So long ...
As in, it's been a while, rather than farewell
Yes, it’s been an age since my last newsletter. I do have a good reason … well, not necessarily good, but valid. More about that later. First, I’m going to do that awful thing where I say hi then immediately try to market something at you. That’s where I’m at right now, sorry. Can we reframe it as inviting you to enjoy my cover reveal and official announcement for my next book, the first in a series:
Four kilometres below the ocean surface.
Three teens trapped in a terrifying struggle for survival . . .
Underwater stations are home to hundreds of miners, engineers and biologists, all tasked with excavating and processing the miracle bacteria that is the solution to the energy crisis, ProLEC.
Betty, a miner, is at the bottom of the pecking order despite her years of experience.
Maia, a newbie engineer, knows she has the smarts to become a ProCORPer and make it to the very top.
Audley, a biologist, is on track to become the youngest science lead ever.
But something is very wrong with the ProLEC. Peaceful sea creatures are becoming bloodthirsty fiends, unprecedented power cuts and tremors wrack the station and as the three grow closer to the truth, and to each other, they are in far more danger than they could ever imagine.
Described as “Claustrophobic and all-consuming”, Darker Water is the first in a thrilling new series, coming June 2026.
Don’t want to wait, and also fancy saving yourself some cash in this sticky end-of-winter period? Then Waterstones have you:
All thanks have to go to Pablo Hurtado de Mendoza for the hauntingly luminous art on this book. Pablo has also created covers for the genius that is SFF legend Adrian Tchaikovsky so it’s a bit of a pinch me moment seeing the cover in all its ethereal beauty. I’m sure you’ll agree it’s stunning (and you want to grab a copy immediately).
Closer to home (than the abyssal zone) I’ll be at the Bath Central Library this Saturday (21st) at their annual Author and small publisher fair. If you’re visiting, come and say hello. I believe there will be tea. And books.
And so I leave you again, hopefully not for so long this time, but I must finish proofreading Darker Water … I mean, there’s a lot to live up to in the cover!
Until next time, when hopefully I’ll share something helpful about how difficult it is to write and maintain being self-employed whilst also having had to get a job in a v busy secondary school …