I have recently been researching the most banned books in American libraries. In many cases the reasons for said bans have been absurd and farcical. Nevertheless, despite laughing at such idiocy, I always choke on my laughter, as the only sensible way to feel about such censorship is to find it bone-chilling in the extreme.

In these days where the professionally offended proclaim their gospel of boycotting, censorial folly all over social media, it is more vitally important than ever to stand against the banning of books. Yes, some of these people are well-intended; thinking to protect sensitive souls from racism, sexism or the like, but the road to hell is paved with good intentions. The chilling effect on free speech at present is horrifying enough, without turning to George Orwell’s 1984 for apparent inspiration as to how to treat controversial texts. That novel is a cautionary tale, not a handbook for how to run the world. These days, the thought police are all too real.

Here then are some of the most banned titles in America, most of which I like a great deal: The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood), Fahrenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury), The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini), Catcher in the Rye (JD Salinger), the Goosebumps series (RL Stine), To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee), The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Mark Twain), Tintin in the Congo (Herge) the His Dark Materials trilogy (Phillip Pullman), Of Mice and Men (John Steinbeck), and the Harry Potter series (JK Rowling).

To look at a few examples, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and To Kill a Mockingbird were recently banned in a Virginia library for “racist language”. You’d have thought anyone would understand the anti-racist message of both novels, but sadly it seems some people can’t understand the difference between depicting something and endorsing something.

Tintin in the Congo is an interesting one, as there can be no doubt the book contains many racist stereotypes and outdated colonial attitudes. Herge himself referred to this volume as “the sins of youth” and his later work acted very much as a corrective. I can’t speak for American editions, but my copy of this Tintin adventure contains a preface from the publisher explaining the historic context and that some sequences may be offensive to readers. Such an introduction is right and proper to the complete and uncensored version of the book, and allows the readers to judge accordingly, rather than have the volume patronisingly withheld from them in case it turns them into raving racists.

The reason for the Goosebumps ban is that they are apparently too frightening for the children they are aimed at. Absolute rubbish. Children love being scared. The Goosebumps novels have been a regular fixture in my eight-year-olds reading life for well over a year now. There is nothing he enjoys more than a good macabre thrill, and why shouldn’t he? Restricting such material for children is, I believe, deeply unhealthy. They should be allowed the catharsis of a good scare.

On another note, I still find it transparently absurd that Christians object to the Harry Potter books. Any intelligent reading of them can only lead to a conclusion that they are the product of a Judeo-Christian culture, with the final novel in particular full of Biblical parallels. Yet I often come across believers who are convinced that JK Rowling is a witch (she isn’t), that the spells in the novel are real (they aren’t, as is obvious to anyone who understands cod-Latin jokes), and that the novels are somehow causing children to turn to the Church of Satan in droves (again, unsubstantiated nonsense).

Then again, the power of the written word can be dangerous, and I’d be a fool to state otherwise. Perhaps some deluded individuals really have joined Satanism after reading Harry Potter as a child. Hitler swayed many with Mein Kampf during the rise of Nazi Germany. Most damningly of all, the Bible has been twisted and perverted for hundreds of years to justify everything from the Crusades to the Spanish Inquisition and the Ku Klux Klan. Should we ban the Bible?

The pen may well be mightier than the sword, but banning books is not the answer. Instead these texts should be discussed, appraised, criticised, if necessary given curated introductions to explain historic context, and above all made available for readers to make up their own minds.

Here’s a peculiar observation I have made about my tastes: Generally speaking, in fiction I like my romance doomed.

Obviously there are exceptions (especially if one is reading/watching a romantic comedy), but on the whole big epic love stories seem more effective when they end in tragedy, for me at any rate.

Obvious examples (from books, films and plays) include Romeo and Juliet, The English Patient, Doctor Zhivago, The Remains of the Day, Casablanca, Brief Encounter, Gone with the Wind, Moulin Rouge and Wuthering Heights. In addition, doomed romances in novels that are not primarily romantic can be hugely effective in the right context (Winston and Julia in 1984 for instance).

Far From the Madding Crowd and Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (the latter essentially The Remains of the Day with action scenes) have a mixture of happy and sad endings, and very occasionally there are exceptions to my tragedy rule, Jane Eyre being a good example. However, even then the happy ending comes at quite a price.

I gave this matter some thought and concluded that the reason I prefer tragic romance in fiction is because it provides an escapist fantasy that allows the feeling of highs and lows of romance and heartbreak in a safe setting, in a way that provides considerable emotional catharsis. My unashamed love of a good tragic weepie stems from the same part of me that loves a good horror story. To me, tragic romance is the flip side of the same coin. Again, catharsis through fiction is what attracts me to these genres and I am not ashamed of it in the slightest.

Some people can’t abide tragedy (or horror) and quite honestly I feel sorry for them. For me to experience such things in fiction is to feel human, and to feel alive.

Every writer desires that their work will somehow affect the reader, getting under their skin as it were. In fact, sometimes bad reviews are preferable to good ones if the writing has made the reader frightened, sad, angry, offended, or otherwise provoked them.

Occasionally I read reviews of my work that clearly demonstrate I have achieved this. For example, here is an Amazon reader, David MacGuire, reviewing my novel Children of the Folded Valley:

“I generally review only the books that I really love or hate passionately. I neither hate nor love the book, it has its flaws, but the story has stuck with me. This is a good, original story. The concept and characters are engaging and appealing. There are places where the writing gets a little thin, but I hope to see many more books by this author. It has a happy ending, of sorts, and yet left me profoundly depressed. I think it was that the author hit it right on the head; even in a perfect paradise, people are going to be perfect s***s to each other, given half a chance. Even so I recommend it.”

Here’s another negative review of Children of the Folded Valley on Amazon (by “value for money”) that strikes a similar tone:

“Saying I enjoyed this book would be wrong. I found it disturbing, distasteful and fascinating all at the same time. This is the first book I have read about cults such as this and although it is a work of fiction the content is all too real. Read it if you will but to me there is enough sickness in the world without reading fictional tales of it.”

Mr MacGuire’s review sounds as though he is still struggling to figure out what he really felt about the novel, which I am pleased about because it demonstrates the story got to him. As for “value for money”, to be told one’s novel is “disturbing, distasteful and fascinating all at the same time” in a two-star review is actually a great encouragement.

So thank you both, David MacGuire and “value for money”.

In 2016 I planned to write two novels and release two novels. I did the former but not the latter for a variety of unfortunate reasons. However, I hope to rectify that in the early months of 2017, by releasing one of the novels I intended to release last year, The Thistlewood Curse.

A detective story that evolves into a supernatural horror thriller, The Thistlewood Curse is a gripping, page-turning tale set almost entirely on Lundy Island. Part of the reason I failed to release it last year was a self-inflicted delay to improve the first act. With that element duly tweaked, I am confident this tale of revenge, murder and astral projection is one of the best things I have written. I can’t wait to unleash it upon an unsuspecting readership.

In 2017 I plan to go full steam ahead on another horror novel, this time a ghostly tale very much in the vein of Susan Hill. I shall say very little at this point except that it involves an abandoned railway tunnel and a sinister painting.

My next novel in 2017 is even more shrouded in secrecy at this point. It has been gestating in my consciousness for about twenty years, but I finally feel the urge to actually push ahead and write the thing. Although a radical departure from anything I have written, being more of a satirical, darkly comic piece, it is very much based on personal experience. I suspect the finished product will be guaranteed to ruffle feathers in certain quarters.

Assuming I manage to write both of the above in 2017, I will move on to a long planned science fiction anthology of four (or possibly five) novellas, each of which are too short for a novel but too long for a short story. One (or possibly two) involves time travel, one virtual reality, another suspended animation and another, spiders. Yes, you read that correctly. Spiders.

On that infuriatingly enigmatic note, I wish you all a Happy New Year.

Life didn’t really go to plan in 2016. Perhaps that is a phrase many will use when reviewing the year, and my writing year was no exception.

Firstly, I must apologise for the lack of any new book releases this year. I had originally planned two, but for various reasons I will not bore you with, both were delayed. The only thing I can say as a means of reassurance is that both novels in question – The Thistlewood Curse and The Faerie Gate – are still planned as my next releases. The former I hope to release early next year and the latter late next year. I appreciate that “watch this space” is hardly an encouraging phrase given my setbacks on these novels, but I honestly and sincerely do hope to have a proper, concrete announcement, at least on The Thistlewood Curse, very early in the New Year.

To be fair, 2016 wasn’t all bad news, at least from my perspective. I completed two new novels, The Deviant Prophet and The Balliol Conspiracy. The former is a dark, grown-up fairy tale (think Pan’s Labyrinth meets Alice in Wonderland via Coraline and Spirited Away). Thematically, it is something of a companion piece to my most successful novel to date, Children of the Folded Valley.

By contrast, The Balliol Conspiracy is a thriller that draws tonal inspiration from The 39 Steps and North by Northwest.  Due to being a good deal lighter than some of my more recent writing, it represents something of a departure for me. In fact, keeping it light proved a struggle, as my natural tendency is to introduce darker elements which were not appropriate here. Time will tell whether or not I succeeded.

I already have my next three books lined up and will announce those writing plans soon. In the meantime, I wish 2016 good riddance and look forward next year.

Get my most successful novel Children of the Folded Valley absolutely FREE on Amazon Kindle – for five days only!

Here is the blurb from the back of the book:

During a journey to visit his estranged sister, James Harper recalls his childhood growing up in a mysterious valley cut off from the outside world, 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.

Here is a sample of the many raves reviews (mainly from the Amazon page):

“I don’t usually leave reviews but I felt so strongly about encouraging people to read this fantastic book. It had me captured from start to finish. At one stage in the book I actually thought it was a true story.” – Paul, Amazon.

“The use of re-written religious doctrine to control, govern and frighten is particularly chilling… Full marks to Simon Dillon for this creative and highly readable novel.” – Around Robin, Amazon.

“Creepy and unnerving. Kept me gripped the whole way through.” – Lucyboo, Amazon.

“I couldn’t put it down.” – Bukky, Amazon.

“Really well written, well thought through, compassionate… Full of empathy.” – Over, Amazon.

“So well written, you could believe it was a memoir.” – Shelley, Amazon.

“A perturbing and very original story… The ending is magnificent.” – Joan, Goodreads.

Children of the Folded Valley can be downloaded FREE from Amazon Kindle here. Of course, if digital books aren’t your thing, print copies (not free) can be ordered here.

For five days only, you can download Love vs Honour for FREE from Amazon Kindle!

I wrote Love vs Honour almost ten years ago and sat on it for some time, as it lay outside my usual genre fiction writing. Certainly young adult romantic drama isn’t something I specialise in, yet the story felt so strong in my mind, I had no choice but to ultimately release the novel.

It begins as a boy meets girl story, with a potentially controversial religious twist. It then evolves into a drama of deception, with many twists, turns and ironies, before a much darker finale which has taken some readers by surprise. I must emphasise that this novel is as much for grown-ups as teenagers, as the subject matter is not just romantic but embraces a number of complex and hopefully thought-provoking themes and ideas. I cannot say too much more for fear of spoilers.

Here is the blurb from the back of the book:

Two Religions. Two Deceptions. One Love.

But how long can this deception last before it unravels?

Here are a few review snippets:

“This book is one of the few that made me cry. I love it.” – Splufic, Goodreads.

“The premise of a Christian and a Muslim pretending to convert to each other’s religion to be with each other for the sake of pure, unadulterated love creates a strangely addictive narrative.” – Graeme Stevenson, Amazon.

“The ending of the book really made the whole thing. I kept wondering where this was headed, if it was an apologist piece or would go to a more realistic place. I won’t spoil the ending except to say, read this book. It is surely worth your time!” – DM Miller, author The Religion of the Heart and The Agony of the Heart.

Love vs Honour can be downloaded FREE by clicking here. For print copies (not free) click here.

For five days only, my debut novel Uncle Flynn is available to download FREE from Amazon Kindle.

Uncle Flynn was received very positively. On the surface it is a properly old-fashioned treasure hunt adventure, but it contains underlying themes about overcoming fear and the dangers of mollycoddling. The 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.

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…

Here are a few reviews from various readers:

“Harking back to the wonderful adventure stories of Arthur Ransome, Uncle Flynn is a welcome return to the excitement of outdoor exploits in wild surroundings. Excitement, tension and peril combine in a well-written tale where The Goonies meets Swallows and Amazons. The evocative descriptions of treasure seeking on Dartmoor will have you longing to visit and explore for yourselves. Action-packed puzzle-solving pleasure for children and adults alike, with a neat twist in the tale to keep you guessing.”

Mrs Alice R Brewer, Amazon.co.uk

“A treasure for all ages. Kids and teenagers would love this fast-paced adventure story. Most adults would also find it a light and enjoyable read.”

B Fraley, Amazon.com

“Don’t pass this one by. I have been burning through the free NOOKbooks and this is the absolute BEST. Doesn’t matter what type of fiction you like to read, I can imagine this would capture just about anyone’s attention – and heart.”

willreadanything, Barnes and Noble.

“Could not put the book down, so enjoyed the journey. Recommended it to my 12 year old grandson who now wants me to be his book reading adviser. Loved by three generations.”

Brinney, Barnes and Noble.

“What a wonderful book for young readers and anyone else who loves a book with a great twist on an amazing story of courage over fear.”

Beansie47, Barnes and Noble.

“I’m an 83 year old woman. Your book was a joy to me. I felt I was having all the adventures myself at this ripe old age. Your book was like a cold drink of water on a hot day. Thank you.”

Joan McLaughlin, commenting on the Uncle Flynn blog.

“I downloaded the book for my boys to read, and thought I’d just read the first few lines… Needless to say I read to the end! Well written and most enjoyable – great adventure with life lessons woven into the story.”

Cecile Weyers, commenting on the Uncle Flynn blog.

Uncle Flynn is available to download FREE here. Print copies are also available (not free) here.

The George Hughes trilogy 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, as they do follow on from one another.

All three can be downloaded FREE from Amazon Kindle during the next five days.

Also, I must emphasise, these books are not just for children. Adult readers have found plenty to enjoy too (especially those who have picked up on some of the subtexts).

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:

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

A catastrophe that will change his life forever…

Here are a couple of reviews from adults:

“A thoroughly enjoyable read” – Mark, Amazon.

“Reading like a cross between one of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ pulpy Mars adventures and a Robert Heinlein ‘juvenile’, this improbable yarn (just how many “saved in the nick of time” coincidences can one novel contain?) about a rags-to-riches-to-hero boy named George was nonetheless page-turningly entertaining. Perfect rainy day/sick day reading.” – Elizabeth Olson, Goodreads.

And here some thoughts from the target audience (at least I assume so, given the tone of their reviews):

“This was totally amazing! Involves space ships, aliens and more! A totally exciting adventure you’ll love!” – Anonymous, Barnes and Noble.

“Pure awesomeness! Packed with suspense and adventure, as well as LOTS of action!” – Anonymous, Barnes and Noble.

“Best book ever!” – Anonymous, Barnes and Noble.

The George Hughes trilogy can be downloaded FREE here (book 1), here (book 2), and here (book 3). Print copies (not free, alas) can be ordered here (book 1), here (book 2) and here (book 3).

For five days only The Birds Began to Sing is available to download FREE from Amazon Kindle.

The Birds Began to Sing is a gripping, page-turning mystery novel. I drew inspiration from Agatha Christie, Daphne Du Maurier, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Susan Hill, the Bronte Sisters and Michael Crichton but I hope you will agree it is also singular and original in its own right.

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.

“An excellent psychological thriller…” – Steve B, Amazon.

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

“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.

The Birds Began to Sing can be downloaded FREE here. Print copies (not free, alas) can be ordered here.