Author Archives: simondillon

Happy New Year!

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Happy New Year!

So what are my writing plans for 2018? Well, hopefully fairly early in the year, I plan to release my novel The Spectre of Springwell Forest, a gripping and chilling ghost story for grown-ups which I’m rather proud of.

Later in the year I plan to release another scary book, this time one aimed children: The Faerie Gate, which I know has been delayed for two years now. Adults can read it too obviously, if they are brave enough.

I am about to start writing an as yet untitled fantasy novel, set partly in the present and partly during the time of King Arthur. I will say no more about it now suffice to say it promises to be a challenging and unusual story. I think it will be more aimed at adults, depending on just how far I push certain envelopes.

I also aim to write the science fiction novellas I planned to write last year, but delayed on account of writing Echo and the White Howl. But as ever things can and could change.

As always, I look forward to sharing release dates, writing progress and other details on all the above here on the blog. Watch this space.

2017 in review

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So how was 2017 for me, in writing terms? Well, besides pursuing that ever elusive mainstream publishing deal (I keep trying, with every novel), I have had a fairly productive year, though not quite in the way I anticipated.

I had originally intended to release horror whodunit The Thistlewood Curse (for adults) and horror fantasy The Faerie Gate (for children – and any adults that didn’t find it too scary). However, ultimately only the first of those was released. I decided to delay the latter for another year, and instead I opted to release Echo and the White Howl – an animal fiction adventure about wolves in Alaska I wrote on the spur of the moment at the urging of my youngest son.

At the onset of this year I had planned to write two novels; another horror tale entitled The Spectre of Springwell Forest, and a satirical drama called A Statement of Disbelief. I had also planned to pen a collection of science fiction novellas.

I wrote the two novels as planned, but then the afore-mentioned Echo and the White Howl reared its howling head. As a result, the science fiction novellas will now be written next year instead.

All things considered, this year has been good to me on the writing front, particularly given the positive response to both The Thistlewood Curse and Echo and the White Howl. In the case of the latter, the positive response has (so far) come from my youngest son, and since I wrote the book for him, I consider that a big success.

Christmas Present Ideas Part Two – Books for Grown-Ups

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Christmas is rapidly approaching, but if you are scratching your head over potential presents, why not try one of my novels?

In this second of a two-part series, I take a quick look at what I have written primarily for adults (and in one case, for teenagers and adults).

This year I released The Thistlewood Curse; a gripping, page-turning tale that begins as a whodunit, becomes a supernatural thriller and finally escalates into full blown horror.

THE THISTLEWOOD CURSE Cover (JPG Print version)

Here is the blurb from the back of The Thistlewood Curse:

Lawrence Crane’s powers of astral projection are put to the ultimate test when he and his lifelong friend Detective Laura Buchan investigate a mysterious death on Lundy Island.

Sensing a dark power at work, they attempt to identify a human assassin under the control of supernatural evil.

But can they escape a terrifying, centuries-old curse?

In a similar vein to the above, The Birds Began to Sing is a supernaturally tinged psychological thriller.

The Birds Began to Sing_1600x2400_Front Cover

Here is the blurb from the back of The Birds Began to Sing:

When aspiring novelist Alice Darnell enters a competition to write the ending for an unfinished manuscript by late, world famous author Sasha Hawkins, it appears she might have her big break at last.

However, upon arrival at Sasha’s former home – the sinister Blackwood House – Alice is unsettled by peculiar competition rules, mysterious dreams and inexplicable ghostly visions. She begins to question her sanity as she is drawn into a terrifying web of deceit, revenge and murder.

My most “personal” novel to date, Children of the Folded Valley, is a coming of age memoir mingled with science fiction mystery.

Folded Valley cover

Here is the blurb from the back of Children of the Folded Valley:

During a journey to visit his estranged sister, James Harper recalls his childhood in a mysterious valley cut off from the outside world, where he grew up as part of a cult called the Folded Valley Fellowship.

In this seemingly idyllic world, the charismatic Benjamin Smiley claimed to be protecting his followers from an impending nuclear apocalypse.

But the valley concealed a terrifying secret.

A secret that would change Smiley’s followers forever.

Finally, Love vs Honour represented something of a departure for me, in that it is a teenage romantic drama. But many of the themes present in my other novels – religious oppression, abuse of power and so on – are present and correct here, and this is a much darker tale than it first appears.

LvsHonour 1600 x 2400

Here is the blurb from the back of Love vs Honour:

Two Religions. Two Deceptions. One Love.

When Johnny meets and falls in love with Sabina, their bond proves stronger than a teenage holiday fling.

Fearing the disapproval of their strict Christian and Islamic families, they undertake an elaborate deception to continue seeing one another. Johnny pretends to convert to Islam whilst Sabina pretends to covert to Christianity to appease their parents.

But how long can this deception last before it unravels?

All the above books can be ordered on Kindle or as paperbacks from Amazon here.

(Note to self: I think I might use the word “terrifying” too much in blurbs…)

Christmas Present Ideas Part One – Books for Children

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Christmas is rapidly approaching, but if you are scratching your head over potential presents, why not try one of my novels?

Here, in the first of a two-part series, is a quick look at what I have written primarily for children, though I must emphasise these stories are not just for children. Amid the humour, thrills and scares are themes many adults will appreciate too – from the dangers of mollycoddling to overcoming fear, difficult parent/child relationships, murderous religious fundamentalism, sexual equality, civil rights, slavery, political corruption, the metaphysical and more…

My most recent novel, Echo and the White Howl, is a thrilling animal fiction adventure about a pack of wolves set in the wilds of Alaska.

Echo and the White Howl Cover 10 (FINAL)

Here is the blurb from the back of Echo and the White Howl:

When a wolf pack discovers humans lurking near their territory, Echo senses dark times ahead.

Despite the warnings and omens, Aatag, the pack Alpha, refuses to flee… leading to a cruel turn of events that forces Echo into exile, and a quest for revenge that will change the pack forever.

Dr Gribbles and the Beast of Blackthorn Lodge is a gripping and scary tale involving spies, monsters, haunted houses, mad scientists and lots more besides, with action and thrills to spare. It was inspired by the nightmares of my youngest son, and the book is duly dedicated to him.

DrGibbles_1600x2400_front cover

Here is the blurb from the back of Dr Gribbles and the Beast of Blackthorn Lodge:

September 1987.

Curiosity lands Tim Rawling in a world of secrets, spies and a desperate race against time.

The haunted house, the monster and the mad scientist are only the beginning of a terrifying adventure.

Uncle Flynn, my debut novel, was received very positively. A properly old-fashioned treasure hunt adventure with a big twist, this book is dedicated to my eldest son. and was largely inspired by our many excursions over Dartmoor, as well as a bit of local history.

Uncle Flynn_Cover_600px

Here is the blurb from the back of Uncle Flynn:

When timid eleven year old Max Bradley embarks on a hunt for buried treasure on Dartmoor with his mysterious Uncle Flynn, he discovers he is braver than he thought.

Together they decipher clues, find a hidden map and explore secret tunnels in their search. But with both police and rival treasure hunters on their tail, Max begins to wonder if his uncle is all he seems…

The George Hughes trilogy (comprising, in reading order, George goes to Mars, George goes to Titan and George goes to Neptune) is a thrilling, action-packed space tale set just over a hundred years in the future. Each story is a stand-alone adventure, but I recommend reading the novels in order nonetheless.

Here is the blurb from the back of George goes to Mars:

When George Hughes discovers he has inherited the planet Mars, he goes from poverty to becoming the richest boy on Earth overnight.

Accompanied by his new guardian, a mysterious secret agent and a crew of astronauts, George voyages to Mars to sell land to celebrities wanting to build interplanetary holiday homes. But sabotage, assassination attempts and the possibility of an alien threat plunge him into a deadly adventure…

Here is the blurb from the back of George goes to Titan:

The thrilling sequel to George goes to Mars…

A year on from his adventures on Mars, George Hughes faces an even deadlier peril as he travels to Titan on an urgent rescue mission. The mysterious Giles returns to help him, but assassins are once again on his tail, and a new, far greater alien menace lurks in the shadows waiting to strike.

Here is the blurb from the back of George goes to Neptune (my personal favourite of the three):

In this spectacular sequel to George goes to Mars and George goes to Titan, George Hughes faces his most dangerous adventure yet.

Following the Titanian invasion, a deadly and very personal threat forces George to undertake a voyage to a top secret Martian research base on Neptune.

On this remote outpost, he uncovers a diabolical plot. But George is too late to prevent the catastrophe.

A catastrophe that will change his life forever…

All the above books can be ordered on Kindle or as paperbacks from Amazon here.

 

NEW RELEASE: Echo and the White Howl – out now!

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My latest novel, Echo and the White Howl, is out now!

Set in the vast Alaskan wilderness, this epic story of wolves will thrill and delight. With hunts, blizzards, dangerous journeys and a mysterious, supernatural edge, Echo and the White Howl is an animal fiction adventure for all ages.

Here is the blurb from the back of the book:

When a wolf pack discovers humans lurking near their territory, Echo senses dark times ahead.

Despite the warnings and omens, Aatag, the pack Alpha, refuses to flee… leading to a cruel turn of events that forces Echo into exile, and a quest for revenge that will change the pack forever.

Echo and the White Howl is available as a download or paperback from Amazon. Order your copy here.

NEW RELEASE: Echo and the White Howl – out tomorrow!

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Just one day to go! My latest novel, Echo and the White Howl, is out tomorrow!

Set in the vast Alaskan wilderness, this epic story of wolves will thrill and delight. With hunts, blizzards, dangerous journeys and a mysterious, supernatural edge, Echo and the White Howl is an animal fiction adventure for all ages.

Here is the blurb from the back of the book: 

When a wolf pack discovers humans lurking near their territory, Echo senses dark times ahead.

Despite the warnings and omens, Aatag, the pack Alpha, refuses to flee… leading to a cruel turn of events that forces Echo into exile, and a quest for revenge that will change the pack forever.

Echo and the White Howl is out tomorrow, available as a download or paperback from Amazon. Click here to pre-order your copy.

NEW RELEASE: Echo and the White Howl

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Exciting news! My latest novel, Echo and the White Howl, is out on the 11th of December.

Set in the vast Alaskan wilderness, this epic story of wolves will thrill and delight. A tale of vengeance with hunts, chases, blizzards, dangerous journeys and a mysterious, supernatural edge, Echo and the White Howl is an animal fiction adventure for all ages.

Here is the blurb from the back of the book: 

When a wolf pack discovers humans lurking near their territory, Echo senses dark times ahead. 

Despite the warnings and omens, Aatag, the pack Alpha, refuses to flee… leading to a cruel turn of events that forces Echo into exile, and a quest for revenge that will change the pack forever.

Echo and the White Howl is out on Monday 11th December, available as a download or paperback from Amazon. You can pre-order the novel here.

Interfaith Romance: An Interview with DM Miller

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In the next in my occasional interview series, I caught up with author DM Miller, whose interfaith romance Heart series, chiefly concerning the relationship between Muslim Abdul and Jewish Catherine, caught my interest some time ago.

The Religion of the Heart, Agony of the Heart and Secrets of the Heart are now joined by the latest entry, Holiday of the Heart, and this seemed an opportune moment in the run-up to Christmas to delve deeper into the series.

What initially inspired the Heart series?

Believe it or not, it began as a dream. I’d always been a writer, starting out with poetry, then journalism, and I even wrote a manuscript at the ripe old age of 20. But later, the writing took a backseat to real life until I had this dream, which was the catalyst to get me writing again. At the time (2011), the Arab Spring was on the news every night, and it got me thinking about Egypt. Then the story took on a life of its own.

How much of you is in Catherine?

A little, but probably not as much as people think. I actually have more fun writing Abdul’s character.

Why are you drawn to the clash of the monotheistic faiths as a major theme?

The three main Abrahamic faiths claim to worship the same God, and yet He’s characterized so differently in each religion. I love to compare and contrast because we have a great deal in common, but the differences are fairly profound if you really think about it. Otherwise, there would be no need to separate the religions. So why do Jews, Muslims and Christians see Him so differently? There’s a lot of history and culture influencing our belief systems, politics as well.

I like to explore these things because I find it fascinating to analyse our differences honestly and without the hindrance of political correctness, while also highlighting our shared views.

And why these monotheistic faiths in particular? Well, they say to write what you know, and this is what I know. If you ask me to write about Hinduism, I’d have to start researching from square one!

Are any of the other characters based on people you’ve met?

Actually yes. None of them are based on one single person but a combination of various people I know or have known in the past. For example, Abdul is a health nut and obsessed with exercise, he is controlling and has issues with his father. All of these traits and problems are exaggerated versions of my own friends and family, and in this case, they’re put together in one character.

What inspired the most recent entry, Holiday of the Heart?

Even though I love books that make you think, I also enjoy Christmas love stories. Last year I read several, but most were fluffy and forgettable. They’re fun to read, but then I brain dump them. So it came to me last December, what if I were to write an interfaith holiday book, one with real substance and grit, one that people would not be as likely to forget? The Shadids and DiMarcos were perfect for this!

Did you base any of your novels on experience, or on stories you have heard?

Just like the characters, the stories are a mixture of imagination and various real life events mashed together. But I will say this: a great deal of research has gone into every single one.

Are you going to explore the complications of raising children in interfaith marriages in later novels?

There may be a little more of that in future Heart series books. As for other novels, I’m not sure yet. My next release will be a novella in January 2018. It is romantic suspense, and my signature interfaith theme is subtly woven into the plot but takes a backseat to the action this time. It’s like no book I’ve ever written, and at the same time, you will still recognize my style.

Do you think interfaith marriage can work in real life?

It’s tricky. If both partners are extremely religious, they’re better off marrying someone who shares their beliefs. If one or both are secular, it’s a lot easier, but either way, raising the children is challenging. This is something I wrote about in my nonfiction book, Half-Jew: Searching for Identity. I was raised interfaith myself and therefore know a thing or two about it.

How long will this series continue?

It could potentially go on and on. In my head, I have the characters’ lives planned out for years to come, and then there are their children and their lives as they grow up. However, I’m thinking of taking a little break from the series for now so I can write some other things and hopefully attract new readers. Once I grow my readership and subsequently, the readership for the Heart series, I will be able to continue writing it.

How much does your initial draft change before you get to your final draft?

The Religion of the Heart was the first book, and that one changed dramatically over the course of four years. The rest of the books don’t change a whole lot, but I keep tweaking them and often get lost in the details. You know when you rewrite something so many times, you eventually come full circle and end up where you started!

What is the best thing about being a writer?

Catharsis. It’s my vice. I don’t smoke, drink or do drugs, but I write. We all need a release, and this is the healthiest release I can think of.

What is the worst thing about being a writer?

Marketing. I hate it so much, I’ve been thinking about maybe, possibly, if I don’t change my mind… looking for an agent. So far I haven’t done so because I enjoy having full control over my work.

To what extent do you agree with the statement “write what you know”?

There is some truth to that, but you can put your heart into anything you feel passionate about and do enough research to make up for what you didn’t know before. If you are inspired to write about something for whatever reason, and you don’t know a thing about it, you can learn. It depends on what it is. With that said, when you know a topic inside and out, the words flow freely, and I’m sure that comes across far better to the reader.

Which writers inspire you?

Too many to list! However, recently I’ve come to the conclusion that my absolute favourite writer is Jan Ruth. It’s a little odd because she’s a British author who focuses on Northern Wales and horses, neither of which having anything to do with the constant themes of my books. But even though I’m not Welsh, have never been to Wales and am not a rider, I find similarities in our realistic family themes. And as passionate as Ruth is about Wales, I am about Israel and my Jewish roots.

Orit Arfa is an Israeli author who writes about some of the same issues as me, I love your work, Joel Hames, Maria Gibbs, A.M. Khalifa, Saul Bellow, Ernest Hemingway, Elizabeth Gilbert, Mary Campisi… I could go on and on. My original inspiration was poetry: Lord Byron, Sylvia Plath, Emily Dickinson, Dylan Thomas, Edgar Allan Poe… But I also read the commercial darlings like Debbie Macomber, Jackie Collins, Nora Roberts, etc, to see what they’re all about. I don’t always love their work but still find inspiration in their writing.

You thought I’d give you one or two names, right? It’s hard to narrow it down!

How important is social media if you are a writer?

Extremely. I have a love/hate relationship with it, but it has definitely helped me to market my work. Lately I’ve dedicated a little more time to Twitter (which I’d practically ignored in the past), my blog and Youtube, in addition to Facebook, and I think it all helps to get your work out there to the public and find that elusive readership we all seek. I wish I could spend the day holed up and focused on my writing, but unfortunately, marketing is a must. Social media is a free but time-consuming marketing avenue available to those of us who don’t have a stash of money to spend on getting our names out there.

What are your future writing plans?

Like I said, I have a novella coming out in January, then a new poetry book in April, and I’m thinking of writing another interfaith romance that’s not part of the Heart series in the upcoming year. However, that one might go to the agents first, which means its publication date is up in the air for now. We’ll see what the future holds.

Check out DM Miller’s novels here.

Download The Birds Began to Sing FREE – for five days only

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Love a gripping, page-turning psychological thriller? Download my novel The Birds Began to Sing absolutely FREE – for five days only!

Here is the blurb from the back of the novel:

When aspiring novelist Alice Darnell enters a competition to write the ending for an unfinished manuscript by late, world famous author Sasha Hawkins, it appears she might have her big break at last.

However, upon arrival at Sasha’s former home – the sinister Blackwood House – Alice is unsettled by peculiar competition rules, mysterious dreams and inexplicable ghostly visions. She begins to question her sanity as she is drawn into a terrifying web of deceit, revenge and murder.

Some review snippets:

“Mystery, drama, conspiracy theory, and some supernatural intrigue. A real page turner!” – Anonymous, Barnes and Noble.

“Well written, poetic in places, funny at times and with a plot that will keep you turning the pages…” – Al Gibson, Amazon.

“What a magical work of art! You’re really missing out if you don’t read this one.” – A Critical Reader, Amazon.

“Absolutely loved this. Properly chilling.” – Alice R Brewer, Amazon.

“This was really a great read and I loved the twist. Did not expect it at all.” – Jennifer, Amazon.

“A terrific read for lovers of suspense and mystery. Big thumbs up!” – Mickey, Amazon.

The Birds Began to Sing can be downloaded from Amazon Kindle FREE here – for five days only.

All my novels now available as paperbacks from Amazon

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At long last, I have stopped procrastinating, deferring, delaying, dilly-dallying, putting off, hanging fire, dragging my feet, beating about the bush and taking a rain check (or a “precipitation verification” as I sometimes call it, since the expression, American in origin, uses the spelling “check” rather than “cheque”). At any rate, I have finally decided to get off my backside and do what I should have done long ago and, to finally come to the point, ensure all my novels are available in paperback from Amazon Create Space, complete with physical pages that you can actually turn.

With that deliberately silly paragraph out of the way, to be more succinct, all my novels are now available from Amazon in dead tree format. Simply click here, and you’ll find them all listed accordingly.