‘Breaking the Lore’ sequel is now finished. Has to go off to beta readers and editor, so I’m expecting a mad month of re-planning, re-writing, chopping, changing and general mayhem. But for now, it’s done. I think I might have the evening off. And possibly the odd glass of pop.

Received the draft cover for ‘Breaking the Lore’ from the publisher. Can’t share it with you all yet, as there a few things to tweak. Should be able to give more info about the cover, publication date, etc in the near future. But it’s all getting very real now!

Getting towards the end of writing the sequel now. Then it will be several weeks of editing and revising. Got to be with the publishers by end March. Should all be OK (famous last words!)

Going over the final proofread with my publisher and started talking about Breaking the Law cover design. Not too long now!

Nearly got to end of book 2 first draft. Hit a major logistics issue. Spent ages working it out with my son’s help (thanks!) Now going through the comments from beta readers (thanks!) Getting there.  

Getting towards the end of writing Book 2. Still a bit to go, but the finishing line is in sight. Well, it is, until the people reading what I’ve done so far tell me it’s all wrong and has to be re-written!

My short story ‘The Prince’ (under the ‘Short Stories’ section of this website) has just been published in issue 5 of Alternate History Fiction magazine (http://www.alternate-history-fiction.com/…/ahf-magazine-5.h…). You can read The Prince here on my website, or check out AHF magazine for all sorts of other good stuff.  

As has just been posted on Twitter by my publisher: “I’m overjoyed to share that debut author @AndyRedsmith has accepted a 2 book offer from @canelo_co. His hilarious, artfully constructed #cosycrime #urbanfantasy crossover series is perfect for fans of Douglas Adams & Ben Aaronovitch. Breaking the Lore (bk 1) is out April 2019!”   And: “A witty, unique new voice, @AndyRedsmith & his curmudgeonly Inspector Nick Paris are sure to captivate. A man of logic and whisky, Nick doesn’t believe in magic...until faced with a 15cm tall murder victim. And the dead fairy is only the beginning!”   Can’t argue with that, can I?

Halfway through writing Book 2, needed a character and subplot earlier than originally planned. Been retro-fitting them into story, while handling various real-life activities which had to take precedence. Now just about back on track. (Publisher breathes huge sigh of relief!)  

Last year I won the WordsWithJam ‘First Page’ competition with Breaking the Lore. This year I reached the final shortlist (listed as Andy Smith) with the sequel. I’ll settle for that. http://www.wordswithjam.co.uk/ Congrats to this year’s winners!