Regular readers of this blog will know I had planned to release the final novel in the George Hughes series, George goes to Neptune, in the early part of this year.

However due to various circumstances, some of which are beyond my control, George goes to Neptune will now be released later in the year, in or around the month of October.

I am very sorry if you were waiting for this book. I can confirm the novel is finished and ready to go. so rest assured that it will be released this year. You’ll just have to wait a little longer to find out exactly what that epilogue at the end of George goes to Titan was all about.

My wife, who is a knitting enthusiast, recently made me aware of an article that asked whether people were a process or product knitter. The point being, do people knit to achieve the end product, or for the joy of the process itself.

That got me wondering whether or not the same was true for writers. Do I write because I love the process or because I am keen to have a finished product?

I imagine the answer will be different for every writer, and in many cases it will be a mixture of both. For me, I write because I feel an addiction to the process. Yet at the same time, I am always keen for the process to be finished, particularly the first draft. Although I do enjoy the process, I prefer to write quite quickly, otherwise nagging self-doubt and what I call George McFly syndrome (“what if they think I’m no good? I just can’t take that kind of rejection”) sets in.

After I have written something I am particularly pleased with, I miss the characters and worlds I have created, and am loathe to say goodbye to them. Obviously I do want people to enjoy the finished product, and I am very happy when they do (for instance, the success of Children of the Folded Valley was most gratifying), but once I have finished a story it isn’t long before I begin the next.

The process, as I said earlier, is just too addictive, too compulsive, too much fun for me to stay away from for any length of time. I suppose overall that makes me a process writer, although that isn’t to say I’m not proud of an ever growing product pile.

Some writers have, in the course of their careers, reached a terrifying and occasionally impassible point when they realise they have nothing left to say. I’m not merely talking about writer’s block. I’m talking about the inability to write or even get fired up about any future project.

Truman Capote is a particularly stark example of someone who reached the end of himself in this respect. The book that provoked this (to my mind) horrifying state of affairs was In Cold Blood, published in 1966. Why after penning such a seminal text was Capote unable to write another full length book? There were short stories that followed, the odd television screenplay, and attempts at longer works (with one early novel published posthumously), but it is definitely true to say that he was never the same man after In Cold Blood. The question is why?

In Cold Blood details the appalling true story of the how the Kansas Clutter family were murdered and the killers subsequently tried and executed. The events are known to the reader from the outset, so what keeps the reader interested is the rather grisly and ghoulish knowledge that at some stage the killers – mainly Perry Smith – will spill the gory details of their senseless massacre.

It was this interaction with the killers – particularly with Perry Smith – that Capote considered essential research for the book he was writing. A great book ensued, obviously. But what was the cost to him personally? Capote became increasingly obsessed with Perry. Furthermore, Capote emotionally exploited Perry to get him to talk. As a homosexual it is possible Capote felt an attraction, and used that to draw out the details he desired. Yet in spite of his feelings for Perry, Capote also knew the only thing that could bring closure to the story was the eventual execution of the killers – an event he felt compelled to witness, again for research purposes. His ambivalence over his feelings for Perry on the one hand and his obsession with completing his masterpiece on the other permanently scarred Capote, and he never wrote another book.

(Incidentally, much of this story is covered in the film Capote, for which the late, great Phillip Seymour Hoffman won an Oscar).

The lesson to be drawn from this is simple: research can be taken too far. In the same way that Lawrence Olivier took serious issue with Dustin Hoffman’s method acting during the filming of Marathon Man (when he famously quipped “Why not try acting dear boy?”), I have a similar issue with “method” research. For example, is it really necessary to become a prostitute in order to write about one? I believe it is possible to take research too far, and experience for experience’s sake will not necessarily provide any greater depth of knowledge and insight for the reader in the end product.

Besides, as can be observed from the experiences of Truman Capote, the price of such dedication can be very high. In his later life, Capote fell into a spiral of depression, turning to drink and substance abuse. He increasingly despaired of life, right up until his death in 1984.

Get Children of the Folded Valley absolutely FREE on Kindle from Amazon – for five days only!

Starting today, my most successful novel to date can be downloaded for precisely zero pence. But hurry! You only have until the 11^th January.

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.

Of course, if digital books aren’t your thing, print copies can be ordered here: http://www.lulu.com/shop/simon-dillon/children-of-the-folded-valley/paperback/product-21812308.html

Enjoy!

What does 2015 hold? Well, as far as my writing and publishing plans are concerned, quite a bit.

First I am planning to release the third George Hughes adventure, George goes to Neptune, probably in March. The precise date will be confirmed on this blog very soon.

I spent much of last year writing George goes to Neptune, and I think it’s pretty good. Those who enjoyed the previous stories, George goes to Mars and George goes to Titan will definitely enjoy this finale, which brings George’s adventures to a close. It is as action packed as the previous books, but this one is a little bit darker and deeper, with George faced with his greatest challenge yet.

I am 99 percent certain there will be no further instalments in the George Hughes series. I may yet choose to pen a spin-off with different characters set in the same universe, but I make no promises on that score.

What I do promise however, is that I will finally release a novel I have had on my shelf since I wrote it in 2006, entitled Love vs Honour. Like Children of the Folded Valley, this is another story that came frustratingly close to mainstream publication, and I have held on to it for some time as a result – mainly, as with Children of the Folded Valley, out of George McFly style nerves.

Love vs Honour is a complete departure for me: a romantic drama aimed at the Fault in Our Stars young adult market (though not about terminal illness). It resides well outside my comfort zone in terms of subject matter, and could also prove controversial to some readers, for reasons that will be revealed later this year.

Obviously I will also continue to write in 2015, and aim to complete another two novels that I have begun to scribble a few outlines for. The first is a dark fairy tale involving, well, fairies. The second is a supernatural horror thriller more aimed at grown-ups, and all I am prepared to reveal at this point is that it will provide a variation on the haunted house genre to which I am somewhat partial.

Don’t forget you can download or get print copies of all my previous novels – Uncle Flynn, George goes to Mars, George goes to Titan, Dr Gribbles and the Beast of Blackthorn Lodge, Children of the Folded Valley and The Birds Began to Sing. Just click the About the Books tab at the top of this page for more information.

Happy New Year!

Since its Christmas, I have made three of my novels FREE for download on Kindle at Amazon – for five days only! This offer is available in all markets, so whatever part of the world you are from, check out your local Amazon page (the links below are to the UK site).

The FREE novels are:

1) The Birds Began to Sing – a gripping thriller that draws inspiration from Agatha Christie, Daphne Du Maurier, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Susan Hill, the Bronte Sisters and Michael Crichton, but also unique in it’s own right – at least according to early reviews. One reader at Barnes and Noble praised it thus: “Mystery, drama, conspiracy theory, and some supernatural intrigue. A real page turner!”

From the back of the book:

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.

2) Dr Gribbles and the Beast of Blackthorn Lodge – a gripping and scary tale involving spies, monsters, haunted houses, mad scientists and lots more besides, with one reviewer at Barnes and Noble calling it a “fantastic read”.

From the back of the book:

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.

3) Uncle Flynn – a thrilling treasure hunt adventure that’s “for adults too” (Simon Smith, Amazon).

From the back of the book:

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…

Head over to Amazon, and download your FREE Kindle books now! But make sure you do it before the 29th.

Happy Christmas from Simon Dillon Books!

I hope this post doesn’t come off as smug and annoying, but I can’t help but feel a little pleased at what I’ve achieved from a writing perspective this year. I am the kind of writer who sets very clear, long term goals, and whilst I don’t always achieve them, it is great when I do.

Back in January, on New Year’s Day to be precise, I said I would release two, possibly three novels this year. I ended up releasing three, because I finally summoned the courage to cut the umbilical from Children of the Folded Valley, my first “grown-up” novel, and without a doubt my most “personal” work to date.

Children of the Folded Valley was an unexpected success (in relative terms), proving again that sometimes it is best to trust one’s instincts. This was a novel that came close to mainstream publication, though in the end that didn’t quite come off, partly due to certain compromises I wasn’t prepared to make. Furthermore, I had great doubts over the subject matter, first person narrative and ambiguity of the finale, all of which kept me clinging onto the manuscript, fearing what people might think of it. Yet in the end, all such George McFly style worry proved ill-founded. Given the fantastic reviews on the Amazon page, it seems readers have well and truly embraced the novel.

Of course, Children of the Folded Valley wasn’t my only output this year. Dr Gribbles and the Beast of Blackthorn Lodge and The Birds Began to Sing were also released – the former a scary, outrageous adventure for young and old alike, and the latter a gripping mystery thriller for grown-ups.

In between these releases I have been writing in earnest and have penned another two novels, including the (probably) final entry in the George Hughes series, George goes to Neptune, which will be released next year.

I also wrote The Thistlewood Curse, a supernatural mystery for grown-ups that takes place entirely on Lundy Island. I am not sure whether I will submit this one for mainstream publication or release it myself, but I will probably decide one way or the other next year.

So that was my 2014, writing wise, in a nutshell. Perhaps it did sound a bit smug in the end. As for what I am up to in 2015, watch this space…

I am writing this post somewhat under duress, as it is a response to repeated requests for me to provide a suggested readership age for the various novels I have published.

I am reluctant to do this, because all children are different. Some have more advanced reading ability than others. Tolkien once said that one does not improve a child’s vocabulary by giving them material aimed at their reading level, but by giving them reading material aimed above their reading level. I heartily agree.

The other reason I have been asked to provide an age bracket for my novels is to ascertain whether they are too scary/violent/disturbing or not. Again, I submit that all children are different and what might disturb one will not disturb another. My father once said that children reading about orcs, trolls, giant spiders, dragons and the like in The Hobbit is a very different prospect to seeing them onscreen, because how scary they are on a page is governed by the imagination of the child. However, in a film version, it is the imagination of an adult that has interpreted the depiction of these creatures, and therefore they can be (indeed they are) considerably more scary. For that reason, I do support a suggested minimum age for viewing films (although even then the individual temperament of the child needs to be taken into consideration).

All that said; here is a very rough guide for the age groups/demographics my currently published novels are aimed at – both in terms of reading ability and content.

Uncle Flynn – Reading age, around 10 and over, but could be read to children around 8 and over.

Dr Gribbles and the Beast of Blackthorn Lodge – Reading age, around 10 and over, but could be read to children around 8 and over.

George goes to Mars/George goes to Titan – Reading age, around 10 and over, but could be read to children around 8 and over.

Children of the Folded Valley – Primarily aimed at adults, though teenagers around 14 and over might also enjoy it.

The Birds Began to Sing – Primarily aimed at adults.

I hope that is useful.

With Christmas rapidly approaching, if you’re scratching your head for gift ideas, I have several novels available that might make good presents.

Today’s suggestion: The Birds Began to Sing

Intended Readership: Adults.

The Birds Began to Sing is a mystery novel inspired by the likes of Agatha Christie, Daphne Du Maurier and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, with a dash of Susan Hill, the Bronte Sisters and Michael Crichton but hopefully also original in its own right (you decide). It is dedicated to my wife, who loves a gripping, page-turning thriller.

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.

This is my most recent novel so there aren’t many reviews available yet. However two reviewers at Barnes and Noble had this to say:

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

“I really enjoyed this. Really thought it was unique.”

Print copies are available to order here: http://www.lulu.com/shop/simon-dillon/the-birds-began-to-sing/paperback/product-21878694.html

With Christmas rapidly approaching, if you’re scratching your head for gift ideas, I have several novels available that might make good presents.

Today’s suggestion: Children of the Folded Valley

Intended Readership: Adults.

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.

By far my most successful novel to date, Children of the Folded Valley has been very well reviewed.

Here is a sample of the many raves:

“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.

Print copies can be ordered here: http://www.lulu.com/shop/simon-dillon/children-of-the-folded-valley/paperback/product-21812308.html