Over the next four days, in the run-up to the release of my new fantasy novel Ravenseed, I’m putting out a few images of location teasers with cryptic clues. The first is inside a cave looking out across a mountain range. There are three very different scenes in caves in the novel, all of them involving something supernatural. But this particular location isn’t a cave just anyone can enter.
Created in Canva by author.
Ravenseed is out on Friday 17th of May. To pre-order a copy on Kindle here (in the UK) and here (in the US). Paperbacks will be available from the 17th of May. Downloads or paperbacks are also available for pre-order from Draft2Digital, Smashwords, and associated outlets here.
In early 2018, I finished the first draft of an as-yet untitled fantasy novel. Six years and several rewrites later, it is finally ready for public consumption. Ravenseed is now available for pre-order on Kindle or paperback and will be released on Friday 17th of May.
This is a fairly big deal for yours truly, as fantasy is a genre into which I have not yet dared to tread (give or take the odd short story or novella). Ravenseed is a 113,000-word mystical epic of love, lust, betrayal, and vengeance. It’s mostly set in the Dark Ages, with a present-day parallel plot, and a third perspective also in the present. I’m extremely excited (and nervous) to put this story out into the world, as it is one of the most ambitious novels I’ve ever written. I do hope you enjoy it.
Between Monday and Thursday of next week, I’m previewing exclusive teaser images of certain locations in the novel, with a bit of cryptic commentary on each. In the meantime, ahead of a bigger introduction to the novel next Friday, here’s a preview of the cover, followed by the blurb on the back of the book.
Cover created in Canva by author.
From the author of Death Nest… A fantasy epic of love, lust, betrayal, and vengeance that will keep you riveted till the very end.
532 AD. Knights Sir Peter and Sir Matthew ride to battle, but when they take an ill-advised detour, the two friends find themselves involved in a quest to break a curse on Sir Matthew’s love, Elizabeth.
The quest sends them on a journey through Anglia, where they encounter magicians, spirits, gods, and dangers beyond their wildest dreams – from without and within.
In the present day, as teenager Fay Pendleton reads an ancient account of the two knights, scars start appearing on her face. Despite her ongoing disfigurement, she becomes obsessed with discovering the outcome of the quest, and her link to this mysterious story.
You can pre-order Ravenseed from Amazon on Kindle here (in the UK) and here (in the US). Paperbacks will be available from the 17th May.
Things have been exceptionally busy for me on multiple fronts lately, with ongoing articles on Medium, short stories, Patreon, and further writing opportunities that have come my way. However, I thought it high time I gave an update as to the status of the novels I’m actively working on, or actively showing to literary agents and publishers.
Ravenseed
This Dark Ages-set fantasy of love, lust, betrayal, and vengeance rather hit a dead end when I submitted it to literary agents and publishers earlier this year. I considered self-publishing, but my instinct is to hold on to it for the time being. I have a sneaking suspicion I’ve not exhausted mainstream publication possibilities. I suppose I’m disappointed by the initial response, but then again, the novel is quite unconventional in a number of ways. It has three points of view – one present tense first person, one third person, and one past tense first person, depending on which part of the story is being told (there are two additional framing device narratives in the present day, though the bulk of the story is the Dark Ages stuff). On top of this, the story is fantasy, with a hefty dash of forbidden romance, which genre-wise falls outside my primary gothic mystery oeuvre.
The White Nest (not the real title)
This gothic mystery thriller is currently being considered by literary agents, and I’m pleased to report some interest has been shown, so there is potential hope on that front. If I manage to land an agent and publisher, naturally I’ll break the news here, so watch this space. I should add The White Nest isn’t the real title. I’m hanging on to that information for now. Well, I was, until I accidentally let it slip in a video update on Patreon. So, if you’re a Patreon supporter you know the real title. Please keep it secret for now, like we discussed.
The George Hughes Trilogy (new titles to be confirmed)
I previously published what I call the George Hughes trilogy under different titles: George Goes to Mars, George Goes to Titan, and George Goes to Neptune. These novels are science fiction adventures aimed at the Harry Potter/Alex Rider demographic (and the young at heart) packed with interplanetary action and thrills. I’m very proud of them. However, I’m not proud of the titles they were originally released under, as in retrospect, it makes them sound like books for much younger children. Hence why they are currently unavailable. I’m retitling them, and also taking an opportunity to do a hefty redraft, to tidy up the manuscripts. These novels were some of the first I wrote, and having learned a great deal since those days, I want to bring the text up to my current standards. But the stories themselves have not changed. I hope to have the newly titled versions out by the end of the year, which is a deadline I may not manage, but I shall certainly aim for it.
I’ll add an update soon concerning the status of the various short stories I’ve worked on this year. It will include where you can read my latest ghost story, Vindicta, and my plans for a second short story anthology. Watch this space.
A couple of years ago, I posted an article with the same title, expounding on exactly where I was at with my novels, in their varying states of disrepair. Here’s a full update, sort-of divided by genre. Bear in mind one of these will be released very soon, almost certainly before the end of the year.
Fantasy
Ravenseed – This Dark Ages set fantasy novel is now on its third draft, having received largely positive feedback from various sources. It’s a brooding, melancholy tale of knights, sorcerers, and enchantment, simmering with love, lust, betrayal, and revenge. Alongside the Dark Ages story is a parallel framing story set in the present.
The Faerie Gate – My long-delayed, horror-story-for-children is now on its fourth draft. Originally written in 2015, it’s definitely the scariest novel I’ve written that is primarily aimed at children, and it really pushes the envelope in that respect. But this dark fairy tale is also a very compassionate story, about a young adolescent coming to terms with the separation of her parents. I’m also planning an epic sequel which may end up being more than one sequel, set in the same universe. The sequel(s) might be aimed at a more “young adult” readership. I’ll know more once I start writing this next year.
The Deviant Prophet – Another dark fairy tale, but this time for adults. Fantasy and reality clash in a disturbing tale of religious oppression, amid a vivid and surreal world parallel to our own. The initial inspiration for this came from a close friend’s extraordinary dreams. I finished a third draft earlier this year.
Goldeweed – This is an epic, three volume fantasy saga I have been shaping on and off for almost eighteen years. Set in a vast imagined realm on many different planes of reality, it details three love stories that play out against an apocalyptic backdrop at the end of an era. Currently longer than War and Peace, it’s a tale I have rewritten and tinkered with for some time, and I’m still not entirely happy with it.
Gothic Mystery Thriller/Horror
The White Nest – This novel is something of a culmination for me; a summing up of all the tropes, themes, and ideas I have explored in earlier gothic mystery novels. But although there is an element of Now-That’s-What-I-Call-a-Simon-Dillon-Gothic-Mystery about this novel, it is also radically different in two ways. Firstly, it features a male protagonist. Secondly, it is the most intensely personal novel I’ve written since Children of the Folded Valley. Yes, I know all writing is “personal”, but this one really jabbed raw nerves in an ultimately cathartic way, tapping into traumatic fears regarding siblings, parental fears, false guilt, and more. It is also something of a coming of age novel, despite the genre trappings. One more point: The White Nest refers to something sinister in the story, but it’s only a placeholder title. I’m keeping the real title secret for now.
Wormcutter – From something I wrote in 2020, to something I wrote in 2007 (from an idea I had researched on and off since 1996), this detective thriller/horror hybrid begins as an apparently open and shut murder investigation, then escalates into a humdinger of a conspiracy, involving the Freemasons and much more… until it ends up in the most disturbing territory I have ever explored in a novel (definitely 18 certificate stuff). Currently on its fourth draft, and due for another polish.
Miscellaneous
The Balliol Conspiracy – This somewhat old-fashioned, Hitchcockian romantic spy thriller is a conspiracy story of a different kind (much more PG territory, unlike Wormcutter), and proved a real change of pace for me when I wrote it. A strong, suspenseful central mystery results in an historic, fact-based treasure hunt, leading to a new lease of life for the bereaved protagonist. I don’t want to say too much more, except that yes, it does involve Balliol College in Oxford (see above picture). I also wanted to write a grown-up book that, for once, my mother would be able to read without having nightmares. Currently on its second draft, its actually grown on me quite a bit since I first wrote it, and my wife thinks I should attempt more stories of this kind. But I suspect it is a one-off. We’ll see.
Peaceful Quiet Lives – This dystopian tale imagines a bleak American future, satirising the worst fears of both sides in the so-called culture wars. At the same time, it is also a love story, featuring protagonists who fall foul of political extremists of all persuasions. This novel is currently on its fourth draft, and represents a real oddity for me, as it is quite unlike anything I’ve ever written. Like Children of the Folded Valleyand The White Nest, it is also a highly “personal” novel.
A Statement of Disbelief – Another satirical novel, this time set in the dubious world of Christian television fundraising. It’s only had one draft, but quite honestly, I’m not sure it will ever see the light of day. However, I will confess it was great fun to write.
Short Stories – It’s also worth mentioning that I’ve written quite a collection of short stories, mostly horror and science fiction (including one of novella length). I may publish a volume of these at some point.
To reiterate, one of the above will almost certainly be released before the end of the year. Can you guess which one? Watch this space for an imminent announcement.
At the risk of sounding like a nauseating Oscar acceptance speech, 2018 has been an extraordinary year for me, and I am very happy to have made a number of significant breakthroughs with my writing.
Novels and Short Stories
Firstly and most emphatically, my first novel ever released by a traditional publisher is out now. Courtesy of Dragon Soul Press, Spectre of Springwell Forest, is a ghostly gothic nail-biter with a creepy central mystery guaranteed to keep you turning the pages… until the horrible truth is revealed. You can order your copy here (in the UK) and here (in the US).
Dragon Soul Press is a US based independent publisher specialising in fantasy, science fiction and horror. They also publish anthologies. One of these, a horror anthology called All Dark Places, featured my short story Once in a Lifetime. They’ve got another anthology coming soon, a romantic fantasy volume called First Love, for which I have sent another short story entitled Paper Cut. I am waiting (fingers crossed) to see if I made the, er, cut…
Works in progress
I have also been occupied with these two novels, outside of my “comfort zone” thriller/horror genres. I didn’t write these concurrently, because obviously my poor brain can only cope with one thing at a time (walking and talking can be a challenge). Anyway, fantasy I find particularly tricky. I love to read it, but writing it requires a very different level of focus.
Said fantasy novel, Ravenseed, is a brooding, melancholy tale of knights, sorcerers and enchantment, set in the Dark Ages, simmering with love, lust, betrayal and revenge.
The other genre I’ve dabbled in this year, is dystopian future-shock. Peaceful Quiet Lives is set in a future America, satirising both sides of the so-called culture wars. I’m going to stay tight-lipped on further details, for now.
On the blog
This year I’ve enjoyed covering lots of different topics. It’s always great to write on subjects I am passionate about, and hopefully spark a bit of debate. If you fancy giving any of these a re-read or missed them the first time round, here are some of my favourites.
2018 is more than half over, so here’s a sort-of mid-term report on how the year is shaping up for me so far.
Ravenseed – The first few months of the year were spent writing this Dark Ages set fantasy novel. Even though I have yet to test it on any Beta readers, I’m really very pleased with the results. A brooding, melancholy tale of knights, sorcerers and enchantment, Ravenseed simmers with love, lust, betrayal and revenge. However, alongside the Dark Ages narrative is a parallel framing story set in the present, featuring a journey that echoes the quest in the ancient past. It was a very tricky novel to write, but I honestly think my hard work paid off.
Peaceful Quiet Lives (title to be confirmed) – This week, I have just finished making a few final adjustments to the first draft of this dystopian novel set in a future America. I have set out to satirise both sides in the so-called culture wars, and at this point I honestly can’t tell if I succeeded brilliantly, or if the novel is a crash and burn failure. Perhaps looking at it in a few months with a fresh eye and the feedback of Beta Readers will shed a more accurate light on what I actually have here.
The Spectre of Springwell Forest – This ghostly, gothic nail-biter (which I wrote in the early part of last year) will be my next release. The story is set in the 1970s, and involves a sinister painting and an equally sinister abandoned railway tunnel. Full details to follow soon. Watch this space.
In addition, this year I have written a short story which I have just submitted to a publisher in the hopes that it will selected for a horror anthology entitled All Dark Places which his due for release this October. If my story is chosen, more details will follow.
Speaking of short stories, I’m currently writing another, a romantic fairy tale, to submit to a different anthology due for release in December. In fact, I’d better get back to it…
Here’s an update on all the unpublished novels I have written, and when you can expect to read them.
The Spectre of Springwell Forest – This 1970s set ghostly and gothic nail-biter for grown-ups will be my next release, one way (mainstream publication) or the other (self-publishing). All I will say at this point is that it involves a sinister painting and an equally sinister abandoned railway tunnel. Expect an announcement soon.
The Faerie Gate – A long delayed “horror story for children” that will hopefully appear at the back end of this year. It’s the scariest novel I’ve written that is primarily aimed at children, and I really push the envelope in that respect. But this dark fairy tale is also a very compassionate story, about a young adolescent coming to terms with the separation of her parents.
The Deviant Prophet – Another dark fairy tale, but this time for adults. Fantasy and reality clash in a disturbing tale of religious oppression amid a vivid and surreal world parallel to our own. Incidentally, the initial inspiration for this came from a close friend’s extraordinary dreams. My projected release for this is early 2019.
Ravenseed – And the title is out of the bag… Yes, this is the Dark Ages set fantasy novel I have just finished (the first draft, at any rate). It’s a brooding, melancholy tale of knights, sorcerers and enchantment, simmering with love, lust, betrayal and revenge. Alongside the Dark Ages story is a parallel framing story set in the present. I think it’s rather good, and I hope to have it under your noses sometime in 2019.
The Irresistible Summons – Another spooky novel for grown-ups, this one set mostly in a haunted office building in London. Ghostly mystery meets digital horror as a shocking secret is uncovered by a television producer commissioned to make a corporate video for a software company. Projected release date? Late 2019 at the earliest.
The Wormcutter – I wrote this detective thriller/horror hybrid in 2007 (based on an idea I had researched and prepared on and off since 1996). What begins as an apparently open and shut murder investigation escalates into a humdinger of a conspiracy involving the Freemasons and much more… until it ends up in the most disturbing territory I have ever explored in a novel. Definitely 18 certificate stuff, if it ever gets made into a film. Projected release date? Possibly 2020, if not sooner.
The Balliol Conspiracy – This old fashioned, Hitchcockian romantic thriller is a conspiracy story of a different kind (much more PG territory, unlike The Wormcutter), and something of a change of pace for me when I wrote it. A strong, suspenseful central mystery results in an historic fact based treasure hunt, leading to a new lease of life for the bereaved protagonist. Projected release date? Depends if I think it’s any good when I re-read it, but possibly 2020.
Goldeweed – This is an epic, three volume fantasy saga I have been shaping on and off for almost eighteen years. Set in a vast imagined realm on many different planes of reality, it details three love stories that play out against an apocalyptic backdrop at the end of an era. Currently longer than War and Peace, it’s a tale I have rewritten and tinkered with for some time, and I’m still not entirely happy with. Projected release date? When I honestly think it can stand alongside The Lord of the Rings (so possibly never).
A Statement of Disbelief – A satirical novel set in the dubious world of Christian television fundraising. Projected release date? Probably never, but it was very fun and cathartic to write.
I’m presently working on my next novel, a dystopian tale set slightly in the future entitled… No, I’m hanging onto that title for now. Watch this space.
Simon Dillon Books 
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