainly are - and who can blame them?) so just give me a few more days.

And then I promise I won't mention the words 'murder' or bloody 'crows' again.

Well, for a few minutes at least...

Bless you all!

Ian.

Day 87: Countdown Commencing!

<img alt class="doksoft_image_img" height="375" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0728/3615/3620/files/IMG_8180_2420cfe1-a470-4c54-91fb-df2e79803dcd.jpg?v=1690908158" width="500">


Hello again!

Well, I am finally approaching the nailbiting finish line!

It has been extraordinary to be on the receiving end of so much kindness.

Thank you once again to all those who have pledged their support - all 128 of you!

And many of you have been very suppportive in other ways too, sharing my posts and encouraging me too - very much appreciated. And now my wee book has reached 83%!

I have to say, if anyone had asked me three months ago if this was possible I would have given a nervous laugh, but the past three months have given me a new zest for life and a courage that I had left behind somewhere - and I owe that to you, dear readers.

And there is more excitement in the pipeline - I will be meeting with one of my patrons this weekend - Dr Brooke Magnanti, who you may know wrote the well known Belle de Jour books, later made into a television series called The Secret Diary Of A London Call Girl, starring Billie Piper. I will also be meeting for the first time Russell D McLean, who gave me a very helpful critique of this book some two years ago.

The very fact that I am now meeting people of this calibre is so exciting and I have so many plans and ambitions for the future which I will blog about here as the book develops.

However, I still need another 17%! and I only have 8 days now so please, please, please tell everyone about this project and share this post far and wide. This means so much to me and it's been gestating since 1989! Now I finally have a chance to unburden myself and get this haunting story out there - my future is in your hands, so handle with care - and give me something to crow about in a week's time...

Love and Best Wishes,

Ian.

Below is a list of the latest patrons - thanks again guys - you are amazing!

 

Cathey and Hazel Gillies

Tabatha Stirling

Jan O'Malley

Linda Hepper

Marisa Zanotti

Kirsty Edwards

Nicola Dawson

Alexis Roseman

Meagan Cihlar

Runilla Chilton

Kay McNee

Sam Heughan

Katrina Morrison

Ann Taylor

Suzanne LaPrade

Rosalba Franchi

Christine Mugnier

Hagar A

Joanne Rewinski

Charlene Cross

Lisa Skorupa

Deborah Franco

Lynne Seddon

J David Simons

A Randall

Gabriele Bittner

Janice Holve

Barbara Robotti

Granny Grace

Claudia Fonda-Bonardi

Anne Marie Young

Michele Kane

Christine Wanamaker

Wajoma Smith

Thomas Gemmell

Catherine Gemmell

Arthur Gough

Louise McKenzie

Shelley Prior

John Kazek

David Manderson

Lucy Burns

Andrew Chapman

Graeme Malcolm

Dr Brooke Magnanti

Marc de Launay

Lisa Harney

Caroline Stammers

Shona Kinsella

David keddilty

Day 83: Something To Crow About...

Hello again!

My novel has now reached the funding level of 71%!

It's been a long and arduous journey and I can finally see the end is in sight - two weeks to go!

But it's not over until it's over so please continue to pledge and share this.

A special thank you to all who have started sharing my posts of late in order to spread the word, and thank you for all your kind comments and gestures - it really has been very touching.

A special thank you to actor Sam Heughan who is currently starring in series two of Outlander. Not only did he pledge his support but he tweeted about it and as a result I think many of his followers are now also following me!

All in all I think I'm beginning to relax a little about this whole crowdfunding thing - it's certainly been a learning curve. Not sure if I would want to publish again in this way - but never say never.

So, two weeks to go and I still need many more supporters - please, please help me out!

I can safely say that I have explored every nook and cranny to get support for my book; I've contacted the press, television and radio, done book readings up and down the country, contacted famous actors and writers, sent countless emails, done loads of phone calls, then there's Twitter, Skype, Facebook, book groups. You name it, I've done it!

But sometimes it just takes one person to share this blog in the right direction and boom! It develops wings and takes flight.

It really has been a lifetime's work to get this far - please don't let this book be the dodo of the crime thriller scene - let us help it to grow wings and fly!

Thank you,

Ian.


 <img alt class="doksoft_image_img" height="500" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0728/3615/3620/files/IMG_8040_26757f5d-aa6b-4ee4-8cf7-9141847d0579.png?v=1690908154" width="281">

Day 76: Come Fly With Me...

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Well, the book reading at Hillhead Library was a huge success!

Thank you to all who took part - Gavin Mitchell and Jennie Ensor (who got some more pledges for her wonderful book) and above all to YOU!

It was lovely to see so many people turn up and so many friendly faces too. The event went smoothly and was a lot of fun for all concerned. I have to say I had a ball and I felt absolutely at home at my desk discussing my writing and reading from my book with help from Jennie and Gavin.

So successful was the event that my novel has shot up from 45% to 56% and there are still some pledges from that day to be collated! Several patrons have also said they will pledge a second time so eager are they to see A Murder Of Crows published!

It really has been a labour of love all this and it's amazing how it can be inspirational to others too. Vince Handley, my first patron, and a damn fine writer in his own right (pun intended) wrote a crow-based poem which was both witty and touching. I had numerous lively conversations with others who had been intrigued by the whole crowdfunding concept as I demystified it for them.

Once again there are many people to thank:

John Cowie

Carole Cassidy

Alasdair Lay

Anne-Marie Timoney

Camelia (Maddi) Alexa

Emma Thomson

Derek Devine

Sara Park

Lindsay Mitchell

Debra Fraser

Susan Souter

Karim Rhemani White

David McColl

These are my latest patrons. Thank you all! A Murder Of Crows now has 77 supporters! I never thought I would see the day! There's been local press coverage too! (see above).

BUT there is still a way to go yet and from here on the clock begins to tick that little bit faster as I now have about three weeks to raise the last of my target - so please share this far and wide and help this wee novel to become a bestseller!

Best Wishes, Ian Skewis.

Day 68: Over The Halfway Limit!

It's been in the planning for a while now and I learned alot from my previous reading in London.

So, at 1.30pm on Sunday 21st at Hillhead Library, Glasgow - me and fellow author Jennie Ensor, alongside actor Gavin Mitchell, will be reading from our novels in a bid for publication!

The scene is almost set, the flyers are printed and distributed, and the microphones are in place.

So get set for an afternoon of fun with FREE Admission! FREE tea and coffee! and raffle prizes too!

There is a discount for my book too - if you want to get a limited edition print as well as your name in my book and, of course, the book itself, just type in the code CROWS25 and you will get £15 off!

You may have pledged already but you can pledge again if you like or you might not want to pledge at all but want to come along - then please do! Tell your friends! Tell anyone who might be remotely interested in this worthy endeavour!

So it just leaves me to say a huge heartfelt thank you to all those who have supported this novel over the past week or so and who have helped it secure that all important and promising position of 45%!

They are as follows:

Leona Joiner

Claire Semple

Marc Rees

Mike McConnell

Jelles Flonk

Naomi Wildey

Anthea Robertson

Stephen McGowan

Gavin Mitchell


 <img alt class="doksoft_image_img" height="500" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0728/3615/3620/files/FullSizeRender__2816_29_9e2366a7-8b10-40c8-a63e-98a9a949a3ca.jpg?v=1690908147" style="width: 328px; height: 437px;" width="359">


 

 

That's 63 patrons now and counting!

Really amazing and very much appreciated!

Thank you!

Day 63: The Glasgow Event...

It's a good question isn't it?

I have to say I had serious concerns when I started on this journey.

I figured that Unbound were just another vanity publisher or self publishing house - not that I am saying that's a bad thing - it just wasn't my thing. I reckoned they were simply accepting any old tat, after all, within 24 hours of sending it, my synopsis was accepted and off we went - it seemed too good to be true.

So much so that I originally turned the offer down.

I decided to do some more research and found that Unbound are unique in that they are a professional publisher with a crowdfunding platform but in actual fact the system of writers being sponsored by readers was very much alive and well in the 1800s. Charles Dickens wrote in this exact way and it has the advantage that the writer knows his book already has a readership and the reader has the pride that they helped make it a reality. With the arrival of publishing houses that method died a death but in the internet age it has resurfaced to great effect.

One of the Unbound authors (Paul Kingsnorth, author of The Wake) has since been longlisted for a Man Booker prize - the adjudicators of that particular prize would stay well clear of Unbound if they thought for a moment that they were a self publishing house or publishing for vanity's sake.

And as one astute author pointed out to me Unbound have a huge slush pile and I was not in it - so what was holding me back?

It was these facts that made me realise that I was actually very lucky and in very good hands.

And then there's the problem of publishing in general. These days publishers have become very conservative. Less new writers can emerge because many publishers are looking for the next safe bet such as a celebrity kiss and tell book or the next Fifty Shades, so it is is increasingly difficult for new talent to be seen and heard. Many independent publishing houses have to rely on funding from arts councils in order to survive. However, by relying on patrons to fund the process Unbound have neatly sidestepped this problem and can be truly independent whilst they form a closer bond with their target market - that's you, the reader!

I cannot lie. It's been absolute hell and very humbling asking people for money, particularly in the current financial climate, but I have learned alot about myself along the way and about other writers and people's attitudes towards the process of being published. Whilst there are various ways to publish, and I don't adhere to all of them, I do think that if someone has obviously worked hard to get funding for whatever they are trying to do then they should be commended regardless of whether we might agree with it or not.

All artists need the support of other artists because without it we cannot live and breathe our work.

And that is so much the case here too.

This book has been a lifetime in the making and I am finally so close to it being born.

Please, even if you do not see eye to eye with this project, at least take the time to consider that it took alot of blood, sweat and tears for it to get here on this very page and that, dear reader, is remarkable in itself.

Thank you.

To pledge your support for this book please click on the following link:


 <a href="https://unbound.co.uk/.books/a-murder-of-crows">https://unbound.co.uk/.books/a-murder-of-crows</a>

Day 54: Why The Hell Should I fund Your Book?

It's been a very industrial time over the past few weeks, so much so that I have not had the time to write my blog because I've been too busy raising funds!

I teamed up with fellow writers Jennie Ensor, Phyllis Richardson and Martine McDonagh and we read from our books in front of a small crowd in a pub in Highgate, London. It was a long way for me to go just to read for 20 or so minutes but it was worth it in order to meet up with fellow writers and with the publishers too - who also introduced us.

Since then my book has picked up again and is currently at 41%.

There are so many people who have come forward to show their support and though it is very humbling and difficult to have to ask for money in the current financial climate I am happy to see that there are people who are willing to see this project fulfilled. At times, I have to say, my moods have been one minute up, the next down, and the process is often a painful one, but thanks to your support I am managing to stay afloat!

Thank you to the following for your pledges:

Anne Cunningham

Stephen Christopher

Jennie Ensor

Elizabeth Tucker

Phyllis Richardson

Martine McDonagh

Paul Kramer

Colleen Mooney

Thompson Sunerton

Nicola Miller Gillies

Sue Whitten

Richy Kenny

George Allan

Chris Nicholson

Ceri Gray

David Sismore

Very kind of you all and thank you!

Coming soon...the Hillhead Book Launch, Sunday 21st February at Hillhead Library, 1.30pm, hosted by Gavin Mitchell from television's Still Game and featuring Jennie Ensor and another guest tbc...

Day 53: London and growing pains...

Well, a major milestone has been achieved today thanks to you guys!

I am on target for my book which has been up and running for one month and is now 1/3 funded!

Blue Monday has been and gone so time to look forward. Thank you to the following for your support over the past few days:

Linda Hepper

Sandra Armor

Clare Barker

Stephen Driscoll

Thank you to all the above but in particular to Stephen from the States who has helped me to achieve my dreams on more than one occasion!

I have booked Hillhead Library in Glasgow for a reading on Sunday 21st February - more details will follow.

I have alson connected with other writers who are with Unbound and we will be reading from our works in London on February 4th - again, more details to follow.

Thanks again and please share far and wide and let as many people know about A Murder Of Crows as possible!

Days 27 - 33: One Third Funded!

<img alt="" class="doksoft_image_img" height="333" src="/images/2285/preview/medium" width="500">


Wow! The past few days have certainly been eventful. The death of David Bowie was a shock. I don't normally shed tears for celebrities but I did for him because he was so much more than that - he was an artist and an inspiration to all. It's nice to see Unbound paying tribute too - check out their logo.

On a more upbeat note I read my short story, Inkling, to an audience - my first time performing on stage for 12 long years! It went very well and I am amazed and thrilled that my story is now in a book. It's a wee dream come true to be able to say that I am now officially a published writer. The launch of the book was great fun and everyone made me feel very welcome and some have even pledged their support for this very novel!

I will be doing a reading at Hillhead Library in Glasgow, probably in February - the exact date is to be confirmed. I may also be doing a reading in London with fellow author Jennie Ensor whose novel, Ghosts Of Chechnya can be found on this site - have a look - and pledge your support!

In addition to that I have another Glasgow reading planned but it's still at the early stages - I will keep you posted.

Other than that it's business as usual.

Thank you for your support.

And thank you to June Skewis, Nikk McCurdy, Martin McNee and Mick Clocherty, all of whom are the latest patrons to join my ever increasing list. Thanks to you A Murder Of Crows is now 1/4 funded which is amazing!

Best Wishes,

Ian.

(Photo by Kirsty Henderson)

Days 22 - 26: 1/4 Funded!

So today has been another mega busy one sending emails asking for donations, preparing stuff for tomorrow (more on that in a mo) and writing of course.

And another patron has joined the growing list - thank you to Ken Britt - an old pal of mine from Canada!

We go waaaaay back lol!

But back to the present, I mean tomorrow...

Tomorrow my short story Inkling is being launched as part of an anthology and I will be doing a reading!

Excited? Yes!

Nervous? Definetly!

However, I have a few friends coming too, (moral support and all that) but if any of you want to come see me then head to The Old Hairdressers, 20-28 Renfield Lane, G2 6PH, Glasgow at 7.30pm.

Maybe see you there!

If not, best wishes , and stay warm.

Day 21: Launch Of Anthology...

Phew!

Day 20 and I'm feeling much better since I gave myself the luxury of a lie in.

Believe me I needed it!

I had loads to catch up on but I also managed to track down another lead for a possible reading in a local pub!

I also have two more patrons to thank:

Annabel Wardrop

Ian Skewis Snr (my dad!)

Thanks to these lovely individuals my novel is now one fifth funded (21% and counting!)

I also did some really good work on the book itself today and have looked at some of the designs for the cover I did a few years back - they still look pretty good. I'll reveal them in due course.

In the meantime, stay well and keep spreading the word!

Ian.

Day 20: One Fifth Funded...

I'll admit it - I'm knackered!

Not only have I spent every spare minute promoting this novel on Facebook and Twitter since this amazing offer from Unbound started, but I have been knocking on every virtual door in order to spread the good word and raise funds - it's not easy!

But the kindness of people always makes my cause worthwhile.

Sara Park step right up!

Thank you for your support! As you can see I'm now at 19%!

On target so far! And it's because of you guys!

But the hard work continues...

I managed to get into Hillhead Library and am waiting on their reply...

Meanwhile there's rewrites to do - I'm at page 39 and counting...

Then this blog will be sent to Facebook, then my Facebook novel page and the Unbound Facebook page - Oh and Twitter too! And I do this several times each day!

And I'm building my own website!

And I'm not even officially back at my day job yet! God knows how I'll manage then - I'll need an understudy!

Then at last I'll get some 'me' time!

Oh no I don't - there's my laundry to sort out too. And groceries to get, and bills to pay etc etc...

So you see it's not easy being a writer.

But it's most definetly worth it!

See you tomorrow...

Day 19: A Worthy Cause...

Thank you so much to Lorenzo Mele for your pledge today!

I am still touched by how kind people have been and the interest that this little project has generated.

I promised that there would be some exciting developments and I haven't forgotten. I intend to do some readings from the novel and today visited Hillhead Library to see about doing a reading there - but it is still shut for the holidays! I'll try again tomorrow...

I have also recorded a video of the prologue of the book which is decidedly creepy - but I will show this at a more opportune moment...

There is also a possibility of doing a few readings elsewhere and I am currently looking into that, as well as approaching some local newspapers etc.

In the meantime, I am spending almost all my spare moments editing and rewriting parts of the book in time for the forthcoming deadlline - and it's coming along nicely.

Thank you again for your support - this story could not exist without you!

Day 18: On Target...

Hello!

Thank you to the following for your pledges over the past 24 hours:

Paul Le Poidevin

Angus Wilby

Rob Collins ( to be credited soon!)

Maike Muller

Thanks to you my novel is now at 18% and growing some wings!

Day 17: Growing Wings...

Happy New Year everybody!

I hope you all had a great one - I certainly did - and I'm still suffering!

However, I'm pleased to say that A Murder Of Crows has got off to a great start this year with three more pledges! So thank you to the following:

Tracey McMillan

Nikki Anderson

Greg Herren

Nikki and Tracey are old friends of mine from my student days and Greg is a professional and very prolific writer himself so thank you guys!

So, as far as I can see in order for me to get to my target I need to gain about 1% each day. This is Day 16 and I'm at 16% - so I'm on track - and there's more pledges waiting to go in that haven't been accounted for yet!

However, in order to keep up the momentum I need you, dear readers, to help me - so please spread the word about my book as far and wide as you can - you never know who might be interested!

In the meantime, I hope you all have a happy, healthy and prosperous year ahead of you.

Best Wishes,

Ian.

Days 14-16: Spreading The Word...

As someone who often goes for long periods of time with little or no contact with anyone it still amazes me that people even remember me sometimes. Take Stephen Drisoll for example...

I met Stephen many years ago - in 1995 to be exact - in London. I met him again in America in 1996 and again in the States in 1998. We were good friends.

After that?

Well, I drifted. I became a professional actor and life moved on and that was that. The years rolled by and I often wondered how he was getting on and I thought back to those happy days with a wist and a sigh...

Then I got my first computer in 2009 and bang!

Suddenly I had access to what everybody else already had - information on a scale barely dreamed of! I could type my stories on a screen for the first time; find vintage books from childhood that I had long since lost; I could find old friends...

And so I found Stephen. Thank you Facebook! We kept in touch and I vowed this time to stay in touch.

In 2014 I took my mother to America and we went to see him perform as Shylock in The Merchant Of Venice - he was brilliant!

In 2015 he came to Glasgow! It was amazing to see him again and in my home city too!

And this morning he sent me a cheque. To help fund my novel.

Once again I am touched by kindnesses such as his. And I am reminded of a time when I was young, naive, but full of courage. Somewhere along the way I began to lose that. This past few months has saw that courage return and it is thanks to the likes of you, the patrons of my book, the readers of my work.

And that includes you Ian Clarkson. Thank you for your pledge today!

Keep spreading the word guys.

Best Wishes,

Ian.

Day 13: Overseas Aid...

So today I went to Waterstones bookshop to see if I could do a reading there to drum up publicity for my book but alas, no, because they don't sell ebooks, only physical books.

I have to admit I prefer physical books too - but I will try to do some kind of limited run of physical copies and will discuss this in further detail with Unbound so watch this space!

I have a couple of options for doing some live readings in any case and I will announce these in due course. I am also adding some finishing touches to the book before it (hopefully) goes to the publication stage (It WILL!).

In the meantime, please tell all and sundry about this book as there are only so many friends and family I can call upon! In order for A Murder Of Crows to take flight it needs support from beyond my own limits and your help would be much appreciated.

So thank you for reading and keep in touch!

Ian.

Day 12: Going Live...

Christmas has been and gone and it was lovely to be home again with my small family (Mum and Dad). As a result of the festivities I've been away from this blog but I haven't been idle. And neither have you it seems!

Below are the latest patrons of my novel, A Murder Of Crows:

Nikki Jay

Kathryn Stevenson

Mark Campbell

Martin Frame

Stacey Woods

Thank you all for your contributions. It was very kind of you and is much appreciated. My novel is now 14% funded and pretty much on schedule. Mark and Nikki both blew me away with their generosity and it was amazing as always to have people I do not know taking an interest, so thank you to Stacey and Kathryn too.

And then there was Martin Frame.

His daughter Kate is an old friend of mine but I was particularly touched when she told me of how her mother actually read the sample chapter out loud to her entire family at home and it was after this that Martin decided to pledge for my book. It's an amazing feeling to know that one's work is being appreciated and that it begins to have a life of its own that one would not be aware of if it wasn't for the feedback of friends - and that is a Christmas present that money can't buy!

And so feedback is important to me so please ask me any questions you like and I will strive to answer them. If there are any problems in doing this let me know.

As I said before I haven't been idle. I've approached a couple pf places with the view to doing a reading from my novel - I will announce where and when in due course. I have also recorded a second video - this time previewing a new chapter from my book...

In the meantime, a belated 'Merry Christmas' and have a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Best Wishes,

Ian Skewis.

Christmas Presents (Days 7-11)

I have three people to thank today:

Louis Hanlon-Bucher

Stewart Borland

and Karen Macleod.

Louis had pledged a few days ago but slipped through the net and I have sent a note to the publisher to add him to the list of patrons. (Might take a while as I reckon they will be closed for Christmas but rest assured it will be done!)

Stewart is an old friend of mine and it was a lovely surprise to see him pledge his support for my book.

And then came that lovely thing again - the kindness of strangers. And so thank you to Karen Macleod!

P.S. For those of you who know me on Facebook let me know if you have attempted to post a comment on here as I know one of you tried and it didn't work. If there's a problem I can then sort it in the New Year.

In the meantime, stay tuned, for there will be a special preview of the novel coming here soon...

Thanks x 3...

His name is Derek Wilson.

I don't know him.

But I think he's great!

He just helped fund more of my novel - a total stranger! There's nothing more amazing than someone who doesn't know you looking at your work and thinking, yes, this is worth it.

It reminds me of all those times when I was down in the dumps about my writing, thinking I was never going to be heard because I simply wasn't good enough. I'm certainly not saying that I'm a great writer - but it helps that some of you out there think highly enough of me to at least make a contribution. In this case actions speak louder than words.

And it's at times like these that I say to myself, yes, this IS worth it.

Thank you Derek.

The Kindness Of Strangers Part Two...

Amazing how kind people can be.

I've had a total stranger pledge for my book today and she also shared my post too! Suffice to say, we are now very good friends! I've also had pledges from my other friends which is so encouraging - it's a frightening prospect trying to raise the money for something like this. One is at the whim of other people's kindness. And how very kind they have been!

I must thank the following people today:

Angela Johnston

Ann Cowie

Daniel Meikle

Stephanie Johnson

Franzisca Aarflot

All of you have helped A Murder Of Crows inch nearer to it becoming a full blown reality! I am now 4% into my funding and currently on schedule. Please share far and wide as there is still a long journey ahead but your belief in me has given me hope that the summit is in sight!

Thank you. Til tomorrow...

The Kindness Of Strangers...and of course, friends...

Great news!

Three kind people have funded my book today!

They are: Anne Hanlon-Bucher, Gary Rooney and Mary Wells.

Thank you so much guys - you are the best!

So my novel is now officially 1% funded!

99% still to go!

I recall the android in the movie Prometheus holding a small drop of inky goo on his fingertip - the DNA of some terrifying new organism..."big things come from small beginnings," he said.

I believe that today.

We can and will do it!

"Big things come from small beginnings..."

Here in Glasgow the weather is predictably cold and grey. Everything seems as if it is in stasis, waiting to be activated. There is no forward momentum.

Or maybe that's just how I feel.

Yesterday, was manic. I must have sent reams of posts and blogs across all spectrums of social media in order to plug my book. One pledge arrived. A great start. And now?

Well, now it's a wee bit of a waiting game, I guess. I've had several friends who have said they will pledge so I just need to be patient. In the meantime, I've got work to go to which will take my mind off it and, of course, I WILL be plugging my book again today, hence this blog.

One thing I noticed was that there's a huge gap in the reader's rewards between the £40.00 mark and the £250.00 mark so today I will come up with some new rewards which should fill the gaps somewhat.

There, decision made.

I'm moving forward.

Coffee must be kicking in...

In Stasis

Hello again!

Up until now I felt a bit lonely with my blog, wondering if anyone would be in the slightest bit interested in my wee book. That's the problem with writers - we have mood swings galore; one minute up, the next down. This is the first offical launch day of my book - and as such, was filled with more than the usual mix of swings. Thrilled at the prospect of getting it off the ground and being accepted by a reputable publisher, then the old shadows of doubt come creeping in: Will anyone like it? Who really cares? Does anyone actually want to help fund it into existence...?

This book has been more than thirty five years in the making and it was those very same doubts and fears that helped it to become what it is today. Many of those doubts and fears now inhabit the characters I wrote. Talk about it being cathartic!Suffice to say, today is a good day, definetly an 'up' day.

Why?

Because someone has pledged their support, that's why!

An old friend of mine, someone who I haven't seen for a long time, but who I have kept in touch with remotely, and therefore a little guiltily. And yet, our friendship prevails to such an extent that he pledged a tenner for my book. I've still got a very long way to go but that act of kindness and support is very touching and is what gives us writers courage.

Today is a good day.

Tomorrow? Well, let's see shall we...?

Something is coming...#2

Hello!

A Murder Of Crows is my debut novel, in development hell for many years (since 1989 in fact) but finally complete!

The fact that a publisher of this calibre has taken an interest in my wee book is amazing and I am thrilled to be given this opportunity to breathe life into it - but I can't do this alone!

I need to raise the funds in order to pay for the editing, copy editing, illustrating and marketing of my book.

If you are in the slightest bit interested then please pledge your support. It would mean a huge amount to me. Thanks!

Lots more news and exciting developments to come, and if you have any questions, fire away!

Something is coming...

The most violent thunderstorm in living memory occurs above a sleepy village on the West Coast of Scotland.
A young couple take shelter in the woods, never to be seen again...
DCI Jack Russell is brought in to investigate. Nearing retirement, he agrees to undertake one last case, which he believes can be solved as a matter of routine.
But what Jack discovers in the forest leads him to the conclusion that he is following in the footsteps of a psychopath who is just getting started. Jack is flung headlong into a race against time to prevent the evolution of a serial killer...

DCI Jack Russell made it to the top of the hill. He was exhausted, fighting for breath - but it was worth it, for the view was stunning. Beyond the shops and the houses that stood below he could clearly see the gentle golden swell of the farmer’s fields, the jagged forest, and the ruins of an old abbey that crumbled into a sea that stretched into the distant horizon - and all this crowned with a sky so impossibly blue it seemed to have been imported from the Mediterranean. 

He opened the creaking gate and was met with the picturesque view of the abode of Alice Smith. It looked like the kind of house a child would draw - a typical two up, two down with a garden path winding its way up to the front door. The sound of the wind moaning through the surrounding vegetation made him feel isolated, vulnerable - and yet Jack kind of liked it. He imagined living up here, far from the madding crowd, and in perfect peace. He strolled leisurely through the garden which had been left to grow in wild abandon. A chaos of dead weeds draped the cracked paving stones and growing on either side were clusters of rosemary, thyme and other fragrant herbs that had grown into disarray, festooned with brambles and rambling roses. 

As he approached he saw a monkey puzzle tree that stood to the right of the house, towering up into the blue and looking like it had been transported via satellite in high definition from some Jurassic age. He observed a seagull in the distance glide behind the upturned green branches, and then reappeared on the other side as a white pterosaur, lazily flapping its wings towards the cliffs at sea. To the left of the house stood a clump of conifers and silver birch, and below these were some rhododendrons and broom, the scent from which was sweet and overpowering. On arriving at the front door he realised that the house was in a state of abandon too. The once white paint was cracked and peeling and the windows on either side were filthy, so much so, they almost looked like they’d been deliberately tinted to block out the sun. He knocked on the door. It opened almost immediately.

A woman stood there with a vacant look on her face; elegant in her pearl necklace but wearing an old grey cardigan which looked two sizes too big for her with a white dress underneath. Her wispy, white hair was tied loosely back, giving her a slightly unkempt appearance, not unlike her garden.

‘I’m Detective Chief Inspector Jack Russell, I called you earlier,’ he said, with an air of authority and a stiff smile.

Her eyes brightened and her face beamed. ‘Do come in,’ she said graciously, opening the door wider. 

‘Thank you,’ he said, and stepped inside.

It was like a sauna.

She shut the door and walked straight past him, singing ‘This way’ as if to a child. He smiled witheringly and followed her through the hallway and into the dining room, noting the family photos that sat on the sideboard, including one of her husband and son that took pride of place in front of the others, and then he marched through to the large Victorian kitchen, with its antique hob, and blue and white display plates, and a collection of sea shells on the window sill. But Jack had difficulty keeping up with Alice, who was surprisingly sprightly for her age, moving at such a pace that she momentarily disappeared from view, and he was about to beg her to slow down when he suddenly found himself walking straight into a jungle. 

The conservatory was cluttered with plants of all shapes and sizes and he found Alice was already seated on some white wicker furniture as if she’d been there all that time. She was pulling a loose thread from her cardigan when he entered, and she smiled gaily, and gestured for him to sit. Her wild varieties of flora could be seen in huge cracked glaze vases on the uneven paving stone floor; others in terracotta pots that crammed the window sills, several of which were sitting on piles of old newspapers, ready to be re-potted, though Jack spied the layers of dust that had since settled on them. The conservatory was painted white, which gave the illusion of coolness, but all the windows were closed and so it was very humid. After he uncomfortably squeezed himself into a chair there was a moment of silence where all he could hear was the tiny snap, crackle and pop of moisture burrowing into the soil of each pot and he could see the condensation dripping from the geraniums that were hanging from the rafters and landing in irregular shaped spots on the floor. He was sweating profusely and about to suggest she keep a few windows open in her house when she reached for a glass jug of lemonade that sat partially hidden by the spider plant on the table.

‘Home made,’ she said with pride.

He smiled with relief as she poured him some and handed him his glass, the ice clinking satisfactorily. He drank deeply and looked a little sheepish as he realised he had finished his glass in one go. She smiled kindly and pushed the entire jug towards him. As he poured himself some more she seemed to read his thoughts and said, ‘I never open the windows because my plants don’t seem to like it.’Then she added in a tone that made him feel somewhat admonished, ‘You can take your jacket off,’ but he was more than happy to comply, and so he hung it on the back of his chair, which groaned under his weight. After that there was an uneasy pause. 

‘I just want to say that we’re doing everything we can to find your son but I need to ask you a few - ’

‘Okay, fire away,’she replied impatiently. 

‘When did you last hear from your son?’he asked.

‘Last Christmas. He phoned to say he couldn’t make it.’

‘And when did you last actually see him?’

‘Two years ago.’ She smiled bitterly, ‘Out of sight, out of mind.’

‘As I’m sure you’re aware a car that he had hired was discovered abandoned not too far from here. You had no idea that he was on his way to see you?’

Alice shook her head and sipped her lemonade. 

‘Any other reason why he might come here?’

She shrugged, and as she placed her glass back on the table Jack noticed she was still wearing her wedding ring.

‘And your husband, William?’

‘Who?’ she asked, distractedly. ‘Oh. Gone, a long time ago.’ 

‘What do you think happened to him?’

She stared at him. ‘He died, Mr Russell.’

Jack heard that same sharp tone again, and he began to think that this version of Alice was much quicker on the uptake than the one he’d been informed about. And yet he knew her accent belied a pain, an anguish that she could barely conceal.

She brushed something from her lap and continued airily, ‘He was a fisherman, so I was used to him being away for long periods of time but then one day he didn’t come back. My son believes that he just walked out on us. He’s probably right.’

‘So you think he might still be alive?’

‘He might well be. But he’s dead to me.’ And she patted her lap again as if keeping time to some music that only she could hear, and deliberately avoided his eyes.

Jack’s gaze went back to the ring on her finger and he recalled the framed photo of William and Alistair that he had spied in the dining room and which so obviously stated the opposite.

‘Do you think there might be a connection between the disappearance of your husband and now your son?’

‘Yes.’

‘You think someone is responsible?’

‘Without a doubt,’ she replied. ‘And I know who.’

Jack leaned closer.‘Who do think is responsible, Alice?’

Her fingers stopped drumming and she looked right at him. ‘The police, of course - they’ve done sod all about any of this.’

Jack sat back, disappointed, ran a hand through his thinning hair.

Alice sighed,‘First my husband, now my son. Might as well be me next.’ Then she broke into a smile. ‘The bane of my life,’ she exclaimed, as if this was something wonderful, ‘All dead ends and undergarments now.’

Jack was puzzled at this last turn of phrase and mulled over it as he took a quick swig from his glass. As he did so the crystal caught the sun and cast a halo of light above Alice’s head - her martyrdom now seemed complete. He noticed a slight tremor had developed in her hand.

‘Did you know Alistair had a girlfriend?’ he asked quickly, as if changing the subject would rid her of her tic, which was growing steadily worse.

‘No I didn’t,’she said, blinking furiously.

Jack began to wonder if maybe he had caught Alice in a rare moment of clarity as she appeared to be degenerating before his eyes, so he decided to get to the point before she turned into the hopeless case that his predecessor DC Clements had so cruelly defined. 

‘Do you think that maybe someone was after him, I mean, did he have enemies?’

‘He hasn’t spoken - to me - in...’

Alice slumped in her chair and with an unusually fast response, Jack deftly managed to catch her glass just before it fell from her hand. A few moments passed, during which he watched her carefully, and wondered if he should call a doctor. To lose a husband was bad enough but to lose her only child as well and to never know what really became of them was a terrible burden to bear. She couldn’t even grieve for them. Then she came to and looked at him blankly. He wanted to tell her there and then that everything would be all right, that he would find her son and her husband, but at the moment he was in the careless hands of ignorance and there was a distinct lack of clues.

‘I’ve forgotten...what was I trying to say?’ 

‘It’s alright,’said Jack,‘Let’s get you out into the fresh air.’

And he helped her out of her chair and through the house. By the time they had reached the front door she was sufficiently recovered to manage by herself but Jack maintained a close proximity as she shuffled unsteadily out into the sunshine. Jack felt angry. Where was the justice in this?

She seemed to hear his thoughts and turned and said, ‘Don’t worry. It doesn’t happen a lot.’ He knew she was lying but he just smiled and let it pass. ‘It is very hot today,’ he said, excusing her. And it was. It felt like the height of summer, not the middle of September.

‘That storm isn’t finished yet,’ she said, staring vacantly into the distance.

Jack was puzzled. ‘You mean the storm from a couple of weeks ago?’ 

‘Oh there’s nothing mysterious about it, Mr Russell. It’s because we live in a valley. The weather remains in stasis here. If it rains then it rains for days, likewise if it’s sunny, we get a long spell of it. The weather gets stuck in Hobbs Brae, like it’s on a cycle.’ She smiled at her own ability to form words again, getting her old sparkle back.

Jack understood. The air was close. Something needed to give. And he found himself struck by a sudden urge to go home, back to Glasgow, back to his family. It took him by surprise. Perhaps he was already giving in, unconsciously preparing for retirement; kidding himself that he could do this one last time because something about this particular case seemed to be pushing him out of his usual comfort zone. Nothing about it said open and shut. It refused to obey the laws of order and consequence. It tipped the scales in favour of something indefinable. And that made him feel unsure, vulnerable...

‘Let me introduce you to Alfred,’ she said.

‘Who?’

‘Alfred,’ she repeated, smiling patiently.‘We built him a long time ago.’

Jack was perplexed, and she laughed and said, ‘This way’ in that patronising tone again, which proved she was indeed back to her old self, and she led him through the garden, which was bathed in a honeycomb glow as the sun now reached its zenith, melting an ice cream cloud in the sky, whilst midges danced in lazy circles above the abundant undergrowth. Alice stopped suddenly and pointed, smiling broadly. Something about this pose touched him. Perhaps it was the way her faded white dress reminded him of an old-fashioned smock, the kind that Victorian artists would once have worn. This, coupled by her sunny disposition, seemed to transfer her back to a time more suited to her dress sense, an age of enlightenment, where Alice would still be in control of all her faculties. Jack smiled secretly, his desire to reverse her ill fortune now temporarily complete. He followed the line of her arm to her finger, which was pointing towards one of the abandoned fields. In the middle stood a wooden cross.

‘A scarecrow,’ he said flatly. 

‘Alfred,’ she replied brightly, ‘We built him in remembrance of things lost.’She suddenly looked rueful. ‘There he stands and watches the sea in case my husband should ever return.’

Jack looked at her and said what had been on his mind for some time now.

‘You do know it’s unlikely that your husband will return.’

‘I know,’ she replied, and laughed as if he’d said something funny, yet he saw her brush a tear away. 

‘Why did you call him Alfred?’ he enquired.

Alice laughed again and clapped her hands together. ‘Because he was so useless at scaring the crows. They just use him as something to perch on. So we called him Alfred, after that film about the birds by Hitchcock.’

‘Ah,’he smiled, ‘Alfred.’

‘What was your name again?’

‘Jack,’ he said amiably, ‘Jack Russell.’

She smiled faintly and took a step closer, narrowing her eyes as if to study him. ‘The dogged detective,’she said with a smirk and Jack laughed. Then she added, ‘You have kind eyes.’And then she turned to stare out to sea once more. She seemed lost, so utterly alone. A breeze picked up and the leaves of the nearby bushes showed their silvery undersides, and Jack was reminded how peaceful it was up here. He didn’t want to leave, because it seemed like an act of cruelty to do so but he knew that he must - he had a suspect to question. 

‘We’ll do everything we can, I promise,’ he said, backing off.

‘Can you feel that?’she suddenly asked, without looking at him.

Jack shook his head. Then Alice turned and looked right at him.

‘Something is coming.’

Her delivery of this mysterious statement confounded Jack for a moment but he didn’t have the time to consider what she had meant by it. He smiled awkwardly and said, ‘Sorry, I have to go now, duty calls.’ He reached the gate and she called out to him, ‘Drive carefully.’He nodded and smiled pityingly at her, not bothering to tell her he had left his car at the hotel and would be walking it back. He closed the gate and walked quickly down the hill, thinking forward to his next plan of action.

And blissfully unaware that he was being followed...

A Murder Of Crows

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